In the 2012 Fansided Mock Draft, the Winnipeg Jets select Edmonton Oil Kings defensemen Griffin Reinhart. The 6’4″, 207lbs 18 year old, left handed defenseman has been labeled as a strong two-way defenseman, something the Jets desperately need.
Their current defensive line up that is heavily influential through their ability to set up offensive plays (as indicated by their assists) includes Dustin Byfuglien, Tobias Enstrom, and Zach Bogosian. Reinhart can bring to the team, according to some scouts, a more offensively tuned brain. His skill with the Oil Kings does not lay in his one on one skills but rather being able to visualize and set up plays in the offensive zone.
This skill will be useful on the power play as they rank 12th on the away power play while only capitalizing on 17.9% of their chance. This isn’t exactly “terrible” but what team doesn’t want to improve offensively on their power play?
In his time with the Oil Kings Reinhart racked up 36 points in the 2011-2012 season and 25 points in the 2010-2011, so clearly there is some growth with the kid. However, I doubt you will see Reinhart on the ice come October. His growth is impressive, but he has time. Like I said, Byfuglien, Enstrom, and Bogosian are already have the offensive defensive position covered. Giving Reinhart time to grow and adjust to the Jets system with the St. John’s Ice Caps.
Is this a feasible situation for the Winnipeg Jets? Sure. What will they really do? We shall see June 22nd when the Winnipeg Jets head to Pittsburgh.