Winnipeg Jets: Nic Petan, from top prospect to barely holding on

The Winnipeg Jets made what was a good decision in 2013 by selection Nic Petan. Petan was a second round pick, and was expected to bring a tremendous amount of skill, which the Jets lacked at the time.

Petan excelled in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks. He got his chance to show himself in with the Jets in the 2015/16 season. There was high expectations for Petan who had two 100+ point seasons in the ‘dub. Petan got 26 games in before being assigned to the Manitoba Moose (AHL). In his short stint with the Jets that season, Petan could only manage two goals and four assists for six points. It was a bit of a disappointment, but Winnipeg Jets fans were able to realize that it was only his first NHL experience, and he just needed to develop.

Last season, the Jets made the smart decision of leaving Nic Petan in the AHL to start off the year. He obviously impressed the Jets management with a few goals early on, and was brought up to the Winnipeg Jets. Petan got to play more games than he’d ever played before in an NHL season. He played 54 games, and was able to get a few points. He had only one goal, but was able to contribute twelve assists for thirteen points.

This season

This season, the Jets gave Petan six games. He was a non factor, had no points, and was returned to the AHL. Petan went down, and has continued his normal AHL domination trend. This isn’t what the Winnipeg Jets want. Nobody wants him playing in the AHL. Sure, he’s playing well, but he is well past the timeline he should be taking to play in the NHL. I don’t see Petan making a big difference in the Jets future (However I would really like to).

Next: Winnipeg Jets Should Utilize Michael Hutchinson

The Jets have given Nic Petan far more than a fair share of chances. He hasn’t proven himself in any of those, and is getting older which hurts his value. He could still be a valuable piece in a trade, and could revamp his career somewhere else. His main problem here could’ve been the depth, and not getting past the fourth line. I’ll be interested to see what Kevin Cheveldayoff has planned for the Trade Deadline, and whether or not Petan is saying goodbye to Winnipeg.