Winnipeg Jets Afternoon Links

Note: Puck drop is at 7:00 pm CDT tonight as the Jets begin a two-game series against the Habs. After the game, be sure to check us out for all the post-game reaction.

Note II:  Join Ez, Drew and I for the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show once the final buzzer sounds in Winnipeg.  You can watch it (be sure to hit that subscribe button) and participate here.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Sun:  Criminally underrated, Jets’ Ehlers has quietly grown into an NHL powerhouse.  His contract looked like a steal before.  Now it is simply theft of the highest order.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Solution to Jets’ challenges might be right here at home. (Paywall).  While it may make the Moose a little less enjoyable to watch there is no question that players like David Gustafsson, Kristian Vesalainen, Ville Heinola could be the sort of internal help for the parent club during the stretch run to the playoffs.  I would be more inclined to leave Dylan Samberg on the farm as he continues to develop in a league a lot more forgiving of mistakes.

TSN:  Jets ‘just scratching the surface’ with Pierre-Luc Dubois.  Seems pretty clear that they haven’t yet seen what he is fully capable of bringing to this Jets roster.

Sportsnet: Cheveldayoff open to taking another swing if price and fit are right.  It is certainly setting itself up to be an interesting little less than a month to the trade deadline as teams have to decide if they want to wait to April 12th when they factor in the quarantine.  Ken has more on the mindset of the Jets GM who spoke today.

The Athletic Winnipeg: Five Jets trade deadline predictions based on the latest from GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. (Paywall). Murat put his ears to the test during the presser this afternoon to deduce some things.  His five include: 1) Winnipeg will be active in the trade market. 2) The Jets will not wait until the trade deadline. 3) It’s audition time for Heinola and Harkins. 4) Winnipeg will be active in the UFA market – to an extent. 5) Winnipeg will pursue a rental over a player on a multiyear deal.

The Athletic: Why the NHL’s all-Canadian division has been a fun — and frantic — experience. (Paywall). While it is understandable why the NHL wants to return to the old format I think it would be a mistake to not work in more games between the Canadian teams.

Global News: First place within reach as Jets hit midway point.  The Jets continue to be able to avoid any significant losing streaks this season as they continue to bank points.  With games in hand on the teams around them can they strike while the iron is hot to take over first spot?  They’ll get their chance this week with the Leafs sitting idle until Friday.

Global News:  Jets food drive focusing on monetary donations, but food still accepted.  Lots of Manitobans are in need.  Here is a way for people to help out. 

Illegal Curve: Jets vs. Canadiens pre-game report. The Jets held a morning skate followed by a media availability before they take on Montreal. Check out the projected lines and D pairs and hear from Pierre-Luc Dubois, Mathieu Perreault as well as head coach Maurice.  

Illegal Curve: Morning Papers.  If you missed any of the news from earlier today we have you covered.

Jets video:

Illegal Curve:  GM Kevin Cheveldayoff  media availability. With the Jets set to play their 28th game of the season tonight it marks the halfway point for the 2020-21 season.

Jets prospect news:

Grand Forks Herald: Frozen Faceoff semifinal preview.  I didn’t realize Jets 2019 5th rounder Harrison Blaisdell has been in that long of a goal drought.