Here to Stay: Jets Roster Updates After Team Cuts

Paul Maurice at jets practice. Photo courtesy of the CBC

Coach Paul Maurice’s frown last night said it all: Change was coming.

After the Jets’ 8-1 lashing from Minnesota last night, the coaching staff had seen enough from their prospects squad and submitted their next round of roster cuts this morning.

The following are taking the short and lonely walk down the MTS Centre hallway to the AHL Moose’s side of the building for further development:

2013 1st round pick Josh Morrissey, John Albert, Joel Armia, Eric Comrie, Patrice Cormier, Chase De Leo, Matt Fraser, Matt Halischuk, Brenden Kichton, Scott Kosmachuk, Jan Kostalek, Andrew MacWilliam, Julia Melchiori and Ryan Olsen.

Cormer, Fraser, Halischuk and Melchiori all have to clear waivers before AHL assignment.

Two players are taking the Greyhound bus back to the OHL:

Brendan Lemieux and Nelson Nogier.

It was a surprising move that Josh Morrissey was not given more time with the club to prove himself. The skilled 20 year old spent his second year at Jets’ training camp, but Maurice feels he still needs time to fill-out and work on his pro-level game in the AHL.

Another surprise was that junior eligible prospect Brendan Lemieux’s name was not kept on the active Jets roster. Prior to last night’s action, Lemieux had shown promise as an effective power forward, but ultimately, Maurice determined he would benefit from another OHL season.

“I was really excited about his camp. It was not a failure to not make this hockey team. He did absolutely everything that you’d hope for for a player to do,” said Maurice.

Sticking with the big league squad are Andrew Copp, Nik Ehlers, JC Lipon, Nic Petan and Thomas Raffl. Based on current play, and the need for wingers in Winnipeg, Ehlers and Petan should be the favourites for full-time roster spots.

The competition will be fierce for the coveted NHL roster.

“It’s not only about them any more. We want to try and see which is the best fit. Which three can thrive together, we get into key pairings as well. For example, sometimes figuring out who fits and plays [defensemen position] number 5 well is more important than who is the best player available. Sometimes it’s figuring out the best pairings overall.”

The players know what is expected of them.

“I didn’t know they were going to make cuts. Of course, you are  a bit nervous,” says Ehlers. “Until you hear the news if you are going to stay or leave, you just continue to work, practice and play your game.”

“I just keep working hard, moving my feet and keep trying to get noticed,” says Lipon. ”

And now, the speculation begins on which of the 27 player remaining will be lacking up their skates for opening night.

The Jets now have 27 players left at training camp. NHL teams must set their 23 man opening day roster by 4pm CT on October 6.

Playing Big: Brendan Lemieux on his Way to NHLdom

Brendan Lemieux during Jets practice Photo courtesy of the Winnipeg Free Press

Brendan Lemieux has the management’s attention.

The 19 year old NHL prospect, and son of former NHL alumni Claude Lemieux, has had a stellar offseason showcasing his grit, determination and talents. Oh did I mention his deep confidence, too?

As covered in an article by the Winnipeg Free Press, Lemieux knows that he has matured, but has much to prove.

“This past year I thought out-played a lot of first-round picks,” said Lemieux, a 2014 second round pick. “I had a big year last year and a big summer. I think I’m quite a ways from where I was at 18. I’ve grown a lot as a player and as a person… probably more off the ice, especially.”

It shows.

Lemieux notched 41 goals and 60 points in 57 games with the Barrie Colts last season, finishing in the top 5 on the team in points, and first on the team with 25 powerplay goals and 145 penalty minutes. Clearly Lemieux has the ability to play hard, earning the title as a true power forward. His abilities have carried over into his training camp play.

Ex-NHLer and current Jets radio broadcaster, Shane Hnidy, has spoken with TSN recently about Lemieux’s recent play.

“He [Lemieux] doesn’t change his game. He comes in and plays the way he wants and plays it the right way. I can already identify what kind of a player he’ll be. ”

Jets coach Paul Maurice has also been impressed with what he has seen. During the pre-game media conference for tonight’s game, Maurice expressed his interest in Lemieux’s play.

“I’m really interested in seeing him in an exhibition game,” says Maurice, “Brendan is a really good example of a player who has a defined game, I can really tell you what he does. I’ve seen it now for four days, rather consistently… He’s not far off from pro work level.”

Maurice mentioned that Lemieux is still developing and growing, so he expects that Lemieux will continue the trend towards playing with the big club.

“His attitude is right on all the drills, he’s playing like a veteran guy. He’s a power forward. A guy that will finish every check, he’ll compete for the pucks… but you have to have the hands to be a power forward.”

When asked whether Lemiuex will make the Jets roster out of camp, Maurice has an open mind.

“I think he’s doing everything he can. How it sorts itself out in two or three weeks, we’ll see. I like the guys who understand what it is they do… Those guys you can just fit into your game plan.”

One thing is for sure, Lemieux has impressed the top brass. If he continues to play his game, we will be seeing more of this sweater in the stands at MTS Centre.