Winnipeg Jets: Three Thoughts Post Trade Deadline

2. The Jets added some size to their forward group

Kevin Cheveldayoff’s three player additions at the deadline were  6’4″, 220-pound center prospect Morgan Barron,  6’3″, 210-pound forward Zach Sanford, and reacquiring 6’3″ 195-pound forward Mason Appleton.

If you guessed that one common denominator between all three players is size, you are correct. Cheveldayoff reinforced that point in his press conference indicating that all three players had size, were hard to play against, and would give the Jets’ third line a much harder look.

Jets fans are certainly familiar with the style of game Appleton plays, and Cheveldayoff indicated that he had attempted to acquire him several times this season. He also described prospect Barron as a big player who is close to being an NHL regular, but will initially start in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose.

Cheveldayoff mentioned that Zach Sanford’s size and heaviness was very noticeable to the Jets when he was a member of the St. Louis Blues. The Jets envision Appleton – Lowry – Sanford playing together on a third line which should have a more distinct identity than the various combinations we’ve seen this season.

Given the moves that Central division rivals Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche made at the trade deadline, a physical third line might be a better match against some of these Central division teams.