More than a month into NHL free agency, many of the biggest names have already found new homes. Yet, several familiar faces from the Winnipeg Jets remain on the open market as August begins, including a trio of players who once played key roles in the organization’s past and present.
Leading the way is former second overall pick Patrik Laine, who remains one of the most intriguing free agents available, despite appearing in just five games last season before a core muscle injury ended his campaign.
Photo by Stephen Brashear/USA Today
And as pointed out by Puck Media, thanks to an injury-related provision in the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, the 28-year-old winger is eligible to sign a one-year, performance bonus-laden contract, potentially giving cap-strapped contenders a low-risk opportunity to add a player who at one point of his career was one of the league’s most gifted goal scorers.
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Another recognizable name still searching for work is Evander Kane, the former Atlanta Thrashers first-round pick, who spent the first five-plus seasons of his NHL career with the franchise before it relocated to Winnipeg. Beleaguered every time he returns to Winnipeg, Kane has faced a number of injuries as of late. Now 35, Kane does continue to offer size, physicality and proven playoff experience, which could serve as an asset for teams needing that extra punch.
On the blueline, Logan Stanley also remains unsigned after being dealt by the Jets to the Buffalo Sabres ahead of last season’s trade deadline. The towering 6-foot-7 defenceman has played parts of six NHL seasons and, at 28 years old, could still draw interest from clubs looking for depth on the left side.
Just six months ago, certain ‘insiders’ had Stanley’s value marked north of $25 million.
While those three headline the list, they aren’t the only former Jets still awaiting their next opportunity. Veteran forwards Tanner Pearson and Gustav Nyquist also entered August without NHL contracts after finishing last season in Winnipeg.
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Elsewhere, the list of former Jets from last season has continued to shrink. Defenceman Colin Miller has opted to continue his career overseas, while Winnipeg native and former Jet Jonathan Toews officially announced his retirement, closing the book on a remarkable NHL career.
Training camp is set to begin next month – will any of Laine, Kane or Stanley have a contract by that point?
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