Post by Winnipeg GM on May 9, 2023 11:40:31 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
The Winnipeg Jets defied all odds simply by making the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2023. The team is at the start of a well documented rebuild and moved on from players such as Ryan Ellis, Brock Nelson, Michael Bunting, Calle Jarnkrok, and Jonas Brodin. One must wonder if the strategy for the Jets is altered after what many consider to be a successful season, and we sat down with General Manager Sean Croft for clarity.
Was this season a shock for you?
Not entirely. We knew the kinds of players we had here. We knew our coaching staff would be up to the task no matter what. It is the kind of culture we have been building here for quite some time.
Did you expect to squeak into the playoffs this year?
We hadn't ruled out the chance, however we weren't sure what the year would bring.
You didn't add much at the deadline this year. Why was that?
Our guys know how incredibly proud we are of them and what they accomplished. We felt that is we could get into the playoffs, this would be the team that could do it. We came in to this season with a plan for the future and as tough as it was at times to stick with that ideology, we knew that it was best for us to stay the course and see what came of it.
Have your offseason plans changed?
Absolutely not and our guys know that. They understand the business of this league. We will remain steadfast in our goal to acquire more draft capital and think towards the future.
Do you feel an added pressure to move anyone as we approach the draft?
We are always listening to offers, but forcing deals for the sake of isn't what we are interested in. This team made the playoffs despite the challenges laid in front of them. We will say this again: we are thinking for the future but will not go out of our way to also encouraging a losing culture.
Is there any one position this season that you are targeting in the first round?
We are scouting a few dozen kids right now. We are going to take the kids who we think will be the best fits for the Winnipeg Jets.
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel