Winnipeg Jets: Who they should target on a PTO

Jan 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; against New York Islanders defenseman Marek Zidlicky (28) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; against New York Islanders defenseman Marek Zidlicky (28) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It’s now September, and teams training camps are soon approaching. Most of the top free agents have already signed, and now all of the players whose careers didn’t quite turn out or are old are looking for Pro Tryouts. Now it’s time for the Winnipeg Jets to sign a few players on PTO’s.

Matt Frattin

Frattin is was an AHL player last season, and put up some decent stats with the Maple Leafs

Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /

affiliate, scoring 13 goals, 21 assists, for a total of 34 points. He would also help the Jets add depth on the right-wing if he could crack either the Winnipeg Jets, or the Manitoba Moose roster.

David Jones

David Jones is another right-winger who had a disappointing end to the season, and could help add depth to their third or fourth line. An advantage is that they could get him at a huge discount.

If they end up way out of a playoff spot at they deadline, they could trade him for picks. If they were in the running for a playoff spot, he could prove himself worthy, as he has 27 playoff games under his belt.

 Marek Zidlicky

If the Jets are really going to make a playoff push, they need a veteran 5th to 7th defenseman, and Marek Zidlicky fits that spot pretty nicely. He is 39 years old, and has quite a bit of playoff experience. He can also be sold at the deadline for prospects, and picks if needed.

David Legwand

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

David Legwand is a centerman, which the Jets have enough of, but there is bound to be an injury, and that is where he comes in. He would be a good replacement for the fourth line, and could play higher if necessary.

Steve Downie

Steve Downie is a 29-year-old right-winger who played part of last season in the AHL. That could be a really good reason, if he makes the team, to sign him for cheap. He could also be a good player in the dressing room with the young players, because he’s a veteran who’s played in both the NHL and the AHL, so he can help mentor them. He also could be a good addition for the Moose for the exact same reason.

Other Possible Targets:

Travis Moen, Nikita Nikitin