Winnipeg Jets - 2022 Potential Trade Deadline Candidates

 

Winnipeg Jets – Potential Trade Deadline Targets

 

            To spend, or not to spend, that is the question. At least that is the question NHL general managers are asking themselves at the trade deadline every season. Teams must evaluate where their teams are at and decide whether they want to offload assets, acquire players, or stand pat. Kevin Cheveldayoff will be one of the general managers tasked with deciding whether he believes his team should acquire players to try and push his team to glory. The Jets are currently on the playoff bubble, and the next little while will likely dictate which direction the team takes at the deadline. For this article, I’m assuming that the team will be looking to add at the deadline. The Jets are right up against the cap so money will be tight for a team looking to go on a deep run in 2022. Let’s meet the potential candidates.

Mason Appleton (Seattle Kraken)

We’ll start with a familiar face. Appleton was selected by the Kraken in the expansion draft after establishing himself as a top-nine forward for the Jets during the shortened 2021 season. He was injured for awhile to start the season but has since put up 6 points in 20 games played. Not bad, but not something that Seattle will likely deem untouchable. As a pending restricted free agent with a $900,000 cap hit, Appleton could potentially be shipped out of Seattle for picks or prospects. The Jets know Appleton can fit well into their system and if he does become available, I’m certain they would have interest.

Calle Jarnkrok (Seattle Kraken)

‘Versatile’ is the word that comes to mind when discussing Jarnkrok as a potential trade candidate for the Winnipeg Jets. With the Kraken set to sell at the deadline, Jarnkrok is a player who can play all three forward positions. He is certainly a bottom six option who can provide some consistent offence, as he has scored at least 10 goals over the past six seasons. With his reasonable $2,000,000 cap hit, Jarnkrok could be a guy that could slide onto any line that needs some offensive punch.

Travis Boyd (Arizona Coyotes)

A guy who has largely been a fringe player throughout his career, Boyd has done well in his time in Arizona. He currently sits fifth in Coyotes team scoring with 16 points through 25 games played. The Jets have been a team that has struggled at times to get consistent scoring from their bottom six. Brining in Boyd could potentially give the team a player who has shown this season that he is very capable of chipping in offensively. He also has a $750,000 cap hit, so chalk that up to a manageable contract for a cap-crunched team,

Johan Larsson (Arizona Coyotes)

Sticking with the Coyotes, Larsson does not provide as much offence as someone like Travis Boyd, but he kills penalties which is something the Jets could definitely use. Larsson could be a reliable player for Dave Lowry, someone who is not a liability defensively and can score from time to time as well. Having Larsson as a fourth line center could be enticing to a team looking to make some noise in the playoffs, such as the Jets. He does have a slightly higher cap hit ($1,400,000) than the two previous players. However, salary can always be retained, or a player sent the other way to make a trade possible.

Now, we just have to sit and wait to see what Cheveldayoff has up his sleeves for the trade deadline.

OP

 

Top 50 NHL Players - January 2022

 

Top 50 NHL Players 2022

Owen Pedersen

January 11^th, 2022

 

            With the NHL approaching the halfway point of the 2021-2022 season, it is time to sit down and re-evaluate who the top 50 players are in the NHL. This list is completely subjective and considers this most recent season, as well as what the player has accomplished the past few seasons. You will probably disagree with most of my list and that’s OK. I’m sure my list will look much different when I do it again in the future, but that’s part of the fun because players are constantly improving, and the rankings of the NHL’s elite is forever changing. Without further ado, let’s get ranking!

 

1)     Connor McDavid (Previous rank: 1)

The no-brainer best player on the planet. Makes plays that nobody else is capable of and seems to just keep getting better. A treat to watch every night.

2)     Nathan MacKinnon (Previous rank: 2)

Like McDavid, MacKinnon has speed that is near impossible for defenders to stop. Perhaps the scariest thing about MacKinnon is how he seems to elevate his game to another level during the playoffs.

3)     Auston Matthews (Previous rank: 3)

The top three remains the same, with Matthews coming in third place. He is a Rocket Richard threat every season and could potentially win the Selke this season. Crazy.

4)     Leon Draisaitl (Previous rank: 6)

Draisaitl could potentially win his second Art Ross Trophy in three seasons if he keeps up his pace. A big body who can generate loads of offence, with or without McDavid.

5)     Cale Makar (Previous rank: 5)

The best defenceman on the planet for my money. Skates so effortlessly and is on pace for over 40 goals this season. Only a matter of time before he wins a Norris… and maybe a Stanley Cup.

6)     Victor Hedman (Previous rank: 7)

The big man has been an absolute beast after injuries slightly affected his play last season. Will be critical once again in Tampa Bay’s push for a three-peat.

7)     Adam Fox (Previous rank: 14)

Reigning Norris trophy winner is as smart as they come. Rangers looking like they will return to playoffs in the spring, thanks in large part to Fox.

8)     Andrei Vasilevskiy (Previous rank: 8)

Everything you want in a goalie. Big, athletic, durable, consistent. Oh, and he wins championships.

9)    Nikita Kucherov (Previous rank: 4)

Drops a bit due to his struggles to stay healthy recently. However, he’s still the best winger in the league so nothing to worry about here.

10)  Roman Josi (Previous rank: 13)

Does everything for the Predators, who have surprisingly surged to being a top team in the NHL. You know what you’re getting from the Nashville captain every night.

11)  Artemi Panarin (Previous rank: 11)

Worth every penner for the Rangers. Incredibly skilled and drives the offence for one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

12)  Brad Marchand (Previous rank: 12)

It’s no secret by now that Marchand is not just a pest that other teams and fans love to hate. He’s just a really, really, good hockey player.

13)  Aleksander Barkov (Previous rank: 17)

With a big contract extension in hand, Barkov can try and captain the Panthers to a playoff series win with his elite two-way game.

14)  Mikko Rantanen (Previous rank: 20)

Seems to just get better with each passing season. His offensive instincts are a big reason why the Avs have the best line in hockey.

15)  Jonathan Huberdeau (Previous rank: 25)

One of the top playmakers in the league. Enough with underrating this guy. Welcome to the top 15 Mr. Huberdeau.

16)  Brayden Point (Previous rank: 16)

Instrumental in both of Tampa Bay’s Stanley Cups. When the stakes are highest, Point seems to play his best hockey.

17)  Connor Hellebuyck (Previous rank: 9)

Not quite at his usual level this season. He’s still an elite goaltender who bails his team out on so many occasions.

18)  Igor Shesterkin (Previous rank: NR)

Highest riser in the rankings. Gives the Rangers a chance to win every night. No shot they would be a top team without him.

19)  Sidney Crosby (Previous rank: 10)

Fallen a little bit, but he’s still Sid. Smartest player on the planet finds ways to be effective every single night in pursuit of his fourth Stanley Cup.

20)  Alex Ovechkin (Previous rank: 38)

I think ‘Ovi’ took offence to that 38^th overall rank last time. Might even be rated too low here, as he is one of the Hart trophy favourites in his age 36 season.

21)  Kirill Kaprizov (Previous rank: 39)

Calder winner is the superstar the Wild have needed. Worth the price of admission and makes players around him better.

22)  Aaron Ekblad (Previous rank: 35)

Former first overall pick has reached his full potential. Having his best season after that horrible injury last year is incredible to see.

23)  Charlie McAvoy (Previous rank: 15)

Best defensive defenceman in the league. Only drops because of the talent ahead of him. No big deal, he could rise again in the next rankings.

24)  Mitch Marner (Previous rank: 21)

Yes, he struggled to start the season and has not had playoff success yet. But a player this talented will figure it out eventually.

25)  Sebastian Aho (Previous rank: 36)

Has taken another step offensively this season. Top dog on one of the best teams in the league.

26)  Jaccob Slavin (Previous rank: 28)

No Hamilton? No problem. Stud on the blueline is excellent defensively and has slightly increased his points production this season.

27)  Jack Eichel (Previous rank: 27)

Yes, he has not played in awhile and his injury could be concerning. However, I strongly believe he could become a top ten player again once he gets into action with Vegas

28)  Mark Stone (Previous rank: 23)

Best two-way winger in the league. As important as anyone for Vegas, who is looking to win a Stanley Cup.

29)  Devon Toews (Previous rank: NR)

How did Joe Sakic get this guy for two second round picks?! Number one defenceman on almost any other team. Has taken his game to new heights.

30)  David Pastrnak (Previous rank: 18)

One of the top goal scorers when he is on his game. Off-ice persona makes him one of the most likeable players in the league to boot.

31)  Juuse Saros (Previous rank: NR)

Put some respect on his name. Undersized goalie has been sensational for Nashville and has made the transition away from the Rinne era much easier for Preds fans.

32)  Patrice Bergeron (Previous rank: 29)

Has been a perennial Selke candidate for well over a decade. Does everything right, even as he reaches the final years of his career.

33)  John Carlson (Previous rank: 30)

Has consistently been one of the best offensive defencemen in the league. Terrific at moving the puck. Interesting to see he has done most of his damage at even strength this season.

34)  Dougie Hamilton (Previous rank: 33)

Big free agent signing has continued being a top defender in New Jersey. Unfortunate that he is out with an injury for now. Key for Devils as they exit their rebuild.

35)  Patrick Kane (Previous rank: 24)

Probably suffers a bit from playing on a bad team. Still has magic hands and continues to put up points year after year.

36)  Jack Campbell (Previous rank: NR)

Campbell has gone from likeable backup to potential Vezina winner in Toronto. Will be interesting to see what happens with his contract expiring this summer.

37)  Steven Stamkos (Previous rank: NR)

It seems almost as though prime ‘Stammer’ is back this season. With the Bolts dealing with injuries up front, Stamkos has stepped up and been a consistent offensive threat all season.

38)  Kyle Connor (Previous rank: NR)

Can fly around the ice. Is up there as one of the best goals scorers in the league, even if he doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves.

39)  Mathew Barzal (Previous rank: 19)

Won’t put up crazy numbers in the Barry Trotz system. We still know how talented of a player he is, even on a defence-first squad.

40)  Alex Pietrangelo (Previous rank: 24)

Has struggled at times in Vegas. But when he’s going, Pietrangelo is one of the best defencemen in the world.

41)  Shea Theodore (Previous rank: 22)

Other half of Vegas’ lethal one-two punch on defence. Like Pietrangelo, Theodore struggled to start the season but has since found his groove.

42)  Gabriel Landeskog (Previous rank: 47)

So much more than just offence. Leadership, physicality, and size. A guy that every team wishes they could have.

43)  Brady Tkachuk (Previous rank: NR)

Like Landeskog, Tkachuk is more than just a guy who puts up points. Tkachuk will do anything to help his team win and can drive opponents nuts.

44)  Jake Guentzel (Previous rank: NR)

Puts up big numbers every year, yet nobody seems to acknowledge him enough. Guess that’s what happens when you happen to be teammates with household names in Crosby and Malkin.

45)  Zach Werenski (Previous rank: NR)

Werenski is the top guy in Columbus with so many players leaving over the past few seasons. He is always a goal scoring threat from the blueline.

46)  J.T. Miller (Previous rank: NR)

In my opinion, might be the most underrated player in the NHL. Can play center or wing and is a guy the coach can trust in the final minute, with or without a lead.

47)  Elias Lindholm (Previous rank: NR)

Lindholm has excelled since becoming the Flames’ first line center. Great at both ends of the rink.

48)  Jack Hughes (Previous rank: NR)

Ladies and gentlemen, Jack Hughes has arrived. With limited support on the Devils, Hughes seems to have put all the pieces together to succeed in the NHL

49)  Jason Roberson (Previous rank: NR)

Robertson has continued to improve after a stellar rookie season. One of the few guys who can consistently generate offence on the Stars.

50)  Jordan Kyrou (Previous: NR)

Simply sensational this season. Speedster has room to grow, as he has been receiving somewhat limited ice time so far.

Honourable Mentions

There are so many great players who did not make the cut this time around. Shows that the league is in a great place when it comes to high-end skill and talent. All the honourable mentions were difficult cuts and have shots at making it whenever I choose to make this list again. Many players left off the list could be deemed interchangeable with many of the guys who made the cut. Previous ranking shown in parentheses.

Sean Couturier (29), Ryan O’Reilly (32), Elias Pettersson (34), Mark Scheifele (37), Miro Heiskanen (40), Jakob Chychrun (41), Mika Zibanejad (42), Nikolaj Ehlers (43), Adam Pelech (44), Jeff Petry (45), Andrei Svechnikov (46), Anze Kopitar (47), John Tavares (48), Nicklas Backstrom (50), Troy Terry, Trevor Zegras, Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Tkachuk, Jacob Markstrom, Alex DeBrincat, Nazem Kadri, Dylan Larkin, Darnell Nurse, Mackenzie Weegar, Drew Doughty, Jared Spurgeon, Carey Price, Ryan Pulock, Drake Batherson, Thomas Chabot, Timo Meier, Tomas Hertl, Pavel Buchnevich, Vladimir Tarasenko, William Nylander, Quinn Hughes, Thatcher Demko, Max Paciorettey, Carter Hart, Claude Giroux, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Logan Couture, Pierre-Luc Dubois.

What a list of names. Maybe next time fellas.

OP

March 2021 NHL Draft Rankings

 

March 2021 NHL Draft Rankings

By Owen Pedersen

 

With the NHL Entry Draft scheduled to happen in just over four months, I decided it was time to rank the top prospects as of March 2021. Ranking draft eligible players is harder than ever with some having played fewer games than others due to leagues such as the WHL having only recently started. Some North American draft prospects have headed overseas to play games as it looks unlikely that the OHL will even have a season. Without further ado, here are my rankings.

 

1)      Matty Beniers – University of Michigan – (24GP-10G-14A)

While there is no consensus number one pick, I believe Matty Beniers is the top prospect for this draft right now. Beniers brings a complete 200 foot game and projects as a first or second line centre at the NHL level. At Michigan, Beniers is currently scoring at a point per game pace and continues to make his case for first overall.

 2)      William Eklund - Djurgårdens IF – (37GP-11G-9A)

Eklund’s stock has risen considerably since the start of the season, landing him at number two on my rankings. Eklund has been putting up phenomenal numbers in the SHL, even outscoring 2020 first rounders Lucas Raymond and Alexander Holtz. Despite being slightly undersized, his smarts and offensive ability should make him a lock for the top five.

3)      Kent Johnson – University of Michigan – (26GP-9G-18A)

Another Michigan forward, Johnson oozes speed and skill. He is currently second in team scoring thanks to his exciting game that revolves around offensive creativity. Whichever team drafts Johnson will be getting a dynamic offensive player with tons of raw skill.

4)      Owen Power – University of Michigan – (26GP-3G-13A)

The first defenceman on my rankings, Power is a giant who stands at 6’5”. You can’t teach size, and that makes the Canadian blueliner an intriguing prospect for this year’s draft. While the Victor Hedman comparisons are very unrealistic, Power does have an offensive touch as he led all USHL defencemen in points last season as a 17-year-old. Defensive improvements will be needed before he becomes a consistent top 4 defenceman.

5)      Luke Hughes – USNTDP – (38GP-6G-28A)

 Another Hughes brother comes in the form of Luke, a defenceman who will attend the University of Michigan next season. Brings a two-way game from the point and has the potential to be a top pairing defenceman.

 6)      Dylan Guenther – Edmonton Oil Kings – (4GP-6G-4A)

Guenther has only played four WHL games due to the delayed start, but he has been phenomenal in this small sample size. Guenther has 10 points and looks to be a sure-fire top 6 winger in the NHL. He has what almost every team is needing: a quick skater who can pass or shoot the puck in dangerous areas.

 7)      Brandt Clarke – HC Nove Zamky – (25GP-5G-9A)

Clarke was a prospect who had to head over to Europe in order to play games this season. An offensive blueliner would be the best way to describe Clarke, who put up 38 points in 57 OHL games last season. He is great at making plays and moving the puck with his terrific vision.

8)      Jesper Wallstedt - Luleå HF – (22GP-2.23GAA-.908SVP)

The top goalie in this draft class has all the tools to be an elite starting goalie. He has a big frame and has put up solid numbers in Sweden’s top league.

9)      Fabian Lysell - Luleå HF – (25GP-2G-1A)

Perhaps the most underrated prospect of the 2021 draft. Lysell is a dynamic player who is a consistent threat in the offensive zone thanks to his skating and a good touch around the net.

10)  Carson Lambos – Winnipeg Ice – (2GP-0G-0A)

Lambos plays a very similar game to 2020 top five selection Jake Sanderson. A shutdown defender who can also chip in a few points is likely Lambos’ game as he transitions to the NHL.

11)  Simon Edvinsson - Frölunda HC – (10GP-0G-1A)

A big defenceman who can fly. Very similar to Philip Broberg, so take that as you wish.

12)  Aatu Räty – Kärpat – (27GP-3G-2A)

At one point the consensus first overall pick, Räty stumbled to start the season. However, he could still become a second line center.

13)  Oskar Olausson – HV71 – (16GP-3G-1A)

 Olausson absolutely tore up the J20 Nationell league. Now onto stronger competition in the SHL.

 14)  Cole Sillinger – Sioux Falls – (21GP-17G-17A)

Was one of the few bright spots on Medicine Hat last season. This year: new league and still producing.

15)  Simon Robertsson - Skellefteå AIK – (22GP-1G-1A)

Has power, skill, and work ethic that should make him at minimum a top 9 forward.