There have been some developments within the Winnipeg Jets organization over the last few days. Outside Winnipeg, there are rumours of teams weighing an offer sheets to Gabriel Vilardi if the Jets cannot secure an extension for the restricted free agent (RFA) before July 1. Two years ago, the Jets and Vilardi narrowly avoided arbitration. Arbitration remains an option for Vilardi this year, but he could alternatively wait and see if an offer sheets forces the Jets’ hand instead.
Kupari Departs for Switzerland
Much to the surprise of most people in Winnipeg, Rasmus Kupari has signed a 2-year contract to play with the HC Lugano club of the Swiss National League. Kupari was scheduled to be an RFA on July 1 . The Jets would still need to make him a qualifying offer before then if they wish to retain his NHL rights.
Kupari was originally drafted 20th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2018 draft. It was nearly two years ago he was traded to the Jets as a part of the blockbuster trade that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Kings. Along with Kupari, the Jets also received Gabe Vilardi and Alex Iafallo in the deal.
Despite Kupari’s departure, it’s still safe to say that the Jets came out on top of that particular transaction. In two seasons with the Jets, Kupari played in 89 total games in which he registered five goals and four assists. Kupari went into concussion protocol towards the end of the regular season and never suited up for a single playoff game.
With Kupari now off the roster for two seasons minimum and with the most likely departure of Mason Appleton, there appears to be at least one roster spot up for grabs in the bottom six forward group. Time will tell if the spot is filled internally or via free agency .
Julien wins Memorial Cup with London
The Jets fifth-round pick of the 2023 draft, Jacob Julien finished his junior career this weekend with a Memorial Cup win with the powerhouse London Knights (Ontario Hockey League). In the final, the Knights defeated the Medicine Hat Tigers, led by phenomal Gavin McKenna, by the score of 4-1. Julien finished the tournament with two goals and two assists in five games. The Knights have won back-to-back OHL championships. Last year, they lost the championship game at the Memorial Cup tournament.
Up until now, Julien predominantly played a shutdown role for the Knights, often playing head-to-head against opposing teams’ best forwards. He will now most likely suit up for the Manitoba Moose when next season begins.
Jonathan Toews rumours
After a two-year hiatus from playing hockey, 37-year old Jonathan Toews appears ready to make a comeback in the NHL. Although the Jets have been labeled as an ideal destination for the hometown hero, I think Jets fans need to be cautious with these rumours.
In fact, All fans everywhere should be cautious with rumours. The batting average of these “inside source” educated guesses are quite low. It’s not “news” until something actually happens. That said, of course, some outlets are far more reliable (and authentically sourced) than others. In Toews’ case, it seems very likely the player will attempt a comeback. Where? That remains to be seen.
If Toews indeed returns to the NHL, he will have plenty of suitors. A storybook ending to his career in Winnipeg may be one attractive choice, However, it will not be his only option.
With captain Adam Lowry likely to begin the year on LTIR, Toews may be a decent candidate to anchor the third-line centre position. He was always dominant in the face-off circle, which has been a weakness for the Jets centres beyond Lowry.
In his last full season with the Chicago Blackhawks (2022-2023), Toews played in 53 games. He scored 15 goals and added 16 assists. The Toews talk has officially begun in Winnipeg.
