Winnipeg Free Press https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/jets-only-worry-about-the-next-game-not- trade-rumours-474509663.html

Jets only worry about the next game, not trade rumours

By: Mike McIntyre

The Jets are certainly making a strong case lately there's no room at the inn when it comes to possible additions to the team.

After all, if it ain't broke, why fix it? And back-to-back blowout wins by the combined score of 13- 3 might be a good argument for putting up the feet and hanging up the "No Vacancy" sign for a team currently leading the Central division.

But the reality is there likely will be some additional pieces to the puzzle added in the coming days — with a couple of injured skaters on the cusp of returning and the trade deadline just six days away.

So how exactly might these pieces all fit together?

"There’s two ways you can do it. You can worry about it, or not worry about it. I think probably the healthiest way is to not worry about it," veteran centre said, following Monday's optional practice as the Jets get ready to close out a 10-game homestand by hosting the tonight.

"Your play dictates where you’re going to sit in the lineup. It’s on each individual in here to show up every night and bring their best. What gives the coaching staff and management, what helps them make up their mind, is the way we play. So trying to worry about it, that doesn’t help, that’s for sure," said Hendricks. "Especially guys that haven’t been through this situation in the past. Just go out and let your play dictate where you’re going to sit in the lineup is the best way to do it."

He speaks from first-hand experience. Hendricks was part of last year's dynamic, young, skilled Oilers club which made the playoffs. Hendricks found himself on the outside looking in when the games really began to count as a scratch. That situation might repeat itself this year, especially with so many bodies already in the fold and the Jets rumoured to be on the hunt for additional depth.

"That’s the ultimate sacrifice this time of year. You go home, can look in the mirror and be upset that you’re not playing. But when you show up here every day, you’ve got to have your teammate’s backs and be here for the right reasons. We’ve only got one guy in this lineup that’s ever won a (Dustin Byfuglien)," said Hendricks. "So it takes everybody pulling on the rope together, whether you’re in the lineup or your minutes have diminished. No matter what it is or what it takes, you’ve got to be here to help your team."

Winnipeg's top line of , and looks like one of the best in the league, so don't expect any imminent changes there. The second line of Bryan Little between and rookie have been dynamic as well, while Winnipeg's top two scorers in and Nikolaj Ehlers are currently skating on the third line with the versatile Andrew Copp. Then you have Hendricks on the fourth line with Nic Petan and .

Marko Dano is currently the only healthy scratch, but that could be about to change. Both Brandon Tanev and Shawn Matthias are close to returning from injuries. Both players skated Monday in non-contact jerseys.

Petan would likely be the first to come out of the lineup, but then what? And what happens when Adam Lowry returns, assuming that happens at some as he battles yet another injury that is currently keeping him off the ice.

Things become even more cloudy if the Jets do bring in some outside help.

"We've got so many really good young players knocking on the door and proving they can play on this team. There's tough decisions, who to keep in the lineup and who to take out. But that's a good problem to have right now," Little said Monday. "We can only worry about the next game. What happens off the ice or who's in and out of the lineup is out of your control. When we get guys back the combinations might look a bit different than they do now, but we all know that. It's part of the game. When guys come back from injury and they get back in the lineup, things change. We're definitely going to welcome them back. Those are key guys you're getting back in your lineup, so the sooner the better."

Jets coach was asked following Sunday night's 7-2 win over Florida whether rookies Connor and Roslovic were making a strong case that the team has no need to add a top six forward at the deadline, as has been rumoured.

"I never wrote that. Not once. None of my blogs have that in there," Maurice cracked.

Connor, who scored twice in that game and is up to 21 on the season, said he's not spending any time thinking about what the lineup could look like down the road or how returning players or trade additions could impact his role.

"I’m not worried about that personally. I’m just trying to come to the rink every day and trying to get better and work on my game and focus on that," said Connor.

And that, said Hendricks, is the best approach.

"This is an exciting time of the season for this group. We’ve taken a lot of steps to get here. We keep trying to improve our game. This league keeps getting better at this point. Every team’s striving to either position themselves better in the playoff run or get themselves into position for the playoffs. Teams are going to get better here after the trade deadline with acquisitions and stuff," said Hendricks. "It’s fun to see the smiles on a lot of the young guys' faces. It’s their first time getting into this position. They need to cherish these moments because they don’t come along that often. We’re comfortable with where we are but we want to continue to get better."

LEAGUE HONOUR

It hasn't taken Mark Scheifele long to return to form -- and serve notice to the rest of the NHL that he's back.

Scheifele was named the league's Third Star of the Week Monday. He had three goals and four assists in three games last week, all wins by the Jets. His work included scoring the shorthanded tying with 14 seconds left in the third period against Washington, then setting up for the overtime winner.

Scheifele now has 18 goals and 28 assists in 43 games after missing 16 with the shoulder injury suffered on Dec. 27.

"I'm feeling better every game, and that's the goal. When you're out that long you just want to get your legs under you as quick as you can. And obviously playing with the guys I'm playing with makes it easy," Scheifele said Monday.

This is the fifth time this year a Jets player has been given one of the weekly NHL honours. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck has been both a First Star and Second Star, Wheeler has been a First Star, and Nikolaj Ehlers has been a First Star.

"We're a good team. But at the end of the day we haven't done anything, yet. We will have lots of games left. And no one's making the playoffs and no one's raising the Stanley Cup, yet. We have a lot of work to do. We still really haven't done anything," Scheifele said.

***

Time flies when you're having fun. And assistant coach Charlie Huddy said Monday it's hard to believe he's already spent 1,500 games behind the bench.

Huddy was honoured Sunday night for reaching the milestone. Perhaps fittingly, the Jets went out and scored seven goals, just like the high-flying teams he was a part of in the 1980's often did.

“It was great. The most important thing is we got the win, we need the points right now. We need to battle it out and grind it out these last few games. It was a special night for me. It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve been fortunate to stay in the game this long and to be able to be here," said Huddy. “We all know what it’s like in this business, you never know how long you’re going to last. It’s been exciting. It’s a good way to stay in the game," said Huddy. "It’s been great to be able to help the young guys to kind of direct them and give some advice I had through my career. The game’s changed now but to be able to share it with them and help them out and see them progress as players and get better as we move along.”

Defenceman Tyler Myers said Monday that Huddy has been a strong influence on the team's blue line.

"Charlie's got a lot of pedigree with what he's done, not only as a player but as a coach, too. To have him behind this D, it's fun to work with him. He's a really good guy and I've really enjoyed having him behind the bench," said Myers. https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/manitoba-moose/moose-reeling-after-third- straight-loss-on-home-ice-474519173.html

Moose reeling after third straight loss on home ice

By: Mike McIntyre

The hadn't faced much adversity this season as they steamrolled opponents and soared to near top of the standings.

Well, they're knee-deep in it now. Because nothing seems to be going right these days for the main affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets.

The Moose dropped a 3-2 decision to the Monday afternoon at Bell MTS Place before 8,430 fans. It's their third straight regulation defeat, all on home ice, and leaves them with just one win in their last seven games (1-4-2).

This one was pretty much over before it had really started. Milwaukee scored three times in a first period that was as ugly as any the Moose have played all year. And while they showed glimpses of their old selves as the game wore on – scoring twice and just missing on several more glorious chances – it was too little, too late.

"I don't think we ran out of time. I think we didn't show up on time," veteran centre Mike Sgarbossa said following the game. "The first period there, if we played in the first like we did in the second and third, it's a different game. The outcome would have been a lot different."

Milwaukee's Frederick Gaudreau scored just 56 seconds into the game off a rebound given up by Moose goalie Jamie Phillips. The Admirals made it 2-0 a few minutes later on a pretty three- way passing play that ended with a Trevor Murphy goal. Then Gaudreau ripped his second of the contest with Milwaukee on a five-on-three power play with just over four minutes left in the frame.

It was a surprisingly flat start from a Moose squad that should have been more desperate, considering they were coming off back-to-back shutout losses to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

"At this point in the season, there's no excuse for not being prepared," said Sgarbossa. "Going into the playoffs, every period is going to matter. I think right now we have to learn we can't take one period off, no matter how good our team is. We can't afford to do that. I think right now we're learning the hard way."

Brendan Lemieux finally broke the offensive drought for the Moose when he beat Milwaukee goalie Anders Lindback with a shot just over six minutes into the middle period. It was the first Moose goal in just over 170 minutes of hockey – a stunning development for a team that had been the highest-scoring in the league until just recently.

Sure, they're without snipers Jack Roslovic and Nic Petan, who are both on recall with the Jets. But there's still plenty of offensive talent left on the farm.

Sgarbossa got the Moose within one with just over 11 minutes left in the third, converting a beautiful behind-the-back no-look pass from linemate Buddy Robinson for his 13th of the year.

But that's as close as Manitoba would get, despite hitting a couple posts in the game. They outshot Milwaukee 32-26, including 25-12 over the final two periods.

"We worked for 40. That's not good enough," said coach Pascal Vincent. "I like the fact they showed some character, from 3-0, that's not easy. But at the end of the day we're getting paid to play 60 minutes."

"It's nothing new, we're not re-inventing the wheel here, you need to show up on time. And that cost us the game."

The Moose are now 32-14-7 with 23 games left in the regular season. They continue to enjoy a big lead on top of the Central Division despite this recent rough stretch.

Manitoba returns to action Tuesday night in a re-match against Milwaukee, who improved to 26- 21-5 with the victory.

Winnipeg Sun http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/jets-season-about-to-get-interesting- bring-on-the-kings-scheifele-named-star-huddy-credits-the-captain

Jets season about to get interesting... Bring on the Kings... Scheifele named star... Huddy credits the captain

By Paul Friesen

You think it’s already been an interesting season for the Winnipeg Jets?

You ain’t seen nothin’, yet.

The trade deadline in a week, the return of healthy bodies, the stretch drive toward the playoffs – there will be no shortage of storylines around the second-most surprising team in the NHL.

“This is an exciting time of the season for this group,” centre Matt Hendricks was saying, Monday. “We’ve taken a lot of steps to get here… we need to keep preparing ourselves every day, keep showing up at the rink every day and getting better.

“But yeah, this is a good time of year right now. Not the best time of year, but a good time of year.”

At 35-15-9 and locked in a fight with Nashville for top spot in the Central Division, the Jets are all but a lock to make just their second playoff appearance, and first in three years.

That’ll be a first for a slew of young players like Patrik Laine, Nik Ehlers, Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor, Jack Roslovic, Andrew Copp, Joel Armia, Nic Petan and goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

At this point – and much can be undone through 23 more games – the Jets would go in as a first-round favourite with the home-ice advantage, too.

Coming off back-to-back home games in which they slaughtered their opposition by a combined 13-3 count, players had an extra bounce in their steps, Monday.

“It’s fun to see the smiles on a lot of the young guys’ faces — it’s their first time getting into this position,” Hendricks, 36, continued. “They need to cherish these moments because they don’t come along that often.”

One need only look at Hendricks’ old team, the Oilers, to see that.

But given its lack of experience, how will his new team handle it all?

Start with next Monday’s trade deadline, which could bring yet another player(s) onto an already-deep roster.

Combine that with the return of Brandon Tanev, Shawn Matthias and, eventually, third-line centre Adam Lowry from injury.

“I think probably the healthiest way is to not worry about it,” Hendricks, steeled by a decade in the big leagues, said. “Your play dictates where you’re going to sit in the lineup.”

Others may have egos that are more easily bruised, careers still to blossom.

“That’s the ultimate sacrifice this time of year,” Hendricks said. “You go home, can look in the mirror and be upset that you’re not playing. But… you’ve got to have your teammates’ backs and be here for the right reasons. We’ve only got one guy in this lineup that’s ever won a Stanley Cup. I’ve made it as far as Game 7 in the second round. Not sure if anyone else has gone that far, other than Buff.

“So it takes everybody pulling on the rope together.”

It’s hard to argue with this team’s collection of skill.

Its attention to the less-glamourous parts of the game is equally important.

Not only are the Jets third in goals scored per game, they’re tied for fifth in goals against.

It’s the former that causes Hendricks to call it a “special” group. Of course, he says last year’s Oilers were, too.

“I think we have a lot of threats here, in terms of offence,” he said. “Our top three lines can score at any point in a game.”

That the special teams have done such an about-face from a year ago – a power play ranked third, kill seventh — can’t be over-played, either.

“I don’t know if I want to say surprised,” defenceman Tyler Myers said. “But we’ve done a really good job of stepping up where we’ve needed it. You can tell the young guys have really bought into the system that we’re trying to play here.”

Add it all up, and this is exactly what Myers was hoping for when the Jets rescued him from Buffalo, three years ago this month.

“It’s definitely fun,” Myers said. “It’s always fun when you’re winning as much as we are. We know the work left to do is ahead of us.”

Like the bulk of the story, still to be told.

NEXT UP The L.A. Kings were to arrive from Chicago in the wee hours Tuesday, to cap off the Jets’ 10- game home stand.

Like the Panthers on Sunday, Winnipeg catches the Kings on the tail end of back-to-back games.

“We’re expecting a lot tougher game against L.A., that’s for sure,” Bryan Little said. “They’re fighting for their lives, and whenever we play them it’s almost like a playoff-style game.”

LAYOFF? WHAT LAYOFF? Mark Scheifele (three goals, four assists, plus-seven in three games) was named the NHL’s third star of the week, Monday, capping a virtually seamless return from a six-week injury absence.

“Yeah, I’m feeling better every game,” Scheifele said. “When you’re out that long you just want to get your legs under you as quick as you can. And obviously playing with the guys I’m playing with makes it easy.”

Scheifele’s wingers of late have been Blake Wheeler and rookie Kyle Connor.

MILESTONE FOR HUDDY Having all the talent come together has been the most pleasant surprise for assistant coach Charlie Huddy.

“We knew we were going in the right direction,” Huddy said. “Blake’s done a great job of taking charge of the room and bringing everybody together.”

Sunday’s 7-2 win over Florida was Huddy’s 1,500th game behind an NHL bench. http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/five-keys-to-jets-vs-kings

Five keys to Jets vs. Kings

By Paul Friesen

Winnipeg Jets vs Los Angeles Kings

7 pm CT, Bell MTS Place, TV: TSN3. Radio: TSN 1290

THE BIG MATCHUP

Darcy Kuemper vs Connor Hellebuyck Like on Sunday when the Panthers were playing on consecutive nights and started backup James Reimer in goal, the Kings will likely go with Kuemper after giving Jonathan Quick the start in Chicago, Monday night. Kuemper is 9-1-3 with a 2.04 GAA and .934 save percentage.

FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME

The early jump Whenever a team comes in on the tail end of a back-to-back, the Jets talk about getting off to a good start. Matt Hendricks: “Teams come in, get in late, gotta turn around and play again — we know what that’s like to be on the other side. It’s not easy. So if we can get the momentum of the game early, it definitely helps.”

Shore up P.K. Giving up two power-play goals to Florida, Sunday, caused the Jets to slip from third to seventh in the NHL rankings in that department. You can get away with it when you score seven goals, but a similar performance against the Kings won’t bode well.

Take advantage of depth The Jets are the only NHL team right now with their top two goal-scorers playing on a third line: Patrik Laine and Nik Ehlers alongside centre Andrew Copp. It’s an embarrassment of riches. Getting offence from three lines makes this team a nightmare to match up against.

Don’t be satisfied The season-high, 10-game home stand has been predictably kind to the Jets (6-2-1). This is no time to relax. A win over the desperate Kings would put a nice capper on it, not to mention hurt L.A.’s playoff chances.

Myers’ mantra Defenceman Tyler Myers repeated it three times, Monday, calling it a huge part of the Jets’ mission down the stretch. “Learning how to play the same way at different parts of the game,” is how Myers put it. What he means is the Jets need to disregard the score and play the same, disciplined, structured game. When they do that, they usually win.

The Athletic Winnipeg https://theathletic.com/247070/2018/02/20/lebrun-jets-ready-to-add-pieces-needed-to-help- them-compete-in-nhls-toughest-division/

LeBrun: Jets ready to add pieces needed to help them compete in NHL's toughest division

By Pierre LeBrun

Six days to the trade deadline and the intrigue surrounding the high-flying Winnipeg Jets is among the story lines catching my eye.

Frankly, if the Jets did absolutely nothing at the deadline, I’d love their chances anyway. They’re deep and talented and getting contributions from many. Hello, 21 goals from Kyle Connor? Ten goals from Joel Armia? Thirty-seven points from Mathieu Perreault? They get offence from everyone.

But why not get greedy and add a piece or two if you’re a Jets team trying to come out of the NHL’s toughest division?

They’ve got a long list of prospects to draw from and all their picks for the upcoming draft. The Jets’ trade deadline toolbox is full. It’s a question of whether the price for the players they’ve identified on the market makes any sense.

“We have assets within the organization that we’re willing to use and we have assets within the organization that I will not use,” Jets GM told The Athletic on Monday evening. “That’s just the simple truth. If a team wants to use something that I will not use, then I won’t have a deal in place. But if it fits both ways, then maybe a deal comes into place. At the end of the day, it’s not about not wanting to spend assets.’’

The funny thing is, every time the Jets have had an excuse to look under the hood of the car to see what they’re made of they’ve had guys like Dustin Byfuflien or Mark Schefeile or Jacob Trouba out injured (Trouba remains out). Though the team kept cruising along. At one point before Schefeile’s return, there were as many as seven Jets on injured reserve. But they kept winning.

Within the confines of the Jets’ offices that was a constant reminder of the depth the team already has.

“Well, we’ve always talked internally of the fact that the players make the decisions,” Cheveldayoff said. “When Scheifele went down, the dynamics in our organization changed dramatically. Wheels (Blake Wheeler) takes over as the top centre, and other players come in and have to do different things. Kudos to the players when they take advantage of the opportunities, because gaining a coach’s trust is the first step for young players to continue to prosper.’’

On the other hand, playoff experience is lacking on this Jets team that, going back to its Atlanta roots, has yet to win a single post-season game. Surely that’s about to change this spring.

Three things I’d personally love to see added in Winnipeg if the price makes sense:

1) A veteran, top-six forward with playoff experience. 2) A bottom-six forward with more jam. 3) A left-handed defenceman.

Two out of those three would be a great trade deadline.

“It’s got to fit,” Cheveldayoff said of the trade scenarios at play this week. “And whether it is playoff experience or whether it is position-specific, those things play themselves out. Sometimes it’s market-specific as well, you can’t manufacture things that aren’t there, whether it’s availability of a player to your organization or whether it’s the availability of a player on the market place. You have to do due diligence. It’s why the scouts scout all year. The fit is a broad term, it doesn’t necessarily have to relate to experience, it has to relate to a structure that you’ve been successful with.’’

What Cheveldayoff can’t control is what the Predators, Blues, Stars or Wild do in the crazy Central. He can’t react emotionally if the Preds go out and get a big-name scoring winger, for example.

“You’re certainly competing, you’re probably making some of the same phone calls, but again it’s not one of those things where you can sit there and say, `Because they did this, I have to do that,’’’ Cheveldayoff said. “The market place doesn’t lend itself in this game to do something like that; because the structure of a team is not just about garnering the most talent, or the most size, or the most whatever, it’s about your own identity.’’

No question in my mind that Cheveldayoff is ready to act. From what I can gather talking to other sources around the league, the Jets have been aggressive in finding out what’s out there. We speculated last week about the Jets checking in on the likes of Derick Brassard and and TSN colleague threw out the fresh name of among other names Monday. I don’t know if Winnipeg is on Nash’s list of teams, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask.

As of Monday afternoon, several hockey execs around the league were complaining/opining that the prices were still mighty high.

I asked Cheveldayoff if the lessons of past trade deadlines around the NHL regarding prices paid and spring return (or lack thereof) were making some buying GMs more cautious. From year to year, Cheveldayoff said, the prices you pay and can live with really depends on the each team’s specific lot.

“It’s a case by case situation. The year that I was part of a team that won the Cup in Chicago (2010), we didn’t make a deadline acquisition of significance. You have to do whatever you feel is right at the time,” said Cheveldayoff. “You’re talking internally with your own players and your own coaches, and different things can transpire. Like any deadline, there’s the spike of activity as you approach, whether it’s adding depth or a big veteran piece, there’s lot of work that goes on behind the scenes as well; from character, personality, , contract terms, all those kinds of things come into place in the final analysis.’’

Other notes: —In a season from hell for the Canadiens, the story of Nicolas Deslauriers is a feelgood one to be sure. The Habs extended the pending UFA to a two-year deal worth a bargain $950,000 per season Monday. He’s a good fit on the fourth line and has shown he can move up the lineup in a pinch.

–The Ducks will be so interesting to watch over the next six days. They’re no sure bet to make the playoffs, although if they do, watch out. No team wants to face them. But what does GM Bob Murray do this week? I wonder if he doesn’t do a bit of both, buy and sell, perhaps start the massaging the roster without hurting this year’s chances but at the same time get a leg up on some summer decisions. https://theathletic.com/245461/2018/02/19/pronman-prospects-for-sellers-to-target-at-the-trade- deadline/

Pronman: Prospects for sellers to target at the trade deadline

By Corey Pronman

At the trade deadline, teams are usually divided into buyers — those looking to add to a championship-contending roster — and sellers — those looking ahead to the future and trying to get future assets in return for players on expiring contracts or just not fitting in the system. Today’s column is a guide for selling NHL teams at the trade deadline. We’ll take a look at the true buyers, as determined by The Athletic colleague Pierre LeBrun last week for the Western and Eastern conferences, and see what prospects they could offer teams looking to offload rentals.

Winnipeg Jets The Jets' system is deep with a lot of their top guys being NHL ready or nearly ready, as their AHL club Manitoba has run teams over this season. Center Jack Roslovic, now up with the Jets, and winger Kristian Vesalainen over in Finland are their top prospects and would likely command a ton. After them, though, winger Mason Appleton and defenseman Sami Niku are close to the second tier of NHL top prospects. They have a few other interesting pieces in Manitoba too, like forwards Michael Spacek, Jansen Harkins and Chase de Leo, but they’re not as high-end. Former top prospect Nic Petan might benefit from a change of scenery, as he’s been a quad-A player for the Jets. Goalie Eric Comrie is also having a very good season in the A and is on the cusp of NHL time. Defenseman Dylan Samberg is trending up but is quite young and a few years away. The development of former first-round pick Logan Stanley hasn’t gone as planned and would be a serious gamble as a prime trade chip.

NBC Sports http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2018/02/19/should-winnipeg-jets-stand-pat-at-trade-deadline/

Should Winnipeg Jets stand pat at trade deadline?

By Scott Billeck

There are whispers that the Winnipeg Jets could stand pat at the trade deadline and get away with it.

It’s not necessarily the most popular opinion, but one that has gained a small following given how their season has shaped up to this point.

The growth of rookie forward Kyle Connor, who scored his 21st goal of the season on Sunday, has been impressive. Connor went from a mediocre training camp that saw him begin the season in the American Hockey League to play a vital role on Winnipeg’s top line with Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler.

Jack Roslovic began the season in the AHL and was only called up recently to fill in the gaps as Winnipeg’s health began to deteriorate. Now, Roslovic, a dynamic player with speed and play- making ability, has performed so well that he likely won’t see the minors again.

The Jets are also anticipating the return of towering center Adam Lowry (out with an upper-body injury) and defenseman Jacob Trouba (out with a lower-body injury) by the time the playoffs roll around, turning into quasi-trade deadline additions.

The Jets, who have scored 13 goals in their past two games, are as good as any other team in the league when they’re firing on all cylinders. A recent adjustment to their lines — one that included putting 20-plus goal scorers Nikolaj Ehlers and Patrik Laine on the third unit — has diversified Winnipeg’s top-nine to a scary extent.

The Jets have three lines that are capable, at the moment, of putting up a lot of points on any given night. So the argument that the Jets don’t need to add someone to their top-six, or even their top-nine, has some merit.

That said, as the old sports cliche goes: there’s always room to improve. The Jets could still use some depth on the fourth line. Matt Hendricks, while a good presence in the room and a decent penalty killer, isn’t the quickest player on the ice. Joel Armia shows flashes of brilliance and then goes on long stretches where he’s mostly invisible. The return of Brandon Tanev from injury will be useful in that regard. But adding a budget center could be the shrewd move general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff needs to solidify a solid fourth-line combo.

On defense, Ben Chiarot has played admirably in place of Trouba but he may be a surplus to requirements when Trouba returns. One wonders what Cheveldayoff is thinking when it comes to Toby Enstrom, however. The diminutive defenseman had a tough outing in the physical department during the Jets last playoff appearance — their only visit since returning to Winnipeg — during the 2014-15 season. And his injury history should have the Jets thinking about at least shoring up that possibility.

The Jets could turn to Chiarot’s size and physicality in a similar scenario or could turn to the trade market for another option.

This is a good headache for any general manager. The Jets are one of the top teams in the NHL without having made a trade thus far this season.

Their goaltending has been spectacular, their power play has been lethal and their penalty kill is up near the top. Bell MTS Place has become a place teams go to die and the Jets, at the moment, would have home-ice advantage in the first round.

It makes for an interesting week leading up to Monday’s trade deadline.

Here’s a look at what the Jets could be/are considering:

Forwards Rick Nash: A pricey rental player that would add size and scoring to the Jets top-six. But pricey is the key word here and it’s unlikely the Jets want to dig into the farm to own a guy for a couple months.

Mike Hoffman: Skilled and quick with the ability to score. He would be a good fit for the Jets, but as ’s Elliotte Friedman reported on the weekend, Hoffman has a limited no-movement clause and Winnipeg is on the list. With term left on his deal, the price wouldn’t be cheap either.

Patrick Maroon and Mark Letestu: Two depth forwards that would bolster Winnipeg’s bottom end. Maroon isn’t the fastest guy around, and he’s not scoring 27 goals like he did last season playing with Connor McDavid. But a fresh start after not getting a contract in Edmonton might be just what Maroon needs to get his confidence up and running. Letestu, meanwhile, offers bottom-six depth up the middle. Matt Hendricks, currently occupying the fourth-line center role, didn’t play in last year’s playoffs for the Oilers. He could make way again depending on what the Jets do at the deadline. These would be cheaper options.

Ryan Hartman: It would be odd for the to trade a 23-year-old budding forward to a divisional rival, but stranger things have happened. Hartman had 19 goals in his rookie season last year and is playing on a very poor Blackhawks team this year. The price tag is likely high on him as well.

Mats Zuccarello: The announced they were holding a yard sale, and Zuccarello is a name that’s been thrown around when it comes to the Jets. Zuccarello is a good penalty killer and plays a game, not unlike Mathieu Perreault, who the Jets covet. Zuccarello also comes with an extra year on his contract. and could help the Jets beyond this season.

Defenseman: Nick Holden: Continuing with the Rangers fire sale, Holden could be an option. He’s a left shot defenseman that could fill in for an injury to Enstrom. Holden’s possession metrics don’t jump off the page, but he’s a serviceable third-pairing guy who can play bigger minutes in a pinch.

Jan Rutta: One player the Blackhawks may be willing to part ways with is defenseman Rutta, who is on a one-year entry-level deal that’s set to expire at the end of this season. Rutta shoots right and has better possession metrics than Holden.

FanRag Sports https://www.fanragsports.com/senators/dreger-penguins-and-jets-expressed-trade-interest-in- brassard/

Dreger | Penguins and Jets expressed trade interest in Brassard

By Chris Nichols

The Senators could become a key player on the NHL trade front in the next week, should general manager choose to deal assets with term remaining rather than simply the rentals that are largely available leaguewide at this time of year.

During a Monday afternoon appearance on TSN, Darren Dreger relayed that the team is drawing notable interest regarding several of its players.

“The door is still open to the possibility of Mike Hoffman being traded by the , but it is going to take a premium, premium return for Pierre Dorion to consider it and ultimately pull the trigger because he is so talented,” indicated Dreger, following up on the fact that Hoffman has been lowered on the Frank Seravalli-run TSN Trade Bait List. “Matt Duchene has got wonderful chemistry with him, talks about how talented he is. Of course he’s got the shot, he’s got the speed – but there’s hockey IQ.

“So if you’re Ottawa, you’re going through a renovation, a retool – not a complete tear-it-down- to-the-wood type of rebuild. So if you move Mike Hoffman and you don’t get exactly what you need, how do you replace that player. Because you’re going to want to replace him within a year or two.”

Hoffman has this year and two additional seasons remaining on his contract, which has a cap hit of just under $5.2 million. He has a modified no-trade clause through these final three campaigns of that four-year pact, and that comes with a 10-team no-trade list.

James Duthie, hosting the TSN panel here, asked Dreger if Derick Brassard would then become the more likely to be dealt of the significant assets on the Senators.

“Well, they both are drawing considerable interest,” noted Dreger of Hoffman and Brassard. “In Derick Brassard you get at worst a No. 2 center. Multiple teams have expressed interest in Derick Brassard, including the likes of the Winnipeg Jets and how about this one – the . Could you imagine Derick Brassard playing as third-line center behind Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby as the Pittsburgh Penguins try to win a third-straight Stanley Cup.

“Again though, when you’re trying to move a piece and a piece as quality as Derick Brassard, what’s the rate of return. It’s going to be a first-round plus and that’s a tough one for a lot of teams.”

Brassard’s contract, which runs through this season and next, carries a $5 million cap hit and comes with a modified no-trade clause through which he can exercise an eight-team no-trade list.

Sportsnet.ca http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/jets-appear-complete-team-tweak/ (VIDEO LINK)

JETS APPEAR TO BE COMPLETE TEAM, SHOULD THEY TWEAK?

HC at Noon discussion on whether the Winnipeg Jets should stand pat at the trade deadline, or should they make a couple of tweaks, and possibly disrupt the chemistry?

TSN.ca https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/insider-trading-cheveldayoff-making-his-calls~1329640 (VIDEO LINK)

Insider Trading: Cheveldayoff making his calls

With the Jets sitting atop the Central Division, TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger discusses what Kevin Cheveldayoff is trying to do to fortify his roster and where Erik Gudbranson is at with the Canucks with contract talks.

TSN 1290 (AUDIO LINKS) https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/lebrun-cheveldayoff-is-willing-to-spend-for-the-right-fit- 1.1004404

LeBrun: Cheveldayoff is willing to spend for the right fit

TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun discusses the Jets position heading into the trade deadline, the high asking prices less than a week away, and who may be on the move from the Rangers and Blackhawks. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/jalonen-laine-is-the-most-popular-finnish-nhl-player- 1.1004157

Jalonen: Laine is the most popular Finnish NHL player

Finnish hockey writer Pekka Jalonen joined host Kevin Olszewski to discuss his recent story on Jets prospect Kristian Vesalainen and his plans to stay in Winnipeg next season. He also weighs in on who is the most popular Finnish NHL player. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/mckenzie-jets-could-move-first-round-pick-at-deadline- 1.1004001

McKenzie: Jets could move first round pick at deadline

TSN's Bob McKenzie stopped by with a week to go before the NHL's trade deadline to discuss if the Jets would still chase a top-six forward with the club's hot play, what a Patrik Laine contract next year could look like as well as what it would take for the Jets to trade their first round pick. www.winnipegjets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/jets-happy-but-not-satisfied-as-home-stand-winds-down/c- 296136986

Jets happy, but not satisfied as home stand winds down With nine games in the books, the Jets have put together a 6-2-1 record and sit first in the Central by Jamie Thomas @JamieThomasTV / WinnipegJets.com

WINNIPEG - At this time of year, teams are looking for any advantage as the games ramp up and for the Winnipeg Jets, it's been this unique, 10-game home stand over the majority of the month of February.

With nine games in the books, the Jets have put together a 6-2-1 record that's vaulted them into first place in the Central Division as of Monday afternoon.

"It's been great, especially since we've been so good at home for the most part this year," said Bryan Little, who had a goal and an assist in a 7-2 win over the on Sunday. "We can also get some rest. We're not playing a lot of back to backs; we're not playing every other day this month. There's some good days for recovery, and it's nice to be at home with the family for it."

Since the Jets pulled off their miraculous, come-from-behind victory over the last Tuesday, the momentum carried over in overwhelming fashion. Winnipeg has destroyed the and Panthers by a combined score of 13-3 in its last two games.

"I would say we're happy, but not satisfied," said Tyler Myers, who has a goal and five helpers over a three-game point streak. "The home stand has definitely gone very well. I think for us, it's developing that consistent habit of doing the little things right each and every night for a full 60, no matter what the situation of the game is."

The final game of the marathon home stand goes Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings, who generally play that tight-checking style of game that is as close to playoff hockey as you can get during the regular season.

The Kings are currently four points back of the Wild for the second and final wild-card playoff spot entering Monday's action.

ICE CHIPS Mark Scheifele has not wasted any time returning to the form that had him averaging more than a point per game before he suffered an upper-body injury that forced him to miss 16 games. The Jets' No. 1 centre racked up seven points (3G, 4A) over three Winnipeg victories this past week and that effort was rewarded with Scheifele being named the NHL's Third Star of the Week on Monday.

"I'm feeling better every game and that's the goal," he said. "When you're out that long, you just want to get your legs underneath you as quick as you can. Obviously playing with the guys I play with makes it easy."

This is the third time in his career Scheifele has been named one of the NHL's Three Stars of the Week.

COACHING MILESTONE Charlie Huddy has seen it all over his playing and coaching career that includes five Stanley Cup rings.

Sunday marked his 1,500th game behind an NHL bench as an assistant with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, and Jets.

"The most important thing is we got the win; we need the points right now," said Huddy, who received a nice ovation from the fans at Bell MTS Place during a stoppage in play. "It was a special night for me. It's been a lot of fun; I've been fortunate to stay in the game this long and to be able to be here (for 1500 games). It was a special night."

"Charlie's got a lot of pedigree with what he's done not only as a player, but as a coach," added Myers, who has had Huddy guiding him since he arrived in Winnipeg in 2015. "It's fun to work with him. He's a good guy and I've really enjoyed having him behind the bench."

OPTIONAL SKATE The Jets held an optional skate at Bell MTS Iceplex on Monday afternoon that included injured forwards Shawn Matthias and Brandon Tanev. Both remained in yellow, non-contact jerseys. Other players taking part were Marko Dano, Nic Petan, Tucker Poolman, Eric Comrie and .

- Jamie Thomas, WinnipegJets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/practice--matt-hendricks/t-277437442/c-57970103

PRACTICE | Matt Hendricks

Matt Hendricks on his playoff experience, how the team is playing and the 10-game home stand coming to an end