Note: The NHL Draft concluded yesterday with Winnipeg making another four selections which gave them a total of five more prospects to add to their pipeline. They will be hosting those players and other draft picks next week at Development Camp which gets underway on the 4th of July. For the complete recap of all things done by the Jets in Nashville check out this post here.
Note II: Today could prove to be a pretty, pretty, pretty significant step in a new direction for the Jets franchise as today is the final day to buyout a player. It seems like a foregone conclusion that the Blake Wheeler era comes to a close, although it is possible that Winnipeg could still try to trade him. This would be just the second ever buyout for the franchise, the last time being six years ago today when they bought out Mark Stuart. Stay tuned.
Note III: Today is also the day we will find out which of the Jets restricted free agents the organization will qualify.
Note IV: And oh ya tomorrow is the start of NHL Free Agency at 11 AM CDT. Of course you should start your Saturday with us on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show which gets underway at 9 AM. We will be joined by Jets 1st rounder Colby Barlow at 9:30 AM. Be sure to set your reminder.
Jets news:
Global News: End of an era for Blake Wheeler and the Jets? Sure seems that it will conclude today.
The Athletic Winnipeg: What we learned about the Winnipeg Jets’ future at the 2023 NHL Draft. (Paywall). Murat gives you his assessment as to the state of the franchise after two days in Nashville.
Winnipeg Sun: ‘He has a presence’: junior GM says Jets got a good one in Colby Barlow. Everything about this person screams quality and that is both on and off the ice. You cannot help but be impressed (especially if you read the five articles listed below written by his local paper).
Photo Credit: OHL
Winnipeg Sun: Jets go forward-heavy on Day 2 of NHL Draft. It was the first time in 13 Drafts that the Jets did not select a defenceman.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets go heavy on Canucks. (Paywall). Four actual Canadians and one halfer who is from Minot which basically makes it 5/5.
Winnipeg Free Press: Magical moment for Milic. (Paywall). After being passed over twice already he wasn’t waiting and watching the TV so, as Mike writes, he found out from his fellow hockey players who were watching while he was in his crease practicing. He’ll make the jump to pro and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets’ first pick an Owen Sound winger who can do it all. (Paywall). The reports of him are just glowing from those that know him best.
Hometown Barlow news:
The folks at the hometown paper for the Jets 2023 first rounder wrote a bunch of articles leading up to and after he was drafted. If you want insight into who Winnipeg just selected give these a read.
Orilla Matters: ‘Relieved’ Barlow ready to get to work with Jets.
Orilla Matters: ‘Super special’: Barlow stoked to be picked by Winnipeg Jets.
Orilla Matters: Barlow ‘is going to play in the NHL for a long time’.
Orilla Matters: ‘A boy with a dream’: Colby Barlow’s journey to the NHL draft.
Orilla Matters: Orillia’s Colby Barlow will ‘crawl over glass’ to win.
