Winnipeg Free Press https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/jets-american-captain-challenges-trump- on-gun-violence-474872483.html

Jets' Wheeler challenges Trump

By: Jason Bell

Blake Wheeler spoke Thursday not as a team but as a father and human being.

He spoke out on the need for gun control south of the border.

The ’ captain and all-star forward responded to questions following the club’s morning practice about a tweet he sent out Wednesday night. It was his reply to a tweet from U.S. President Donald Trump, who had just spent time with surviving students of last week’s deadly mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla.

Trump had sent out: "I will always remember the time I spent today with courageous students, teachers and families. So much love in the midst of so much pain. We must not let them down. We must keep our children safe!!"

Wheeler, who is from Plymouth, Minn., then tweeted, "Well... then let’s stop letting them down, Mr. President."

He was asked why he felt it was important to take to Twitter.

"Regardless of where people stand, we can probably all agree that what’s been going on in the U.S. — the amount of school shootings — we’ve got to find a way to remedy that. It’s been going on too long without anyone really doing anything to help. It just seems like something that should be fixable," Wheeler said.

Tonight, the Jets (35-16-9) play their first road game in nearly a month when they battle the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Centre. Game time is 7 p.m. The Stars will be their adversaries Saturday in Dallas.

Wheeler said the 17 deaths at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School — 14 students and three staff by a teenager — has sparked conversation within the dressing room.

"Probably the most we’ve chatted about important things going on in the world. Clearly, everyone has different feelings about everything, and it’s a great thing because it just opens up the dialogue and you can kind of figure out why guys feel a certain way and what’s important to them, try to put yourself in their shoes. So we’ve obviously chatted about this quite a bit," he said.

The , playing their first home game since the attack, honoured the victims Thursday when they hosted the at BB&T Center. The game included a moment of silence and pre-game ceremony, while the Panthers have also initiated a blood drive and fundraisers.

Some of the Florida players live in Parkland and had kids in schools not far from where the shooting took place. Veteran goalie ’s son, Gianni, 7, was in lockdown in a closet for three hours in a nearby school.

Wheeler and his wife, Sam, are raising three youngsters. He said parents shouldn’t have to fear what might happen when their kids head to class.

"It’s too much. It’s been going on too long," he said "As an American, I have three kids now. You start to get scared about thinking of them going to school in the United States. It shouldn’t be that way.

"My wife and I talked about this (Wednesday) night, actually. And we agree that the gun laws in Canada seem to prevent a lot of this from going on. And if there are steps to be taken to prevent this from happening in the future in the United States, why wouldn’t you explore that?

"(His son) Louie’s going to be in kindergarten next year. And you can’t help but think along those lines. When it’s happening to you, then all of a sudden it becomes a real thing. We need to start putting a little bit of thought into it."

While Jets head coach noted he hadn’t read the tweet, he said Wheeler, 31, who spent three years studying and playing hockey at the , makes a habit of speaking thoughtfully and intelligently.

He said the team’s U.S.-born scoring leader (17 goals, 52 assists) is well within his rights to take a stand on gun control back home.

"I think it’s a good thing, as long as there’s a responsibility to the comments," Maurice said. "I’m not a real big fan of casual opinions about really serious subjects in the media, especially by athletes or actors or people in the public. I don’t think your public persona means you necessarily have the right to fire up whenever you want. But I don’t think Blake’s casual about anything that he says. He usually speaks right from the heart and he’s a very bright man and he’s discussed those things.

"Simple rule in our room is our players get to say whatever they want, they can talk about whatever they want. And that’s a good thing."

Maurice chose not to weigh in directly on the hot-botton issue.

"My personal views on the subject are maybe different than maybe others. I grew up with guns in the house and my dad’s a (firing) range officer, so it’s part of the way we grew up, I guess," he said. "But even with that I’m not educated enough, I don’t think, to fire an opinion out."

It’s not the first time Wheeler has weighed in on a political issue. In September, he was the first NHL player to publicly disagree with controversial remarks made by Trump, who publicly ripped athletes who kneeled during the American national anthem to protest race inequality in the country.

Wheeler said he understands his comments then about peoples’ freedoms to express themselves might now seem contrary to his feelings now on gun control and Americans’ right to bear arms.

"Now it’s contradictory, because I was talking earlier about defending our constitutional rights. Times are different now than when the constitution was written," he said. "Abolishing guns from the world is not happening, not possible. But if there’s a way to make our schools safer, make our kids safer — there seems to have been steps taken around the world. Different countries have had success doing it. The United States is a little bit behind on that." https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/injured-goalie-has-hard-time-with-waiting-game- 474921933.html

Injured goalie has hard time with waiting game

By: Jason Bell

Michael Hutchinson said the waiting was the hardest part.

The Winnipeg Jets was cleared to rejoin the Jets — and officially removed from the NHL team’s injured-reserve (IR) list — on Thursday, after he was sidelined for six games over two weeks with a concussion.

Friendly fire caused the injury Feb. 6 in Phoenix during the morning skate prior to a clash with the Coyotes.

Hutchinson said he definitely felt "off for a few days" after catching a high deflection square on the chin, but was anxious to return just a few days later.

However, that’s not how the NHL’s concussion protocol works.

"It’s kind of weird because you get back to feeling normal, but there’s still protocol you have to pass even though you feel normal for a few days," he said. "That was the hardest part, when I felt like I was good to come back and still being cautious with your head and having to pass the proper tests before coming back.

"That’s the biggest torture — when you feel mentally like you’re good enough to come back but you still need to err on the side of caution."

Both Hutchinson and Steve Mason took turns protecting the net during practice drills at Bell MTS Place Thursday, just hours before the Jets caught a flight to St. Louis.

Mason, who has been shelved for 16 games with his second concussion of the year, remains on the IR but should return to active duty any day now, head coach Paul Maurice said.

Hutchinson will back up Connor Hellebuyck tonight against the Blues, who are winless in their past four. There’s a chance Hellebuyck could start on consecutive nights.

"I’ll always consider it, depending on the schedule coming in and the schedule coming out," Maurice said.

Goalie Eric Comrie has been returned to the of the . In another roster move, was sent down to the Moose for Wednesday’s contest with Milwaukee — a 6-3 win for Manitoba — but the young blue-liner was recalled and will accompany the team to St. Louis and Dallas.

Poolman and winger Marko Dano are expected to be healthy scratches.

Hutchinson said the shot that struck him came on a rather innocuous play with a lousy result.

"It missed my plastic dangler and just hit me square on the chin. It wasn’t a hard shot or anything. Just kind of a fluke shot that happened to get me from making the (right) read," he said. "That night I had a minor headache, but nothing crazy. It was the next day at practice where I started getting shots and my head was spinning.

"You try and get through that. You know something’s wrong right away once you get these guys that can really fire the puck; if you’re off a bit, you notice it quite a bit."

His last concussion came six years ago when he played for Providence, the ’ AHL affiliate.

Maurice said no other lineup changes are expected this weekend. Forward Brandon Tanev (upper body), who has missed seven straight, donned a yellow "no-contact" jersey at practice, worked with the -killing unit and could return Tuesday when the Central Division-leading pay a visit.

Forwards Shawn Matthias (upper body) and Adam Lowry (upper body) skated on their own earlier Thursday, but aren’t fully recovered. Defenceman Jacob Trouba (lower body) still has not resumed skating. For now, the Jets are focused on battling a pair of division rivals in their rear- view mirror.

"They’re huge games. We’re trying to get our game right for the stretch run. We want to be playing our best hockey at the end of the year," Jets captain Blake Wheeler said.

The Jets had a three-game winning streak snapped Tuesday by the .

"We’re playing against teams that have had experience playing in these heavy games, playing important games, so it’s going to be a challenge for us every single night, and I think we’re looking forward to going into tough environments and dealing with the adversity of trying to get two big points on the road."

It’s a hockey-life lesson that Nic Petan, a 22-year-old pro with fewer than 100 NHL games under his belt, learned the hard way.

Undisciplined penalties hurt your team, particularly when all signs point to a tight game.

With the game tied 1-1 late in the second period Tuesday, the fourth-line winger had to serve a slashing minor for his retaliatory whack on Andy Andreoff. Less than a minute later, the Kings pulled ahead on Dion Phaneuf’s power-play marker, and the visitors eventually posted a 4-3 win.

Injuries have created an opening for Petan, but his job security with the Jets is tenuous at best. He’s well aware selfish plays like that simply can’t happen.

"You just live and you learn, a little mental error. Not everyone’s perfect, so you live and learn," he said Thursday morning.

Maurice, who didn’t bench Petan at any point after the ill-advised slash, said the play was uncharacteristic behaviour for the small but skilled forward.

"Is there a punishment? That’s the question. Well, I put him back on the ice. We were down a and you have to serve the Winnipeg Jets — that’s your job and we needed a goal, so I played him after that," Maurice said. "It’s not something I’ve seen in his game a lot. I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to him about his penalties. He knew it when he did it." https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/trading-for-playoff-toughness-a-mistake-jets-gm- shouldnt-make-474882853.html

Trading for playoff toughness a mistake Jets GM shouldn't make

By: Scott Campbell

Despite the Winnipeg Jets' excellent season, it appears some fans are looking for more physical play when it comes to their favourite team.

The rumblings started after the Jets' shootout loss to a "heavy" team on Jan. 25 and increased after losses to the St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings this month. The latter two clubs are also known for their physical play.

This debate about whether or not the Jets need to add some toughness to their lineup before Monday’s trade deadline has ramped up even with hitters like Adam Lowry, Brandon Tanev and Jacob Trouba — currently out of the lineup — likely to return in plenty of time for the playoffs.

And there are no guarantees injuries will come to a halt.

There’s something to the theory that you can get thrown off your best game when you’re playing the same team every second night in the playoffs — being hit almost every time you touch the puck gets tiring.

Of course, there are teams out there that can be downright dirty in their approach to this, increasing chances of injury.

If the Jets get matched up in the playoffs against a physical team, can they handle all that banging and come out ahead?

The key for success is having a squad that is not only fast, but makes plays quickly, taking the hitters out of the game. Arriving behind the play all night gets old fast.

The Jets at their best can be that team, but we’re likely not going to know if they can get back to that level on a regular basis until we get closer to the playoffs.

When rolling, they’re first on the puck and dominate with a furious forecheck. They take away a lot of what most teams want to do by forcing the issue.

The speedsters have learned that winning puck battles is more important than making a hit — I always want possession of the puck over running over somebody.

The big hit has its place; it’s just secondary in importance.

Lately the Jets have feasted on weakened foes that played a "lighter" game, which is an improvement from past Jets teams, but those soft games disappear in the playoffs.

All that said, it’s hard for me to want more toughness in their lineup.

I played in an era that having physical players on a team was a necessary ingredient to having success. Every fan wants another parade at Portage at Main, like the one that I experienced in 1979 when we won the Avco Cup. Nobody scared that team.

I haven’t forgotten that, but the game has changed over the years. Players who hit and intimidate, but otherwise do very little, are becoming extinct.

So why did the pay a big price to land hitter/intimidator Ryan Reaves last summer, after winning the two years in a row without his type in the regular lineup? Reaves is a better player than a lot of "tough guys" but I wondered about the logic when the deal was made.

That the Penguins are again showing signs of a being a top contender only fuels this, but I’ll take the two cups in a row as evidence you don’t need it.

Those clubs were built with scoring and talent throughout their lineup — and having a couple of superstars didn’t hurt.

If the Jets are going to add someone known for hitting, it should be a player like the Oilers' Patrick Maroon, because he’s also good at playing hockey. I preferred others in last week’s column (and still do), but he would be a decent addition.

The reality is, you can’t build a perfect roster to combat every style that different teams play. To win it all you need to be capable of beating deep, talented teams like the , Nashville Predators or Penguins.

To me, adding physical, hard-hitting players over talented ones would be a bad choice. The Jets may need to make some adjustments against the heavier teams, but it’s the right way to go.

There’s a lot of talk that Jets general manager needs to add some playoff experience too, ideally players that have won a Stanley Cup.

I believe that targeting former cup winners is a mistake unless the player is a proven talent. I’ve seen too many teams over the years pay excessively for the ring on a player’s finger without considering the actual value of the one wearing it.

Often a team simply grows into a champion. The '80s had a lot of cup winners, AFTER they won their first one, as did the Oilers.

The , Kings and Penguins are the latest examples of this.

Sure, playoff experience might come in handy, but only if attached to the right player.

The ones with first-hand knowledge (including current Jets) will be heard in the room, and could possibly help if the Jets get rattled. However, the most important thing is to lead by playing well though those difficult times. Talk becomes cheap in times of trouble.

When healthy, their lineup is arguably as talented as anybody’s, but the Jets still have a long road ahead. They are also tough enough on a physical level — I see no reason to acquire "hitter" insurance in case of injuries.

If they decide to bring in some protection against players getting hurt, they’d spend their assets more wisely by simply upgrading their talent level.

It’s what wins in today’s game.

Winnipeg Sun http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/hutchinson-resumes-jets-backup-role

Hutchinson resumes Jets backup role

By Paul Friesen

The Winnipeg Jets will get goalie Michael Hutchinson back from a concussion for a two-game road trip to St. Louis and Dallas this weekend.

Hutchinson will back up starter Connor Hellebuyck when the Jets take on the Blues, Friday,

The pending unrestricted free agent missed the last six games after a deflected shot in practice went off his chin the morning of a home game against Arizona, Feb. 6 . Hutchinson dressed as the backup for the game.

“That night I had a minor headache, but nothing crazy,” he said. “It was the next day at practice where I started getting shots and my head was spinning.”

The “biggest torture,” Hutchinson says, was the last several days when he felt fine but still had to pass the tests that are part of the concussion protocol. Goalie Steve Mason has also been cleared for full practice after suffering his second concussion of the season.

Mason has missed the last 16 games.

“He’s been out longer than I have, so I can’t imagine the mental torture you go through with that,” Hutchinson said.

Coach Paul Maurice says Mason will need another week or so to be game-ready.

Winnipeg plays in Dallas, Saturday. Maurice says whether it’s Hellebuyck or Hutchinson starting in goal will depend on the work load Hellebuyck gets against St. Louis the night before.

Goalie Eric Comrie has been returned to the Manitoba Moose.

PETAN MOVES ON Winger Nic Petan wasn’t dwelling on the undisciplined slashing penalty that cost the Jets a goal in Tuesday’s loss to the Kings.

“You just live and you learn,” Petan said. “A little mental error. Things like that can happen.”

POOLMAN BACK UP Defenceman Tucker Poolman was back with the Jets, Thursday, after being sent down to play Wednesday’s game with the Moose.

Poolman has been a healthy scratch the last eight games. http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/jets-wheeler-challenges-trump-on-gun- control

Jets' Wheeler challenges Trump on gun control

By Paul Friesen

Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler picks his spots when it comes to using social media.

Wednesday night was one of those spots.

Responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tweet about meeting with school kids and not wanting to let them down, Wheeler waded headlong into the debate over gun control.

“Well…then let’s stop letting them down, Mr. President,” Wheeler said via his own Twitter account (@BiggieFunke).

Thursday after practice, Wheeler explained his motivation for doing something hockey players don’t usually do, and that is speak out on a controversial social issue.

“Regardless of where people stand, we can probably all agree that what’s been going on in the U.S., the amount of school shootings — we’ve got to find a way to remedy that,” he said. “It’s been going on too long without anyone really doing anything to help. It just seems like something that should be fixable.”

A Minnesota native, Wheeler says he and his Jets teammates are talking more than they used to about world events, like the shooting.

He says it’s to the point where players are beginning to look at the advantages of living in Canada during the school year.

“I have three kids now,” he said. “You start to get scared about thinking of them going to school in the United States. It shouldn’t be that way. My wife and I talked about this last night, actually. And we agree that the gun laws in Canada seem to prevent a lot of this from going on. And if there are steps to be taken to prevent this from happening in the future in the United States, why wouldn’t you explore that?

“Yeah, that’s a real thing. Louie (his son) is going to be in kindergarten next year. And you can’t help but think along those lines.”

It’s the second time Wheeler has gotten political this season.

The first came in September when Trump called out athletes for kneeling in protest of racism during the national anthem, saying they were ruining the game and should be fired.

Wheeler took to Twitter then to remind his president that freedom of speech is the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

The right to bear arms, of course, is the Second Amendment, and the apparent contradiction – supporting one part of the Bill of Rights and not the other, at least not unequivocally — wasn’t lost on Wheeler, Thursday.

“Times are different now than when the constitution was written,” he said. “Abolishing guns from the world is not happening, not possible. But if there’s a way to make our schools safer, make our kids safer – there seems to have been steps taken around the world. Different countries have had success doing it.

“The United States is a little bit behind on that.”

Jets coach Paul Maurice didn’t want to weigh in on the gun debate, but supported his players in speaking out about whatever they want to.

“I’m not a real big fan of casual opinions about really serious subjects in the media, especially by athletes or actors or people in the public,” Maurice said. “But I don’t think Blake’s casual about anything that he says. He usually speaks right from the heart and he’s a very bright man and he’s discussed those things.”

He’s also not the typical hockey player, willing to talk only about wins and losses.

These are losses that matter so much more.

What’s happening in schools in the States touches many of us. It’s affected Wheeler, and, like the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, he’s not afraid to speak out, with the hope things change.

“It’s more than every year… we all get on Twitter, we all say our piece, and then we get on with our lives,” Wheeler said. “And then it happens again the next year. So you’d like to see something happen.” http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/five-keys-to-jets-vs-blues-2

Five keys to Jets vs Blues

By Ken Wiebe

Winnipeg Jets at St. Louis Blues

7 pm CT, Scottrade Center, TV: TSN3. Radio: TSN 1290

THE BIG MATCHUP

Bryan Little vs Brayden Schenn The second-line centres on each club are going under the spotlight in this one. Little has found his offensive rhythm of late, while Schenn has been an outstanding addition for the Blues, leading the team in scoring (55 points) while being tied for the team lead in goals (24). Little will be tasked with trying to help neutralize his production.

KEYS TO THE GAME

Wheeler is rolling As he continues to bolster his credentials as a bona fide Hart Trophy candidate, Jets captain Blake Wheeler is riding a six-game points streak and he’s collected three goals and 11 points during that stretch. Wheeler is second in the NHL in assists (51) and leads the Jets with 69 points in 60 games.

Getting closer Jets sniper Patrik Laine is closing on consecutive 30-plus goal seasons. After scoring a late goal in Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, Laine is up to 28 goals – with 16 of those coming with the man-advantage. That left him first in that category going into Thursday’s action

Pick up the PK The Jets had enjoyed an excellent stretch playing shorthanded recently, killing off 16 consecutive penalties and scoring twice while down a player, but during the past two games, they’ve allowed four power-play goals to slip to a tie for ninth in the NHL in PK efficiency. Undisciplined stick fouls were a factor, but tightening up the PK is a priority.

Eyes on Tarasenko Blues sniper Vladimir Tarasenko had two goals, seven shots on goal and 10 shot-attempts in the last meeting against the Jets. Tarasenko is tied for the team lead in goals, is second in points and has nine goals and 17 points in 20 career games against the Jets.

Try to solve Hutton Blues goalie had a 48-save to beat the Jets back on Dec. 16 and he’ll be back between the pipes on Friday. Hutton is 4-4-1 in 10 lifetime appearances with the Jets, but sports an impressive 2.16 goals-against average and .933 save %, so he’s proven to be tough to score on.

Sportsnet.ca https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-2018-trade-deadline-team-needs-winnipeg-jets/

NHL 2018 Trade Deadline Team Needs: Winnipeg Jets

By Rory Boylen

Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff isn’t known for his activity around the trade deadline.

When fans were eager for him to add in 2017 to try and push for the playoffs, he did nothing. In 2016, the Jets were sellers and shipped pending UFA to Chicago for futures. In 2015, the only time the modern Jets made the playoffs, Cheveldayoff made minor deals for Lee Stempniak and Jiri Tlusty to add depth to the bottom six.

His one big trade, the blockbuster that shipped Zach Bogosian and Evander Kane to Buffalo, came a few weeks before the 2015 deadline and had less to do with the playoffs than it did moving on from an increasingly untenable situation.

Could this season be different?

The Jets are better positioned to be a Stanley Cup contender than ever before, which alone is motivation to tweak the lineup and bring in some depth. Cheveldayoff told NHL.com this week that he’s been making a lot of outgoing calls, but that’s what every GM should be doing at this point in the season.

They have a window opening now that looks like it could stay that way for a while, but with RFA contracts due to Jacob Trouba and this summer, Patrik Laine and next, and Nik Ehlers already stepping into a $6-million deal next season, they will be contending with the cap before long. So while this is still a young team with its eyes on long-term stability and contention, it might be wise to take the opportunity of this season and go for it, because you never know what tomorrow will bring. That doesn’t mean the Jets need to sell off the future for rental players, but with a well-stocked prospect cupboard, their first-rounder should at least be in play.

The Jets have found consistency in the face of key injuries as players both young and experienced have filled in with key contributions, which shows off the depth in the organization already. Cheveldayoff noted that some of their own players returning from injury could be all the team really needs between now and the start of the playoffs.

“Our biggest deadline acquisitions may be after March 1 when we get Trouba back and hopefully (forwards) Adam Lowry and Brandon Tanev and Shawn Matthias back,” he said. “And (goalies) Steve Mason and Michael Hutchinson, too. We have guys having success (in our lineup) right now but we have those guys waiting as additions. In approaching the deadline, you keep all options open but you are looking for the right fit.”

Another factor that could put a limit on what the Jets will do are no-trade clauses. It was reported Cheveldayoff was in on Mike Hoffman from Ottawa, a potential 30-goal winger signed for another two seasons. But Hoffman has a modified no-trade and, according to Elliotte Friedman, the Jets were not one of the teams to which he would accept a trade. There are likely a number of those situations around the league.

Cheveldayoff could be in the market for just about anything this deadline. The Hoffman situation could signal that Winnipeg is in the game for a difference-maker with term on his contract, though at the very least, they will key in on adding bottom line or bottom pair depth.

Needs Just as with any team chasing the Stanley Cup, what Winnipeg really needs is NHL players to step into the lineup in case injuries hit, or to immediately leapfrog someone currently in a bottom-six role.

With plenty of cap space ($5.6 million per CapFriendly), Winnipeg has room to add to this year’s roster. They could be in the market for a third- or fourth-line centre to upgrade on ’ relatively slow foot speed, and move him off to the wing. The Hoffman news suggests Winnipeg is also in the market for some scoring on the wing in the top-six, which would set them up to have three beautiful and tough-to-handle lines up front. It would be ideal to add someone the Jets can take at least two runs with: New York’s Mats Zuccarello, who Paul Maurice coached in the KHL during the 2012-13 NHL lockout, is an intriguing option with an absorbable $4.5 million cap hit for another season.

On defence, the Jets would do well to add a left-shot blue-liner, either by paying a price to have someone play above Morrissey on the second unit (when Trouba is healthy), or as a third-pair option above Ben Chiarot. This, too, would guard against any further injury blow ups.

Finally, given that both Mason and Hutchinson just came back from concussions, Winnipeg would be wise to sniff around the backup market as well. Connor Hellebuyck has been great this season, but if he gets hurt and the Jets find themselves having to go with Eric Comrie, that alone could bring to an end everything Winnipeg has achieved this season.

Pending free agents, age, salaries UFAs: • Shawn Matthias, 30, $2.125 million • Matt Hendricks, 36, $700,000 • Tobias Enstrom, 33, $5.75 million • Michael Hutchinson, 27, $1.125 million

RFAs: • Adam Lowry, 24, $1.125 million • , 24, $925,000 • Marko Dano, 23, $850,000 • Nic Petan, 22, $758,333 • Brandon Tanev, 26, $700,000 • Jacob Trouba, 23, $2.812 million • Tucker Poolman, 24, $925,000 • Josh Morrissey, 22, $863,333 • Connor Hellebuyck, 24, $2.25 million • Eric Comrie, 22, $645,000

Potential assets to move First-round pick: Winnipeg has made five first-round selections in the past three drafts, so in an effort to go for it this year’s pick should be expendable. That’s not to say they should use it on any player, but if it can be used as the primary piece of a package that lands them an impact player with term, Winnipeg should be all over it. The Jets have made a total of nine first-round picks since moving back to the city in 2011, and seven of them are on the NHL roster today — they can afford to sit out of the first round this season if the right player is there.

Michael Hutchinson: A pending UFA who is unlikely to return next season (the Jets will want to give younger goalies more AHL time) Hutchinson could be someone other teams are interested in as a backup option. He’s been great in the AHL this season, but his NHL play has been less polished. Both Hutchinson and Mason were just cleared to play after sustaining concussions, so the Jets may actually keep Hutchinson around as insurance of their own.

Logan Stanley/Mason Appleton/Sami Niku/Dylan Samberg: If the Jets make a big splash, they’ll have to trade their first-round pick plus a prospect or two. Assuming Kyle Connor and Jack Roslovic, current NHL contributors, are non-starters and 2017 first-rounder Kristian Vesalainen is a long shot to move, these four may be the next best bets to get traded. Stanley was the 18th overall pick in 2016, and though he has immense size, there are questions about his skating. Appleton and Niku, sixth- and seventh-round picks, don’t have the same pedigree, but both are putting up monster seasons in the AHL as rookies. Samberg, a second-rounder last summer, was the second-highest scorer from the blue line on Team USA’s entry at the world juniors.

Draft picks 2018: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 5th (BOS), 6th, 7th 2019: 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th

One bold move the Jets could make Since they were reportedly in on Hoffman, if the Jets are keen on making a big addition for a scoring winger with term, the next logical target would be Max Pacioretty, who is signed for one more season with a team-friendly $4.5-million cap hit and doesn’t have any trade protection. The Canadiens captain makes about $600,000 less against the cap than Hoffman and plays on the left side as well, so if they figured Hoffman could fit, so can Pacioretty.

He would bring some much-needed Stanley Cup Playoffs experience (38 games), and would surely find his scoring touch again beside either Scheifele or Little. Heck, this acquisition would also give the Jets room to play with their lineup, potentially moving Wheeler back to centre and giving the team three excellent pivots. Patrik Laine, Ehlers, Connor, Pacioretty, and Roslovic as your six wingers (assuming none have to move back)? That would be one heck of a set of forwards.

I think the Jets shouldn’t… Pay a price for a rental. Evander Kane isn’t coming back, and even if would allow himself to be traded to the Jets (unlikely), Cheveldayoff should stay away from that option. It’s not that Winnipeg shouldn’t chase any rentals, just that if they go that route it doesn’t cost a lot to pull off. Pay up for a player with term if you want, but giving up any sort of premium asset for a few months from a rental isn’t worth it for a team with this bright of a future still ahead. http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/jets-tinkering-deadline-evander-kane-lacking-playoff- experience/

JETS COULD BE TINKERING AT DEADLINE, EVANDER KANE LACKING PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE

John Shannon joins Evanka Osmak to talk about what the Winnipeg Jets could be doing at the deadline and why Evander Kane may not be as highly sought after as initially thought.

The Athletic Winnipeg https://theathletic.com/247587/2018/02/22/qa-with-jets-goalie-michael-hutchinson-on-asking-for- a-trade-ahl-all-star-game-controversy-and-his-future/

Q&A with Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson on asking for a trade, AHL all-star game controversy, and his future

By Leah Hextall

There isn’t much going wrong for the Winnipeg Jets this season. A big reason for the Jets’ success so far this season has been the play of starting goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

Earlier this season I outlined the changes in Helleybuck’s game after a transition in his training this past off-season. The new normal for Hellebuyck stemmed from a lackluster 2016-17 season for both him and backup goalie Michael Hutchinson. The tandem allowed the fourth-most goals of any NHL club a season ago.

The duo left enough to be desired that Jets’ captain Blake Wheeler called out the position, telling Matt Larkin of The Hockey News, “For us to get where we need to go, we need to have that position solidified. We need better goaltending.

Enter free agent signing Steve Mason. The Jets signed the veteran goaltender on July 1 to a two-year contract worth $4.1 million annually.

For Hutchinson, the addition of Mason meant he was the odd man out. It started an off-season of uncertainty for the netminder as he waited and wondered where he would start the 2017-18 season.

Now, less than a week away from the NHL trade deadline, Hutchinson is still waiting and still in Winnipeg, albeit mostly with the AHL Manitoba Moose. Hutchinson, 27, has had an all-star season with the Moose and has the third-best record among AHL goalies, losing just twice in regulation (15-2-4). Currently, Hutchinson is on a call-up with the Jets due to an injury to Mason, but will certainly find himself the odd-man out when Mason returns.

Until the situation is permanently resolved, Hutchinson will try to separate the business side of the game from the hockey side of the game, and just play the game. If only it was that simple.

HEXTALL: In your time with the Winnipeg Jets organization, you have had the chance to battle for the starting spot in goal. Why haven’t you been able to be the No. 1 in Winnipeg?

HUTCHINSON: I always find it funny people think I had opportunities to run with it. My first year in St. John’s, I got to play a ton of games and help the team make the playoffs. The next season, I started off the year with the Jets 4-0; had really good numbers and then I didn’t play for two weeks. At the time I get called into the office and the explanation was more the business side of things. So you don’t play for two weeks. Then I get some migraine problems in November and battled through those. By the time you get back to feeling 100 per cent you’re not playing a ton.

That season, Pavs (Ondrej Pavelec) goes down with an injury and Helley (Connor Hellebuck) gets called up. We’re playing back-to-back to start that set. Helley played against Minnesota and won that game and I played against Colorado and lost. Then they went right back to Helley. In that sense, as a goalie, to be given an opportunity you have to play three to five games in a row to get a chance to run with it and establish consistency. After my first year, I don’t think I’ve played more than two games in a row. For me it was frustrating, but the organization saw what they saw in Helley and this year they definitely saw the right thing in him. You can’t argue with that decision.

HEXTALL: How did you feel when you found out the Jets signed Mason?

HUTCHINSON: I knew they were going to sign someone. I didn’t know who.

HEXTALL: Did they speak to you about the fact they were going to sign another goalie?

HUTCHINSON: I knew they were going to sign someone and in the media the Jets weren’t shy about saying they wanted to do something with the goaltending. Knowing how young Helley is you know they aren’t going to move him. Process of elimination makes me the odd man out.

HEXTALL: Where did the discussion go with the Jets after Mason was signed?

HUTCHINSON: As soon as they signed Mason, we (Hutchinson and his agent) went right in and asked to get moved. I feel I’m an NHL goalie and I feel I can play and be successful at that level. Whether it is to play the games and prove I can be a starting goalie or being in a backup situation. I feel I can contribute in both scenarios in the NHL. I asked the team for a trade.

HEXTALL: You don’t get traded, you don’t get bought out. How do you approach this year knowing you feel you can be an NHL goaltender?

HUTCHINSON: It’s strange. A lot of the time when you are going through your summer workouts and it’s a grind, for me, you dig deep visualizing the team you’re playing for and how you’ll help win games for them.

When your team tells you they are going to look to move you and you don’t know where you’re going to be, it’s a strange mental battle. You’re waiting which is the hardest part. Then as it gets closer to training camp, I realized there is a possibility I’d be in Winnipeg for training camp. As training camp goes on, the team talked to me and said they were going to move me if there was an opportunity, but I ended up getting sent down.

HEXTALL: Sent down but you’ve done very well in the AHL this season. Is there a sense you can only control what you can control?

HUTCHINSON: Learning to separate the business from the hockey side has helped me a lot for this year. Getting sent down — it sucks. There is no way to spin it, especially when you feel you can contribute at a higher level.

You get sent down and it takes a while to get over that, but after that, the only way I control anything is by playing well. My first year signing with the Jets I was sent down to the ECHL. I had played three full years in Providence, and played well enough there that I felt like I was an established AHL goaltender. So, at that time when I went down to the ECHL, my mindset was to prove I shouldn’t be in that league. Coming into this year it was the exact same situation, just one step higher. I felt I didn't have to prove I could play at the NHL level. With the cards I was dealt I just had to prove I shouldn’t be in the American league and that I can be effective in the NHL. It’s just having that same competitive mindset.

HEXTALL: The trade deadline is coming. You know the organization is open to moving you but at the same time the Jets are highly competitive this season and as proven right now, one injury and you’re the goalie the Jets turn to. How do you deal with all those moving parts and how do you think this will play out?

HUTCHINSON: It definitely makes the season long. They tell you in the summer and training camp they’re looking to move you if the right deal comes along. Leaves you on edge all season. I feel bad for my fiancée as she’s in it, too. She has even less control than I do over things. I don’t get many phone calls. Every time the phone rings my heart skips a beat wondering if this is the call that says you’ve been moved.

The Jets are in a situation where they are super competitive and looking good down the stretch. I don’t know if they are going to move me or not. I can’t control that, but I know they have a really good goalie in [Eric] Comrie, too. Between the two of us, I don’t think they can make a wrong decision. They will do what’s best for their team and it comes down to separating the business side from the hockey side. For myself, I’d love to be in the NHL playing games, but I realize NHL teams don’t always look out for what's best for each individual player. They have to do what’s best for the organization as a whole and what will give them the best opportunity to win. In understanding that, it helps you to have a clear head and just focus on playing and enjoying hockey.

HEXTALL: You hit the century mark with your 100th NHL start in January. A 3-1 win over Tampa Bay that came with a side of controversy. You preach your goal is to be an NHL goaltender, but yet you’re up with the big club and chose to attend the AHL all-star game the day before you knew you had to start against the top team in the East. Why?

HUTCHINSON: Basically it came down to my eighth year in pro hockey and I had never played in an all-star game. It could be my only chance to play in an all-star game and it was a huge honour. The Jets said it was my decision, explained the travel to get back from the all-star game in Utica the day of my start and that it may be in my best interest not to play. At the same time, the Jets said it was my decision and I took time to think about it.

My decision was to play in the all-star game. It was a huge honour and at the end of my career I didn’t want to be kicking myself.

HEXTALL: Do you understand why it created controversy here in Winnipeg?

HUTCHINSON: I didn’t even know it was a controversy until the custom officer told me so! The fact is, the travel to get back for my start that night wasn’t that bad. Especially if you compare it to leagues I’ve played in; ECHL and AHL travel can be difficult.

HEXTALL: What was your travel schedule that day to get back for the game?

HUTCHINSON: It went like this:

• 5:30 a.m. wake-up • 7:00 a.m. flight from Syracuse to Chicago • One-hour layover in Chicago • Flew from Chicago to Winnipeg – landed at 11:45 a.m.

I had my nap and felt good heading into the game. Plus, when you see how well the team is doing at home and how well the guys are playing – I felt good going into the game.

HEXTALL: It was your first NHL start in 10 months. Were you nervous?

HUTCHINSON: Yes. I was really excited to get back in and play. Some nerves going up against the top offensive team in the league but I grew up with and it’s always fun playing against him, even though he has had my number since minor hockey.

HEXTALL: Well, you kept Stamkos off the scoresheet that night. So to set the record straight was there any animosity with the Jets that you played in the AHL all-star game less than 24 hours before your NHL start for them?

HUTCHINSON: No controversy. The Jets were supportive. They could have squashed my opportunity to play in the all-star game but instead they gave me the opportunity to do both. I’m glad I did both.

HEXTALL: What do you want your next hockey memory to be?

HUTCHINSON: My next NHL start. That’s what I’m working towards now. Whether it’s with the Jets or someone else, get that next game and prove I can play at the next level. I’m excited for that next opportunity.

TSN 1290 (AUDIO LINKS) https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/mckenzie-jets-were-in-on-grabner-looking-at-nash-and- brassard-1.1008818

McKenzie: Jets were in on Grabner, looking at Nash and Brassard

TSN's Bob McKenzie joined the Big Show with the latest before Monday's trade deadline including the Michael Grabner trade potentially setting the market for forwards, as well as which players the Jets are interested in which includes Cheveldayoff being "all over the Senators." https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/vincent-we-re-trying-to-secure-our-playoff-spot- 1.1008118

Vincent: We're trying to secure our playoff spot

Pascal Vincent discusses how the Jets injuries have affected the Moose's roster, the line brawl that ensued after last night's game and the play of rookies Mason Appleton and Sami Niku. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/yost-there-aren-t-a-lot-of-teams-in-the-market-for-big- names-1.1008116

Yost: There aren't a lot of teams in the market for big names

TSN.ca’s Travis Yost discusses the most intriguing storylines ahead of Monday’s trade deadline, why Michael Grabner is an attractive option for buyers at the trade deadline, the price for Rick Nash, which players the Winnipeg Jets should target, and the Erik Karlsson trade rumors. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/biron-hellebuyck-is-moving-more-efficiently-1.1008114

Biron: Hellebuyck is moving more efficiently

TSN Hockey analyst Marty Biron speaks with Andrew Paterson and Rick Ralph on the Afternoon Ride. They discuss the changes in Connor Hellebuyck’s game this season, ’s performance for Tampa Bay and the number of concussions among goalies this season. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/morrissey-impossible-to-ignore-trade-deadline- 1.1007622

Morrissey: Impossible to ignore trade deadline

Winnipeg Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey stopped by the Big Show for a chat including his thoughts on the women's gold medal game at the Olympics, his work in the community, what the team was up to during their 10-game home-stand as well as what it's like as a player leading up to the trade deadline. www.winnipegjets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/hutchinson-mason-cleared-for-full-practice-as-jets-begin-road- trip/c-296239954

Hutchinson, Mason cleared for full practice as Jets begin road trip Two-game trip begins Friday night in St. Louis by Mitchell Clinton @MitchellClinton / WinnipegJets.com

WINNIPEG - For the first time since Jan. 25, the Winnipeg Jets are heading out on the road, and they're bringing a few extra sets of pads along with them.

Both Michael Hutchinson and Steve Mason have been cleared to play, after they've missed six and 16 games due to concussions.

Hutchinson will back up Connor Hellebuyck tomorrow night when the two-game road trip begins in St. Louis against the Blues.

"The concussion protocol is pretty extensive. If you get cleared from that, you're pretty much good to go," said Hutchinson after today's 30-minute practice. "The last few days, getting out with the guys and facing some real shots has been good to get the timing back. You feel like you haven't missed any time at all."

The 27-year-old Hutchinson was activated off the injured reserve list, meaning Eric Comrie was assigned to the Manitoba Moose.

It's the second concussion Hutchinson has suffered in his career, with the first one coming in game action in 2012 while the goaltender was with the AHL's Providence Bruins.

He said this concussion felt similar to that one, although this one came in a morning skate. The team was working on a drill involving point shots with deflections and screens, and Hutchinson recalls exactly how it happened.

"The d-man kind of walked the blue line and shot, and I was looking to the right side of the guy screening," said Hutchinson. "I saw the shot was coming about head high on the left side of his body, so when I went to find the puck on the other side, the player ended up tipping it before I thought he would.

"I just misread it. I wasn't looking at the puck, I was looking at where I thought the puck was going to be. It came through, high to low, so it missed my plastic dangler, and just hit me square on the chin."

While he had a minor headache for a short amount of time immediately following the play, it wasn't until the next day at practice that Hutchinson knew something wasn't right.

"When I started getting shots, my head was spinning and you just try to get through that," said Hutchinson. "You know something is wrong right away once you get these guys who can really fire the puck, if you're off a little bit, you notice it quite a bit."

The AHL All-Star Hutchinson re-joins a Jets line-up entering a stretch of three straight games against Central Division opponents. The first two come on the road in St. Louis and Dallas on Friday and Saturday night.

Head coach Paul Maurice said he's still deciding if Hellebuyck will start in both games, adding there are variables that weigh into the decision.

"His workload, the volume. You go in and have a real busy night or there is a lot of zone time. I might be more careful with that," said Maurice, adding that Mason will likely need more practice time before he sees game action.

"There was a big block of time completely away from it. He for me is in that 7-10 day, get on the ice and get into practicing and get real comfortable."

The Blues and Stars are tied with 72 points, seven back of the Jets for second in the Central Division.

"There's something important in each game. That pressure is important for us to deal with and go through. We're going to play teams that are on the bubble, and good teams on the bubble," Maurice said. "Then we go against Nashville that we're chasing here real hard. It's exciting."

ICE CHIPS Captain Blake Wheeler tweeted out his congratulations to USA Hockey for its gold medal win in women's hockey at the 2018 Winter Olympics this morning.

But it wasn't the only time the captain was on Twitter of late. Last night, he chimed in on the conversation surrounding the most recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

He addressed that tweet on Thursday:

"I think regardless of where people stand, we can probably all agree that what's been going on in the US, the amount of school shootings, we have to find a way to remedy that," said Wheeler.

"It's been going on too long without anyone doing anything to help. It just seems like something that should be fixable. Like I said, it has been great in our room this year. It's the most we've chatted about important things going on in the world. Clearly everyone has different feelings about everything. That's a great thing because it opens up the dialogue. You can figure out why guys feel a certain way, what's important to them, try to put yourself in their shoes. We've obviously chatted about this quite a bit. It's too much.

"It's been going on too long. As an American, I have three kids now. You start to get scared thinking about them going to school. In the United States, it shouldn't be that way."