The Winnipeg Jets are in one of the more interesting situations in the NHL. They currently sit out of a playoff spot but have been on a good roll as of late, at 6-3-1 in their last 10. Furthermore, one of the teams ahead of them, the Vegas Golden Knights, have just about every key piece they have on the mend. You would assume that Winnipeg would feel inclined to add on to their roster before the deadline, but they have some issues. Mainly that they have under one million dollars in available cap space. Furthermore, some notable pieces, Paul Stastny, Andrew Copp, and Nathan Beaulieu are all headed to free agency. Winnipeg may be better off getting something now rather than nothing at all.
Make sure to check out all of our other NHL Trade Deadline Previews.
Current Status
Current Record: 28-24-10
Division Standings: Sixth in the Central
Buyers or Sellers: Sellers
Paul Stastny
The 36-year-old Stastny is once again set for the open market after only signing a year deal with the Jets. He currently is one of six forwards for Winnipeg at over 15 goals on the season, and 31 points total. With the non-rental market likely inflated due to the Tampa Bay Lightning acquiring Brandon Hagel, Stastny presents a likely cheaper option in terms of what you would have to give up. As for his cap hit, it sits a 3.75 million dollars, which few playoff teams can take at full value. If dealt, look for Winnipeg to potentially eat money to increase his market.
Andrew Copp
Copp has put up similar production to Stastny and is also an upcoming free agent. The big difference is that he is nearly a decade younger than his teammate. For Copp, this is his second straight season over the 30 point plateau, and he can likely hit a career-high in goals, only sitting three back from a new best. His potential market compared to Stastny could be interesting to see if the Jets open up shop.
Nathan Beaulieu
Beaulieu is the least prolific of these three Winnipeg free agents to be. He has played just 50 games the last two seasons with a combined +/- in the negative double digits. With that said, there always will be a market for a left-shot defenseman, and Beaulieu should come cheaper than most. Beaulieu hasn’t played his best since moving away from the Montreal Canadiens, but who knows, perhaps a move to a winning environment can turn things around for him. For Winnipeg however, they likely won’t receive anywhere near the compensation that Copp or Stastny could net them.
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