Winnipeg Free Press http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/roslovic-gets-first-shot-at-home- 418462773.html

Roslovic gets first shot at home Jets rookie grew up idolizing former Blue Jackets Nash and Vyborny

By: Jason Bell

COLUMBUS, Ohio — As a kid, Jack Roslovic dreamed of playing for the at the downtown arena just five minutes from his neighbourhood.

But the nature of dreams is that they shift and change.

Roslovic will, indeed, skate onto the ice at Nationwide Arena for his first NHL game today, but he’ll do it as member of the Jets, the team that drafted him nearly two years ago.

The 20-year-old centre, a product of Brexley, Ohio — which is to Columbus what West St. Paul is to Winnipeg — was called up from the Moose of the AHL on Monday and will make his debut in front of likely dozens of family and friends when the Blue Jackets host the Jets.

"Really excited, and being home makes that even better. Obviously, my NHL debut, it’s gonna be fun," said Roslovic, a 2015 first-round pick (25th overall) of the Jets, who signed an entry- level deal with Winnipeg after just one year at Miami University (Ohio).

It was expected that Roslovic — promoted along with — would play his first NHL contest in his own backyard. But he received the official word from Jets head coach during Wednesday’s afternoon practice.

"Paul just said, ‘You’re in.’ From there, it was just kind of a great feeling," he said. "It’s pretty awesome. The stars kind of aligned, I guess. It’s gonna be fun."

Roslovic, who has had a stellar rookie season with the Moose, scoring 13 goals and adding 32 assists in 61 games, grew up a Blue Jackets fan. The family has had season tickets since the club’s inaugural season in 2000-01.

"I went to a couple games and saw some players and I found a love for it," Roslovic said after Wednesday’s practice.

He did line drills with several wingers, including Connor and Marko Dano.

Growing up, his favourite Blue Jackets players were forwards Rick Nash and David Vyborny, although he rarely got to mimic their moves because, as the youngest of the gang, he was usually stuck being the goalie during neighbourhood ball hockey games.

"I played about five minutes from here down on Broad Street. My neighbours had a nice big pavement driveway, shaped like a hockey rink. I started off playing road hockey (and) learned the ins and outs of the game," he said.

Roslovic came up through the Columbus minor hockey ranks and then joined the U.S. development squads, playing internationally at the IIHF under-17 and under-18 tournaments before committing to Miami University.

Roslovic was asked what areas of his game have seen the most improvement since he turned pro.

"I think speed and trying to just make my best part of my game even better. Also, in the defensive zone, it’s been a good job," he said. "Playing the pro game’s a lot different than playing the college game, so I’d say defence and speed."

Goalie Eric Comrie, who played the season in the AHL with Roslovic and will also play his first NHL game tonight, said the hometown kid has been sensational.

"He’s been a great player for the Moose all year. I think he’s going to be an excellent player in the NHL," Comrie said.

"He’s been one of our MVPs this year. He’s been unbelievable. He’s an unbelievable playmaker with the puck. He reads the ice so well and he can pass better than anyone I’ve seen in a long time in the AHL." http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/maurice-arranges-happy-homecoming-for-roslovic- big-night-for-comrie-in-nhl-debuts-418429223.html

Maurice arranges happy homecoming for Roslovic, big night for Comrie in NHL debuts

By: Jason Bell

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Eric Comrie and forward Jack Roslovic will make their NHL debuts with the here Thursday night.

Comrie, 21, called up from the of the Wednesday, will be between the pipes when the Jets battle the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena (6 p.m., TSN3, TSN 1290)

Columbus-born Roslovic, who has had a stellar rookie season as a 20-year-old with the Moose, grew up a Blue Jackets fan and will suit up against coach John Tortorella's crew at the downtown rink just a five-minute drive from the Roslovic family home.

"Really excited, and being home makes that even better. Obviously, my NHL debut, it's gonna be fun," said Roslovic, a 2015 first-round pick (25th overall) of the Jets, who signed an entry- level deal with Winnipeg after just one year at Miami University (Ohio).

He has 13 goals and 32 assists in 61 games with the Moose.

It was expected that Roslovic — promoted along with Kyle Connor on Monday — would play his first-ever NHL contest in his own backyard. But he received the official word from head coach Paul Maurice during Wednesday's afternoon practice.

"Paul just said, 'You're in.' From there, it was just kind of a great feeling," he said. "It's pretty awesome. The stars kind of aligned, I guess. It's gonna be fun."

Comrie, a former junior star with Tri-Cities of the and a Jets' second- round pick (59th overall) in 2013, has already played 99 games in the AHL.

His 100th pro game will be his most memorable, by far.

"It's a pretty exciting time for myself and my family," said Comrie, who is 17-25-2 with a 2.98 goals-against average and .906 save percentage with two shutouts in 47 AHL games this season. "It's been a bit of a whirlwind and I'm just excited to get going. I've got some family coming in, so I'm really pumped up and looking to get my feet wet."

Comrie, who stopped 35 shots in Manitoba's 3-1 triumph over Grand Rapids at the MTS Centre Tuesdays, said his focus was on a strong finish with the Moose, not on a possible promotion.

"I really wasn't (paying) too much attention to it. I was watching the games and I know (Michael Hutchinson and Connor Hellebuyck) are playing really well, the team is playing well right now," said Comrie. "For myself, I was just focusing on staying down there, getting better and trying to do the best I could for the Moose.

"It's been the same thing as last year. I was very fortunate to play a lot of games. (Thursday) will be my 100th pro game, which will be my first NHL game. It's exciting and kind of cool at the same time. Every single day is a new experience and you just get as much experience under your belt as you can."

The Jets (38-35-7) won their fifth straight in St. Louis Tuesday, knocking off the Blues 5-2. Rookie winger led the way with his 35th and 36th goals of the season, the second coming on a blistering one-timer from the slot off a pass from .

Winnipeg battles the playoff-bound Blue Jackets (49-22-8), currently third in the Metropolitan Division, and then head home to end the season Saturday against the Nashville Predators.

Maurice said Comrie has earned Thursday's start with the big club.

"He's had two really good years, battled hard and played big minutes," Maurice said. "So the next time Eric gets into a game (after Thursday's debut), it won't be his first. He's a guy that at his size, he needs to play a few years pro to get the feel of the game.

"Excellent low coverage, real good positioning in the net and we've known all along — it's not something that we've learned — that he's as high a character a person as we have in the organization. With his compete level and positive attitude, there should be a payoff for doing all the right things all of the time. But you have to play well, and he's played well."

Jets' blueliners Jacob Trouba, Dustin Byfuglien and Mark Stuart all missed practice but will be good to go against Columbus.

Tyler Myers, who has missed 63 games with a lower-body injury, took in a full workout and said afterward there's a chance he could return before the curtain comes down on the season.

"(I'm) starting to move a little bit better. I said it about a week ago but it's gonna be pretty close. I would love to jump in for the last one," he said. "Most likely it won't be (Thursday). If I'm ready to go, just for the mental side of things, it'd be great to get one in. But obviously I don't want to come back if I'm not ready.

"It's been tough watching, but the guys have played well, played hard. They're on a good streak right now and it's good to see." http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/comrie-marks-100-pro-games-with-nhl- debut-418462783.html

Comrie marks 100 pro games with NHL debut

By: Jason Bell

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Eric Comrie has shown calmness and composure — in and out of the net — since he started his journey with the Winnipeg Jets organization in 2013.

On Wednesday, though, he acted and spoke just as you’d expect from a 21-year-old kid whose world had been turned upside down — in a good way.

Comrie was a bundle of energy when he reached his locker in the dressing room after a 50- minute workout with his new Jets teammates at Nationwide Arena. Facing cameras and a few reporters, he paced nervously, unsure where to stand, confused about where to doff his gear, and joking about the very real potential for nonsensical replies due to the fact he barely got any sleep Tuesday night.

Welcome to the NHL, Mr. Comrie.

The product was called up by the Jets from the Manitoba Moose and will make his NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight.

Comrie, a former junior star with the Tri-City Americans of the WHL and a Jets second-round pick (59th overall) in 2013, has already played 99 games in the AHL. His 100th pro game will be his most memorable, by far.

"It’s a pretty exciting time for myself and my family," said Comrie, who is 17-25-2 with a 2.98 goals-against average and .906 save percentage with two shutouts in 47 AHL games this season.

"It’s been a bit of a whirlwind and I’m just excited to get going. I’ve got some family coming in, so I’m really pumped up and looking to get my feet wet."

Comrie, who stopped 35 shots in Manitoba’s 3-1 triumph over the Grand Rapids Griffins at the MTS Centre on Tuesday night before rising early to hop on a plane, said his focus was on finishing strong with the Moose and not on a possible promotion.

"I really wasn’t (paying) too much attention to it. I was watching the games and I know (Michael Hutchinson and Connor Hellebuyck) are playing really well, the team is playing well right now," said Comrie, who grew up playing against, and with, Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey. "For myself, I was just focusing on staying down there, getting better and trying to do the best I could for the Moose.

"It’s been the same thing as last year. I was very fortunate to play a lot of games. (Thursday) will be my 100th pro game, which will be my first NHL game. It’s exciting and kind of cool at the same time."

Jets head coach Paul Maurice had elected to rotate Hellebuyck and Hutchinson the past five games, with great success. Winnipeg (38-35-7) won its fifth straight Tuesday night, knocking off the St. Louis Blues 5-2. Rookie winger Patrik Laine led the way with his 35th and 36th goals of the season, the second coming on a blistering one-timer off a pass from Mathieu Perreault, while Hutchinson stopped 24 shots.

Maurice said Comrie has earned an opportunity to start for the big club.

"He’s had two really good years, battled hard and played big minutes," he said. "So the next time Eric gets into a game (after Thursday), it won’t be his first. He’s a guy that, at his size, he needs to play a few years pro to get the feel of the game.

"Excellent low coverage, real good positioning in the net and we’ve known all along — it’s not something that we’ve learned — that he’s as high a character a person as we have in the organization. With his compete level and positive attitude, there should be a payoff for doing all the right things all of the time. But you have to play well, and he’s played well."

The Jets battle the playoff-bound Blue Jackets (49-22-8) — currently third in the Metropolitan Division but 0-3-1 in their last four contests — and then head home for their final game of the season Saturday at the MTS Centre when the Nashville Predators come to town.

Comrie said he was enjoying a post-game meal with family when he got the call from the Jets.

"(Assistant GM Craig Heisinger) called me and told me I was coming up and playing (today), so that was a pretty exciting thing. I instantly called my family, got home, packed and got to bed around 2 a.m., was up at 4:45, flew here and practised," he said.

Comrie, whose brothers Mike and Paul both played in the NHL, was just a tyke when he convinced himself he wanted to stop pucks for a living.

"I was probably a lot younger than most people. I was forced into it by my brothers," he said. "They had to take some shots on me when I was younger. I was a little lucky I got to be around NHL players at a very young age. Probably ever since I was three, four or five years old, I’ve wanted to be an NHL goalie."

Myers a maybe Defenceman , who has missed 63 games with a lower-body injury, participated in all the drills Wednesday and looked quick and agile. Afterward, he indicated there’s a chance he’ll play before the curtain comes down on the season.

"Starting to move a little bit better. I said it about a week ago, but it’s gonna be pretty close. I would love to jump in for the last one," he said. "Most likely it won’t be (today). If I’m ready to go, just for the mental side of things, it’d be great to get one in. But obviously I don’t want to come back if I’m not ready."

Winnipeg Sun http://www.winnipegsun.com/2017/04/05/hutchinson-finishes-on-high-note

Hutchinson finishes on high note Jets goalie goes 5-1 top end tough season

KEN WIEBE, WINNIPEG SUN

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Michael Hutchinson has probably played his final game of the season.

There's a chance he's played his last game with the Winnipeg Jets as well, though that's not a bridge he needed to cross on Wednesday afternoon.

Hutchinson made 24 saves in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the St. Louis Blues, which allowed him to post his ninth win of the season in 28 appearances.

By going 5-1 down the stretch, Hutchinson was able to finish a difficult campaign on a positive note, though what that's worth in the grand scheme of things remains to be seen.

“I was extremely pleased with how I was able to finish, if that was my last game (this season),” said Hutchinson, who has one more year left on the two-year contract he signed last summer. “It was a tough season for a bit of a stretch there. I'm glad I was able to come back and help the team win some games down the stretch.

“I've always had the confidence. I never lost that. I always knew I could play at this level and be successful at this level. It was nice to get on a roll.”

MYERS CLOSE Jets defenceman Tyler Myers is still holding out hope he can return to the lineup for Saturday's finale against the Nashville Predators.

“I'm starting to move a little bit better,” said Myers, who hasn't played since November 11. “It's going to be pretty close. I would love to jump in for the last one. If I'm ready to go, just for the mental side of things, it would be great to get one in. But obviously, I don't want to come back if I'm not ready.”

Speaking of Saturday night, rookie left-winger Kyle Connor is slated to suit up in Saturday's finale for what will be his first NHL game since November 29.

Connor had a team-high 23 goals and 42 points in 49 games with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL since he was sent to the minors. http://www.winnipegsun.com/2017/04/05/roslovic-comrie-set-to-live-the-dream-with-jets

Roslovic, Comrie set to live the dream with Jets Rookies ready for NHL debuts vs Blue Jackets

BY KEN WIEBE, WINNIPEG SUN

COLUMBUS, OHIO – It's nearly impossible for Jack Roslovic to envision a more picture-perfect scenario.

As the rookie centre gets set to make his NHL debut with the Winnipeg Jets, he'll do so in his hometown, inside the rink he used to visit frequently since his parents were Columbus Blue Jackets season ticket holders.

“Yeah, it's pretty awesome. The stars kind of aligned, I guess. It's going to be fun,” said Roslovic. “It was just of weird the way it worked. It really wasn't on the calendar. Just (focused on) getting better, just waiting for the call to come.”

It's been an interesting calendar year for Roslovic, who left Miami University after a strong freshman season to turn pro in last fall.

The smooth centre has 13 goals and leads the Manitoba Moose with 45 points this season and also won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2017 World Junior Hockey Championship.

But this is going to be the biggest highlight of his young career, living a dream in front of family and friends roughly five to 10 minutes from where he grew up.

What began as simply playing road hockey as a goalie on his neighbours driveway in Bexley eventually became his passion.

“I think a big reason was when the Blue Jackets came to town,” said Roslovic, who was chosen 25th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Jets. “In 2000 there, I was just about ready to go on the ice and went to a couple of games and saw some players and really found a love for it.”

Roslovic isn't the only member of the Jets making his NHL debut on Thursday either, as goalie Eric Comrie is getting the start against the Blue Jackets after being recalled from the Moose on Wednesday morning.

Comrie backstopped the Moose to a victory over the Grand Rapids Griffins on Tuesday night at MTS Centre and received a phone call from Jets assistant general manager Craig Heisinger while he was enjoying a post-game meal with several family members who had flown in for the two games in Winnipeg this week.

“It's a pretty exciting time for myself and my family,” said Comrie, who is 17-25-2 with a 2.98 goals-against average and .906 save percentage with two shutouts in 47 AHL games this season. “It's been a bit of a whirlwind and I'm just excited to get going. I'm really pumped up and looking to get my feet wet.

“(Thursday) will be my 100th pro game, which will be my first NHL game. It's exciting and kind of cool at the same time. Every single day is a new experience and you just get as much experience under your belt as you can. That's what makes you better in the long run.”

Comrie, chosen in the second round (59th overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft by the Jets, said he hasn't even been thinking about a potential recall, but he's eager to get his first taste of NHL action as he nears the end of his second full season as a professional.

“I really wasn't (paying) too much attention to it,” said Comrie, whose brothers Mike and Paul played in the NHL. “I was forced into it by my brothers. They had to take some shots on me when I was younger. I was a little lucky I got to be around NHL players at a very young age. Probably ever since I was 3, 4, 5-years-old, I wanted to be an NHL goalie.”

Maurice said Comrie earned the call-up and subsequent start with his hard work.

“He's had two really good years. Battled hard and played big minutes,” said Maurice. “So that the next time Eric gets into a game (after Thursday), it won't be his first. He's a guy that at his size, he needs to play a few years pro to get the feel of the game. Excellent low coverage, real good positioning in the net and we've known all along – it's not something that we've learned – that he's as high a character a person as we have in the organization. With his compete-level and positive attitude, there should be a payoff for doing all the right things all of the time. But you have to play well and he's played well.”

Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey was thrilled to see his longtime friend Comrie get the opportunity to showcase his talent on the big stage.

“(Comrie) and I go back a long time. We started playing against each other when we were little kids, spring hockey and things like that,” said Morrissey. “We started playing together at the under-16 Canada Games, under-17, world junior, so we've grown up together and then we were drafted by the Jets together, played in the AHL together, so we've kind of gone through the ranks. He's had a great year, he's an awesome goalie and an awesome guy. For me, it's pretty cool to see him come up. He's earned it.” http://www.winnipegsun.com/2017/04/05/five-keys-for-the-jets-to-beat-columbus

Five keys for the Jets to beat Columbus Winnipeg Jets at Columbus Blue Jackets, Nationwide Arena, 6 pm, TV: TSN: TSN1290

BY KEN WIEBE, WINNIPEG SUN

POINT PRODUCTION STILL ON THE RISE The reunited top trio of Mark Scheifele, and Nikolaj Ehlers continues to pile up points, with each of them chipping in a pair in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. Scheifele's career highs are up to 31 goals and 80 points, becoming the first player in Jets 2.0 history to reach that number, while Ehlers' career-highs are up to 25 goals and 64 points. Meanwhile, Wheeler is up to 72 points – just six behind last year's pace when he tied for sixth in the NHL.

LOCAL LAD PROVIDES A LIFT Motivation won't be lacking as Columbus product Jack Roslovic makes his NHL debut inside the rink he developed a passion for hockey. After a strong rookie season in the American Hockey League, the skilled centre will look to make an impact against the team he grew up cheering for.

SPEAKING OF DEBUTS Jets goalie Eric Comrie will also make his NHL debut on Thursday after being recalled from the Manitoba Moose. The second-rounder in 2013 is excited about the prospect of going head-to- head with Vezina candidate Sergei Bobrovsky with plenty of his family members in attendance.

BEWARE OF BLUE JACKETS With the Blue Jackets currently mired in a season-long four-game losing streak, you can be sure they'll be a spirited bunch in this one, especially since they continue to battle for second place in the Metropolitan Division with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Jets are riding a five-game winning streak and have been playing much better since being eliminated from playoff contention. The Jets are 5-8-2 against Metropolitan Division teams, including a 5-3 loss to the Blue Jackets on December 29 at MTS Centre.

ROAD WARRIORS? The Jets are 17-17-6 on the road this season and will try to close out the road portion of the schedule on a high note against a Blue Jackets team that has already set a franchise-best mark with a home record of 28-10-1. The Jets haven't won six consecutive games overall since relocating in 2011, so it won't be an easy task to complete.

The big match-up Jacob Trouba vs Seth Jones

The former defence partners with the U.S. National Development program are both having solid NHL seasons and essentially have taken up the mantle as the top two-way blue-liners on their respective clubs. Whoever has the better game could have a big impact on the outcome of this one.

Columbus Dispatch http://www.dispatch.com/sports/20170405/blue-jackets--columbus-native-with-winnipeg-jets- returns-home-for-nhl-debut

Columbus native with Winnipeg Jets returns home for NHL debut

By Aaron Portzline The Columbus Dispatch

Two years ago, Jack Roslovic became the first Columbus-born player to be drafted in the first round of the NHL draft, going No. 25 overall to the Winnipeg Jets.

On Thursday night, he clears an even bigger hurdle when he’ll become the first Columbus-born kid to play in the NHL.

And that’s only part of the story.

The Blue Jackets will play the Jets at Nationwide Arena, giving Roslovic, 20, the rare treat of making his NHL debut in his hometown, against the club he grew up cheering for and in the arena where he spent uncounted hours as a youth player and fan.

“It’s pretty awesome,” Roslovic said Wednesday after Winnipeg had a brief practice at Nationwide. “The stars kind of aligned. It’s my NHL debut, which is incredible. But it’s my home, too, and that makes it even better.”

Roslovic, who is expected to center the Jets’ fourth line, has had an impressive first pro season, leading Winnipeg’s minor-league affiliate in scoring with 13 goals and 32 assists in 61 games.

“We’ve got a real skilled, excellent, strong-skating center ice man who has made the adjustment from amateur to pro quite well,” Jets coach Paul Maurice said.

But with a glint in his eye, Maurice acknowledged that the timing of Roslovic’s recall was more than coincidental. Maurice and his family lived in central Ohio from 2011 to ’13 while he coached in Russia and waited for the next NHL opportunity.

“I saw the Columbus Blue Jackets (youth) program up close,” Maurice said. “We saw the effort the organization has put into, and for markets like this to start producing players, it’s so important. It’s great for us because we get a great player. For the 5-year-old kids in Columbus to have somebody homegrown to look up to, it’s critical. And this is a great payoff.”

Roslovic’s mother, Jane, has season tickets on the club level. His father, John, has had four seats on the glass of section 104 — right behind the visitors’ bench — since the early years of the franchise, when Jack was just getting up on skates.

“That’s how it started, when the Blue Jackets came to town,” Jack Roslovic said .“I went to some games and really found a love for it.”

His favorite players: “Rick Nash, David Vyborny ... some of the old guys.”

Roslovic counts many of the current Blue Jackets as friends from summer skates and workout programs. He played with Zach Werenski in the U.S. National Team Development Program.

Now, he takes a big leap to meet them at the next level.

Jane Roslovic said more than 100 family and friends from the tightknit Columbus hockey community will attend the game, including Roslovic’s coaches throughout his time with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets program: Dan Cousineau, Todd Ehrie, Perry Ganchar, Gordy Haggard and Dale Jordan.

Ed Gingher, who runs the AAA program, was one of the first people Roslovic called when the Jets told him he was coming up to make his debut.

“Of course you think of all these people when a moment like this happens,” Jane Roslovic said. “That it’s going to happen in our city, where all these people get to witness this ... can you write a better script? I don’t think so.”

Global Winnipeg http://globalnews.ca/news/3357730/manitoba-moose-open-final-homestand-with-a-victory/

Manitoba Moose open final homestand with a victory

By Russ Hobson Sports Anchor/Reporter Global News

WINNIPEG – The Manitoba Moose are already out of the playoff race and they were missing close to half their regular roster, but they were still able to pick up two points as they started their final homestand of the season.

With a heavily depleted lineup due to injuries and call ups to the Winnipeg Jets, the Moose still defeated the Grand Rapids Griffins 3-1 on Tuesday at MTS Centre. The Moose earned their 26th victory of the season to match their win total from all of last season.

Eric Comrie played spectacular in the Moose net and came just 77 seconds away from his third shutout of the season. Comrie made several superb saves in the second and third periods as the Griffins outshot the Moose 30-15 over the final 40 minutes. Comrie finished the night with 35 stops.

Signed to a professional tryout agreement on Monday, newcomer Danick Gauthier scored his first with the Moose in his first game with the club. Scott Kosmachuk gave the Moose a two goal lead in the second period and Francis Beauvillier scored into the empty net. Beauvillier also had an assist for a two point night while Patrice Cormier recorded a pair of assists.

Matt Lorito ruined the shutout with his 21st goal of the season with just 1:17 remaining. Jared Coreau made 24 saves for Grand Rapids. Winnipeg’s Dylan McIlrath had two shots on goal in the loss.

The Moose have just five games remaining in the regular season and will face the Griffins again on Wednesday to complete the consecutive games in back to back nights.

ESPN.com http://insider.espn.com/blog/craig-custance/insider/post?id=9006

Jets top the ranks of teams on no-trade lists

By Craig Custance

The fluidity of this list has been quite interesting. In 2015, we polled NHL agents for the first time to get a sense as to which teams are most consistently listed on the no-trade lists of their clients.

It was a fascinating exercise that revealed the insights of players and what they thought of cities. It also angered everyone in Winnipeg and Edmonton.

So we did it again in 2016. And the lists evolved slightly. A team like Toronto was mentioned often in 2015 as a destination players consistently wanted to avoid.

“Toronto is a difficult place to play. … Way too many people trying to cover the same thing and trying to find a different edge,” said one agent two years ago.

Then he added the caveat: If the Maple Leafs ever got good, they would be like the New York Yankees. Toronto would become a destination city for players.

You can already see it happening. The Maple Leafs were only mentioned on one ballot this year, and chances are that after the season they’ve turned in, they’ll be off completely the list for next year's edition.

We also have a new No. 1 overall! For the first time since this poll began, the Oilers are not the most cited team on no-trade lists.

How it works: We asked nine agents to list the top three teams most often listed on no-trade clauses. It’s an inexact science, since players often have no-trade lists much longer and other players have a list of teams to which they can be traded. So in some cases, it’s an estimate of teams listed most frequently or mentioned most frequently in no-trade conversations.

We awarded teams listed first three points, second two points and third one point to get the point total.

Here are the results: 1. Winnipeg Jets (22 points) 2016: Second place 2015: Second place

After two years of playing second fiddle, the Jets have now moved into the top spot. It’s not like it’s getting worse in Winnipeg, the biggest difference has been the improvement in Edmonton, the team that has occupied the top spot the previous two years.

The Oilers have a new rink, a superstar in Connor McDavid and are now a playoff team. That tends to soften the view from players.

The Jets? They’re going to miss the playoffs again. And while they have a young superstar of their own in Patrik Laine, he may not be the draw McDavid is.

“I don’t think Laine is going to be a magnet for people to be like, ‘Wow, I really want to play with him,'” said one agent.

But this agent, and others, acknowledged all the young talent being accumulated in Winnipeg, providing the hope that it could change their status as a non-destination.

“If you look at their roster, they have some good young players -- Laine, Mark Scheifele, Nik Ehlers. I love Blake Wheeler, Dustin Byfuglien,” he said. “For some reason, it just hasn’t happened there yet.”

The Jets were the first-place team on six of nine ballots.

2. Edmonton Oilers (7 points) 2016: First place 2015: First place

The Oilers are a great example of how winning, or even the opportunity to win, can change everything. When this poll was started two years ago, they were in an outdated arena, and drafting first every year. That has its impact. In 2015, the Oilers received five first-place votes among agents.

“Edmonton is a complete nightmare,” said one in 2015.

This year, the Oilers didn’t receive a single first-place vote. If they go on a run this spring, they may fall off this list completely.

“You have a chance to win,” said one agent. “They’re redoing the entire downtown area. It’s pretty cool there now. You’re still living in Edmonton, it’s hard to get in and out, but now you have the rink, a good team, a chance to win. There’s nothing worse than being in a city that’s freezing cold and you can’t win any games.”

3. New York Islanders (6 points) 2016: Third place 2015: Not listed

The Islanders are your horse charging down the stretch. They could work their way up the list next year if the arena situation isn’t solved and the team continues to miss the playoffs. The Islanders are a virtual lock to replace Edmonton at No. 2 if John Tavares isn’t signed to a contact extension.

“The idea that John Tavares could potentially leave makes them very undesirable until they get their [stuff] together,” said an agent. “Part of the problem is the setup. The players hate the setup there. That gets out.”

Another agent echoed that thought via e-mail: “I don’t think the setup in Brooklyn/Long Island has anyone excited.”

This appears to be a turning point for the Islanders. It’s quite possible they get a new arena deal done and sign Tavares to a long-term deal. They could bring in a new high-profile team president to run things. There appears to be a strong commitment from ownership. If those things happen, the Islanders will disappear from this list.

If Tavares leaves, the arena remains in limbo and it’s status quo in management, it could get ugly.

4. (5 points) 2016: Others receiving votes 2015: Others receiving votes

The Coyotes are creeping up this list after flirting on the fringes of it the past couple years. There’s an easy reason why. The arena situation is once again up in the air. Players like stability. They want to know where they can set up shop in an area, especially guys with families. They don’t want to have to worry at all about relocation.

“A lot of it comes down to lifestyle,” said an agent.

The Coyotes would actually become a destination if they could ever get their arena in the right spot and start winning consistently. Players like it there. Players like Radim Vrbata and Antoine Vermette have left and returned. It’s just the instability that is unattractive to those outside of Arizona.

One agent said he’s starting to make the rounds with his clients to see how they feel about another team in the desert: Las Vegas. The no-trade lists for next year on many players are due in June or July, so Vegas is a team that could end up on this list if there’s resistance to joining an expansion team.

“I think there are some guys who would love to play there and some guys who would never want to play there,” said the agent of Vegas.

5. Florida Panthers (3.5 points) 2016: Not listed 2015: Others receiving votes

The Panthers should have no issues dropping off this list. It’s a great place to live. It’s tax- friendly. There’s an owner with money. Florida was able to sign prominent free agents.

And yet, here they are.

The biggest concern? Florida is developing a reputation as a franchise too often operating in chaos. Dale Tallon loses power. He gains it back. Gerard Gallant is fired after leading the team to one of its best seasons in franchise history. Players notice this kind of stuff.

“Florida has confused everyone with some of the on- and off-ice moves,” wrote one agent in an e-mail.

That was the nice way to put it. Then there was this opinion from an agent: “The weather is nice in Florida, but what a f---ing gong show.”

Others receiving votes: Buffalo Sabres (3 points) Colorado Avalanche (“Colorado will show up on lists because it’s a s---show there.”) Columbus Blue Jackets Ottawa Senators Toronto Maples Leafs Calgary Flames www.winnipegjets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/roslovic-to-make-nhl-debut-in-his-hometown/c-288470046

Roslovic to make NHL debut in his hometown 2015 first rounder has connections to Columbus organization by Mitchell Clinton @MClinton007 / WinnipegJets.com

COLUMBUS, OH - While it was considered a possibility since his recall from the Manitoba Moose on Monday, Jack Roslovic's NHL dream will now become a reality.

"Paul (Maurice) just said, 'you're in,'" Roslovic said. "I'm really excited. Being home, it makes it even better."

The story couldn't be more fitting. The 20-year-old Roslovic was born in Columbus, Ohio, and will make his NHL debut tomorrow night against the Blue Jackets, the very team he credits with sparking his interest in the game.

"I went to a couple games and saw some players, and I found a love for it," said Roslovic after today's 25-minute practice.

While many of Roslovic's early memories of the game revolve around former Blue Jackets like Rick Nash and David Vyborny, the 2015 first round pick has connections with the current roster in Columbus as well. One of those is Zach Werenski, who Roslovic played with in 2013-2014 with the U.S.A National U17 team.

The 2015 first round pick started skating only a 25-minute drive from Nationwide Arena when he was four-years-old.

"My neighbours had a big pavement, shaped in a hockey rink drive way. I started up playing road hockey and learned the game, the ins and outs of game," said Roslovic. "I played goalie being the young guy. Just learning that way, I stepped on the ice around four. I just soaked it all in."

Head coach Paul Maurice said Roslovic has earned this opportunity. In 61 games with the Manitoba Moose, the young centre has 13 goals and 45 points - impressive numbers for a player in his first season as a professional.

"We've got a real skilled, excellent, strong skating centre ice man that's made the adjustment from amateur to pro quite well," said Maurice. "A lot of our young players that come in that skate really well, skate all the time, constantly. They need at times not to. Starting and stopping, and all the hard things that have to happen in a game, he's made great improvement in that area."

Maurice and his family lived in the Columbus area prior to the move to Winnipeg. He said seeing a home-grown player like Roslovic make it to the NHL level can have a big impact on minor hockey players trying to follow the same path.

"As a father who was part of that here, saw the Columbus Blue Jacket program, and actually coached with the Columbus Blue Jacket special hockey team - and my kids did as well - I think they do a wonderful job with their kids in the younger program here," said Maurice.

"To start being able to produce players is so important, for us because we get a great player, but for the five-year-old kid in Columbus area to have somebody that's home grown to look up to. It's a great pay off."

Roslovic's parents are still season ticket holders in Columbus. So while those two tickets can be crossed off the list, Roslovic says he's still determining how many more family members he'll have in the crowd.

"There's a lot," he said with a smile. "I'm not too sure the number, but we'll get there." https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/postgame--paul-maurice/t-277437442/c-51126803

Comrie excited, thankful for NHL opportunity Twenty-one-year-old to start in goal Thursday vs. Blue Jackets by Ryan Dittrick @ryandittrick / WinnipegJets.com

COLUMBUS, OH - Eric Comrie was practically running on empty, but the adrenaline kick from a late-night phone call was more than enough to keep him in high spirits at his first NHL skate some 12 hours later.

Comrie was enjoying a post-game meal with his sister and her three kids when the phone rang. It was Assistant General Manager Craig Heisinger, who told the 21-year-old to pack his bags and that he was off to Columbus, where the Jets had just arrived to play their final road game of the 2016-17 season.

"It was their first time watching me, so it was pretty exciting having them there when I got the news," Comrie said.

After a mad dash home to gather his things and get a few hours rest after making 35 saves in a 3-1 Moose victory earlier that night, the 4:45am alarm sounded.

His dream was about to take flight.

Literally.

Comrie arrived in time for the 2:00pm practice at Nationwide Arena, looking right at home in the blue paint as Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, Patrik Laine and others put him to work.

"I instantly called my family, got home, packed up, got to bed around 2:00am, up at 4:45, flew here and practiced," he said, still winded from the brief practice. "I'm pretty excited."

Best of all? He'll have his brother, former NHL player Mike, as well as a number of other family members on hand to share in this, a dream come true.

(His older brother Paul, who also played in the NHL, might not be able to make it in time.)

Eric learned a lot from his two brothers growing up and is grateful for their guidance, love and support over the years to help him get to this point.

"They worked so hard every single day, and were so committed to the game and to getting better," Eric said. "That was always the biggest thing I saw and it really instilled a passion in myself and a drive to get better every day."

Comrie admits that, especially this late in the year, he wasn't overly concerned about whether or not he'd a shot in the final few games. But now that it's happened, he plans to make the most of it.

"I wasn't paying too much attention to it," he said. "I was watching their games and I knew they were playing well, but for myself I just focusing on my play down there and trying to get better for the Moose."

Comrie has been a workhorse in each of the past two years with the Moose, appearing in 94 of Manitoba's 147 regular-season games, including 29 of the past 35.

In 48 games this season, Comrie has a 17-25-2 record, along with a 2.98 goals-against average, a .906 save percentage and two shutouts. He has also faced 1,443 shots, which is the second-most in the AHL.

"He's had two really good years, has battled hard and played big minutes," said Head Coach Paul Maurice. "He's a guy that at his size needs to play a couple years pro to get a feel for the game. He has excellent low coverage and real good positioning in the net, and we've known all along that he's has high a character a person as we have in our organization. His compete level, his positive attitude - there should be a payoff for doing the right things all the right. But, you have to play well and he's played well."

Comrie's debut will be his 100th pro game, with the 99 before it coming with the Moose and St. John's IceCaps over the past few years.

"I was very fortunate last year to play a lot of games. But it's the same thing this year as it was last year. Every day is a new experience and if you can get as much (experience) as you can, it makes you better in the long run."

Comrie was drafted in the second round, 59th overall, in the 2013 NHL Draft after spending four seasons in the WHL with the Tri-City Americans, where he led the league with a .925 save percentage in 2013-14.

"He's getting pretty much the same speech," Maurice said. "It's a bit of a different animal in that you can make a mistake up front [as a forward] and no one's going to call you on it, but everyone points at you if you do there. We'll tell him to relax and enjoy it."

"You've got to treat it like any other game," added Comrie. "I've been preparing for this moment my whole life. … I'm just going to enjoy it. I'm going to stick to what I've known my whole life and hopefully it works out." https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/practice--jack-roslovic/t-277437442/c-51146003

PRACTICE | Jack Roslovic

Jack Roslovic talks about getting into his first NHL game on Thursday in his hometown of Columbus https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/practice--eric-comrie/t-277437442/c-51145903

POSTGAME | Patrik Laine

Patrik Laine's comments following a 5-2 win over the Blues https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/postgame--blake-wheeler/t-277437442/c-51125803

PRACTICE | Eric Comrie

Eric Comrie talks about being called up and getting the start on Thursday against the Blue Jackets https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/practice--paul-maurice/t-277437442/c-51146103

PRACTICE | Paul Maurice

Head coach Paul Maurice talks about Jack Roslovic and Eric Comrie making their NHL debuts tomorrow vs. Columbus