The Winnipeg Jets did not make any major moves in free agency, but they did allow some flexibility within the organization. Depth has been added to both the forward and defense groups, providing the Jets a better chance of filling holes in the event of injury.
This also provides the Manitoba Moose, the Jets’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, with a fighting chance to have a good season while also allowing some of its young players to experience the grind of playoff hockey. With a good bit of roster turnover between departures and call-ups, this will undoubtedly be an interesting squad to watch develop this season.
Defensive Group
The Moose’s defense group, like the rest of the squad, will most likely look different than it did for much of last season. Notably, Kyle Capobianco, awarded the AHL’s Best Defenseman, signed with the Dallas Stars when free agency began. He has been a valuable member of the Moose for the past few seasons, but he was clearly yearning for a larger position that could not be found inside the Jets organization.
Ville Heinola, who lost his waiver exemption this season, will also not play in the AHL in 2024-25. He will be with the Jets, either in the lineup or as an extra. After playing a key role in the Moose’s top four, his time with the AHL team is likely to come to an end, as it’s difficult to picture him clearing through waivers.
This isn’t to suggest that everything is doom and gloom for the Moose; they’ve also been handed new faces to assist replace the influence of those who have either moved up or left. Returnees, new faces, and local talent will fill in the gaps, and they should do a good job of it.
Hadyn Fleury and Dylan Coghlan are fresh additions to the team via free agency and trade, and they should play a significant part in the Moose’s top four. With both of them having NHL experience, it might pave the path for a strong combination of experience and young.
Related: Grading the Winnipeg Jets’ Free Agent Moves
Someone who could play a significant part in the makeup of the defense group is not someone who was brought in from outside, but someone who is making the move to North America. Elias Salomonsson will make his North American debut in 2024-25 and could make an impact in the defensive pipeline.
Salomansson, 19, impressed in development camp earlier this month and expects to play significant minutes for the Moose. Don’t be surprised if he makes noise in Jets training camp, as his game appears to be one that might make the move to the NHL sooner rather than later.
Forwards
The defense group isn’t the only thing that could look significantly different for the upcoming season; the forwards also appear to be in transition. That isn’t necessarily a terrible thing, given their new additions and improved depth over their previous offerings.
The biggest story among the forwards is whether Brad Lambert will even be in the AHL to begin the season. With the Jets lacking a genuine second-line center, Lambert’s name has frequently been mentioned as a candidate to replace that position.
Following his best season as a professional, when he was chosen to the AHL’s All-Rookie Team, many wonder if the next natural step in his growth is to face NHL-level talent. If that’s the case, his impact on the Moose will be determined more by who takes his position when he’s called up.
To assist develop the offensive depth needed to replicate Lambert’s effect, the Moose have signed experienced players to help balance the group. Mason Shaw and Jaret Anderson-Dolan were among the additions to help the Jets build more depth while also allowing them to bring up guys with NHL experience.
This is in addition to returning players Parker Ford and Nikita Chibrikov, who have emerged as the “next in line” for a call-up. Last season, Chibrikov played one game and scored his first NHL goal, which was the game winner.
Call-ups or not, the Moose have accumulated a wealth of talent and experience that will come in helpful down the stretch for either themselves or the Jets.
The signing of guys who will most likely play in the AHL benefits both the Jets and the Moose. With injuries a continual threat, the Jets’ internal talent or fresh arrivals are likely to make an impact on the squad as early as this season.
The Moose’s depth provides them a good chance to win their first playoff series since returning to the Manitoba capital. A postseason run with some of the inexperienced players may go a long way in teaching them the grind of playoff hockey, which will be a benefit further down the line.
