Post by Winnipeg GM on Mar 22, 2024 9:52:42 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
The tear down is on.
The Winnipeg Jets dealt former Captain Josh Bailey to the St Louis Blues yesterday. It signaled the waving of the white flag and the expected change of the guard in Winnipeg. The team has been in the process of a long documented rebuild, but recent success had kept the Jets from being overly aggressive in the trade market. The team was fine waiting it out, but unfortunately recent losses put the team in a position to question how much further they could go. This first of what is expected to be 2 or 3 deals seems to have answered that question.
"Its not an easy decision to make, but ultimately, we did what we felt we needed to do to benefit the club long term," said General Manager Sean Croft.
Even if the Jets had wormed their way back into the playoffs like they did last season, the belief was that they were likely a one and done playoff team, something that has become the normal in Winnipeg for the last decade. The ability to continue to build futures and add to the prospect pool was viewed as smarter money in the eyes of the team. Players understand the position and some have wondered if they will force their way into different cities in the near future.
"Its my turn to lead the team, and I'm not backing down or going away," said Captain Sam Reinhart. "We've been through the battles before and I know we can get back there again."
"They drafted me, I have a family here. I'm proud to wear the sweater and that hasn't changed," said Brandon Carlo.
The Jets believe they have a solid young core of players that should be kept together. Their hope is that they can address certain needs in the draft and that they can continue to successfully build home grown Jets to play with a core that is only entering their prime. Veterans like Bailey and Lee recognize the necessary change as they understand the business that is the NsHL. Bailey penned a thank you letter on social media to the team and to the fans and Lee has been very candid on his feelings.
"Its a business I can't control," said Lee. "I'll be playing hockey after Saturday, wherever that is so be it."
We expect the Jets to be active over the next 36 hours as many believe the Jets will do what they can to not only put their players into winning situations, but also build their draft capital as they shift focus to the prospects coming out this summer.
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel
The tear down is on.
The Winnipeg Jets dealt former Captain Josh Bailey to the St Louis Blues yesterday. It signaled the waving of the white flag and the expected change of the guard in Winnipeg. The team has been in the process of a long documented rebuild, but recent success had kept the Jets from being overly aggressive in the trade market. The team was fine waiting it out, but unfortunately recent losses put the team in a position to question how much further they could go. This first of what is expected to be 2 or 3 deals seems to have answered that question.
"Its not an easy decision to make, but ultimately, we did what we felt we needed to do to benefit the club long term," said General Manager Sean Croft.
Even if the Jets had wormed their way back into the playoffs like they did last season, the belief was that they were likely a one and done playoff team, something that has become the normal in Winnipeg for the last decade. The ability to continue to build futures and add to the prospect pool was viewed as smarter money in the eyes of the team. Players understand the position and some have wondered if they will force their way into different cities in the near future.
"Its my turn to lead the team, and I'm not backing down or going away," said Captain Sam Reinhart. "We've been through the battles before and I know we can get back there again."
"They drafted me, I have a family here. I'm proud to wear the sweater and that hasn't changed," said Brandon Carlo.
The Jets believe they have a solid young core of players that should be kept together. Their hope is that they can address certain needs in the draft and that they can continue to successfully build home grown Jets to play with a core that is only entering their prime. Veterans like Bailey and Lee recognize the necessary change as they understand the business that is the NsHL. Bailey penned a thank you letter on social media to the team and to the fans and Lee has been very candid on his feelings.
"Its a business I can't control," said Lee. "I'll be playing hockey after Saturday, wherever that is so be it."
We expect the Jets to be active over the next 36 hours as many believe the Jets will do what they can to not only put their players into winning situations, but also build their draft capital as they shift focus to the prospects coming out this summer.
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel