Winnipeg Jets: The Three Top Training Camp Stories

2. Who will be on the left side with Neal Pionk?

The front runner to play on the Winnipeg Jets second pair with Neal Pionk is Derek Forbort. The veteran Jets free agent signing is looking at a comeback after spending most of last season injured.

He will be pushed by Ville Heinola and Dylan Samberg. Heinola was impressive in limited action last season with the Jets and has played well in Finland this season with Lukko. An impressive showing at the World Junior Championships this December might give Heinola an edge coming into training camp.

Samberg is more physically ready to play in the NHL than Heinola. He is a veteran of multiple World Junior and NCAA championship tournaments. Unfortunately, he was involved in a car accident in November where two persons in other vehicles were seriously injured.

Samberg was not seriously injured but it would be expected that he may be impacted by the tragedy. Hopefully, he can come into camp and compete at his maximum level.

The fourth option is a second pairing defenseman to be named later. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff may not be finished with the Jets roster and may still be looking to add a left side defenseman in trade, possibly for unsigned Jack Roslovic.