The Winnipeg Jets and Tampa Bay Lightning have found themselves in a very similar position this year. Both are among top in the league. Although both teams are buyers, would they be able to work a deal?
The Winnipeg Jets finally have come into their own this season. We’re now beginning to look like what Cheveldayoff had envisioned us as.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are the current powerhouse of the NHL this season. They sit with 87 points, only 62 games in. They’re a lock to make the playoffs and could be the Presidents Trophy winner.
Who does Tampa have?
Looking at it from Winnipeg’s point of view, the Lightning wouldn’t have a whole lot to offer that would be cheap anyways. There is Chris Kunitz who’s on a deal that ends this summer, and is being paid $2 Million, but that’s still going to be expensive.
Kunitz has twenty points, an even split of goals and assists. He could have been someone who would’ve made sense if he had been a part of team that would have dealt him off.
From Tampa’s standpoint, there’s no reason to deal off Kunitz. He’s the type of player they’re looking to acquire, not trade away. Unless the Winnipeg Jets came forward with an overvalued offer, I don’t see it happening. They wouldn’t call them in the first place.
Don’t make the call
If I’m Cheveldayoff, I don’t make the call. It’s pointless, and a complete waste of time when you could make a call to someone like Ottawa. Time is precious in these few days before the deadline, so why waste it? Just stay away.
Next: How the Brassard trade affects the Jets
Tampa is a trading rival
If you haven’t realized, Tampa is going for the same guys as us. They’re a top team, just like we are, and they need rentals just like we do. They need someone who’s going to get them a deep playoff run, and Winnipeg has nothing to offer.
Both of us will likely be, and likely are competing to grab different players. We are rivals for today and tomorrow.