Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Note:  With Blake Wheeler signed to an extension on Tuesday the focus has returned to when the Jets will get RFAs Josh Morrissey and Eric Comrie signed to new deals.

Note II: Some sad local hockey news as the first captain of the Jets in their first season in the WHA (1972-73) Ab McDonald passed away on Tuesday night. In addition to the Winnipegger scoring the first goal in franchise history he won four Stanley Cups with Montreal (3) and Chicago (1) during his NHL career.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press: Young defenceman hopes to continue NHL momentum with the Jets. (Paywall).  While some folks have Niku cracking the Jets roster my guess would be he will continue to season in the AHL with the Moose although he will likely be the first guy called up to get more games with the Jets this season.

Winnipeg Sun: Vesalainen headlines Jets rookie camp.  While this tournament may not get the same attention as it has in the past without a bunch of the other NHL teams that have participated in the past, folks will still be interested to hear about the Jets prospects who will be participating.

Sportsnet:  How I spent my summer – Winnipeg Jets.  A look back at what has happened with the local hockey team this summer.

The Athletic: Jets made a mistake with Blake Wheeler’s new contract. (Paywall).  Fans around these parts will be hoping that Wheeler’s late bloomer status continues for a few more seasons and perhaps a cup or two and then I suspect they won’t be too upset if the later years aren’t worth the value.

The Hockey News:  Winnipeg proving to be a preferred destination on heels of Wheeler’s extension.  Amazing what some winning can do to change your outlook.  With the core that the Jets have developed it should be good times on the prairies for the next few years. 

Jets video:

Sportsnet: MacLean caught off guard by Wheeler’s ‘big number’. NHL insider Doug MacLean tells Sportsnet’s Starting Lineup that he was caught off guard by Blake Wheeler’s contract extension numbers, especially since Mark Scheifele’s RFA status will be coming up soon.

Jets audio:

TSN 1050 Toronto: Cheveldayoff on Wheeler’s extension, Morrissey’s next deal. Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff joins Andi Petrillo, Gord Miller and Mike Johnson on Leafs Lunch to discuss Blake Wheeler’s contract extension, Josh Morrissey still being an RFA this close to camp and his expectations for the Jets this year.