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Winnipeg Jets: Hometown Boy Could be the Answer

By Anthony Jacob

Sep 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dylan McIlrath (6) plays the puck against New Jersey Devils center Blake Coleman (40) during the second period of a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dylan McIlrath (6) plays the puck against New Jersey Devils center Blake Coleman (40) during the second period of a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Rangers made a move today that they may regret for years to come. They placed their 2010 first round pick Dylan McIlrath on waivers, in an attempt to send him down to Hartford, the Rangers American Hockey League affiliate. This is music to the Winnipeg Jets ears.

After multiple up-and-down developmental seasons, Dylan finally blew the NHL by storm last season, playing in 34 games. McIlrath’s big body, and small salary, (just $800k) makes him someone who will be targeted around the NHL on waivers. This isn’t something New York wanted to do, but since he has only played in one game so far this season, his trade value was no where.

Mar 3, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dylan McIlrath (6) and linesman Derek Amell (75) fall over Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Tom Kuhnhackl (34) during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Maybe since McIlrath doesn’t fit in the Rangers bench, the Winnipeg Jets would be willing to give him a chance – Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Dylan is a Winnipeg born and raised player, who still has considerable amounts of friends and family in the city. If Winnipeg is per chance interested to claim him off waivers, what a transition it could be for McIlrath. Not only going from a team who has lots of depth at the defence position, but also heading to one where depth “D” are hard to come by. Not only was he part of a crowded pack of defence in New York, but he stood out with his puck movement.

Unfortunately he’s shoots right handed, which is the Jets side of strength. But at the moment he bodes as a good replacement for Jacob Trouba on the third pairing until he’s back. He could relieve some pressure off the shoulders of Dustin Byfuglien, who’s been playing way too much lately, something that he won’t be able to sustain over a full season. Especially with an injury concern to Byfuglien right now. The Winnipeg native would also leave a team who’s just departing from their Henrik Lundqvist era, and could be  entering a rebuild in the near future. If McIlrath wants to win, his chances are with Winnipeg in a few years.

More from Jets White Out

We’ve told you why the hometown boy should come back to Winnipeg, and shore up lineup issues for the Jets. Now it’s up to Jets management to pick up the former tenth overall pick by noon tomorrow. Since they are low in the standings right now, that means a higher chance of being the first team to claim Dylan.

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