WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
The bombshell that no one expected has been dropped: Shawn Matthias will not be on the Winnipeg Jets roster when the season begins in six days. After spending a few days looking over everything, Head Coach Paul MacLean and General Manager Sean Croft have made the decision to move on from the veteran forward. While neither the coach nor the general manager could be reached for comment, Shawn Matthias was.
"It's disappointing," said a dejected Matthias. "You work hard, you think you earn a spot, and then it is taken away from you."
Matthias has torn apart the AsHL since his demotion, which does the Winnipeg Jets no good. For a team that has tried throughout the entire offseason to build a team that can make some noise, this was not the way they thought this would play out. However, the numbers can not lie. In four preseason games this year, Matthias has no goals, no assists, and is a -4. He has taken four shots, and has thrown two hits. The Jets were 2-2 with Matthias on the squad.
Calle Jarnkrok however, has one assist in three games. He is a -2, and some have made the case that perhaps his promotion is a bit premature, but the Jets are also 2-1 with him in the lineup. He has thrown twice as many hits as Matthias has, and has taken almost as many shots. All of this has been done in less games. The Jets have said since the beginning, that no one was safe, and it seems as if they are staying true to that statement.
Matthias, in three games for St. Johns, he has two goals and four assists, and is a +6. The IceCaps are 3-0 since his arrival. Sources have reported that the Jets have shopped Matthias, and that Jarnkrok is not a lock to start the season in the NsHL should they move Matthias for another NsHL center, which is what they are looking for. If he isn't moved, then Jarnkrok will be a Jet for the season opener. The only question is whether or not Matthias can do enough to regain his spot on the team, should he not be moved.
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Friday, November 21, 2014
Are Matthias, Bickell in trouble?
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
With the preseason drawing to a close and opening night looming, the Winnipeg Jets are 3-3-0, having shown moments of dominance and disaster (I.E. Peter Budaj last night). To be fair, Budaj actually had looked pretty good to start the preseason, and it is safe to assume that the veteran netminder will have a few games like this every now and again. This is less of a concern to the Jets who see him primarily as a back-up to Ben Scrivens. Initially, it was believed the duo was meant to split the games, however, if the preseason is any indication of what you can expect out of Scrivens long term, it is safe to assume that the split becomes more of a 60-22 advantage for Ben.
With that said, Budaj, given his warts, is still a veteran who you can rely on more times than not, but at the same time is not someone who you will need for 82 games. The same can not be said about Bryan Bickell or Shawn Matthias. Bickell was brought to the 'Peg last April in exchange for Brad Richardson, a 4th Round Draft Pick and a 5th Round Draft Pick. He had bounced around last season, but General Manager Sean Croft recognized the depth he would bring to the organization. He can hit, play defense, and chip in offensively. At least, it was believed he could chip in offensively. Early last season, he was putting up points at a respectable pace.
Since then, he has gone cold. Through six preseason games this year, he has no points, and is a -6. It is not expected that the Jets move Bickell at this point, due to the fact that he is still viewed as having value to the team as a depth piece. The club's recent acquisition of Cal Clutterbuck seemed to round out the NsHL roster. However, should the Jets be able to acquire another second or third line piece, it would not surprise me to see Bickell drop to line four, and for Clutterbuck to end up in New Foundland. Sources say that Sean Croft is going to continue to work the phones to see if that piece is out there. If he were to find a second line piece, we assume that, unless it was for a solid young player, that it would be a veteran rental, as the Jets believe that Brock Nelson will be a consistent top 6 player, although his rough preseason might force him to the third line.
Then there's Shawn Matthias. The Jets gave him a two-year "prove it" deal. So far, he hasn't proved anything except for the fact that he is a very good AsHL player. While that it great for Ted Nolan and Ryan Jones, it doesn't do a whole lot for the big club in Winnipeg. In a small sample size, rookie forward Calle Jarnkrok has showed Paul MacLean more than Matthias, and has played nearly half the games. He finally got Brendan Gallagher (who has had his own struggles) on the scoresheet, and assisted on Kevin Bieksa's first goal of the preseason. His faceoff percentage is 45% against Matthias' 44.23%. He is a -2, while Matthias is a -4. While the sample size has been smaller and inflated stats are a possibility, what we know for sure is that this rookie, who has hardly 10 professional games under his belt, has outperformed a veteran in many ways.
Sean Croft did not draft Shawn Matthias, nor did he trade for him. Sources tell us that he has less of a hesitation to move the center, against moving someone he just brought in, such as a Bickell. My assumption is that, should be Matthias be moved, it would be a lateral move for a "like" player. More or less, it would be two players who need a change of scenery. The Jets certainly hope this is not the way this plays out. They like Matthias, which is why they did offer him a contract to keep him here for two years. The organization also would prefer not to get a reputation for being a "revolving door". They just moved Derek Dorsett who they just extended for this season. Croft and MacLean are willing to make decisions based upon what is best for the team in terms of helping them win, but may be hesitant in moving another player they just extended.
One way or the other, it leaves Bickell, Matthias, and Croft stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel
With the preseason drawing to a close and opening night looming, the Winnipeg Jets are 3-3-0, having shown moments of dominance and disaster (I.E. Peter Budaj last night). To be fair, Budaj actually had looked pretty good to start the preseason, and it is safe to assume that the veteran netminder will have a few games like this every now and again. This is less of a concern to the Jets who see him primarily as a back-up to Ben Scrivens. Initially, it was believed the duo was meant to split the games, however, if the preseason is any indication of what you can expect out of Scrivens long term, it is safe to assume that the split becomes more of a 60-22 advantage for Ben.
With that said, Budaj, given his warts, is still a veteran who you can rely on more times than not, but at the same time is not someone who you will need for 82 games. The same can not be said about Bryan Bickell or Shawn Matthias. Bickell was brought to the 'Peg last April in exchange for Brad Richardson, a 4th Round Draft Pick and a 5th Round Draft Pick. He had bounced around last season, but General Manager Sean Croft recognized the depth he would bring to the organization. He can hit, play defense, and chip in offensively. At least, it was believed he could chip in offensively. Early last season, he was putting up points at a respectable pace.
Since then, he has gone cold. Through six preseason games this year, he has no points, and is a -6. It is not expected that the Jets move Bickell at this point, due to the fact that he is still viewed as having value to the team as a depth piece. The club's recent acquisition of Cal Clutterbuck seemed to round out the NsHL roster. However, should the Jets be able to acquire another second or third line piece, it would not surprise me to see Bickell drop to line four, and for Clutterbuck to end up in New Foundland. Sources say that Sean Croft is going to continue to work the phones to see if that piece is out there. If he were to find a second line piece, we assume that, unless it was for a solid young player, that it would be a veteran rental, as the Jets believe that Brock Nelson will be a consistent top 6 player, although his rough preseason might force him to the third line.
Then there's Shawn Matthias. The Jets gave him a two-year "prove it" deal. So far, he hasn't proved anything except for the fact that he is a very good AsHL player. While that it great for Ted Nolan and Ryan Jones, it doesn't do a whole lot for the big club in Winnipeg. In a small sample size, rookie forward Calle Jarnkrok has showed Paul MacLean more than Matthias, and has played nearly half the games. He finally got Brendan Gallagher (who has had his own struggles) on the scoresheet, and assisted on Kevin Bieksa's first goal of the preseason. His faceoff percentage is 45% against Matthias' 44.23%. He is a -2, while Matthias is a -4. While the sample size has been smaller and inflated stats are a possibility, what we know for sure is that this rookie, who has hardly 10 professional games under his belt, has outperformed a veteran in many ways.
Sean Croft did not draft Shawn Matthias, nor did he trade for him. Sources tell us that he has less of a hesitation to move the center, against moving someone he just brought in, such as a Bickell. My assumption is that, should be Matthias be moved, it would be a lateral move for a "like" player. More or less, it would be two players who need a change of scenery. The Jets certainly hope this is not the way this plays out. They like Matthias, which is why they did offer him a contract to keep him here for two years. The organization also would prefer not to get a reputation for being a "revolving door". They just moved Derek Dorsett who they just extended for this season. Croft and MacLean are willing to make decisions based upon what is best for the team in terms of helping them win, but may be hesitant in moving another player they just extended.
One way or the other, it leaves Bickell, Matthias, and Croft stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel
Monday, November 17, 2014
Trade Alert: Cal Clutterbuck is a Winnipeg Jet, more to come?
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
The Winnipeg Jets added more depth to their roster, bringing veteran left wing Cal Clutterbuck into the fold. The Jets sent minor leaguer Justin Courtnall and a 7th Round Draft Pick in 2016 to Erik Helsing's Bruins, in exchange for a player that Sean Croft believes will be exactly what the Jets needs to round out their bottom six.
"Cal is a gamer, and he wants to play in the NsHL," commented Croft in regards to Clutterbuck starting the preseason in the AsHL. "Here, he'll have an opportunity to make the team. He'll push some of our other players to perform as well. Everyone knows that their job is not safe, so this will keep everyone on their toes and playing hard."
Head Coach Paul MacLean seemed to be very happy with the deal.
"I preach the church of defense, and Cal knows all about that," said MacLean. "He'll also stay out of the penalty box.
That seems to be a big reason as to why Clutterbuck was brought to the 'Peg. The Jets recently traded Derek Dorsett to the Columbus Blue Jackets, despite just signing him to a 1 year extension. Many close to the Jets believe that, while the Jets liked Dorsett very much, that they believed his tendency to go to the penalty box was something that was going to hurt the team down the line. Clutterbuck seems to have been on Sean Croft's radar for a long time.
"I've always been a fan of the guy. I've wanted him here since I took this team over, and this seemed like a good time, the opportunity presented itself, so we had to jump."
Clutterbuck met with the media this morning after a skating session.
"This is great for me," said Clutterbuck. "They've done a lot over the last few months, and this is a great city to play for."
He also recognizes that this may be his best shot at playing in the NsHL this season.
"Obviously, you want to play in this league. The AsHL has some great talent but this is where you want to be. Until last night, all things indicated that I would probably not start the year here, now I've got a shot and I'm gonna show them they made the right decision."
One man looking to put his dreams to an end is veteran winger Ben Eager, who signed a one year deal with the Jets this fall. Eager has hinted that this may be his last shot to make it in the NsHL, and some close to him believe that he will be bound to Europe next season if isn't given an NsHL opportunity. Eager couldn't be reached for comment.
What is next for the Jets?
League sources say that Sean Croft was in his office until almost two in the morning last night working the phones. Supposedly, he is looking to add one more defenseman, similarly, to push his bottom pairing pieces. Time will tell as you whether or not anything materializes.
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel
The Winnipeg Jets added more depth to their roster, bringing veteran left wing Cal Clutterbuck into the fold. The Jets sent minor leaguer Justin Courtnall and a 7th Round Draft Pick in 2016 to Erik Helsing's Bruins, in exchange for a player that Sean Croft believes will be exactly what the Jets needs to round out their bottom six.
"Cal is a gamer, and he wants to play in the NsHL," commented Croft in regards to Clutterbuck starting the preseason in the AsHL. "Here, he'll have an opportunity to make the team. He'll push some of our other players to perform as well. Everyone knows that their job is not safe, so this will keep everyone on their toes and playing hard."
Head Coach Paul MacLean seemed to be very happy with the deal.
"I preach the church of defense, and Cal knows all about that," said MacLean. "He'll also stay out of the penalty box.
That seems to be a big reason as to why Clutterbuck was brought to the 'Peg. The Jets recently traded Derek Dorsett to the Columbus Blue Jackets, despite just signing him to a 1 year extension. Many close to the Jets believe that, while the Jets liked Dorsett very much, that they believed his tendency to go to the penalty box was something that was going to hurt the team down the line. Clutterbuck seems to have been on Sean Croft's radar for a long time.
"I've always been a fan of the guy. I've wanted him here since I took this team over, and this seemed like a good time, the opportunity presented itself, so we had to jump."
Clutterbuck met with the media this morning after a skating session.
"This is great for me," said Clutterbuck. "They've done a lot over the last few months, and this is a great city to play for."
He also recognizes that this may be his best shot at playing in the NsHL this season.
"Obviously, you want to play in this league. The AsHL has some great talent but this is where you want to be. Until last night, all things indicated that I would probably not start the year here, now I've got a shot and I'm gonna show them they made the right decision."
One man looking to put his dreams to an end is veteran winger Ben Eager, who signed a one year deal with the Jets this fall. Eager has hinted that this may be his last shot to make it in the NsHL, and some close to him believe that he will be bound to Europe next season if isn't given an NsHL opportunity. Eager couldn't be reached for comment.
What is next for the Jets?
League sources say that Sean Croft was in his office until almost two in the morning last night working the phones. Supposedly, he is looking to add one more defenseman, similarly, to push his bottom pairing pieces. Time will tell as you whether or not anything materializes.
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Jets fall to Canucks in preseason opener
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
The preseason officially started for the Winnipeg Jets today, however, it did not go as planned, as the re-tooled Jets fell to the Vancouver Canucks, by a score of 2-1. The lone goal was scored by Travis Zajac, who despite popular rumor, was not traded by Sean Croft this offseason.
"It felt good to get back out there," said Zajac. "I wish the outcome would have been better, but it's one game in, there are a lot of new faces."
One of those new faces left the game pre-maturely, as Nathan Gerbe was injured late in the first period.
"Tough way to start the year," said Gerbe, with an ice pack on his right shoulder.
Gerbe had one assist in his debut, which was limited to about 6 minutes of ice time. Paul MacLean liked what he saw.
"Well, that first goal was something he set up," boasted MacLean. "He laid out Kevin Klein, which given his size is remarkable."
"That's why we brought him here, he has the heart of a lion," said Jets General Manager Sean Croft. "It's a tough loss for us, but it doesn't seem to be more than a bruise so the coaches and the trainers are going to evaluate him tomorrow. If he feels good enough to go, then he'll be in the lineup."
One Jet who had a tough start in his debut was Olli Jokinen, who signed a splashy contract with Winnipeg earlier this summer. Jokinen only won 3 of the 15 faceoffs he took, which despite the 5 shots he took, made it difficult for him to give the second line a chance to score.
"I'm not happy about it at all, "said Jokinen after the loss. "I'm better than that. This is a new team for me, new teammates. I want them to see they got the right guy."
Ben Scrivens, fresh off his new contract, took the loss, but played well regardless, saving 26 of the 28 shots he faced. He will be given the next game off, and Peter Budaj will get his chance to play. It is clear that the Jets have accomplished their goal of building from the net out. It is just a matter of waiting to see if the high priced gamble they took on Free Agent forwards will be off.
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel
The preseason officially started for the Winnipeg Jets today, however, it did not go as planned, as the re-tooled Jets fell to the Vancouver Canucks, by a score of 2-1. The lone goal was scored by Travis Zajac, who despite popular rumor, was not traded by Sean Croft this offseason.
"It felt good to get back out there," said Zajac. "I wish the outcome would have been better, but it's one game in, there are a lot of new faces."
One of those new faces left the game pre-maturely, as Nathan Gerbe was injured late in the first period.
"Tough way to start the year," said Gerbe, with an ice pack on his right shoulder.
Gerbe had one assist in his debut, which was limited to about 6 minutes of ice time. Paul MacLean liked what he saw.
"Well, that first goal was something he set up," boasted MacLean. "He laid out Kevin Klein, which given his size is remarkable."
"That's why we brought him here, he has the heart of a lion," said Jets General Manager Sean Croft. "It's a tough loss for us, but it doesn't seem to be more than a bruise so the coaches and the trainers are going to evaluate him tomorrow. If he feels good enough to go, then he'll be in the lineup."
One Jet who had a tough start in his debut was Olli Jokinen, who signed a splashy contract with Winnipeg earlier this summer. Jokinen only won 3 of the 15 faceoffs he took, which despite the 5 shots he took, made it difficult for him to give the second line a chance to score.
"I'm not happy about it at all, "said Jokinen after the loss. "I'm better than that. This is a new team for me, new teammates. I want them to see they got the right guy."
Ben Scrivens, fresh off his new contract, took the loss, but played well regardless, saving 26 of the 28 shots he faced. He will be given the next game off, and Peter Budaj will get his chance to play. It is clear that the Jets have accomplished their goal of building from the net out. It is just a matter of waiting to see if the high priced gamble they took on Free Agent forwards will be off.
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel
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