Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Note: O Canada. What a championship game last night in Boston as Canada defeated the United States 3-2 in OT with Connor McDavid getting the 4 Nations game-winning goal with netminder Jordan Binnington making big save after big save in extra time to help earn his team the win. It was a heck of a hockey game. From a Jets perspective Josh Morrissey was too sick to play in the game (and wasn’t able to be on the ice to receive his medal) while Kyle Connor was a healthy scratch. The only participant was Connor Hellebuyck. Given what Jets head coach Scott Arniel told us it seems likely that 37 and 44 will have the chance to come back to Winnipeg rather than meeting the team in St. Louis. Given Kyle Connor hasn’t played since Monday the team may want him to join them for  the game against the Blues. We were told by Arniel that he would let us know the plan today.

Note II: The Jets were back on the ice on Thursday for a second straight day of practice. In fact so was injured winger Morgan Barron who was unexpectedly wearing a regular uniform although we later found out from his coach that he “snuck out” not wearing a non-contact. The belief is today he will join his teammates on the ice for practice in a non-contact jersey. Speaking of which skate gets underway at 11 AM CST so check back for the Practice Report as the team gets ready for regular season action to resume when they take on the Blues on Saturday in St. Louis.

Note III: The Moose will look to keep things going after a big 5-3 win on Wednesday in Laval to kick off six games on the road with a victory over the team with the best winning percentage in the entire AHL. The re-match with the Rocket will see puck drop at 6 PM CST.

Note IV: Reminder we’ve got two Illegal Curve broadcasts coming your way tomorrow as we return from our brief hiatus with an Illegal Curve Hockey Show starting at 9 AM CST Saturday morning which gets you set up for the game between the Jets and Blues. Later that night either join us live at Boston Pizza on Taylor Avenue for an IC Watch Party followed by the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show which starts around 8:40 PM CST.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Sun: In wake of Bobby Hull CTE diagnosis, Jets players weigh risks, rewards, of violent game. With the news that recently emerged about the Golden Jet, Paul spoke to some of the players in the Jets room to get their thoughts on the risks associated with the game they play.

Winnipeg Sun: Even Arizona is buzzing over Canada-USA showdown: Hawerchuk. Paul caught up to the son of the Jets legend to get Eric’s insight into how this game is being received in non-traditional markets. 

Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defend Winnipeg after anonymous poll finds city tops many players’ no-trade lists. (Paywall). While I went on a rant about this a few Illegal Curve shows ago good on Mike for getting insight from folks not from Manitoba who have come to embrace what this province is all about. Scott Arniel was quite passionate in his comments yesterday. While Mike was chatting with goalie Eric Comrie we were within earshot of the conversation and I really think Travel Manitoba should coordinate a partnership with Jets goalie Eric Comrie as I’m not sure you’ll ever hear anyone not from Manitoba sell this province quite like him.

Winnipeg Free Press: Samberg flourishing with increased ice-time and responsibilities. (Paywall). Kenny caught up with the second pairing D man and his D partner for this piece about the evolution in the game of the big Minnesotan.

Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)

The Athletic Winnipeg: Winnipeg’s best case for trading Nikolaj Ehlers — and the best case to keep him. (Paywall). Murat with a headline that will create consternation for some Jets fans who are loathe to even contemplate number 27 not skating in a Jets uniform after this season. But he is just trying to give you all sides of the equation with his latest piece.