Winnipeg Jets: Forwards to Target

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 22: Tyler Bozak
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 22: Tyler Bozak

As the trade deadline creeps ever closer, the Winnipeg Jets still haven’t made a move. The clock is ticking, and a forward (perhaps specifically a center) remains high on KevChev’s wish list. Let’s take a look at what’s left, shall we?

The Winnipeg Jets were in on Derrick Brassard. Rick Nash was an option. So was Thomas Plekanec, who went to Toronto to join the Maple Leafs. It seemed Toronto had centers to spare before this trade, so maybe they’re open to moving one. Anyone under 22 is off-limits, most like. Nazem Kadri is also probably not an option, as he’s fourth on the team in scoring. That brings us to Tyler Bozak

Tyler Bozak is still just 31, so he’s not too old yet. He’s scoring at about a half a point per game, and winning faceoffs at a 52% clip. He’s a valuable center, but at a team very deep in young forwards, isn’t necessary. There were talks Toronto was open to moving him beforehand, so it doesn’t seem super farfetched.

As far as other merits, Bozak sports a 52.5 Corsi % and is useful on the man advantage, though it’s  doubtful he would log much time with Winnipeg. He’s also not currently used on their penalty kill, and if he’s not a premium offensive player, I would assume the Jets would want some defense in exchange.

If the Jets are willing to take on a longer-term contract (Bozak is a rental), Derek Stepan may be an option. Stepan was acquired by Arizona in the off-season, but they have clearly not improved the way the team hoped.

Stepan has a good track record of playing top center minutes back with the New York Rangers, but never could be the true number one. In Winnipeg, he wouldn’t have to be. Stepan could be just another guy, and that deep on a roster, he would be one of the best.

Stepan had a knack for big moments in New York, none bigger than his goal in overtime of Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semis to crush the Capitals hopes of reaching the Conference Finals. Maybe Arizona doesn’t want to give up on the center they traded the 7th overall pick in last year’s draft for, but hey, they’re not competitive. Not close. Might as well recoup assets.

Stepan can score, run the powerplay, kill penalties, and not win very many faceoffs.  But hey, he’s one of the best options if the Jets can commit the salary.

Next: Winnipeg Jets Deadline Glossary

And just to keep this interesting and to keep the hot takes scorching, how about Jonathan Toews? Toews is signed long term for ridiculous money, has been declining, and was recently made the most asinine selection for NHL’s 100 Greatest Players of All-Time. All-time? Seriously? I’ve been mad about that since it happened and now I have the platform to complain about it, so now you’re going to hear it.

Regardless, Toews can score a tad, plays great defense, and is wildly overrated when it comes to “championship pedigree”. If the Blackhawks want to take on salary and move him, he has a ton of  value. They don’t and they don’t, however.  Just thought it would be fun to consider him as Winnipeg’s third line center in the Playoffs while Patrick Kane golfs.

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