Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Note:  Day 3 of the Jets bye week.

Note II:  The Moose return from their day off on Thursday and will hit the ice for an 11 AM practice today at the IcePlex.  The team plays a pair of games on Saturday (@ 7 pm) and Sunday (@ 2 pm) against the Rampage.

Note III:  True North announced that they will be doing 12 million dollars in renovations to the MTS Centre.

Jets news:

The Hockey News:  Jets paid Byfuglien big, and he’s proving he’s worth every penny.  While some fans still have that image of 33 peeling away from the play in OT the fact is that his signing was a big statement to the league that players are happy to live and play hockey here in Winnipeg.  He has logged huge minutes for this Jets squad this season and as Jared points out has really contributed to this team in a number of significant ways.

Illegal Curve:  Jets reportedly receiving phone calls on Drew Stafford.  According to an ESPN report the Jets have been getting calls on the winger.

Sports Illustrated:  Wanted or not, budding Matthews-Laine rivalry matters for the NHL.  I really think the fact that they are in two different conferences really puts a damper on the development of any real rivalry.  Maybe not this year while the Calder is up for grabs but by next season, with the exception of when they go head-to-head, my guess is there won’t nearly be the same level of chatter we saw this year.

Winnipeg Sun:  Laine should follow Ovi’s lead in Calder chase.  It seems that with the weight of the eastern side of North America against him Laine is going to need to really make a statement the rest of the way.

Winnipeg Free Press:  The good, the (not) bad and the ugly in Jetsville.  (Paywall).  Former NHLer turned scribe Scott Campbell takes a look at some different areas for the Jets.

TSN:  Wheeler reflects on leadership role in Winnipeg.  Dennis goes one on one with the Jets captain in this chat that provides some insight into how Wheeler views his first year as captain.

Metro News:  Police search for man who stole Jets Heritage Classic jacket, jersey.  Suspect the police will be monitoring Kijiji and Ebay for the next few weeks.

Jets audio:

Sportsnet:  Tape to Tape – Trade Deadline chatter.  Jets talk starts at 2:30 and runs to 4:30 and whether they will be buyers and sellers. 

Moose news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Budding goaltending prospect getting his feet wet with Moose.  (Paywall).  Mike gets to know the backup netminder who has been playing second fiddle to Eric Comrie since his recall.