WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
The Winnipeg Jets have filled their third line and penalty killer gap. I was announced late last night that the Jets had come to an agreement with Free Agent Dominic Moore. According to sources, it came down to either going to Ottawa or Winnipeg, and the Jets offered more total money over less years, which was just fine with General Manager Sean Croft.
"It was my understanding that Dominic wanted a three year deal, but frankly, I couldn't guarantee him anything", said Croft.
What he was referring to is the influx of young centers that are coming into the Winnipeg Jets system over the next 2-5 years. First overall pick Sam Reinhart will return to Juniors this season, but it is anticipated that he will be with the big club next season. Brock Nelson is already here. Zack Phillips has finally gotten his call up. Andy Andreoff, Calle Jarnkrok, and Nicolas Roy are all players that the Jets are hoping will, eventually, make the jump from the AsHL (or in Roy's case, Juniors).
"They were really honest with me about it", said Moore this afternoon at the MTS Centre. "Sean (Croft) told me, look, you're a great player and I really want you here. I can promise that you will get the ice time you need and deserve for the next two years, after that, who knows? He made it clear that they really wanted me and I really appreciated how they handled the entire thing."
It's not just the honesty or the cash that drew Moore in. It was also the promise of an improved product on the ice this year.
"Great first line here. Zajac, Ladd, Grabo, you can't miss with any of them. Olli is still rolling, the young guys (Nelson and Brendan Gallagher) have been training hard. Every guy I've spoken to loves it here. Can't wait to get started," commented Moore.
Very few details of the signing have been made available as the ink is hardly dry, but apparently, the Jets are now focused on filling other gaps.
"We've got a few more positions to fill, that's all I can say at this time. We're looking forward to a better year in 2015, and we can't wait to start the season," said Sean Croft.
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel
