The Winnipeg Jets wrap up their development camp on Tuesday and while it wasn’t as eventful as, say this, there was still a few interesting items that popped up through the camp.
Nikolaj Ehlers has bulked up in an effort to make the Winnipeg Jets this season. Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s start with the pretty much undisputed top prospect in the Jets system, Nikolaj Ehlers. Last season’s first round pick is coming off a terrific season with the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads where he put up 101 points in just 51 games. He was in the press box for one game with the Jets last season, the 5-2 loss to Anaheim in the fourth and final game of the Western quarterfinal. He spoke with the media shortly afterward and said his offseason goal was to “get stronger, get a bit heavier.”
Flash forward to his next session with the Winnipeg media on Friday, where Ehlers told them he’s gained 14 pounds so far since the conclusion of the season. Head Coach Paul Maurice said around the draft that for Ehlers to stay with the Jets this year, he’d have to make the team better but you’d have to think the door is open for him with the departure of Michael Frolik. Showing up stronger to the first offseason camp has to make a good impression on the powers that be but something to keep an eye on moving forward is how adding that weight will affect a small, skilled guy like Ehlers.
By most accounts, Nic Petan also has had a good development camp and he will be an interesting name to keep an eye on. An accomplished scorer in the Western Hockey League, Petan was given an extended look in training camp last year. He also showed up a little beefier to camp, hoping to get a little strong as he’ll turn professional this year. The Jets forward group is far from settled and if Petan continues to impress, he’ll give Maurice and company plenty to think about come September.
The Jets finish their camp at the Iceplex at 10:30 CT on Tuesday morning with an intrasquad game, which the Jets say will be live for viewing on their website. There will be a few others I’d be keen on watching, including goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, and Brendan Lemieux, and Josh Morrissey. Overall, it sounds like it has been a good camp and there is plenty to look forward to in the future for the Jets.