Post by Winnipeg GM on Jul 23, 2024 8:58:11 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
The 2024 NsHL Entry Draft is a mere four days away. For the Winnipeg Jets it feels like an eternity. The Jets have spent the last two years beginning a rebuild (despite an astonishing playoff run in 2023) and have been taking a more aggressive approach to the 2024 Draft in particular. With 3 picks in round 1, General Manager Sean Croft positioned the Jets to walk away with three of the top 15 prospects this year.
"I have said time and time again that, within reason, we weren't going to let cost dictate our long term vision for the club," said Croft from his Draft HQ in the Sunshine State of Florida.
The Jets had (and still do) a plethora of draft capital this season. It was not done by accident or coincidence. When Winnipeg began to acquire multiple firsts in 24, they were willing to accept other picks in the same year as a means of having the kind of flexibility that allows a team to maneuver themselves as need be based on available draft targets. The Jets believe they have set themselves up for success.
"We have spent an unbelievable amount of time and resources focusing on this draft class. In previous years when we were trying to win now there wasn't as much of a focus on these earlier rounds because we didn't have the picks. This year is different and we needed the shot in the arm," said Croft.
The Jets front office seems to be "enamored" with two prospects they feel will be available with the #5 pick in the draft, and our understanding according to sources is that the main target is unanimous amongst the scouts. Newly announced Assistant General Manager Brian Smalley gave an early vote of confidence in the yet to be named player.
"I knew of him and what he brings to the table and believe he's the real deal," Smalley was overheard saying to Sean Croft on a recent conference call. Croft was quick to sing the praises of his earliest off-season acquisition.
"Brian is an incredible hockey mind. I've been trying to lure him into this position for years and the timing was finally right for all parties involved. I think he is going to be an incredible asset to the Winnipeg Jets organization, specifically the Long Island Ducks in the AsHL," said Croft.
The Winnipeg Jets have had a very intriguing off-season to say the least. Many wondered if the Jets would pull an about-face when reflecting back on a breakout rookie season by goaltender Joel Hofer who has cemented himself as a 1A goalie in the league as well as the continued growth of Sam Reinhart and more recently Beck Malenstyn. The team however will not be shifting focus.
"We are here to see this thing through. We have come this far and we will not abandon our plan. This is why we are coming into this draft with the picks we have. We believe we can bring in the right kids who can help us turn the ship around quickly without compromising our long term vision for the Jets."
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel
The 2024 NsHL Entry Draft is a mere four days away. For the Winnipeg Jets it feels like an eternity. The Jets have spent the last two years beginning a rebuild (despite an astonishing playoff run in 2023) and have been taking a more aggressive approach to the 2024 Draft in particular. With 3 picks in round 1, General Manager Sean Croft positioned the Jets to walk away with three of the top 15 prospects this year.
"I have said time and time again that, within reason, we weren't going to let cost dictate our long term vision for the club," said Croft from his Draft HQ in the Sunshine State of Florida.
The Jets had (and still do) a plethora of draft capital this season. It was not done by accident or coincidence. When Winnipeg began to acquire multiple firsts in 24, they were willing to accept other picks in the same year as a means of having the kind of flexibility that allows a team to maneuver themselves as need be based on available draft targets. The Jets believe they have set themselves up for success.
"We have spent an unbelievable amount of time and resources focusing on this draft class. In previous years when we were trying to win now there wasn't as much of a focus on these earlier rounds because we didn't have the picks. This year is different and we needed the shot in the arm," said Croft.
The Jets front office seems to be "enamored" with two prospects they feel will be available with the #5 pick in the draft, and our understanding according to sources is that the main target is unanimous amongst the scouts. Newly announced Assistant General Manager Brian Smalley gave an early vote of confidence in the yet to be named player.
"I knew of him and what he brings to the table and believe he's the real deal," Smalley was overheard saying to Sean Croft on a recent conference call. Croft was quick to sing the praises of his earliest off-season acquisition.
"Brian is an incredible hockey mind. I've been trying to lure him into this position for years and the timing was finally right for all parties involved. I think he is going to be an incredible asset to the Winnipeg Jets organization, specifically the Long Island Ducks in the AsHL," said Croft.
The Winnipeg Jets have had a very intriguing off-season to say the least. Many wondered if the Jets would pull an about-face when reflecting back on a breakout rookie season by goaltender Joel Hofer who has cemented himself as a 1A goalie in the league as well as the continued growth of Sam Reinhart and more recently Beck Malenstyn. The team however will not be shifting focus.
"We are here to see this thing through. We have come this far and we will not abandon our plan. This is why we are coming into this draft with the picks we have. We believe we can bring in the right kids who can help us turn the ship around quickly without compromising our long term vision for the Jets."
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel