Next two weeks will determine Jets fate

[Winnipeg GM]

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA,

The Winnipeg Jets 2023-2024 season is officially on life support. Following last nights loss to the Montreal Canadiens the Jets find themselves 5 points back of the playoffs, albeit with 26 games left to play. The Jets have held a status quo stance for the entire season despite the team looking to part ways with multiple key veterans after this season. The organization has not been shy about their goal of getting younger and building a cupboard of futures to bring forth the next era of hockey in Manitoba, however the play of the Jets has forced GM Sean Croft from overhauling the line up, which if you ask him is for the better.

"I'm extremely proud of this squad, I've said that for the last year," said Croft following today's morning skate. "Playoffs are still there for us so let's take it one game at a time."

The Jets currently sit 5 points back of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference and have see-sawed in and out of positions 7-10 for the past two weeks. Head Coach Gerard Gallant knows how important the next two weeks are.

"Its crucial for us to start winning these games," said Gallant. "Our team on paper is very similar to the teams we've had for the last few years and we need to play consistent hockey night in and night out. Its my responsibility to get us there."

The Jets have not indicated a change in head coach after the season but with Gallant's contract ending after the year rumours have been spreading about his final days in Winnipeg. Inside sources have informed us that the Winnipeg brass are not holding this last season against the coach who has kept the team consistent through a public rebuilding effort. Their concern at this point is when the team was in "win-now mode", the bench boss only got the team to the second round of the playoffs once after consistent first round exits. Sources have told us that while the Jets are going to look at all factors after the season ends that unless they truly believe a better candidate is out there that Gallant will return as he is a long tenured and highly respected member of the Jets organization.

Multiple online publications have indicated that the Jets will be active at the trade deadline this season, but their aggressiveness will be determined by where they are in the standings. Not at all respected anonymous hockey blogger Peklund has reared his ugly head after years of solitary confinement following the COVID-19 pandemic, having posted the following to a website that none of us believe exists at this point:

"At last, I have awakened from my Cheez Doodle bunker slumber to break news about the Winnipeg Jets. Sam Reinhart is in fact on the block and will be moved at the deadline (P3)! Josh Bailey has told Sean Croft that he wasted his golden years in the NsHL and wishes to join the Anaheim Ducks where he can contend for a cup and finally get the sun tan he's wished for since his pond hockey days as a child (P5). Anders Lee has told the team he wishes to return, and I anticipate an extension before the trade deadline so don't even bother (P4). Word is Gerard Gallant has already boxed up his office and has a binder with scouting on the other teams and a mini fridge filled with Kirkland water bottles as the last remaining relics of a bye-gone coach (P1). Freddie Andersen to the Isles? Screw it, we're calling this trade done, awaiting league approval (P5)."

"If someone tells him that the sunburn is the new pandemic, maybe he'll go back into hiding for the sake of society," said a normally kind-hearted Sam Reinhart.

Jay Trotter

Jet Fuel