The Winnipeg Jets began pre-season play with a 3-2 OT loss to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. Over 14,000 fans attended the first pre-season game at Canada Life Centre in downtown Winnipeg.
Quick start for Jets
By the 10-minute mark of the first period, Winnipeg was up 2-0. Morgan Barron cashed in during a lengthy 5-on-3 power play. Barron has a strong case to be the team’s fourth-line centre to begin the season. His 6-foot-4 frame is always difficult for defenders to deal with in front of the net.
Subsequently, Danny Zhilkin scored a goal after a nifty drop pass from Kevin He. Zhilkin was also the Jets’ best player during last weekend’s Prospects Showcase. There, he which he registered four points (2G, 2A) over two games in Montreal.
Meanwhile, Sam Fagemo registered two assists in defeat. Originally, Fagemo was a Los Angeles second-round pick in the 2019 draft. Despite putting up solid AHL numbers, he has yet to be productive at the NHL level.
Mixed results from Jets young guns
Three of the Jets top prospects suited up in this game: Brad Lambert, Elias Salomonsson and Brayden Yager. Of the three, Salomonsson looked the best. He played 20 minutes mainly alongside Hadyn Fleury and registered an assist on Winnipeg’s power play goal.
Unfortunately, Lambert and Yager failed to impress. They weren’t terrible. However, neither really stood out.
Even during a lengthy power play in OT, neither player presented a serious threat to win the game. Its only Game One of preseason. Nevertheless,
as of now, both look bound to start the season on the Manitoba Moose.
Jets make six roster cuts
On Monday, the Jets announced six cuts from their preseason roster.
- Returned to junior teams: Edison Engle (D), Jacob Cloutier (F), Kevin He (F), Owen Martin (F)
- Released from professional try out (PTO): Ethan Frisch (D)
- Released from amateur try out (ATO): Alex Worthington (G)
Connor on the clock
I believe that the Kyle Connor extension is close. Seems like it’s only a matter of time before the announcement is made that he has inked the largest contract ever handed out in franchise history. Additionally, I think captain Adam Lowry will sign an extension with the team prior to the start of the regular season.
Up next: Oilers visit Winnipeg
The Jets continue preseason play on Tuesday night when they host the Edmonton Oilers. It will mark the first time we get to see Winnipeg native Jonathon Toews suit up for the Jets. He will play in between Cole Perfetti and Gustav Nyquist. This line may be the Jets second line to begin the season. It has yet to be which other players will be playing on Tuesday night for the Jets.
