NHL.com Team Preview -- Winnipeg Jets
Clearly it was the second round collapse that drove Jets management to stow away a few extra weeks in their cabins. In hockey crazed Winnipeg the rumors swirled among media and fan base that the general manager had lost his mind. Trading Brandon Gormley at the draft did little to quiet the concern. The return was sizable, but shipping away a young cornerstone put the entire organization on notice.
Ryan Stoa didn't even have an introductory press conference before moving on to Edmonton. Jared Cowen, was to be teamed with Kevin Shattenkirk to fill the defensive void. That was until early October, after finally returning from "summer", that Kennish recognized he had placed the club in cap hell. Raises to Couturier, Huberdeau, and Kitsyn among others dictated the need to trim salary.
Cowen was the first one to be shipped away (to Philadelphia) for cheaper players and depth. The Jets were not just over the salary cap, a half summer of transactions left both defense and forward groups incomplete. Philadelphia again lent a helping hand absorbing the expiring contracts of Martin Havlat and Brooks Laich. It cost the team second and third round picks, but Kennish was thrilled with the returning players in this deal. Marc-Edouard Vlasic, a steady defenseman, and a young offensive threat in John McFarland.
If trading Gormley wasn't a strong enough message, the reinvigorated dealer dropped the other shoe. 2012 Stanley Cup playoff hero Patrice Bergeron was momentarily relocated to Chicago. Calgary has long had interest in the center, but never the assets to complete a deal with Winnipeg. Young Kyle Turris added another logo to his suitcase, but many believe he will find a home with the Jets.
In comparison to recent movements, adding Tyler Kennedy from the Ducks was a tame transaction. The general manager noted that eventually the frantic movement would have to cease. "We've accomplished the initial requirement of cap compliance. The Turris deal was a special opportunity for management to act upon".
As for Kennish's season expectations post trade flurry: I still believe this squad is the class of the Central Division. In the postseason I'll temper my expectations because these deals have created a younger team. We need to see the 2012 playoff performer out of Jack (Campbell).
"Opening" Day Lineup
Huberdeau / Turris / McFarland
Huberdeau the only returning player from last season's lineup. Hoping for magic out of the Huberdeau/Turris combo.
Kitsyn / Couturier / Boyes
Couturier a first line center relegated to the second line, apparently first liners can't hit, it's in the rules or something.
Toffoli / Couture / Eaves
Management hoped to add enough offense to allow Couture to focus on his defensive skills.
Brassard / Johansson / Kennedy
Dump, chase. A work in progress.
Vlasic / Pietrangelo
Stud Pietrangelo paired with a highly consistent partner.
Shattenkirk / Bogosian
Shattenkirk free to roam. Bogosian supplies the hammer.
Theriau / Gilbert
A serviceable third pair.
Campbell / Halak
$6M in goalies, but a chance to win every night.