Note: While the frenzy of free agency seems to begin and end on July 1st the reality is there is still plenty to do as the Jets continue to work on signing their RFAs and adding more depth with the Moose.
Note II: Speaking of the Moose the team will be in need of a new captain next season as Patrice Cormier is heading to the KHL for the 2018-19 season interestingly after the most productive season of his career. As well we learned that Buddy Robinson, who also had a career season, will be taking his talents to the Flames organization.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Free Press: Time for centres to step up. (Paywall). On Saturday’s Illegal Curve Hockey Show when it looked like Stastny was staying in Winnipeg we talked about the Jets having the strongest middle in the NHL. While that took a bit of a hit they are still strong up the middle and will need some contributions from a number of players.
Winnipeg Sun: Stastny departure will sting. No doubt the loss will be felt but the fact is it will present an opportunity for a candidate from within to step up and assume a bigger role.
The Athletic Winnipeg: Jets’ contingency plan now that Paul Stastny is gone. (Paywall). When plan A doesn’t fall into place it is time to go to your alternate and Murat details what that might look like for the Jets.
NBC Sports: Losing Stastny hurts but doesn’t break the Jets. The Jets weren’t exactly limping along when they acquired him at the trade deadline this past season. I believe they were in second place in the central which is where they finished.