WINNIPEG – As the Winnipeg Jets kicked off their NHL exhibition games Monday at Bell MTS Place, the Minnesota Wild proved a tough test for the small group of prospects sprinkled throughout a veteran-laden Jets lineup. Let’s take a look at how 
each of them did in their quest for a roster spot with the Jets or Moose:
Tucker Poolman (D) – the highly touted blueliner from the University of North Dakota showed well for his first time in an NHL jersey. Likely nervous for his debut as well as apprehension from dual shoulder surgery in the off season, Poolman played a steady game and was rewarded with both PK and PP time by head coach Paul Maurice. He may stick with the big club in the #7 or #8 slot on defense. More needs to be seen from Poolman but it was a solid debut.
Michael Sgarbossa (C) – brought in to primarily boost the depth at forward, Sgarbossa split last season between the NHL (38 games – Anaheim and Florida) and the AHL (16 games – Springfield and San Diego). It was a somewhat quiet first audition for the 25 year old who definitely needs to show much more to stick with the Jets. The roster spot is there for the taking but Sgarbossa seems destined for the Moose this season, at least to start.
Brendan Lemieux (LW) – cut from the same cloth as his father Claude Lemieux, Brendan is one of those guys you hate to play against. He’s annoying, yappy, plays with an edge, but he is certainly effective. Acquired as part of the Evander Kane deal with Buffalo, Lemieux could grab one of the last roster spots for the Jets – and his play against the Wild showed the tenacity that will help secure that spot. His spirited 3rd period tilt with Markus Foligno didn’t hurt either.
Nelson Nogier (D) – last year was Nogier’s first as a pro. A solid 60-game campaign with the Moose earned him a late season 10-game call-up with the Jets and he did not disappoint. With an injury ravaged Jets defense, Nogier got noticed and certainly put his name in the conversation for this training camp. The game against the Wild was not his best and let’s face it, there was sloppy play all over the ice. Nogier, like Poolman, is a bubble guy. Destined to start the year with the Moose, but likely first to be recalled when needed.
Logan Stanley (D) – it’s hard to miss the 6’7” 231 pound blueliner on the ice and he acquitted himself well his first game in an NHL jersey. Paired with Dustin Byfuglien, Stanley showed poise and patience and kept his game simple which would certainly please the Jets brass. Selected in the 1st round by the Jets (#18 overall) in 2016, Stanley will be returning to his new team in Kitchener (OHL) to continue his development.
Kyle Conner (LW) – oddly enough, this 2015 1st round pick (#17 overall) had probably the quietest night of all the youngsters against Minnesota. After starting last year with the Jets, his 5-point, 20-game trial ended with assignment to the Moose – he really just wasn’t ready. But he found his groove with Manitoba and showed the promise his bosses knew was there. Connor took charge and posted strong numbers (25G, 19A for 44 pts) to finish his first pro season. He will almost certainly start the year with the Jets but it will be up to him to determine his continued presence in the Jets lineup.
You must be logged in to post a comment.