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Home , Bryan Little, Centre (ice hockey), Defenceman, Dennis Beyak, Goaltender, Jacob Trouba

Winnipeg Free Press https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/tsn-rotating-seasoned-vets-while- searching-for-permanent-jets-tv-analyst-444690653.html

Trouba not troubled by distractions focused on upcoming season, not contract negotiations

By: Mike Sawatzky and Jason Bell

Winnipeg Jets' , of the United States, skates during speed trials on the second day of the Jets training camp on Friday.

Jacob Trouba is normally reticent to talk about contract issues and that didn’t change Friday.

The 23-year-old defenceman, who’s in the final year of a two-year deal that will pay him US$2.8125 million in 2017-18, was asked Friday if there had been any off-season progress in talks about an extension with the .

"Briefly. Nothing really came out of it," Trouba, who missed 15 games during a contract stalement with the club last season, said on Day 1 of the NHL club’s training camp at the Iceplex. "I’m focused on the season and I’ve never really been one to talk about it during the year. For me, just worry about it next summer and go play some hockey."

Trouba was also asked if he had tweaked his summer training program.

"Depends on what I want to tell you… I guess I did a little bit different training-wise over the summer," Trouba said. "A little less with the weights and trying to put on weight and a little more agility and that kind of stuff. More quickness, hopefully that translates onto the ice pretty well. I did some Pilates this summer, which was interesting for me. It was helpful and hopefully it will help me."

Trouba explained where he thought his game progressed the most.

"Decision making was a little bit better," Trouba said. "It’s not something you see on score sheets, but it’s something that makes a difference in a lot of games. It’s something I still need to work on. There are those times when you still have mental lapses and the more you can get that out of your game, the better off the team will be."

Clean bill of health The Jets had their medicals Thursday and then spent Friday morning enduring the monotony of on-ice fitness testing.

Winnipeg head coach Paul Maurice confirmed he’ll be pushing a healthy bunch through its paces when players hit the ice Saturday for the first real workouts of the nearly three-week training camp, which includes seven pre-season games.

And, he noted, the guys who get paid to play have arrived in town in shape — for the most part.

"We test speed and endurance. What you’re looking for is the returning players to be where they’re at or better. We have a handful of guys that we would consider their fitness elite, so there’s not going to be a lot of room to improve," he said.

"There will be a bunch of guys that we’re looking to get better, and then a baseline for the new guys."

A pair of veteran defenceman who battled injuries last season, Tyler Myers and Toby Enstrom, are cleared for contact, as is rookie blue-liner Tucker Poolman who had off-season surgery on both shoulders.

Maurice said he’ll gradually work all three into the lineup as the pre-season progresses.

"We’ll probably hold (them) out of the first . There’s only a few of them, just to give them a few more practices to make sure they’re right," he said.

"They’re going full-on in the first practice. We’re not holding anyone back."

Jan Kostalek, who played 60 games on the blue last season, and young defenceman Luke Green, a 2016 third-round draft pick, are nursing injuries and won’t participate in Saturday’s on-ice sessions (9 a.m. and noon).

The club’s fourth annual Fan Fest goes Saturday at the Iceplex, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Winnipeg’s first pre-season test is slated for Monday when the vist BellMTS Place. Game time is 7 p.m.

TSN fills analyst vacancy TSN is reaching into its deep roster of on-air talent to fill the role of analyst on Jets broadcasts, left vacant by the recent departure of Shane Hnidy.

Veteran broadcasters , Dave Poulin and Jamie McLellan, all former NHLers, will each work between five and 10 of TSN3’s 60 regular-season Jets games in 2017-18. CBC and will carry the remaining 22 games. Last month Hnidy was hired as a television analyst for broadcasts of , the NHL’s newest team.

"It’s been an interesting challenge trying to replace Shane," said TSN’s vice-president and executive producer of live events Paul Graham Friday morning. "Shane was a tremendous part of our telecasts and well liked and respected from everyone, the fans, the Jets and his peers."

The Vancouver-based Ferraro and the Ontario-based Poulin and McLellan, all of whom have additional responsibilities with TSN, are not viewed as long-term replacements for Hnidy.

"In the meantime, we’re going to audition a few guys during the pre-season and potentially some more during the course of the season," Graham said. "And ultimately, at some point during the season, we’ll decide on one or two who we think we want to move with — outside of Ray, Jamie and Dave."

Graham said three former pro players with varying amounts of broadcasting experience will have an opportunity to audition during the upcoming pre-season.

Nick Boynton, who has worked on broadcasts; Dave Thomlinson, who has been employed in Vancouver radio and helped out on TSN’s world hockey championship broadcasts; and Kevin Sawyer, who has served on Shaw TV’s shows, will team up for two games each with play-by-play man Dennis Beyak.

Former NHL , a more recent fixture on Jets radio pre- and post-game shows, will also get a chance to work with Beyak on some Jets TV broadcasts during the regular season. Graham said other candidates may also eventually figure into the mix.

Mike Johnson, who once worked on Jets telecasts and recently returned to the TSN stable, will not be part of the Winnipeg broadcasts.

Hnidy, a 41-year-old Neepawa native, had been a part of the Jets radio and television broadcasts on TSN 1290 and TSN3 since the franchise relocated from Atlanta for the start of the 2011-12 NHL season. He became the Jets’ full-time TV analyst in 2014.

There are four years remaining on TSN-Jets television deal. https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/confidence-crisis-in-columbus-had-steve-mason- thinking-about-calling-it-quits-444719493.html

Confidence crisis in Columbus had thinking about calling it quits

By: Mike Sawatzky

In his darkest hour, Steve Mason thought about getting out of the game — for good.

It was the middle of the 2012-13 season and the goaltender, four years removed from his sensational Calder Trophy-winning rookie season, had bottomed out as an NHLer. His numbers were poor (2.95 goals-against average, .899 percentage) and his confidence was .

In a desperate move, he was dealt to the for goalender and a third-round draft pick.

"If that trade didn't happen — that was the last year of my contract in Columbus and I was done," recalled Mason following on-ice testing on Day 1 of Winnipeg Jets training camp Friday morning. "I didn't enjoy hockey anymore and was at the point where it was more of a burden than a passion. The passion wasn't there. That trade deadline happened and my agent called and said, 'Philly is looking to make a push for you. Are you interested in going?' I said, 'Let's give it one last shot.' And now we're six years later, so it was good that it happened."

Mason remembers his crisis of confidence vividly.

"It was awful. You're just not happy with any aspect in life. You're almost depressed — you are depressed," he said. "And being a young goaltender, somebody who is used to playing well. You don't have your family around. That's difficult. There was a lot of phone calls to my parents after games that were more venting than anything. A large portion of still playing is due to the fact that I have such a strong support system back home with my family. It was one of the hard things that I had to go through, but I'm glad that I did because it's made me the person and the goaltender that I am now."

In Philadelphia, Mason rebuilt his confidence and his game. Relying on the friendship of teammates like Wayne Simmonds, and , he also clicked with Flyers goaltending coach .

"He helped simplify my game," said Mason of Reese. "Helped calm it down and add more structure to it. As a young goaltender, that's something a lot of young don't have is that structure, that calmness to it. I think that's helped me along the way here. There was a of people in Philly that were big roles in keeping the career going."

Four mostly successful seasons followed in Philly, but change is constant in the NHL and the 29-year-old Oakville, Ont., product was eventually due for a change, too.

Mason, who agreed to a two-year, US$8.2-million contract with the Jets on July 1, put in some extra research before deciding to sign with Winnipeg. And not all of it was about who he would be playing with.

"So far it’s been great," said Mason. "I think the roster speaks for itself. There’s lots to be excited for about up front. Mainly the research was about the climate. What’s living in Winnipeg gonna be like? So far, so good. Like I was saying, the guys here have been great. Right from Day 1, been here for two weeks now and feel comfortable. It’s the most important thing going into camp, feeling good about yourself and feeling comfortable in your situation...

"I’ve got a good group of friends back home (in Ontario), a couple of them actually grew up out here, so they brought me over after July 1 and kinda gave me the lay of the land here, for what to expect. They spoke real highly of Winnipeg, so I’m looking forward to getting the season started and seeing what the climate’s all about. I’ve got a big truck here, so I should be set."

Jets head coach Paul Maurice did some research, too, consulting with Pete DeBoer, a close friend. DeBoer, currently head coach of the San Sharks, was Mason's bench boss with the 's Kitchener Rangers.

"It’s such a difficult thing to have great, great success early on and then have it go away from you," said Maurice. "When you have no pro experience and everything is new for you, you’re in a man’s locker room. It’s a completely different game. It’s not a complaint but the media becomes more ruthless. This is a capitalist sport and it’s a performance business, so it’s very difficult as a young player to deal with that. There is more a position in the game that’s a confidence position, and you can lose that real quick. You’ve seen so many young goaltenders who’ll put that year up and then their out of the league, they disappear. Now I look at it as a huge benefit in that he’s been through that and he can handle that. There are no straight great seasons for any goaltender."

Mason is a thoughtful conversationalist, something that was on full display during a lengthy session with reporters at the Iceplex Friday. He spoke frankly about adjusting to his new teammates.

"For myself, it’s just to kinda figure out what it’s like to play with these guys," he said. "It’ll be the first time for me. My first exhibition’s gonna be the first time playing behind them. I get to know guys tendencies. Things aren’t always going to go smoothly but it’s a matter of how you handle those bumps in the road. Training camp is, for me in particular, coming into a new team, trying to smooth out the kinks that we have. Make sure that once we play the () Maple Leafs on opening night that there are no kinks and we’re all on the same page in terms of communication – who’s blocking what lanes, what’s my role in terms of taking the shooter as opposed to worrying about back door sometimes? So, lots to go over but that’s what training camp’s for."

Mentor Mason had a bumpy ride in his first full season as an NHL goaltender and Steve Mason feels he can relate. Mason hopes he can be a mentor to his new teammate.

"It's a matter of finding your feet again," said Mason. "You come in and have success. You think it's, in a sense, going to be easier that it actually is. But for me it took a little while to figure that out. I never had that older goaltender ahead of me to help me along the way, and looking back on that, that's something I wish I had. Now I'm in a position where I am the old guy, I guess. It's amazing how quickly time goes by. But I think the way that my career has gone, coming out and having the success early and then struggling for a couple years, and then finally finding myself again, it has made me a better goaltender. It has put me in a position now where Connor has experienced some of the same things and I can help him along the way."

Mason, who is essentially taking Hellebuyck's No. 1 job, was quick reach out and establish a rapport.

"Connor and I have gotten to know each other over the last two weeks here," said Mason. "My family didn’t arrive until this morning so I’ve had spare time on my hands (and) I’ve take the opportunity to hang out a few times, go for dinner, watch some football… The important thing is getting a friendship going and then the on-ice stuff takes care of itself.

"We’re both in a position where we want to play, want to get better. I see a lot of potential in him and hopefully I can help him realize that potential as well. I think I’ve gone through a lot in my career that he’s starting to experience. The NHL is by no means an easy league to play in, especially as a goaltender in a Canadian market where they expect so much of you. I’m looking forward to working with him, helping him get better and in return, have him push me. It’ll be a good situation."

— Sawatzky

Winnipeg Sun http://www.winnipegsun.com/2017/09/15/jets-goalie-mason-embraces-pressure

Jets goalie Mason embraces pressure Winnipeg's new No. 1 recognizes responsibility ahead of him

BY KEN WIEBE, WINNIPEG SUN

Steve Mason has overcome a few demons during his NHL career and is ready for his next test – to try and win over the Winnipeg Jets fan base after signing a two-year deal on July 1.

Mason, who is heading into his 10th NHL campaign, knows a thing or two about playing in a goalie graveyard after spending parts of the past five seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers.

“I think pressure’s a good thing. It wouldn’t be fun to come to the rink with no expectations,” said Mason, whose contract carries an average annual value of $4.1 million. “With the position the team’s in, ready to take the next step, I’m excited to be here and helping that process.

“I’m excited to come and hopefully win them over fairly quickly, so I think there’s a large responsibility that comes with being a goaltender in a Canadian market, a No. 1 goaltender, and I’m ready to take it on. Playing in Philadelphia, they have a very demanding fan base, just as the Jets have here. Nothing that I haven’t experienced before.”

Mason burst onto the scene with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2008-09, posting 10 while winning the Calder Trophy and leading the franchise to a first playoff appearance.

Having that early success proved to be a bit of a burden for Mason, a case of too much, too soon, if you will.

By his fourth season, he was relegated to a backup role behind and he was basically ready to retire at the end of his contract.

As it turned out, the Flyers expressed interest and pulled the trigger on a trade, giving Mason new life in the NHL.

“If that trade didn't happen — that was the last year of my contract in Columbus, and I was done,” said Mason. “I didn't enjoy hockey anymore and was at the point where it was more of a burden than a passion. The passion wasn't there. That trade deadline happened and my agent called and said, 'Philly is looking to make a push for you. Are you interested in going?' I said, 'Let's give it one last shot.' And now we're six years later, so it was good that it happened.

“It was awful. You're just not happy with any aspect in life. You're almost depressed — you are depressed. And being a young goaltender, somebody who is used to playing well, you don't have your family around. That's difficult. There (were) a lot of phone calls to my parents after games that were more venting than anything. A large portion of still playing is due to the fact that I have such a strong support system back home with my family. It was one of the hard things that I had to go through, but I'm glad that I did because it's made me the person and the goaltender that I am now.”

Mason returned to form with the Flyers and believes his best days are ahead of him.

“When you have that new lease on life you want to make the most of it. And here we are. I'm comfortable with where my game is at. I'm happy with where my game is at,” said Mason. “I still believe it's growing, just like I feel like any good athlete does. You never stop learning. I'm in a position now where I have a new, fresh start here as well and I'm really looking forward to it."

The Jets have only made the playoffs once in six seasons and not coincidently, it was the only season the Jets goaltending numbers were above average.

The Jets’ defensive woes have been well-documented, but getting a few more saves is part of the solution and having the experience of being a playoff-tested goalie was one of the reasons Mason was brought on board.

“All experience is valuable when you can face something for the second time, you’re stronger with it and you can anticipate it,” said Jets head coach Paul Maurice. “We’re going to do what we can to give both our goaltenders a little easier night than we gave them some nights. We have full faith and confidence they’re going to do some things, they’re going to win us some games.

“And we need that as well, like every team does. Having been around the track a few times helps in that position.”

Maurice has publicly declared it an open competition between Mason and incumbent Connor Hellebuyck, but it would be surprising if the veteran wasn’t the guy carrying the bulk of load once the regular season begins.

That doesn’t mean Hellebuyck is being cast aside, but he’ll be thrust into the backup role while being asked to continue his development.

Mason isn’t taking anything for granted.

“I've got no real expectations other than the fact that if you play well you'll be given the net,” said Mason. “I don't want to put a number on anything, but I really enjoy playing a lot. I think that's when goaltenders, as a whole, play their best hockey is when they're kind of just given that green light to go. “But at the same time you've got to earn that green light and that process starts (Saturday) morning.”

Mason ready to mentor Hellebuyck Steve Mason has a hard time believing he’s now at the stage of his career where he’s the older guy.

But the new No. 1 goalie with the Winnipeg Jets has no issues whatsoever when it comes to playing the role of mentor to Connor Hellebuyck, who carried the mail last season.

“Connor and I have gotten to know each other over the last two weeks here. My family didn’t arrive until this morning so I’ve had spare time on my hands so I’ve take the opportunity to hang out a few times, go for dinner, watch some football,” said Mason, who met the media on Friday as the Jets completed on-ice testing. “The important thing is getting a friendship going and then the on-ice stuff takes care of itself. We’re both in a position where we want to play, want to get better. I see a lot of potential in him and hopefully I can help him realize that potential as well.

“I think I’ve gone through a lot in my career that he’s starting to experience. The NHL is by no means an easy league to play in, especially as a goaltender in a Canadian market where they expect so much of you. I’m looking forward to working with him, helping him get better and in return, have him push me. It’ll be a good situation.” http://www.winnipegsun.com/2017/09/15/trouba-just-wants-to-play

Trouba just wants to play

BY KEN WIEBE, WINNIPEG SUN

Jacob Trouba is in a much different place than he was last September, both literally and figuratively.

The Winnipeg Jets defenceman is coming off his best NHL season and excited about what lies ahead.

Unlike last fall, Trouba’s immediate future isn’t in doubt and he won’t be back home in Michigan when the games start in October.

His trade request has been rescinded, he’s happy playing the right side and the sole focus is on 2017-18.

“Last year, that part wasn’t fun. But I felt it was important,” said Trouba, who had eight goals and 33 points in 60 games last season. “I’m happy to be here now and happy to be at training camp. It’s fun to show up here every day and be around your friends and your teammates. Share some laughs, some memories. It’s definitely something I enjoy.”

After seeing veteran Bryan Little sign a six-year contract extension on Thursday, the attention of the fan base turns naturally to Trouba – who is entering the final year of the two- year, $6 million bridge deal he signed on November 7.

While one can understand why Jets fans – and even management – would probably breathe easier if Trouba had signed an extension, it’s even easier to see why one hasn’t gotten done yet.

Trouba has made no bones about wanting to be a No. 1 defenceman one day and he’d like to be paid like one as well.

Upon his return last fall, Jets head coach Paul Maurice leaned heavily on Trouba, as only averaged more ice time.

There were even games when Trouba played more, so his place in the pecking order is no longer a question – even with the return of Tyler Myers to full health.

“It was something I knew I was capable of doing. It’s not one season that’s going to change it,” said Trouba, who missed the first 15 games of the season due to the contract stalemate. “In this league, you’ve got to keep proving yourself. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to do that.”

Trouba said there were some brief discussions regarding a contract extension in the summer, but nothing came from them – which isn’t cause for concern just yet.

“I’m focused on the season and I’ve never really been one to talk about it during the year,” said Trouba. “For me, just worry about it next summer and go play some hockey.”

If Trouba plays as well this season as he did last season and perhaps comes up with his first 40-plus point season, finding a number for both term and dollar might not be as difficult as some are predicting.

Trouba saw growth in his game but is the first to admit he’s got plenty of room to improve.

“Decision making was a little bit better. It’s not something you see on score sheets, but it’s something that makes a difference in a lot of games,” said Trouba. “It’s something I still need to work on. There are those times when you still have mental lapses and the more you can get that out of your game, the better off the team will be.”

Trouba is encouraged by the defence corps the Jets have assembled for the coming season.

“It’s a good one. If we pick our spots to play offence and we focus on playing defence, that’s going to be our big thing,” said Trouba, who was chosen ninth overall in the 2012 NHL Draft. “We’ve got a lot of guys that can play offence and like to play offence but we know our downfall last year was defence and we are defencemen, so that should be our priority.”

SEAL OF APPROVAL Jets centre added his seal of approval to the Jets locking up Little to a contract extension.

“Awesome. Bryan’s an unbelievable player for our team,” said Scheifele, who is entering the second year of the eight-year pact he signed in the summer of 2016. “He does so much that people don’t see. The simple plays that he makes, he’s so consistent, I think. It’s huge for the team. It’s huge for me. That healthy competition between us, we both want to be the best, we both want to play big minutes for this team, and I think it pushes us both to be the best that we can be.”

BATTLES AHEAD There will be plenty of jockeying for position on the Jets’ fourth line during training camp and the pre-season and Jets head coach Paul Maurice gave a glimpse of what he’ll be looking for in that fight.

“You have to fill a role here now, as much as be the better player,” said Maurice. “The debate on whether skill puts you over the top as the better player, I won’t fight that, but I will say that the roles matter.

“I’d like to have those players (on the fourth line) really be in charge of that PK (-killing) unit to get them some ice time there.”

During the past several seasons, the Jets haven’t played their fourth line enough and that’s something Maurice is hoping to change.

Depending on how things shake down on the third line, among those competing for ice time on the fourth unit are: Andrew Copp, Nic Petan, Shawn Matthias, Marko Dano, Matt Hendricks, Michael Sgarbossa, Brandon Tanev and .

There’s a good chance the Jets could open the season with two goalies, seven defencemen and 14 forwards.

AROUND THE GLASS With Monday’s first of seven pre-season games just around the corner, Maurice said he expected goalies Steve Mason and Connor Hellebuyck to see “close to” three games each…The Jets announced that 60 of the 82 regular season games and six of the seven pre- season tilts will be shown regionally on TSN3 and TSN GO. That leaves 22 games for CBC Hockey Night and Canada and Rogers Sportsnet…Former Jets forward prospect Scott Kosmachuk signed an contract with the earlier this week. Kosmachuk, chosen by the Jets in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft, became an unrestricted free agent when the Jets failed to present him with a qualifying offer.

Global Winnipeg http://globalnews.ca/news/3749039/winnipeg-jets-goalie-steve-mason-had-to-go-to-some-pretty- dark-places-to-get-his-game-back/

Winnipeg Jets goalie Steve Mason had to ‘go to some pretty dark places’ to get his game back

By Russ Hobson Sports Anchor/Reporter

WINNIPEG – Hockey season has officially arrived.

The Winnipeg Jets’ hopefuls, even a slimmer and trimmer looking Dustin Byfuglien were put through the paces with on-ice testing on the opening day of training camp. And for this maturing Jets’ roster it’s playoffs or bust this season.

“We have to make the playoffs this year.” Jets forward Mark Scheifele said.

“I think we have a team that has the capabilities to do big things this year. I think it’s got to be on everyone’s mind. We can’t be complacent. We can’t be satisfied with just being good every other game.”

The two biggest impact players they brought in to get them over the hump are defenseman Dmitry Kulikov and goalie Steve Mason. Mason joined the Jets after playing parts of the last five seasons in Philadelphia so the 29-year-old understands the pressure of being a number one goalie in this market.

“I think there’s lots of similarities.” Mason said. “I think pressure is a good thing. It wouldn’t be fun to come to the rink with no expectations.”

This is a rejuvenated Mason who not only lost his confidence but also lost his love of the game while playing with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Mason had to lean on his family, often venting over the phone as he tried to get his game back.

“Go to some pretty dark places really.” said Mason. “I was young. I was used to having success as a goaltender in the Ontario Hockey League and then in my first year, and really struggling to find that confidence.”

Mason admitted he was depressed after a couple rough seasons in Columbus and he was close to giving it all up until he was traded.

“I was done.” Mason said. “Didn’t enjoy hockey anymore and it was at the point where it was more of a burden than a passion.” “I was ready to hang up the pads and focus on other ventures in life but a trade happened and there’s a new lease on life.”

Mason and the rest of the Jets will have their first real skate on Saturday and then after just two days of practice the Jets will play their first exhibition game on Monday against the Minnesota Wild. http://globalnews.ca/news/3747491/a-family-fun-filled-day-at-the-fourth-annual-winnipeg-jets- fan-fest/

A family-fun filled day at the fourth annual Winnipeg Jets Fan Fest

By Global News

Every year, the Winnipeg Jets Fan Fest kicks off the new hockey season.

Thousands of Winnipeggers are expected to descend on the Bell MTS Iceplex on Saturday, Sept. 16 to take part in the free family-fun activities. This year, the entire event is moving inside the complex, which is good news for those who are worried about rain in the forecast. Fan Fest takes over two ice rinks with plenty of things to see and do throughout the event.

Two on-ice training camp sessions are featured this year, at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Admission is free, but seats are limited to a first come, first served basis. Fans will be able to catch an inside look at how their favourite players train.

Throughout the day, a Q&A will be conducted on the main Fan Fest stage with select Winnipeg Jets and Moose coaches, management, and players. A second stage gives fans the opportunity to snag autographs with current Moose Players, and Jets WHA and NHL alumni.

New this year are two breakout sessions that allow fans a sneak peek at how the video production teams put together stories for the scoreboard. Focus Fitness trainers also give details on how players maintain their strict training regimen and diet.

There will also be plenty of fun for the kids with inflatable bouncers and a special fun zone with Mick E. Moose in the Ice Lab. Jets Gear will be available to purchase on site featuring new Adidas pro jerseys and Fanatics Breakaway jerseys available to the public for the first time.

Free parking is available throughout the day to the north of the Bell MTS Iceplex in the adjacent Assiniboia Downs lot.

You can visit their website for the full schedule breakdown.

NHL Network https://www.nhl.com/video/nhl-tonight-bryan-little/t-277774708/c-52679103

NHL Tonight: Bryan Little

Bryan Little phones in to NHL Tonight to talk about his 6-Year $31.75M contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets https://www.nhl.com/video/nhl-tonight-jets-discussion/t-277774708/c-52679503

NHL Tonight: Jets Discussion

The NHL Tonight crew breaks down the current status of the Jets and chat about the 2017-18 season outlook

NHL.com https://www.nhl.com/news/patrik-laine-focused-on-helping-winnipeg-jets-makes-playoffs/c- 291087762?tid=277548856

Laine: Only reaching playoffs will make me happy Jets forward, entering second NHL season, says individual success 'doesn't matter' by Tim Campbell @TimNHL / NHL.com Staff Writer

WINNIPEG -- will only be happy this season if the Winnipeg Jets qualify for the Playoffs.

"It doesn't matter if I'm going to score 50 goals, if the team is not going to make the playoffs and I score 50 goals, I'm not happy," the right wing said at the opening of training camp Friday. "If I'm going to score 10 goals and the team makes the playoffs, of course I will be excited. I'll be thrilled. That's what I think."

Laine had 64 points (36 goals, 28 assists) in 73 games as a rookie last season. He finished second to center in scoring among rookies and in voting for the Calder Trophy, given to the NHL rookie of the year.

However, the Jets missed the playoffs, finishing seven points behind the for the second wild card from the Western Conference.

The 19-year-old said his second NHL season undoubtedly will bring more attention from opponents.

"I guess everybody knows me and what I can do," Laine said. "I just need to be better. The opponents will be next to me always and during the power play they will kind of be standing next to me kind of like they do with Ovi ( left wing Alex Ovechkin). So I will need to find more space and try to do some new tricks on the ice so I can get that space and maybe a couple of goals."

Center Mark Scheifele does not believe such attention will deter Laine.

"It's just what you have to deal with when you're as good as he is," Scheifele said. "I think he's a guy who's handled it really well. He handled it last year and he's a legend over in Finland so he dealt with it playing [professionally] over there.

"I think we have a good support system around him to help him through those times, but he's got a good head on his shoulders, and I think that extra attention and extra pressure is just going to help him thrive and be extra motivated to do as well as he can."

Laine did not fade offensively when opponents focused on him more as last season went on. He scored 21 goals in 41 games in the first half, and 15 goals in 32 games in the second half, when he missed nine games (eight because of a concussion, one with an illness).

"How he sees guys on the ice, that's great vision," forward Mathieu Perreault said. "He's not just a shooter. He's got the whole package.

"You just have to be a special player to do that. It's a gift. It's not something you really work on, that you show up at 18 and do that. He's a really smart guy and that helps him a lot, and being a big guy … his size helps him. Being 6-foot-5 is always an advantage in most sports. He's an overall great player."

Laine, the No. 2 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, wasn't on the ice much during training this offseason, most of which was spent at home in Tampere, Finland. He said he skated six or seven times before returning to Winnipeg for training camp.

"From May to June, I didn't go on the ice," Laine said. "I wanted to get a break and be excited to go on the ice again after the summer. I did work out a lot and played a lot of golf, tried to get relaxed."

He said the for his daily gym time was improving his strength and his quickness.

"I spent a lot of time in the gym trying to be stronger and a lot of sprints and not a lot of cardio running, just the sprints," he said. "I'm trying to get faster. I think that was my main focus for the summer." http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/the-next-step-patrik-laine~1208489

The Next Step: Patrik Laine

Craig Button explains that despite Patrik Laine's lethal release and ability to find and take open ice, he can still improve and refine certain parts of his game. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/jets-could-experiment-with-loaded-top-line~1209037

Jets could experiment with loaded top line

Despite scoring 36 goals last season, what does Patrik Laine need to improve upon? explains, while Pierre LeBrun says the Jets might experiment with Mark Scheifele, Patrik Laine and Blake Wheeler as their top line.

NHL.com https://www.nhl.com/news/bryan-little-agrees-to-six-year-extension-with-winnipeg/c-291049254

Little agrees to six-year extension with Jets Forward gets contract worth $5.291 million annually

By NHL.com @NHL

Forward Bryan Little agreed to a six-year, $31.746 million contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. The contract has an average annual value of $5.291 million and runs through 2023-24.

"The one thing I said was I wanted to sign a longer-term deal," Little said. "I wanted that stability. I knew I could play a lot longer and I wanted to stay in Winnipeg for a long time. The term is kind of big for me. I wanted to be here for a while and be secure. Luckily they were offering that right away so it worked out."

Little is entering the final season of a five-year contract that has an average annual value of $4.7 million.

The 29-year-old has spent his entire 10-season NHL career with the /Jets franchise and said he had no interest in leaving now that things are starting to get good.

"I've been with this franchise a long time, a lot of ups and a lot of downs," he said. "I feel like the team is taking a turn. It's definitely the most talented group I've ever played with, so I think the future of this team is really bright and in the next few years it's going to be fun to play on this team. That was another thing that was in the back of my mind that made me want to stay longer here."

Little is part of a talented core of forwards that includes Mark Scheifele, Nikolaj Ehlers, Blake Wheeler and Patrik Laine. Except for Ehlers, all are signed through the 2018-19 season; Ehlers can become a restricted free agent July 1, 2018.

"[Bryan's] just so easy to be around as a young kid," said Laine, 19, who had 64 points (36 goals, 28 assists) in 73 games as a rookie last season. "He's a veteran. He's played a lot of games in the NHL, so I think he knows what he is doing. He's a great player and it's so easy to play with him. He's so smart with the puck and he can score. He's a great player."

Little had 47 points (21 goals, 26 assists) in 59 games last season. He missed 23 games because of a lower-body injury sustained on Oct. 13, 2016. Little also missed 25 games in 2015-16 because of a compression fracture of his T6 vertebrae.

He had an NHL career-best 64 points (23 goals, 41 assists) in 82 games in 2013-14, and has 432 points (184 goals, 248 assists) in 672 NHL games. The Thrashers selected Little in the first round (No. 12) of the 2006 NHL Draft.

"He's a very consistent player," general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said. "You can use him in a lot of different areas. We really haven't seen it here but his most productive season in the NHL, from a goals perspective, was as a . And so he has the ability to score goals, he has the ability to make plays. He's perennially one of our 50-plus percent faceoff guys and I think you don't really appreciate him until you don't have him. We've had, unfortunately, two years where he's missed extended time with freak injuries. That's when it really hits home, the type of two-way player, 200-foot player, that he is. The quiet leadership he provides. … There's zero maintenance with him. He comes to play each and every day, he's always one of the top physical testing players in here."

The Canadian Press http://lethbridgeherald.com/sports/national-sports/2017/09/15/winnipeg-jets-goalie-steve-mason- says-theres-a-lot-to-be-excited-about/

Winnipeg Jets goalie Steve Mason says there’s a lot to be excited about

BY DARRIN BAUMING, THE CANADIAN PRESS

WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Jets are hoping veteran goaltender Steve Mason can help accomplish two things with his new team: fix the current issues in net, and help the franchise’s future in the crease by mentoring a young teammate.

Defensive struggles dominated the off-season conversation in Winnipeg, sparking general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff to sign Mason to a US$8.2-million, two-year contract when free agency opened in July.

“You look at the roster and there’s lots to be excited about,” Mason said Friday on the opening day of camp. “I think everybody here’s on the same page, realizing in the last number of years it hasn’t been good enough, but we’re right on the cusp of becoming a team that can be a consistent contender.”

While Mason is expected to handle the majority of the workload and serve as the Jets’ No. 1 netminder this season, head coach Paul Maurice is hoping the 29-year-old veteran can also work with 24-year-old Connor Hellebuyck.

“It was part of the conversation prior to the signing that, in getting to know (Mason’s) personality, that he would be willing and able to (mentor Hellebuyck),” said Maurice. “To make sure the relationship between the two goaltenders in the room (is strong) and he would have a willingness to work with someone. Connor’s feeling the same way.

“He wants to fight for that job as well, so it’s a really healthy competition.”

The Jets can definitely score, finishing seventh in the NHL last season with an average of 3.00 goals per game. But Winnipeg was 27th in the league in goals against last season.

Consistent struggles plagued Hellebuyck during his sophomore campaign. Hellebuyck signed a one-year deal worth $2.25 million in the off-season after posting a 26-19-4 mark with a .907 and 2.89 goals-against average.

“Connor and I have gotten to know each other over the last two weeks of being here,” said Mason, who spent the last four-plus seasons with Philadelphia. “I think that’s the important thing, getting our friendship going and then the on-ice stuff takes care of itself I think. We’re both in the position where we want to play. We both want to get better. I see a lot of potential in him, and hopefully I can help him realize that potential as well.”

Maurice knows being a young NHL goaltender can be difficult.

“This is a capitalist sport and it’s a performance business, so it’s very difficult as a young player to deal with that,” said Maurice. “There isn’t more (of) a position in the game that’s a confidence position, and you can lose that real quick. You’ve seen so many young goaltenders who’ll put that year up and then they’re out of the league, they disappear. Now I look at it as a huge benefit in that he’s been through that and he can handle that.”

Mason, who nearly gave up on his NHL career before being traded from Columbus to Philadelphia in 2013, can see the value of having a teammate as a mentor.

“I never had that older goaltender ahead of me to help me along the way, and looking back on that, that’s something I wish I had,” he said. “And now I’m in a position where I am the old guy, I guess. It has put me in a position now where Connor has experienced some of the same things, and I can help him along the way in terms of helping him become a better goaltender that the organization believes he can be.

“I’ve gone through a lot in my career that he’s starting to experience. The NHL is by no means an easy league to play in, especially as a goaltender in a Canadian market where they expect so much. I think I’m looking forward to working with him, helping him get better, and in return have him push me as well. I think it’ll be a good situation.”

TSN 1290 (AUDIO LINKS) http://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/maurice-there-s-a-different-mood-at-training-camp- 1.857721

Maurice: There's a different mood at training camp

Winnipeg Jets Head Coach Paul Maurice sits down with The Big Show to discuss the start of Winnipeg Jets training camp. http://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/campbell-longest-looks-in-preseason-the-likely-tell-for- regular-season-play-1.858073

Campbell: Longest looks in preseason the likely tell for regular season play

Tim Campbell of NHL.com joins the Afternoon Ride to preview the Winnipeg Jets training camp and preseason. Campbell discusses young players like Kyle Connor and Claude Lemiuex, and explains why he expects the Jets coaching staff to take the full preseason to decide the regular season roster. http://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/wiebe-important-for-mason-to-bond-with-hellebuyck- 1.858068

Wiebe: Important for Mason to bond with Hellebuyck

Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun joins the Afternoon Ride to review day one of the Winnipeg Jets training camp. Wiebe also shares his thoughts on Bryan Little’s contract extension, and the young players who hope to make the regular season roster. www.winnipegjets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/hurricane-harvey-hits-close-to-home-for-tyler-myers/c- 291084232

Hurricane Harvey hits close to home for Tyler Myers Jets defenceman's mother and half brother reside in Houston, TX by Jamie Thomas @JamieThomasTV / WinnipegJets.com

WINNIPEG - When hurricanes as big as Irma and Harvey hit land they have an effect on more than just the people in Florida and Texas.

Winnipeg Jets defenceman Tyler Myers is one of those people with his mother and half brother living in in the city of Houston.

"They're ok, they are clear of any damage but obviously shut down for awhile while the city cleans up a little bit," said Myers. "I've talked to them a little bit to see how things are going and getting some updates on what's going on. It sounds like there is a lot of support around the States and even in Canada to as well. I'm just hoping it clears up as soon as possible."

Myers went on to say they talk about the photos that we all see on the news and that he tries to provide as much support as he can from far away. But while it's tough knowing she is in a city that is just starting to rebuild he is relieved to know his family members are in a less damaged area of Houston.

"They're not experiencing damage to their personal things," explained Myers. "Tough to see it's affecting the entire city, growing up there but you've seen things like this happen and you see people bounce back real nice."

Fellow athlete, J.J. Watt's modest fundraiser has grown from his original goal of $200,000 to 32 million dollars for his Hurricane Harvey relief fund. Wednesday the Texans defensive end tweeted "On Friday, Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. CT, we will complete the fundraising portion of our efforts to dedicate our time to ensuring every dollar is put to work for the people in the devastated areas in and around Houston."

Myers admires what Watt has done for his hometown.

"Everyone knows even before this happened how big of an influence within the city, not only in that city around the country," said Myers. "The fact that he is doing as much as he is just showing that he's a real stand up guy and he cares for the city that he plays for."

Now Myers hopes to focus on the task at hand which is Jets training camp and putting last year's injury and personal issues behind him to help this team get to the playoffs.

"I'm very excited to come back even skating with the guys before camp starts was pretty exciting for me," said Myers. "Didn't get much time in last year, moving forward and looking up so I'm excited to get things going."

Fellow d-man Josh Morrisey, who has only been a teammate of Myers' for one season understands what a positive impact it will be having No. 57 out on the ice.

"First of all you are just super happy to see Mysey around he's an awesome guy," said Morrisey. "I kind of knew him before the Jets organization with me playing in Kelowna and meeting him there. He had a very tough year on a number of levels and you're just very excited to see him back healthy and all those things are just off the ice. Seeing him on the ice and the player he is, the way he can make our team that much better, its exciting to have him back."

Myers and the Jets quest for the postseason is a large task thanks to being in the Central Division, where the 2017 Western Conference champion Nashville Predators plus the , St. Louis Blues, and Minnesota Wild stand in their way.

"If we come together and we execute the way we need to, we know we have the guys we need to put the wins up no matter who we are playing against," said Myers. "It's a close league, its the best league in the world and you have to come ready to play every night if you want to succeed."

-- Jamie Thomas, WinnipegJets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/camp--paul-maurice/t-277437442/c-52666103

CAMP | Paul Maurice

Winnipeg Jets Head Coach Paul Maurice meets with the media to discuss training camp https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/camp--steve-mason/t-277437442/c-52665103

CAMP | Steve Mason

Steve Mason weighs in on joining the Winnipeg Jets and the ups and downs of his NHL career https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/camp--josh-morrissey/t-277437442/c-52662403

CAMP |

Josh Morrissey talks about his experience at the Wold Championships and how he hopes to continue to flourish in his second NHL season https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/camp--dmitry-kulikov/t-277437442/c-52662003

CAMP | Dmitry Kulikov

Dmitry Kulikov talks about getting acclimated with his new surroundings as he enters his first season with the Winnipeg Jets https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/camp--jacob-trouba/t-277437442/c-52661103

CAMP | Jacob Trouba

Winnipeg Jets defenceman Jacob Trouba discusses his expectations for the upcoming season https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/camp--mark-scheifele/t-277437442/c-52660003

CAMP | Mark Scheifele

Mark Scheifele speaks with reporters following on-ice testing at Bell MTS Iceplex