Winnipeg Jets: The Three Top Training Camp Stories
The Winnipeg Jets and the rest of the NHL will begin training camp after Christmas! Here are the three top Jets stories to follow.
Winnipeg Jets fans received an early Christmas gift with confirmation that the NHL regular season will start on January 13, 2021.
Training camps are slated to open on December 31, 2020, for teams that qualified for the playoffs last season and January 3, 2021, for teams that did not. The NHL has realigned the divisions for ease of travel and the Jets will play in the all-Canadian North division.
The new divisions provide teams with an opportunity to develop and renew rivalries with other teams as they will be only be playing teams within their divisions for the regular season. It will be tough for the Winnipeg Jets to make the playoffs this season against their Canadian rivals in a short 56 game regular season.
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Training camp always brings a variety of stories to follow as young players fight for roster spots, veterans try to retain their roles, and new players try to make an impression. The Jets are no exception as they have several intriguing storylines to follow as they move towards the regular season.
With training camp right around the corner, here are the top three stories to follow as the Winnipeg Jets enter training camp.
3. Will Perfetti Make the Jets Roster?
Under normal circumstances, a young highly touted prospect like Perfetti would attend Jets training camp, play in the few exhibition and regular season games, and then return to junior hockey with the OHL Saginaw Spirit.
These are not normal circumstances. As of now, the OHL is planning to start the regular season in February 2021 but, as we have learned through this pandemic, nothing is certain anymore.
If for some reason the OHL cannot start as of that date, or if there are significant travel restrictions, or if the OHL proceeds with the proposed “no body checking” rule, teams like the Jets may decide that it would be better to keep Perfetti with the team.
Also, all NHL teams will now be able to have a 4 – 6 player taxi squad, which may be favorable for Perfetti. The Jets of course need to consider whether they want to use up Perfetti’s entry level contract. However, there are several factors pointing to Perfetti being a Winnipeg Jet this season.
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.
1. Where does Patrik Laine fall on the Depth Chart?
While I do not think that Patrik Laine will be a Winnipeg Jet beyond 2022, I also do not think he will be traded this regular season. Trading a young star player is complicated at the best of times. During the financial uncertainty brought about through COVID-19, I think it’s virtually impossible.
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Assuming Laine is a Jet this season, the question becomes does he play on the first or second line? Unlike previous years, both are good options for the Jets.
Laine had some success playing last season with top line center Mark Scheifele and has made no secret of his desire to do so again. The second line this year will be anchored by Paul Stastny acquired in an excellent trade from the Vegas Golden Knights.
Laine has had success in the past playing with Stastny. Playing with a center who is capable offensively, and better defensively like Stastny may be a better fit for Laine even if it technically means playing on the second line.
Either way, Laine has an opportunity this year to play with two quality centers and put up high points numbers which benefits the Jets and his future, wherever that may be.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: What do you think are the top training camp stories to follow? Leave your comments below!
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