Winnipeg Jets: Opportuniuty lies ahead with Scheifele injury

Winnipeg Jets fans were shocked to find out about Mark Scheifele. Scheifele is out 6-8 weeks with an upper body injury. This is a massive blow to our lineup, and players will have to step up to fill in.

Now you may say that this is the worst thing to happen to us all season. You’re probably right. Although this is horrible, there still is good that should come from this. It’s giving an NHL opportunity to a young AHL player. Of course, we have Marko Dano and Shawn Matthias waiting for some playing time, but their days as Jets are likely beyond them, and it is time for us to look at other options.

Now who would we call up? Well since he’s a center, it only makes sense for us to also call up a center. We have a few down in the AHL, and they all could be possible candidates. They are Jack Roslovic, Mason Appleton, Nic Petan, and Michael Sgarbossa.

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Jack Roslovic

Jack Roslovic has been lighting up the AHL this year with the Manitoba Moose. He’s a 20 year old prospect who was a 2015 first round selection. Roslovic is tied for second in AHL scoring, with a remarkable 15 goals and 20 assists to make 35 points. He made his NHL debut against the Blue Jackets last season, and has only that one game of NHL experience to his name. Roslovic is a very exciting player to watch, and fans should be happy if he is recalled from Manitoba. He has a lot more to bring to the table than either of Matthias or Dano.

Roslovic would likely be our number one option. He’s very close to an NHL ready player, so I think it’s his time to shine. That’s why the Winnipeg Jets may have to explore other options.

Mason Appleton

Who would have ever thought that Mason Appleton would be on fire in the AHL? Appleton’s success this season has been a great unexpected surprise for the Moose. Appleton was only a sixth round pick in 2015, so there weren’t really any expectations for him. This is his first year of pro hockey.

Appleton is a really good player right now, but he is an asset that the Jets could be willing to trade. I’d like to see him become a Jet, but it may not happen if Kevin Chevaldayoff has other plans. Appleton would likely be our second choice to call up, after Jack Roslovic.

Nic Petan

If the Winnipeg Jets were looking to go with a younger player, but wanted NHL experience, Petan would be the way to go. He already has 86 NHL games under his belt, however hasn’t been able to put up a lot of points. That could be a concern for us, as we already know he hasn’t had any success up in the big league.

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Michael Sgarbossa

Sgarbossa would be interesting to see in the NHL. He’s never really stuck anywhere in the NHL longer than his 27 game stint with Florida last year. We signed him on July 1st as a UFA, and has been solid in the AHL on Manitoba this season. He’s nearly a point per game player, and is one of the Moose’s top players. It would be very interesting to see what Sgarbossa could bring to the NHL.

Sure, he probably isn’t the first option, but he could be utilized later in the season if we happen to follow our injury tradition.

In conclusion…

I think the move that would make the most sense is Jack Roslovic. Roslovic is ready to go, and should be given a good opportunity to excel in the ‘chel.