Jets GM Emphasizes Opportunity for Winnipeg’s Younger Players…
During the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, Alberta, Winnipeg Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff made a bold statement regarding the team’s younger players. Speaking to TSN, Cheveldayoff remarked, “The ball’s in their court. If you’re a young player in our organization right now, it’s all in front of you, there for the taking.”
Cheveldayoff, the only GM in the team’s history, wasn’t speaking in vague terms. He specifically mentioned players like Logan Stanley, Ville Heinola, Brad Lambert, Nikita Chibrikov, and Cole Perfetti. This statement carries weight, especially with the introduction of new head coach Scott Arniel, who is implementing a significant shift in the Jets’ philosophy.
Historically, Winnipeg has taken a cautious approach to developing prospects, often keeping them in minor or junior leagues for several years before promoting them to the NHL, where they often occupy depth roles for a significant part of the season.
Heinola, Lambert, and Chibrikov spent most of last season in the minor leagues, with Lambert and Chibrikov each playing just one NHL game. Despite the Jets’ stable defensive lineup during the 2023-24 regular season, which limited Heinola’s chances for a call-up, the departure of key players through buyouts and free agency this summer could pave the way for these younger talents to secure full-time roles at the NHL level with strong performances in training camp.
Cheveldayoff’s comments are particularly interesting when considering the career paths of Perfetti and Stanley. Perfetti has been a regular on the Jets’ roster for two seasons, playing in 71 games last year and achieving his most productive season with 19 goals and 38 points. However, despite his contributions, Perfetti was underutilized, averaging just 13:35 of ice time per game, ranking 12th among forwards who played 15 or more games. As Perfetti seems poised for a top-six role, it will be intriguing to see how Arniel utilizes him this season.
In contrast, Stanley’s situation might evoke some frustration. The 6-foot-7 defenseman saw his average ice time drop from 15:39 over 58 games in the 2021-22 season to 13:46 over 25 games this past season. Stanley, who has already demonstrated his capability as a reliable shutdown defenseman, could potentially step into the role previously held by Nate Schmidt.
This transition was somewhat expected for the Jets. Arniel is tasked with filling the gaps left by players like Schmidt, Sean Monahan, Tyler Toffoli, and possibly Nikolaj Ehlers. For the Jets to remain competitive in the tough Central Division, they will need to rely more heavily on their young players.
