Note I: Can you spot the change in the Jets equipment ahead of the 2019-20 season?
Note II: After Kyle Connor spoke on Wednesday about his contract status the Jets other big RFA Patrik Laine spoke about his situation in Finland ahead of the Finnish Alumni All-Star Game.
Note III: Some local coverage news as Good Friend of IC Scott Billeck has been named a full-time Jets beat writer with The Winnipeg Sun (Scott was previously with NHL.com and NBC Pro Hockey Talk in addition to the Sun) and Austin Siragusa, who previously worked for Global News, will be joining the Manitoba Moose to work as a Video Content Coordinator.
Note IV: Reminder that there is no Illegal Curve Hockey Show today on TSN Radio 1290. We are off for the month of August but we will be back bigger and better than ever in early September.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Jets’ Laine uncertain of future as contract negotiations at a crawl. Scott with his take on the story out of Finland.
Sportsnet: Patrik Laine ‘prepared for anything’ with future in Winnipeg uncertain. The first line ‘Patrik Laine says contract talks with the Winnipeg Jets have been non-existent all summer’ in this article by Chris has to be a smidge disconcerting to fans. It begs the question why haven’t they been? If you are the Jets brain trust what else do you have on your ‘To Do List’ aside from signing Laine and their other big RFA in Kyle Connor (as well as goalie Eric Comrie). Perhaps this is ‘business as usual’ situation but you’d think that there would be some engagement in discussions between the two camps.
Jets video:
NHL.com: Neal Pionk talks about the move to the Jets. Neal Pionk joined NHL Tonight to talk about the trade that sent him to Winnipeg and to discuss his expectations for the coming season.
Sportsnet: A chat with Patrik Laine in Finland. You can also watch part of the video interview that Chris had with Laine. It is worth noting that Laine did say to Chris that he is hopeful to have something done ahead of puck drop.