The Winnipeg Jets have brought back the prodigal son. I thought we’d seen the last of you. I hoped I was wrong.
I don’t know why I have an affinity for Marko Dano. I mean, I guess the Winnipeg Jets also have one for him, but in the same way. Today they claimed him off waivers from the division rival Avalanche. They assigned him to AHL Manitoba.
I don’t think anyone believes Marko Dano can ever recapture the success he had as a rookie, which was ever-fleeting.
But he’s a young (23) two-way center with speed. He doesn’t have the greatest shot, and he’s not big or small at 5’11, 212lbs (180cm, 96kg), but he’s useful.
He’s a veteran bottom six depth guy who just happens to only be 23. This is his fifth year in the NHL.
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It’s an odd ride for the man that was the 27th pick of the 2013 NHL draft, picked by Columbus. The following season, he spent 35 games with the Blue Jackets, and looked like a hell of a pick.
In those 35 contests, he had 21 points (8G, 13A) while putting up a 54.3% Corsi. An up the middle player who is just 20 putting up a 50 point pace, all at even strength? That’s a dominant rookie.
And then, something happened. He was included in the trade to Chicago for Brandon Saad, then had thirteen games in Chicago before being moved for Andrew Ladd.
For a while, I believed in Dano. I wanted the Jets to play him. But usually, when a team isn’t playing their young guy when they’re almost non-competitive, it’s because he’s not ready.
But Dano never became ready. Or, at least, ready in the way we all hoped he would. In 113 games since his trade from CBJ, Dano has 11 goals and 13 assists.
Twenty one points in his first career 35 games, then 24 in his next 113. That’s uh, a 17 point pace. Which, you know, for the headliner in trades for Andrew Ladd and Brandon Saad, that’s Andrew Badd and Brandon Sadd. I’m really sorry about that.
I know he’s a depth piece and he probably won’t ever get out of Manitoba, but I’m glad he’s returned. I missed him. I’d rather see the minutes at the NHL level go to Mason Appleton, but I understand.
Dano is a vet, he’s a solid defensive player, and he knows the Winnipeg Jets and their system. It makes sense. I’m sorry he didn’t stick with Colorado, going pointless over eight games, but I’m glad he’s back.
Plus now I can wait to get my Winnipeg Jets aviator jersey with Dano on the back. Good to have you, Marko, I hope you score a GWG in the Stanley Cup Final.