As training camp approaches in Winnipeg, there is one position that is still a big question mark. The Jets currently sit with 11 defensemen on their NHL roster, and 10 of those players are on one-way contracts. Former first-round pick Josh Morrissey is also looking to make the move to the big club, making it an even dozen racing for probably seven or eight full-time spots in the NHL. Let’s meet the men that will battle it out for a spot on the Jets blue line.
Dustin Byfuglien
Measurements: 6’5, 260 lbs
2015/16 Cap Hit: $5,200,000
Projection: F/2nd pair
Byfuglien actually started last season as a forward, but due to some injuries was moved back to his preferred position. This worked for the big man as he ended up keeping the Jets afloat during a time where they could have sunk. This season however, I believe Byfuglien will end up back at forward. With the depth on D, the Jets have the ability to use Byfuglien to bolster their depth up front. If not however, Buff will end up beside Ben Chiarot as a second pairing.
Ben Chiarot
Measurements: 6’3, 215 lbs
2015/16 Cap Hit: $850,000
Projection: 2nd/3rd pair
Chiarot made the jump to the NHL last season due to the injuries that plagued Winnipeg’s back end. Once he was there, his play made it impossible for the Jets to send him back to the AHL. Chiarot was one of the breakout stars for the Jets and he will look to build on that performance this season. Chiarot will most likely be in the top four, and will pair with Byfuglien, should the big man play defense this season. If not, Chiarot may slide down the depth chart, but he will be an everyday player for the Jets this season.
Grant Clitsome
Measurements: 5’11, 211 lbs
2015/16 Cap Hit: $2,066,667
Projection: I.R.
Clitsome has missed most of the last two seasons with back injuries that have required surgery. An NHL player can not just jump back in after two years off, and as far as most are concerned, Clitsome is not healthy enough to even try. If he is healthy it remains to be seen if Clitsome has a spot on this roster, but for this year at least it seems to be another stint on the injured list.
Tobias Enstrom
Measurements: 5’10, 180 lbs
2015/16 Cap Hit: $5,750,000
Projection: 1st pair
Enstrom is the most criticized Jets defender among the fans and media in Winnipeg. However, he found success playing alongside Tyler Myers and Enstrom remains one of the Jets best puck movers on the blue line. The biggest criticism of Enstrom is his size, but playing beside one of the tallest men in the league should offset that. Enstrom will continue to lead the Jets defense on the top pairing and will be a top power play guy on this team.
Jay Harrison
Measurements: 6’4, 220 lbs
2015/16 Cap Hit: $1,050,000
Projection: 7th Defenseman
The Jets acquired Harrison when they were in dire straits last season and the veteran defenseman came to the rescue for Winnipeg. Harrison plugged a hole that desperately needed filling and was huge for the Jets until they got healthy. Harrison’s veteran presence will be enough to keep him on the NHL roster, but he will likely be a seventh or eighth defenseman, and will spend much of the year in the press box.
Jacob Trouba
Measurements: 6’2, 200 lbs
2015/16 Cap Hit: $894,167
Projection: 3rd pair
Trouba is the future of this teams’ blue line, and he will likely be one of the best third line defenseman in the league this season. Trouba has battled injuries since coming to the NHL but if he can stay healthy he can be one of the best in the league. Should Byfuglien move to forward, Trouba will be the player who jumps up the depth chart and plays the big minutes.
Josh Morrissey made his Kelowna Rockets debut in a 5-3 home-ice loss to the Medicine Hat Tigers on Jan. 10 at Prospera Place.
Josh Morrissey
Measurements: 6’5, 260 lbs
2015/16 Cap Hit: $863,333
Projection: AHL
Josh Morrissey has taken every step the Jets have asked him to take in becoming a true professional. His play in the Jets development camp as well as the Young Stars Tournament have shown that he is no longer just a prospects, but he is ready for a chance. However, due to the depth on this roster, and the number of one-way contracts, there will not be room for Morrissey when the season starts. Instead, Morrissey will play with the Moose of the AHL and probably log a lot of minutes. He will get his first chance to play with, and against men, and he will be ready for the NHL, whether it be next season, or if injuries permit, this season.
Andrew MacWilliam
Measurements: 6’2, 214 lbs
2015/16 Cap Hit: $600,000
Projection: AHL
The Jets signed MacWilliam to a one year contract this summer to add a little more depth. The 25-year-old Canadian has been property of the Toronto Maple Leafs the last few seasons, suiting up for his only 12 NHL games with the big club last season. MacWilliam is one of two guys on this list, Morrissey the other, who has a two way contract, likely sealing his fate. MacWilliam will bring some experience to a young AHL blue line and look to show that he is good enough for an NHL shot.
Adam Pardy
Measurements: 6’4, 227 lbs
2015/16 Cap Hit: $1,000,000
Projection: 8th Defenseman
Pardy is another guy who has helped out the Jets a lot in times of need, he even played in the playoffs for Winnipeg last season. His experience and skill will keep him in the NHL, but he will likely not see a ton of playing time. Pardy does benefit from being a great penalty killer, and, as we saw last year, can fill in at forward when needed. Pardy doesn’t make the cut to be an everyday player, but he will see action with the Jets.
Paul Postma
Measurements: 6’3, 195 lbs
2015/16 Cap Hit: $887,500
Projection: Waiver Claim/AHL
Postma was long considered to be a high prospect in this organization, but he has just been unable to break through as a true NHL talent. I believe Postma will be the odd man out this season, and the Jets will probably try to move him down to the AHL. Postma may clear waivers and be able to help out the Moose, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to see someone scoop up Postma and give him a full-time NHL spot and a chance to develop.
Tyler Myers
Measurements: 6’8, 219 lbs
2015/16 Cap Hit: $5,500,00
Projection: 1st pair
Myers was a tower of power in his brief time with Winnipeg last season. The trade from Buffalo gave him a fresh start and he looks to become what Sabres fans expected during his tenure there. The former 12th-overall pick had a lot of expectation that he just couldn’t live up to in Buffalo. This year he comes in as a top-pairing guy and will be leaned on in all aspects of the game.
Mark Stuart
Measurements: 6’2, 213 lbs
2015/16 Cap Hit: $2,625,000
Projection: 3rd pair
Stuart, a fan favourite, will continue to block shots and rough up opponents for the Jets this season. Stuart is solid and reliable and will spend a lot of time killing penalties. Stuart is a lock for this lineup this year, and probably for years to come, with three seasons left on his contract. Stuart is one of those guys you love to play with and hate to play against, and will be important this season mentoring and protecting the young players that will make this roster.