The Winnipeg Jets are anticipating a great season

By Olivia Lawrence
RP Show Intern

A lot of excitement is ensuing for Winnipeg Jets fans with this year’s NHL season right around the corner. Rookie training camps are underway, and official training camp will run from Sept 23- Oct. 8. The first game of the season is scheduled for Oct. 13, the team will take on the Anaheim Ducks on the road. Winnipeg Jets Commentator Jamie Thomas discussed the team and their upcoming season with Rod Pedersen on Monday’s show. 

The Winnipeg Jets are coming into this season feeling secure with a talented team of veterans and rookie prospects to fill the gaps. Thomas is particularly confident with the defensive line, stating “the blue line is set” for this season. This is good news for the Jets who played well last season, but struggled to prevent scoring chances. The team was ranked no. 12 in the league for scoring last year however, so now with a strong defensive line the team is looking to be a dominant force. 

The Jets training camp roster includes seven defenseman returning from last season, along with two offseason trades—Nate Schmidt and Brenden Dillon. Even the Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff was admiring one the additions—calling the player a “beautiful fit” for the team. Thomas believes this comment can be applied to both of these new trades. 

“Nate Schmidt is great in the dressing room, and a high energy guy,” said Thomas. “Heading back to the 82 game schedule you need those high energy guys to keep things going during the long winter months. Last season after the Jets were eliminated by the Montreal Canadiens, they needed to become a tougher team to play against—the addition of Brendon Dillon helps fit that mold.” 

The biggest question left surrounding the Jets at this time is who the back-up goalie will be. Rod believes if this is the team’s “biggest issue, they are sitting in pretty good shape.” 

Thomas says there is “no question” it will be Eric Comrie. Comrie has been under contract with the Jets since 2013 and has currently been playing in the AHL for the Manitoba Moose. Some Jets fans have been critical of Comrie because has not played great when he has stepped in for the Jets in the past. Thomas disagrees with the judgements, and is confident Comrie will fill the spot well this season.

“I don’t believe he has had a fair shake,” said Thomas. “When he has come into play it has usually been the second game of a back-to-back, or injuries have been involved. Wade Flaherty, a Jets goaltending coach told [head coach] Paul Maurice the other day, that he believes Eric can do this, and he has earned his opportunity.”

Rod has high hopes for the team as well, predicting The Jets will be no.2 in the Central Division this season with their biggest obstacle being the Colorado Avalanche. Thomas agrees, believing the Jets will no doubt be a one, two or three in the Central Division. 

“I can see why Jets fans are highly encouraging what is coming on and what they have done in the offseason,” said Thomas. “It’s a team that is set to make the playoffs and do some damage in it.”