The Winnipeg Jets wave goodbye to a familiar face. A afterthought defenseman who spent his entire career with the franchise.
Toby Enstrom only knew the Winnipeg Jets. Well, that’s not entirely true. He knew the Atlanta Thrashers, too. But Enstrom only knew one franchise. And the Winnipeg Jets haven’t been without Enstrom, ever.
They’re in uncharted territory, but I think they’ll be okay. Enstrom had 54 goals and 308 points in his 11 year career, and he’s not quite hanging up the skates.
Enstrom signed with Modo out in Sweden and, in showing how good that league is, immediately became the team captain. He spent some years with the team before he came to the NHL to play with the Thrashers, who drafted him in the eighth round in 2003.
Apparently Enstrom drew interest at the NHL level, but it didn’t seem as though the Jets were going to bring him back. And maybe he didn’t want to learn a new team. He hasn’t known many in his career, so he went back to where it all began.
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That’s how I see it, I suppose. Enstrom wanted to go home. I get it. Winnipeg is a long way from Sweden. I mean, I guess the other alternative is the Beer-League Narrative™. I’d link to the Wikipedia for that, but I just coined it now.
Basically, it happens to average but serviceable players. Enstrom had a decent career, but he never got to dominate and take over games. Well, here’s his chance.
Take all that NHL pedigree and experience and bring it to Sweden’s AHL equivalent. Well, I guess the AHL is a developmental league, whereas….uh, HockeyAllsvenskan is essentially just a backup Swedish league.
Everybody wants to be a star. Enstrom is no different. But while I’m going to miss him, considering he’s always been there, it was time to go. He’s a useful player but not a difference maker.
For one, he’s quite injury-prone. That doesn’t go away when you get older. After not missing any games in his first three seasons, and just 10 in his first four, Enstrom became a liability.
He missed 139 games in his next seven seasons, only coming through unscathed once. Enstrom also only played in 43 games last year. Look, I know Enstrom could probably help the Jets next season as a depth defenseman.
But you just can’t count on him any longer. His size and injury woes kept him from being dependable. That being said, Enstrom gave a lot for this franchise, for many years. I never remember a negative thing being said about him or an issue he created.
He’s a steady veteran presence on a young team, and I’m sure he will still be missed. Best of lucky, captain. I’ll keep an eye on your stats to see if you’re doing the Beer League.