Winnipeg Jets Offseason Report Card

Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Joshua Morrissey poses for a photo with team officials after being introduced as the number thirteen overall pick to the Winnipeg Jets during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Winnipeg Jets: The Jets come to the newly formed Western conference central division from the Eastern Conference South East division. Last season they finished 24-21-3 and did not make the playoffs.

Draft results:

Round 1: Joshua Morrissey Defenseman, Height: 5’11 shoots: left, and weight 183. Hockey Future ranks Morrissey prospect talent score is 7.5 out of 10. The probability of success is a C on the grading scale. (7. No 3-4 defenseman-players that are not quite goo enough to play on a top line or paring but still can defend with authority) Hockeyfuture.com.  He is ranked the number #2 prospect on defense.

Round 2: Nicolas Petan Center, Height: 5-9, shoots left, and weight 166. Hockey Future ranks Petan 7.5 out of 10. The probability of success is a D on the grading scale. (The D means he can reach his potential but is unlikely to do so) Hockeyfuture.com. He is ranked the number #2 prospect at the center position.

Round 3: Eric Comrie Goalie, Height 6-1, shoots right, and weight 170. Hockey Future ranks Comrie as 7.5 out of 10. The probability of success is a D on the grading scale. He is ranked the number #2 prospect at the Goalie position.

Round 3: James Lodge Center, Height 6’1, shoots right and weight 155. Hockey prospectus ranks him the #22 prospect among North American skaters. He is not finished product and has a high up side. Hockey Future ranks him a 7.5 and D on their rating scale. He is #3 ranked prospect center.

Round 3: J.C. Lipon, Center, Height 5’11, shoots right and weight 177. Hockey futures ranks Lipon as a 6.5 and is a D rating. (6.5 players who are defensively mind and they are not quite good enough to land full time 2^nd line duty).  He is ranked #7 center prospect.

Round 4: Andrew Copp Center, Height 6-0, shoots left, and weight 188. Hockey future ranks Copp a 6.5 and C rating. He is ranked #8 center prospect.

Round 5: Tucker Poolman Defenseman Height 6-0 shoots right, and weight 170. Hockey Future ranks him a 6.0 and D rating. He is ranked #12 defensive prospect.

Round 7: Brenden Kichton Defenseman Height 5-11 shoots left, and weight 174. Hockey future ranks him 7.0 and D rating. He is ranked #4 defensive prospect.

Round 7: Marcus Karlstrom Defenseman Height 6-2 shoots right, and weight 181. Hockey future ranks him 6.0 and D rating.  He is ranked #13 defensive prospect.

The Jets system was very top heavy without a lot of depth in it according to Hockey Prospectus.  They definitely added defensive depth in the later rounds.  The pick of Morrissey was very good pick with high upside. The pick of Petan addressed a new within the system which a player who could potentially someday play in the top 6.  The draft went very well in my mind for the Jets. This draft might not have a huge impact on the 2013-2014 season but will help them in the future.

Free agent signings/trades: Matt Halischuck RW, Michael Frolik RW, Devin Setoguchi RW, Adam Pardy D,

The addition of Setoguchi and Frolik will improve the team offensively; however, there were no impact signings.

Free agent losses/trades:  No significant losses.

Projection: The Jets improved their defensive depth in their system with their draft.  The Jets were rated a free agency as a loser by Bleacher report. I agree with their assessment. There no significant moves made by the Jets. They will be hard pressed improved upon their record from last season. Dustin Byfuglien needs to step up, he was awful last season. Byfuglien needs to stay away from the buffet line. I predict dead heat for last with Colorado.

Offseason GRADE:  D (the draft prevented the F)

What is your offseason grade for the Jets?

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