With their first selection situated in the fourth round, the Jets snoozed through an uncharacteristically quiet Entry Draft. Past summers have brought the club impact talents such as, Adam Gilmour, Sean Couturier, and a collection of prospects in 2010. In New Jersey the biggest commotion arrived in the middle of round two. Multiple clubs were seeking to position themselves in the late forties to presumably select USHL blueliner Ian McCoshen. Few followers in Winnipeg should be surprised to discover that GM TK's most serious discussions involved the Calgary Flames.
"Julien and I certainly have a history of impactful transactions. We're consistently tossing ideas at each other," was Tom's response to a media inquiry of the situation. TSN cameras documented the drama as it unfolded, but ultimately the two organizations couldn't match up. Beat speculation cited a reluctance from the Jets side to take on a bad contract. Eventually San Jose offered a more palatable option to acquire the pick.
On to the selections..
W Timotej Sille / 6'3" 183 / RW / Slovakia / 110th Selection
Timotej is a raw power forward who hasn't faced the most rigorous competition to this point in his development. However, in terms of a "lottery ticket" type selection he has all the physical traits a scout seeks. There are positive signs from his Slovakian game tape to dream upon. Namely, a respectable shot, rare playmaking potential, and of course the physical side. He's very much a project and much will depend how his frame plays in conjunction with his hockey skill.
Estimated arrival: Middle 2015-16 at earliest, conservatively competing for a spot in 2016-17
W Nicholas Baptiste / 6'1" 189 / RW / Sudbury Wolves (OHL) / 140th Selection
Nick is much closer to making an impact than Sille, but his upside isn't as high. Very similar to 2012 selection Brock McGinn. Neither are going to wow anybody offensively, but both are responsible skaters in their own zone. Projects as a bottom-six player on a trapping line. Cheap entry level deals will allow the Jets to pay higher end players coming off their ELCs.
Estimated arrival: Middle 2014-15 following some time with St. John's
D Ty Stanton / 6'1" 141 / D / Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) / 170th Selection
D Connor Clifton / 5'11" 175 / D / USNTDP / 200th Selection
Organizational filler, unless they really make some big strides. Not expecting much from prospects this late in the draft.
Deal With Edmonton
For better or worse, a Stanley Cup Final appearance* raises expectations quickly. Unless it's the 2010 Entry Draft monumental building blocks just aren't available in the twenties. With that thinking in mind, Kennish has become a bit loose with early selections over the past twenty four months. Winnipeg's 2012 first round pick [#29 - Kerdiles] was dealt to Tampa Bay for Nick Bjugstad and parts. The 2013 1st [#20 - Mantha] was initially sent to Minnesota for Nik Backstrom and the dumping of Tim Thomas' contract.
Once again GM TK's trigger finger has flipped a first rounder in the offseason to bolster the club in the short run. Anisimov for Toffoli will hopefully be an even swap. Upgrading Olsen to Smid has a ripple effect on the team's defense pairings. Derek Morris, who had an impressive 12-13 campaign, becomes a very overqualified third pair veteran. Adding Barret Jackman brings another leadership source to the blue line as well.
*Pittsburgh Injury Fool's Gold?