Jets news:
Winnipeg Free Press: Noel raises the bar. It was a vow to fans and his players alike when he spoke about expecting more next season during his final press conference of the season yesterday. (Listen to the full audio here).
Winnipeg Free Press: Honeymoon over: Phase II begins. Mark Stuart wants the fans to hold this team’s feet to the fire a little more than they had previously. When you take something for granted, it is easy to become complacent and it seems the Jets at home did just that.
Winnipeg Free Press: Nobody wants to leave the Peg’. We spoke with many of the players yesterday (audio here) and you could tell that most just wanted to stay with slight modifications to existing contracts. Case in point, if Tanner Glass was offered a multiple year contract, you can bet he would be happy to finally set down some roots. Another example, backup Chris Mason, who said he needed to decide if he is happy playing a more limited role, but also just had a new set of goalie pads produced for what amounted to 1 game.
Winnipeg Free Press: Thomson’s love affair with Jets intensifies. An interesting Q & A with the co-owner of the Jets who shows that sometimes using your heart in a business deal can work out.
Winnipeg Free Press: The Jets shoot, we score. The benefit in name recognition alone is worth its weight in gold. The chip on our shoulders we have had since the Jets 1.0 left has made this city and province more likely to throw our support behind major projects to ensure we don’t have the national brand as a “can’t do” city/province.
Winnipeg Free Press: Kane, Ladd hook up with Team Canada. While it is nice to see your players representing their country, next season Jets fans have to hope this team is focused on the playoffs and not the World Championships.
Globe and Mail: Jets know more is expected. Like any new relationship, you tend to be more forgiving of your partners shortcomings early on as you begin to establish a base. As things progress however, you begin to raise your expectations of your partner, and next season fans will not be nearly as forgiving as they were this year.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets definitely in need of change. Ken takes a long, hard look at the Jets roster and assess what the Jets might be doing with both their Restricted and Unrestricted free agents. Our own Richard Pollock assessed the potential contracts that RFA Pavelec and Kane could receive.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets clean out lockers. While the bags were packed, many players seemed reluctant to leave the Jets dressing room, putting up with a barrage of media questions, just to soak up the atmosphere one last time this season.
Winnipeg Sun: Five things the Jets need to improve. Kirk takes a look at 5 areas that the Jets will need to improve next season or we could be back here all over again at this time next year. What other things would you like to see this team do to improve?
TSN: Jets finish first season with much to build on. While the players were unanimous in saying that off the ice the return of the Jets was a success, they also said that they were all disappointed that they failed to qualify for the playoffs.
NHL.com: Jets know they’ll have bigger expectations next season. There will not be much of an “off season” for team brass as they have to start taking a look at the roster for next year.
Illegal Curve: Players season finale interviews. We spoke with 13 Jets (Ondrej Pavelec, Chris Mason, Zach Bogosian, Tanner Glass, Tobias Enstrom, Jim Slater, Kyle Wellwood, Mark Stuart, Andrew Ladd, Dustin Byfuglien, Blake Wheeler, Evander Kane, and Bryan Little) yesterday and each had quite a bit to say.
Illegal Curve: Coach Noel season finale press conference. Exit interviews with the players. Expectations for this team. Giving the players something to think about over the summer. What does this team need to be a playoff contender? Where this team is going. Ladd’s leadership. What’s the year been like for coach personally? Has he been contacted by Hockey Canada for World Championships (has Fly Fishing on the brain). Favorite fan moment. Any surprises for him this year? How involved he is with the free agency process. Will guys want to come to Winnipeg? Fehr needs surgery?
Affiliate news – St. John’s IceCaps:
The Telegram: Rookies make case for inclusion in playoff plans. Coach McCambridge is in a good position as he is about to receive an influx of healthy bodies just as his team gets ready to make, what he hopes will be, a long playoff run.
