Winnipeg Jets Free Agency: Three Landmines to Tiptoe Around
The Winnipeg Jets should be thinking big after reaching the Western Conference Finals last season. They should be returning their core, but adding a few key pieces is always necessary.
The Winnipeg Jets are gonna want to make a splash. Keep people interested, let them know last season’s success is not a fluke. It’s sustainable, and they’re going to keep coming for the Cup in future seasons.
The team has about $20mm in space, but needs to hand out contracts to restricted free agents Josh Morrissey, Jacob Trouba and Connor Hellebuyck. Not to mention Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine will be RFA next season.
Oh, also, Blake Wheeler‘s contract is expiring after this coming season. So, they probably don’t want to be getting themselves too handcuffed to the radiator, so to speak. They want that space to be able to manuever. Does that mean no John Tavares? Probably. But that was unlikely either way.
We here at JWO have some rock solid ideas on who the Jets should sign and should not sign. We’re so obviously smarter than the front office, so we want to get this out there so they can see it and adjust their offseason accordingly. We got you, Cheveldayoff.
Every year, players get handed bad contracts. It happens. Look at Milan Lucic, Jonathan Toews and Bobby Ryan. Heck, Bryan Little could bring himself into that conversation. Thankfully, I’ve compiled a list of a few free agents to avoid.
Rick Nash, LW, 34
I’m going to try and put this lightly. Rick Nash is coming off of a bad contract, and that was in his prime. He put up a 40 goal season during it, with the NY Rangers. But only one other season in New York ended with more than 25 goals. And it was 26. He scored 15 in 60 games the year after his 42 goal barrage.
Everyone in the NHL knew it was a lucky season. Nash had some really good seasons with Columbus after they took him first overall in 2002. But he never approached that with the Rangers.
I will say, Nash is a very useful player. He kills penalties, he forechecks, he’s big. Nash is a good skater who can play some defense. He just isn’t a great goal scorer anymore. He was overpaid in New York, and I’m certain he’s in a decline. He’s likely to get a cap hit around $5mm, which is way too rich for Rick.
He’s dealt with concussion issues in the past, and I think it’s time to pass on Slick Rick.
Evander Kane, LW, 26
I love Evander Kane, I think he’s fun. I think the headcase stuff is a little overblown, although I wouldn’t slap a C on his chest. Hockey needs players that are fun and he provides that.
What he would provide to the Winnipeg Jets is something they don’t need: scoring. This team can score with the best of them. Would it be fun to throw another top 6 forward on there and see if they can’t have six guys push 30 goals?
Yes. Yes it would. But that doesn’t mean they should do it. I’m not certain some team shouldn’t sign Kane. But he’s not going to be as valuable as his cap hit.
The Winnipeg Jets should look to add scoring, yes, every team should. But Kane doesn’t offer much else. He’s fast and he can shoot. Kane isn’t a great passer and wouldn’t kill penalties for the Jets. He’s great, he’s fun.
And yes, Evander Kane comes with a bit of volatility. But also one of the best damn names in hockey. Just, old flames can’t warm the Jets tonight. Let it go.
Mike Green, D, 32
Mike Green had some really good seasons. Also, he’s exploited a market inefficiency. He’s a defenseman in this market, which is good for him. Being right-handed is also a good thing. Teams are always on the lookout for a northpaw defenseman.
Only, he’s not really good. Green was once an elite scorer, putting up 68 goals in a three year span. From the back end! Thirty-one goals in 2008. Seasons of 57, 73 and 76 points in that span. Only, he hasn’t hit 50 since.
He’s also dealt with neck and back issues, including a recent surgery. It’s a shame. Sadly, this is an easy pass for me. But, luckily for Green, his pedigree and handedness will earn him some coin.
Next: Three Free Agents to Target
As always, I’ve some honorable mentions. Joe Thornton, James Neal, David Perron (never count on Perron, jeez). Also, please don’t sign Scott Hartnell. I know he’s terrible now, but he’s so, so unlikable. I want to like the Jets.