Winnipeg Jets: Will Logan Stanley Play For the Jets This Season?

In a season where young prospects are likely to have more opportunities, will Logan Stanley get an opportunity with the Winnipeg Jets?

It seems like a life time ago when the Winnipeg Jets traded up in the first round of the 2016 NHL entry draft to select Logan Stanley, a defenseman with Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. It was easy to see the appeal of selecting a 6’7”, 240 lb physical defenseman, who was also capable of chipping in offensively.

In hindsight, trading multiple picks to move up in the draft for Stanley was a mistake. The 22-year-old Stanley has spent the last two seasons with the Jets AHL team the Manitoba Moose. His second season was significantly cut short due to injuries and then a stoppage in play due to COVID-19.

Stanley’s place on the Jets defense prospect depth chart continues to slide with players like Ville Heinola, Dylan Samberg and Sami Niku moving ahead of him. Yet, his AHL coach Pascal Vincent and Stanley himself both believe that he has the intelligence and desire to improve his game to an NHL level, as reported by Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun.

It’s unfair to compare Stanley to Zdeno Chara, but there are obvious similarities in terms of size and that it also took Chara time to develop to an NHL caliber player. Stanley likely will never reach the level of Chara, but I do agree with the organization being patient with a player with his size and potential.

Given the uncertainty of the coming NHL season, depth is going to be crucial for team success. Injuries to players are unavoidable, and in a shortened season injury time will impact a greater percentage of the team’s regular season. Add to injuries, the inevitability that players will miss games due to COVID exposure or diagnoses, and it means that young players may have more opportunities to play with their NHL clubs.

I have watched Logan Stanley in person playing for the Manitoba Moose. I am intrigued by his potential as a bone crushing, shut down defenseman. I hope he gets some playing time this season with the Jets.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: Do you think Logan Stanley will get an opportunity to play for the Winnipeg Jets this season? Leave your comments below.