Via arcticicehockey.com
Week one of the 2022-23 season, we are seeing a few new faces and some prospects trying to solidify their spots in the Winnipeg Jets lineup. Lets go over some.
Sam Gagner
Signed a one year, $750 000 contract on September 2, 2022.
Played 81 games for the Detroit Red Wings last season putting up 31 points (13 G,18 A).
Drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1st round 6th overall in 2007.
Sam Gagner, a former 1st round pick brings valuable experience and depth to Winnipeg. Started the season playing on the fourth line, will be called upon to move up in the lineup throughout the season when injuries occur.
David Rittich
“Big Save Dave” signed July 13, 2022 to a one year, $900 000 contract.
David Rittich will be relied on to give starter Connor Hellebuyck a night off throughout the 2022-23 season. Last season with the Nashville Predators he played in just 17 games, starting 12 of them, with a record of 6-3-4, GAA 3.57 and SV% .886.
Staying healthy and not be the reason Winnipeg loses many games will be considered a successful 2022-23 campaign for Rittich.
Axel Jonsson-Fjällby
Drafted in 5th round 147th overall in 2016 by the Washington Capitals.
Claimed off waivers by the Winnipeg Jets on October 10, 2022 from the Washington Capitals.
Once visa issues are cleared and he gets into a few practices with the Jets, look for Axel Jonsson-Fjällby to get a look on the fourth line.
He was used on the penalty kill in Washington when now Jets assistant coach, Scott Arniel, was an assistant for the Capitals in 2021-22.
Saku Mäenalanen
Signed July 19, 2022 to a one year two way contract.
Drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 5th round 125th overall in 2013.
With only 34 NHL games played with the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2018-19 season and spending the last three seasons in his home country of Finland, the 6’4” 207 lb Saku Maenalanen will look to build his NHL resume after earning a spot on Winnipeg’s fourth line to start the season.
Kyle Capobianco
Signed July 14, 2022 to a two year 1.525 million contract.
Drafted in the 3rd round 63rd overall in 2015 by the Arizona Coyotes. Kyle Capobianco, a defenseman, may require an injury or two on the Jets blue line to get a chance at regular playing time.
To be sent down the AHL, he would have to clear waivers.
David Gustafsson
David Gustafsson, 22 year old center drafted 60th in 2018 by the Winnipeg Jets.
Earned a stop on the opening night roster as the fourth line center and hasn’t looked out of place with fellow newcomers Saku Maenalanen and Sam Gagner on his wings.
Dylan Samberg
Dylan Samberg, 23 year old defenseman drafted 43rd overall in 2017 by the Winnipeg Jets.
Samberg has yet to play in the first two regular season games, look for him to step into the lineup in place of Logan Stanley sooner rather than later.
Morgan Barron
Morgan Barron was acquired March 21, 2022 from the New York Rangers as part of the Andrew Copp trade.
Played in fourteen games with Winnipeg and five more with the Manitoba Moose before the end of the 2021/22 season.
Barron is locked in as the Jets third line left winger with center Adam Lowry and right winger Mason Appleton.
Other roster notes:
On October 8, 2022 defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic was claimed by the Montreal Canadiens off waivers.
Dominic Toninato and Jansen Harkins both played 77 games with the Winnipeg Jets in 2021-22, and both cleared waivers and were sent to the AHL Manitoba Moose. Look for them to be atop the recall list for Winnipeg throughout the season.
Brad Lambert and Ville Heinola are two young prospects Jets fans are waiting impatiently to see develop and get a chance to play in the NHL on a regular basis. How they fare early in the AHL season will determine if/when they get called up.
The Scoring Touch 