Note: The pro hockey season in North America finally concluded last night as both the NHL and AHL wrapped up their respective seasons. In south Florida the Panthers defeated the Oilers in game 7 to win the Stanley Cup. There were lots of Manitoba connections but the most significant moment was when former Jets head coach Paul Maurice shared a thought in his post-game interview that he hoped for “the Winnipeg Jets to win the next Stanley Cup”.
Note II: Over in Pennsylvania the Hershey Bears took game 6 in overtime to defeat the Coachella Valley Firebirds to win their second straight Calder Cup which was a re-match from last season. Plenty of Manitoba connections on the AHL champs including Winnipegger and Bears captain Dylan McIlrath, who won his third Calder Cup. As well last year’s leading scorer for the Moose, Alex Limoges, had two assists in the game as he won his first championship as a pro. Also Caps 2022 6th rounder Ryan Hofer from Winnipeg played 40 regular season games as a rookie although he didn’t get into any of the post-season contests.
Note III: The NHL Draft is getting closer and closer and there is plenty of intrigue surrounding Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers and now Winnipeg 2022 1st rounder Rutger McGroarty. Reminder to join us for a special edition of Illegal Curve Presents on Friday night as we provide live coverage of round 1 of the NHL Draft.
Jets news:
Global News: What’s happening with Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty? Similar to the sentiment Kelly expresses in this article I also question that something just doesn’t “smell right” (my words not his) when it comes to this situation.
Sportsnet: What could Jets get in Rutger McGroarty trade? An interesting read from Jason who gives his assessment on the situation, the parallel to Cutter Gauthier and what he ultimately thinks Winnipeg could get back for their 2022 1st rounder.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
The Athletic Winnipeg: Rutger McGroarty, Nikolaj Ehlers and what I’m hearing about the Winnipeg Jets as NHL Draft week begins. (Paywall). Murat hits all the hot topics in his most recent article.
Jets audio:
680 CJOB: Jets at Noon – Chat with Jets prospect Chaz Lucius. The 2021 1st rounder joined Cam Poitras and Jim Toth to talk about his offseason, his love of pickleball, how his ankle is doing, if he’ll be ready for training camp, if his passion for hockey has been impacted by all of the injuries, how the adversity has helped him, what a successful season looks like for him in 2024-25, his contributions last season, how does he ‘get himself right’, the focus the Jets want for him this summer, going from college to pro, if he’s watching the Cup Final and more.
Daily Faceoff Podcast: Rundown. On the show, which was released yesterday, Frank was asked about the situation between Winnipeg and Rutger McGroarty. He mentioned the parallel to the situation the Flyers found themselves in with Cutter Gauthier who happens to be best friend’s with Rutger.
