Jets Introduce Jokinen, Jagr, Hannan...announce Captains, plus Zajac rumors

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

The busy offseason has almost concluded. The re-tooled Jets are looking forward to the 2014-2015 NsHL season with renewed hope and optimism. The additions of Olli Jokinen, Jaromir Jagr, and Scott Hannan give the Jets fantastic veteran leadership, and they believe that these men will help in teaching the young stable of Jet's talent.

"We've got some raw players here who are still getting used to the league," said General Manager Sean Croft this afternoon. "Anytime you can add players of this caliber, it's a homerun."

Apparently, this has been on the rookie-turning-sophomore-GM's mind for a long time.

"I've wanted Olli Jokinen since April, it was just a matter of hoping he would make it to Free Agency," said Croft. "Jaromir Jagr was a guy we had our eye on as well. Scott Hannan we didn't think much about because we had Brian Lee in the mix."

Sources have confirmed that Lee retired with a five year, ten million dollar contract on his coffee table.

"Defensively, he was one of the best players in this league, and we wanted him here for a long time," replied Croft when asked about the rumors. "His retirement, which he had every right to do, despite my opinions on the matter, came as a shock. I couldn't sit back and wait. I had to fill that voice, and Scott does that for us."

Hannan was introduced at the MTS Centre this morning, along with Jokinen and Jagr.

"It's an exciting time for me," said Hannan. "Obviously, I loved playing on Long Island, but this brings a new set of challenges, and I think it should be fun."

Jaromir Jagr surprised the hockey world when he signed with Winnipeg last week. Word on the street was that he was interested in playing for a Stanley Cup this year, and most have the Jets as a long shot to get there.

"I think this is a good team," said Jagr. "They've got some great guys here who I think can play well. They said they were going to get me another linemate, and they did, so it says a lot about the team."

That linemate was Olli Jokinen. The center will be playing on the second line with Brock Nelson and Jaromir Jagr.

"This was a great opportunity for me," said Jokinen. "This is a place I've always found intriguing, and I think it's great for my family. I think it will be fun playing with Brock and Jagr."

Jokinen was introduced and presented with his #12 jersey, but what was notable was the "A" on the sweater. The Jets took the opportunity to announce that, along with Jokinen, that Kevin Bieksa would be an assistant captain, and Andrew Ladd would wear the "C" moving forward. Ladd is ready to accept the challenge.

"This is a great team and a great city," said Ladd, beaming with joy this afternoon. "I'm proud to represent this team and lead them into battle every night, now and for a long time. I've made no mystery of the fact that I want to retire here, so I'm going to leave it all out there every night."

Despite the cause for celebration, the Jets would not avoid the 500 pound gorilla in the room: Is Travis Zajac being dealt?

"No, for the final time, no," said Croft. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not looking to move an elite, franchise player. Travis is in our long term plans, and that plan has not changed."

That was the only time Zajac was mentioned during today's press conference.

Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel

Welcome to Jet Fuel!

Hello Jets fans!

Welcome to Jet Fuel, the official home for NsHL Winnipeg Jets news!

Stay tuned for a full review of Free Agency coming soon!

-Jay Trotter