The Winnipeg Jets split their pre-season games over the weekend. On Friday night, the line-up that was mainly bottom six forwards and prospects lost 4-0 to the Edmonton Oilers in Edmonton. The following night, a veteran heavy line-up defeated the Calgary Flames by the
score of 4-2. The latter was played at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.
Dylan Samberg Injured
On what seemed like an innocent looking play in the second period of Saturday night’s game in Winnipeg, Samberg received an awkward hit into boards by a Flames forward. He went straight to the dressing room and did not return. Coach Scott Arniel called the play a “freak accident.”
Expect to hear an update about the general nature of Samberg’s injury in the next couple of days. Up until this point, he had a great training camp coming off of a fresh 3-year contract extension. Hopefully, Samberg won’t be out long. He was set to be a pillar on the Winnipeg blueline.
Top line makes debut
The Jets’ top line of Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele and Gabe Vilardi made their pre-season debut on Saturday night. They definitely looked rusty as they were held off the scoresheet. This line was the highest scoring trio the league last year.
With the departure of Nikolaj Ehlers, it’s imperative that Scheiefle’s line continues to shine for the Jets once the regular season begins.
Toews line quiet
With a two-game sample size, there doesn’t seem to be much chemistry brewing on Winnipeg’s new-look second line as of yet. The trio of Cole Perfetti, Jonathon Toews and Gustav Nyquist combined for one assist in the Saturday night game against the Flames. Moreover, they didn’t generate much sustained pressure. That’s more important than goals at this stage.
Morrissey back to full health
After not finishing the playoffs with the Jets last post-season due to a knee injury, it seems like Josh Morrissey has fully recovered. He played a team high 27 minutes Saturday night. Not the norm for a pre-season game but the Jets were down to 5 defenceman after the Samberg injury.
Winnipeg makes four more cuts
Jets management made four roster cuts on Sunday. The team assigned forwards Jacob Julien and Fabian Wagner along with goaltender Isaac Poulter to the Manitoba Moose. Additionally, the team released defenceman Dylan Anhorn released from his professional tryout.
Next up for the Jets
The Jets continue pre-season play when they visit the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday evening.
Ville Heinola placed on waivers! Another first round pick bites the dust. They should have traded him when his value was high. The Jets are one of the worst teams when it comes to asset management.
The Jets went from being a draft and develop team, to a sign and retire one!