The Winnipeg Jets welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs for a two-game series at Bell MTS Place starting with the first game tonight at 6:00 p.m. central time.
This series is huge for Winnipeg. They are only four points behind the first placed, Maple Leafs with a game in hand. With two regulation wins by the Jets over the Leafs, by late Saturday night, the Jets can be tied for the division lead with only a few weeks remaining in the regular season.
With the Jets in a tight playoff race, Winnipeg Jets General Manager, Kevin Cheveldayoff decided to make one trade at the trade deadline. He acquired Jordie Benn from the Canucks in exchange for a 6th round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Benn has yet to play in a game with his new team since being traded on April 12 and he just got to participate in his first two practices in with his new teammates yesterday and Monday.
Jordie Benn is expected to make his debut for the Winnipeg Jets tonight
After today’s morning skate, Logan Stanley and Ville Heinola stayed on the ice for extra ice-time, which is a great indication that Benn will feature in the lineup this evening.
Paul Maurice said this was the plan yesterday, but Jordie Benn will make his #NHLJets debut vs @MapleLeafs as Logan Stanley and Ville Heinola stay on for extra work this morning.
— Ken Wiebe (@WiebesWorld) April 22, 2021
Benn will most likely be on a pair with Dylan DeMelo. Benn and DeMelo practiced together as a pair yesterday and they are projected to stay together for tonight.
This means, rookie defenseman, Logan Stanley is the odd man out and will be scratched due to Benn coming into the lineup.
When watching Benn tonight expect to see a strong defensive defenseman. Benn is known to be a no-nonsense player, who makes the simple play. Before he left Vancouver, Benn led the Canucks with a +5 plus/minus
You can read a full preview of tonight’s game between the Jets and the Leafs with odds, projected lineups, and where to watch the game by clicking the link here or the link below!
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Will Jordie Benn record any points in his first game as a member of the Winnipeg Jets? Leave your comments below!