With apologies to Bryan Little (the focus of yesterday’s RFA analysis), and Blake Wheeler (the focus of tomorrow’s RFA analysis), in my opinion Zach Bogosian is the most important restricted free agent the Jets need to sign this off-season.

Bogosian skates as well as any NHL defenceman, hits with a vengeance, has a booming slap shot and, as demonstrated last season, is becoming an on-ice leader for the Jets. Perhaps most important to Jets fans is that Bogosian, by all accounts, legitimately enjoys playing in Winnipeg, and consequently has grown into a fan favourite for the Jets 2.0.

Given the skill set that Bogosian brings to the table, there would be no surprise if the Jets attempted to sign Bogosian to a long-term agreement. Unlike the Evander Kane contract negotiation of last off-season, which included (thus far unsubstantiated) rumblings that he was not enamored with playing in Winnipeg, that issue does not appear to be a factor with regard to Bogosian’s desire to re-up with the Jets, potentially on a long term basis.

With a seemingly mutual interest, let’s examine Bogosian’s statistics, as well as comparable players and contract situations, in order to determine a reasonable contractual framework for both the Winnipeg Jets and Zach Bogosian’s representatives to work within.

The American rearguard has seen his ice-time at five-on-five increase over the past three seasons, whereas his power play and penalty killing ice-time has stayed relatively stagnant.

His blocked shots, hits and goal totals have increased on a per-game basis which are all good signs.  Additionally, Bogosian is facing the toughest competition of all Winnipeg Jets defencemen, which indicates that Claude Noel has developed a trust for Bogosian just as Craig Ramsay had in the 2010-11 season in Atlanta.

People often forget that Zach Bogosian entered the league at 18 years old, and played for three coaches in his first four NHL seasons.   The lack of continuity in the head coach position, each with a different system and expectations, only serves to hinder a player’s development, especially a defenseman who tends to take longer to develop than a forward.

Statistical Comparables

Zach Bogosian is a unique defenseman.  He seems to have taken strides offensively but does not (yet, if ever) possess the offensive ability of a Drew Doughty, the player taken one selection ahead of him in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.  To examine Bogosian strictly through goals, assists and points would be misleading and would not provide an accurate reflection of the player..

Let’s examine a number of players who either produce similarly to Bogosian points-wise (only one aspect of the game, especially for a young defenseman), were drafted in and around the same time as the New York State native and/or have signed contract extensions in the recent past.

Here are five comparable defenceman:

1.  Drew Doughty2.  Brett Burns;
3.  Alexander Edler;
4.  Braydon Coburn; and
5.  Marc-Édouard Vlasic.

It should be noted that all of the above defencemen are under 30, used in all situations, skate very well and have been considered top defensive prospects in their respective organizations.

Now let’s take a look at their respective salary situations.

Contract Comparables

Here are the comparables and their respective salaries:

All of the above referenced players are now signed to long-term  contract, with the shortest one being four years in length.  Extrapolating this information, it appears that four years will be the lowest benchmark in term of length for Zach Bogosian’s next contract.

Conversely, only Drew Doughty is signed to a maximum NHL contract—although it is worth noting that his contract was signed prior to the NHL term limit that came into place this past January in the new CBA.

The majority of the aforementioned players were completing their second NHL contracts and were looking for the biggest contracts, financially, of their NHL careers.  While Bogosian is younger than all the above players except for Drew Doughty (same draft year), compared to the above players, the fact Bogosian entered the league at 18 years old accelerated his UFA eligibility clock (Bogosian would first be eligible for unrestricted free agency after two more NHL seasons accrued).

His age is mutually beneficial to both himself and to the Jets, as it allows him more years to make big money and ensures the team that they will be using his services during more of his “prime years” with five years of experience already under his belt.

While it seems that a contract between Bogosian and the Jets makes a lot of sense for both sides, we cannot complete disregard other alternatives:

Trade Bogosian

This does not appear to be a realistic possibility and really, why would it be?  The possibility of the Jets trading from defence, a position of strength, to acquire a forward (or two)—preferably a center or right winger—was dealt with in our piece regarding Dustin Byfuglien’s trade value in April.   Another possibility that could be explored is the team moving Tobias Enstrom, but given that is strictly rumor mongering, we will leave that discussion for another day.

Bogosian’s name, however, is not likely to enter the rumour mill anytime soon.

Bogosian Receives Offer Sheet

This is a more valid concern.  The Jets are deemed to be, at most, a mid-market franchise.  Teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers have demonstrated that they do not lack the financial ability or chutzpah to sign a player (i.e. Shea Weber) to a sizable and significant offer sheet.  The inception of the eight-year maximum contract in the new CBA, and accompanying rules regarding annual variance in salary, does make this type of offer more difficult but it cannot be ruled out nonetheless.

The longer a negotiation takes between the Jets and Zach Bogosian, the more rumblings you will hear about such a possibility (i.e. the Ryan O’Reilly situation).  In any event, any offer to Bogosian that would make the Jets really consider declining their right to match, would have to be at such a high value that the compensation in return to the Jets, would be at least two first round draft picks and a couple lower round picks (2nd and 3rd).

Conclusion: Value and Term

Zach Bogosian is a difficult player to forecast for future success.  More specifically, he is a difficult player to forecast to which level of success he will reach.  Will he take the next step offensively?  If he does not, he is still an extremely valuable NHL defenceman who is just entering the prime of his career, yet is already experienced, with five seasons of NHL playing time under his belt.

Few will argue he is at the level of Drew Doughty, but really, who is?

A comparison to the likes of Alexander Edler and Brent Burns relies on a jump in offensive production for a player that has never exceeded five goals in a season (to be fair, he had five goals in the lockout shortened 2012-13, a season in which he was injured to start the season).

A comparison to the likes of Braydon Coburn and Marc-Edouard Vlasic illuminates his value in all situations, both offensively and defensively.

Based on the market and the comparables provided, it appears that fair term and value for Bogosian is as follows:

Duration: 6 years

Cap Hit: $5.5

Total: $33.0 million

Note II:  Stay tuned to Illegal Curve as we celebrate Winnipeg Jets Contract Week all week long.  Richard will be breaking down some of the contracts and decisions that GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will need to make as he figures out his roster for the 2013-14 season.  Second up, RFA Zach Bogosian at 10 AM CST.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Burmistrov wants out of Winnipeg.  This doesn’t come as a big surprise.  He likely wants top line minutes but hasn’t shown the production to merit same.  But at the same time, this could simply be a ploy in the negotiations.

Winnipeg Sun:  Trouba fits right in.  Jets fans have to be salivating at the prospect of this young gun wearing the team jersey next season.  All indications are the Jets stole him when they drafted him 9th overall last year.

Illegal Curve:  RFA Analysis Bryan Little.  The Winnipeg Jets have an interesting off-season upcoming in terms of their pending unrestricted and restricted free agents. In the first of a series of in-depth analysis, Richard looks at RFA Bryan Little.

- Lukas Sutter and the Saskatoon Blades take on Winnipegger Brendan Leipsic and the Portland Winterhawks.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Bruins 2 Rangers 1 | Sharks 2 Kings 1
Games: Penguins @ Senators

Bruins 2 Rangers 1 (Boston leads series 3-0):

Boston Herald:  Torey Krug stirs echoes of Greg Hawgood.

Boston Herald:  B’s take 3-0 series lead.

Newsday:  For two periods, Henrik Lundqvist ruled before being vanquished.

New York Times:  Bruins take control of game and series.

ESPN:  First-rate showing for fourth line.

Sharks 2 Kings 1 (Series tied 2-2):

San Jose Mercury News:  It wasn’t easy, but Sharks get the win they needed over the Kings.

San Jose Mercury News:  Goalie Antti Niemi barely breaking a sweat against Kings.

Los Angeles Times:  Sharks hope they can finally live up Stanley Cup expectations.

Los Angeles Times:  Kings’ last line of defense is shifting in playoffs.

Los Angeles Times:  Kings discovering that the road to a repeat is tougher than expected.

The Winnipeg Jets have an interesting off-season upcoming in terms of their pending unrestricted and restricted free agents.

Among the most important restricted free agents is Edmonton native Bryan Little.

Little has primarily played first line center for the Jets 2.0 with both Andrew Ladd and Blake Wheeler on his wings.  Little is fast, albeit undersized, with his game slanted more towards scoring goals than setting them up.

The former 1st round selection of the Atlanta Thrashers is currently completing the final season of his second professional contract; a contract that paid Little $7.15 million over three years (the 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 NHL seasons.)

The cap hit that Little carried over the just completed three year contract was $2.38 million per season.  However, it is important to note that in the final year of Little’s contract, the 2012-13 NHL season, Little’s actual salary was $3.0 million.

The old Collective Bargaining Agreement (the new CBA has yet to be officially completed and released—but all indications are that this clause will remain the same) sets forth that for the Winnipeg Jets to retain the contract rights to Bryan Little, they would have to qualify him at an annual salary of $3.0 million.  This does not mean that Little has to accept the qualifying offer (although he has that option), but if he declines the qualifying offer (which is quite likely in this instance), the Jets, by virtue of offering him the qualifying offer of $3.0 million, would retain his contractual rights.

For the purposes of this article, we will assume that the Jets will submit the qualifying offer to Little and he will not accept the offer.  As such, he will become a restricted free agent (Group 2 free agent—clause 10.2(b) of former CBA), and a number of options will present themselves to the Winnipeg Jets with regard to Bryan Little.

Option 1: Re-Sign Bryan Little

If the Jets opt to open negotiations in an attempt to re-sign Bryan Little, the organization is going to examine Little’s production and progression as an NHL player.

Here are Little’s stats since the beginning of the 2010 NHL season in Atlanta:

As of this writing, Bryan Little is 25 years old and will be 26 this upcoming November.  He has just accrued his sixth NHL season meaning that his first opportunity for unrestricted free agency would come after the 2013-14 season.

Little’s Options

At this point in his career, and for the first time, Bryan Little has some leverage in contract negotiations. Accordingly, he can steer his career, in whichever direction he deems best.

If Little believes that he will make a lot more as an unrestricted free agent in just over a year’s time, he could elect to file for salary arbitration, a right he holds under the CBA, and accept a one-year contract. In a similar vein, he can try and reach agreement on a one year contract with the Winnipeg Jets, without having to go through the frequently adversarial arbitration route.

Alternatively, Little can look to sign a three or four-year deal that will take him to his 30 year old season.  A contract in excess of four or five years seems unlikely for a player who has never eclipsed 0.73 points-per-game.

So, let us assume for the purposes of this article that Little is interested in signing a three or four year contract with the Winnipeg Jets.

Statistical Comparables

A number of players have produced similar numbers to Little.  Here are a few of those comparable players and their respective production:

1. David Desharnais;
2. Alex Steen;
3. Mike Fisher; and
4. Frans Nielsen.

All of the above players are center, at least for the most part—as Steen does play some wing as well.  Their statistical production and use is fairly similar to that of Little.

Contract Comparables

Here are the comparables and their respective salaries:

There is a bit of fluctuation with respect to the above players and their salaries, but more or less, this is a group of players that are earning second-line center money.

Option 2: Trade Bryan Little

The Jets have Mark Scheifele in the queue, but aside from Scheifele, the team is pretty thin in terms of centres.  Olli Jokinen is coming off a very poor season and Alexander Burmistrov, like Little, is a restricted free agent, with an uncertain status.  If the team looks to trade Little then they would likely have to acquire a centre, if not in return for Little, then in another trade or through a free agent signing.

Option 3: Bryan Little Receives an Offer Sheet

This is an unlikely option.  Draft picks are a valuable currency in today’s game and a team would have to overpay in terms of both salary and draft picks in order to sign Little to an offer sheet that the Jets would decline to match (as is their prerogative, having given him a qualifying offer at the outset of the free-agency period.)  It’s also worth noting that a team needs to own the proper draft picks in order to even sign a player to an offer sheet.

Conclusions

Coming up with an actual value for Bryan Little is an interesting exercise in that, given the role he has been used in by the Winnipeg Jets the past two seasons, Bryan Little’s agent will certainly argue that his client is a bona-fide first-line center in the NHL and deserves a contract, at least, in excess of $4.0 million per season.

From the Jets perspective, it is likely that Kevin Cheveldayoff’s intention is to sign Bryan Little to a contract that will allow Little to eventually slot in as the team’s number two center, and at a rate that is commensurate for a second line centre.

Little’s group will likely propose something like this: Five years for $20.25 million ($4.25 million cap hit per season)

Cheveldayoff and his management team will likely propose something like this: Three years for $10.5 million ($3.5 million cap hit per season)

Let’s assume that both parties understand that they do need each other somewhat.  The Jets, given their dearth of centers, need one that can produce offensively. From Little’s perspective, he is getting a tremendous opportunity and showcase, lining up on a top line between Andrew Ladd and Blake Wheeler—an opportunity that he may not come across elsewhere.

With all of the different factors in mind, a contract with the following terms seems most reasonable given the circumstances:

Duration: Four years

Cap Hit (AAV per season): $3.75 million

Total: $15.00 million

Note II:  Stay tuned to Illegal Curve as we celebrate Winnipeg Jets Contract Week all week long.  Richard will be breaking down some of the contracts and decisions that GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will need to make as he figures out his roster for the 2013-14 season.  First up, RFA Bryan Little at 10 AM CST.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

- Mark Dekanich, formerly a goalie for the Jets AHL affiliate St. John’s IceCaps, has signed over in the KHL with Medvescak Zagreb which is based in Croatia.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Wings 3 Hawks 1
Games: Bruins @ Rangers | Kings @ Sharks

Wings 3 Hawks 1 (Detroit leads series 2-1):

Detroit Free Press:  With Mike Babcock at helm, don’t underestimate Red Wings.

Detroit Free Press:  Howard showing his mettle, leadership in playoffs.

National Post:  Bad blood boils in Red Wings’ upset of Blackhawks.

USA Today:  Red Wings’ quick burst downs Blackhawks.

Chicago Tribune:  Hawks not outworked this time — simply outplayed.

Chicago Sun-Times:  Hawks dispute goalie interference call that wiped out tying goal.

Chicago Sun-Times:  After season in which it all came easy, Hawks find themselves in tough spot.

NHL news:

Globe and Mail:  Down 0-2 to Bruins, history not on New York Rangers side.

ESPN New York:  Henrik Lundqvist has sore shoulder.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

USA Today:  USA wins bronze meal in shootout at worlds.  Jacob Trouba becomes the lone Jets player to come away from the tournament with some hardware.  He had an assist in the US win over Finland yesterday.  He played 18:19 and had three shots in the game.

CBC:  Blades drop Mooseheads at Memorial Cup.  Jets prospect Lukas Sutter had an assist and finished a -1 in the win over Halifax.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Bruins 5 Rangers 2 | Senators 2 Penguins 1 in OT
Games: Hawks @ Wings

Bruins 5 Rangers 2 (Boston leads series 2-0):

Boston Herald:  Rookies, Brad Marchand spark decisive win.  

Boston Herald:  Have no fear, Torey Krug is here!

New York Daily News:  Rangers can’t make their chances count, fall in 2-0 hole.

New York Times:  Breakdowns leave Rangers reeling.

ESPN:   Marchand, Bergeron stay on same page.

Senators 2 Penguins 1 in OT (Pittsburgh leads series 2-1):

Ottawa Citizen:  Senators have life after stunning OT victory.

Ottawa Citizen:  Do fans believe in miracles?

Ottawa Sun:  Alfie provides the fireworks.

Globe and Mail:  Spezza returns and finds his karma.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Penguins power play goes dim.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  It’s a series again after missing chances.

Pittsburgh Tribune:  It doesn’t have to be this hard.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

- Jacob Trouba and his Team USA team mates were eliminated in the World Championships semi finals.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Red Wings 4 Hawks 1 | Sharks 2 Kings 1 in OT
Games: Rangers @ Bruins | Penguins @ Senators

Red Wings 4 Hawks 1 (Series tied 1-1):

Detroit Free Press:  Rookie Brendan Smith is Red Wings’ risk-taker.

Detroit Free Press:  Red Wings pummel Blackhawks to tie series at 1-1.

Detroit Free Press:  Drew Miller returns, has a hand in Detroit Red Wings’ victory.

Chicago Sun-Times:  Red Wings won’t just roll over.

Chicago Tribune:  Wings play extra tough with Toews.

Sharks 2 Kings 1 in OT (Kings lead series 2-1):

San Jose Mercury News:  Logan Couture goal gives Sharks overtime win.

San Jose Mercury News:  General manager Doug Wilson’s defense of Raffi Torres results in $100,000 fine from league.

L.A. Times:  Kings are left crying foul after 2-1 overtime loss to Sharks.

TSN:  Quick receives game misconduct for abuse of official.

Hockey News:

Globe and Mail:  MacKinnon bests Jones, leads Mooseheads over Winterhawks.  Caught part of the game and MacKinnon looked simply fantastic.  Must have been nice for him when he burnt past Jones on the way to scoring one of his three goals on the game.

Globe and Mail:  Sweden, Switzerland advance to world championship final.  Not the final many were expecting.  Will you be watching?

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

CBC:  Memorial Cup – Players to Watch.  The Jets only have one player in the tournament as Saskatoon Blades Lukas Sutter is the lone rep for Winnipeg.  All eyes will be on the Memorial Cup now that Team Canada was eliminated from the World Championships.

Winnipeg Jets:  Prospect Profile – Ryan Olsen.  Always good to get a look at some of the prospects in the system.

- Jacob Trouba and Team USA will take on Switzerland today at 7 pm in the World Championship Semi Finals.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Penguins 4 Senators 3
Games: Red Wings @ Hawks | Sharks @ Kings

Penguins 4 Senators 3 (Penguins leads series 2-0):

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Sidney Crosby puts on a show in 4-3 victory.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Brenden Morrow’s contribution a big one.

Pittsburgh Tribune:  Penguins far from satisfied after Game 2.

Ottawa Sun:  Crosby puts on clinic for Karlsson.

Ottawa Sun:  Senators lose a few pounds.

Globe and Mail:  Spezza could return for Sens as soon as Game 3.

NHL news:

Globe and Mail:  Alex Edler suspended two games for knee-on-knee hit on Staal.  I was watching this live and you could see a fraction of a second before the hit that Staal was vulnerable.  The hit itself and the reaction by Staal was simply brutal.

CBC:  Don Cherry disagrees with Raffi Torres suspension.  Grapes feels the suspension was a result of the name on the back of the jersey.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

Winnipeg Free Press: Jets among most expensive pro teams to watch.  This isn’t just an NHL list, it is a list of all the professional leagues in North America.  Peggers are clearly not adverse to spending top dollar to support their team as the Jets are 2nd in the NHL and 10th overall.

- Andrew Ladd had two assists as Team Canada fell to Sweden in a quarter final shootout.

- Ondrej Pavelec and his Czech Republic team lost 2-1 to the Swiss.

- Jacob Trouba had a goal in an 8-3 US trouncing of Russia.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Bruins 3 Rangers 2 in OT | Kings 4 Sharks 3
Games: Senators @ Penguins

Bruins 3 Rangers 2 in OT (Boston leads series 1-0):

Boston Herald:  Forty years, 75 minutes needed for Bruins to beat NY in playoffs.

Boston Herald:  He’s Brad to the bone.

Boston Herald:  Nobody bigger than Zdeno Chara.

ESPN:  Torts: ‘We got spanked in overtime’.

New York Daily News:  NY Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist puts up ‘help wanted’ sign.

Newsday:  Rangers’ power play still not an advantage.

Kings 4 Sharks 3 (Los Angeles leads series 2-0):

L.A. Times:  Kings take 2-0 series lead over Sharks with 4-3 comeback victory.

San Jose Mercury News:  Sharks loss was unnecessary and possibly backbreaking.

San Jose Mercury News:  Raffi Torres’ past catching up to him.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Ready for Prime Time.  Barrie Colts coach Dale Hawerchuk gives Mark Scheifele a ringing endorsement as his Jr. career ends and he gets ready to try and make the jump to the pros.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets fans can just look at Capitals to see how hard it is to win.  Winning in the NHL isn’t easy, just ask the Southeast Division winning Capitals who got bounced from the 1st Round.  Ken spent the 1st Round watching the Capitals and has this insight for Jets fans.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Blackhawks 4 Red Wings 1
Games: Rangers @ Bruins | Sharks @ Kings

Blackhawks 4 Red Wings 1 (Chicago leads series 1-0):

Chicago Sun-Times:  Hawks’ supporting cast comes up huge in opener.

Chicago Sun-Times:   Disgruntled Viktor Stalberg is healthy scratch for Game 1.

Chicago Tribune:  Hawks’ Sharp continues his playoff tear.

Detroit Free Press:  Uh-Oh! It’ll be a short series at this rate.

NHL news:

Edmonton Journal:  Why the arena deal makes sense for Edmonton.  The arguing is finally over and it looks like Jets fans will be able to forget the not so friendly confines of Northlands Arena.

CBC:   NHL reveals pair of outdoor dates at Yankee Stadium.  While I like the concept of outdoor games, seems like the NHL has gone overboard in the number of games they have occurring.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

- Ondrej Pavelec and his Czech Republic team were hardly tested in a 7-0 romp over Norway.  Pavelec only faced 11 shots in the game.

- Jacob Trouba didn’t play in the loss Team USA suffered at the hands of Slovakia.

IIHF:  Quarter-finals set.  On the Finnish side, Team USA (Trouba) will battle Russia.  In Sweden, Team Canada (Ladd) faces off against Sweden and the Czech Republic (Pavelec) goes up vs. Switzerland.

TSN:  Scheifele shows promise in OHL final.  After some time off and with the focus on the playoffs, Jets fans can get focused on the next part of the season for Winnipeg.  For the next bit this will consist of negotiating with their many UFAs/RFAs and preparing for the NHL Entry Draft at the end of June.

Barrie Examiner:  Colts reflect on a long season, and look forward to next year.  A tough way to go into the summer after battling all the way to Game 7 of the OHL Finals, especially when you consider they had a three games to one series lead.  Interesting to note the first real news about the Scheifele injury.  Hopefully there will be some clarification over the next few days as to what exactly kept the Jets 2011 1st Round pick out of the final game.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Penguins 4 Senators 1 | Kings 2 Sharks 0
Games: Red Wings @ Blackhawks

Penguins 4 Senators 1 (Pittsburgh leads series 1-0):

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Murray comes up big with five blocks.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Power play, penalty-killers combine to set stage for Penguins’ 4-1 win against Ottawa.

Pittsburgh Tribune:  Malkin starting to round into form.

Ottawa Citizen:  No early ambush as Senators drop opener.

Ottawa Sun:  Captain Daniel Alfredsson expects team will make adjustments after Game 1 loss.

Kings 2 Sharks 0 (Los Angeles leads series 1-0):

L.A. Times:  Kings flex home-ice muscle in shutout of San Jose, 2-0.

L.A. Times:  This time Los Angeles Kings have a key leg to stand on vs. Sharks.

ESPN:  Kings showing their championship swagger.

San Jose Mercury News:  Sharks can’t take advantage of their many opportunities.

San Jose Mercury News:   Logan Couture has mixed feelings for his friend, Drew Doughty.

NHL news:

National Post:  Stars fire head coach Glen Gulutzan as rebuilding begins.  Considering that the team was in a rebuild and they still almost made the playoffs, you would have thought he would still have a chance to keep his job.  But with new GM Jim Nill it is clear that he wants to put his stamp on this franchise.

Globe and Mail:  Leaf fans may have no joy – but they do have hope .  That was the most heartbreaking and cruel loss for Leafs Nation.  I loved seeing the passion fans had as they turned the streets of Toronto into a party scene.  They made Round 1 games seem like a Stanley Cup Finals and for that, the fans should be commended.

Globe and Mail:  Selanne won’t be rushed into deciding on playing future.  While it is clear that the Finnish Flash still has plenty left in the tank he will continue his off season of debating his future that has fans across the league awaiting his answer.  One quote that should have fans excited came from the exit interviews “We have such a good team here. We know we’re better than this. I think everyone feels there is some unfinished business here.”

0:00 – Boston vs. Toronto

14:41 – Washington vs. New York Rangers

26:06 – Anaheim Ducks vs. Detroit Red Wings

37:16 – St. Louis Blues vs. LA Kings

49:30 – Interview with Hall of Fame Hockey Writer Al Strachan

1:09:33 – News & Notes

The Illegal Curve Hockey Show airs Saturdays from 12pm-3pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg. Search for the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast - non iTunes users can subscribe via RSS.  NHL Mid-Week with Illegal Curve airs Wednesdays from 6pm-8pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg.

0:00 – Interview with Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago.com

11:04 – Montreal Canadiens postmortem

22:46 – Minnesota Wild postmortem

35:52 – Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders

47:13 – Ottawa Senators second round preview

1:00:31 – Rapid Fire: First Round Awards

The Illegal Curve Hockey Show airs Saturdays from 12pm-3pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg. Search for the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast - non iTunes users can subscribe via RSS.  NHL Mid-Week with Illegal Curve airs Wednesdays from 6pm-8pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

IIHF:  Canada needs OT to beat Slovenia.  Jets captain Andrew Ladd failed to get on the score sheet and ended the game with two shots on net.  If you want to catch the highlights, click here.

The Coloradoan:  Colorado Eagles drop affiliation with Winnipeg Jets.  Probably makes sense to have your ECHL affiliate close to the AHL organization.  Colorado and St. John’s aren’t exactly in the same neighborhood.

Globe and Mail:  Horvat buzzer beater gives Knights OHL crown.  Despite a heroic effort, including tying the game late in the 3rd period, without both Jets prospect Mark Scheifele and Anthony Camara who was suspended, the Colts came up just short.  In fact they lost with 0.1 seconds remaining on the clock.  The London Knights win back-to-back OHL Championships.  Mark Scheifele finished the playoffs with 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists) in 21 games.  Now that his Junior career is officially over, Jets fans can now speculate what next season will look like for the 2011 First Round pick.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Bruins 5 Leafs 4 in OT | Rangers 5 Capitals 0
Games: Senators @ Penguins | Sharks @ Kings

Bruins 5 Leafs 4 in OT (Boston wins series 4-3):

Boston Herald:  One for history books.

Boston Herald:  Focused Rask better off than first Game 7.

Boston Herald:  Bruins emotionally drained after dramatic win.

CBC:  Playoff dreams dashed for Maple Leafs and their fans.

ESPN:  Despite loss, Leafs headed in right direction.

Globe and Mail:  Meltdown in Beantown sees Maple Leafs eliminated in overtime of Game 7.

Rangers 5 Capitals 0 (NY wins series 4-3):

New York Times:  One-sided ending to a tense playoff duel.

ESPN:  Lundqvist leads Rangers to Game 7 victory.

Washington Times:  Alex Ovechkin endures ‘frustrating’ series vs. Rangers.

Washington Examiner:  Referees play no role in Capitals’ Game 7 breakdown.

In his first column for Illegal Curve, Tim takes a look back and gives you his end of the year power rankings for the players.

Anything you notice?  Any numbers stand out?

Share your ideas about this article or a possible future column about statistics and your Winnipeg Jets with Tim aka @JetsStatsGuy on twitter.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

Winnipeg Sun:  You Be The Jets Boss – The results.  Ken breaks down the results after the fans had the opportunity to play armchair GM.

-Andrew Ladd and Team Canada knocked off the Czech Republic and his usual goalie Ondrej Pavelec 2-1 on Sunday.  Ladd had three shots and Pavelec stopped 23 of 25 shots he faced.

- Jacob Trouba missed his second straight game as Team USA knocked off Germany 3-0.  The Jets Scott Brown added this about why the Jets 2012 first round selection has missed two games:

- Tonight we will have a victor in the OHL Championship as the Barrie Colts and London Knights face off for a chance to win the J. Ross Robertson Cup in London.  The status of Jets prospect Mark Scheifele has been kept a tight secret after he left Game 6 in the 3rd period, returned with under a minute to play and then missed all of OT.

OHL site:  Mark Scheifele player of the week.  The Jets top offensive draft pick was selected player of the week for the second straight week as he continued to rip up the OHL playoffs.  While the accolade is nice, everyone is wondering if he will be healthy enough to play tonight.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Rangers 1 Capitals 0 | Leafs 2 Bruins 1 |Wings 3 Ducks 2
Games: Leafs @ Bruins | Rangers @ Capitals

Rangers 1 Capitals 0 (Series tied 3-3):

New York Daily News:  Emotions run high in Game 6 win.

Winnipeg Sun:  Henrik Lundqvist helps Rangers force seventh game.

Washington Post:  Capitals accuse Derek Dorsett of slew-footing Mike Green.

Washington Examiner:  Five Observations.

Leafs 2 Bruins 1 (Series tied 3-3):

Toronto Star:  History on the line in Game 7.

Globe and Mail:  Young, unheralded Leafs should take a bow after Game 6 win.

USA Today:  Plane issue grounds Bruins in Toronto.

Boston Herald:  Bruins pushed to brink.

ESPN:  Rask not worried about 2010 flashbacks.

Wings 3 Ducks 2 (Wings win series 4-3):

Detroit Free Press:  Red Wings show they still have a sense of the moment.

Globe and Mail:  Veterans lead Red Wings to upset win over Ducks in Game 7.

ESPN:  Tough questions dog Ducks, Selanne.

L.A. Times:  Ducks’ stars lose luster as season ends in Game 7 loss to Detroit.

L.A. Times:  After promising start, it’s hard on Ducks to have it end this way.

NHL.com:  Ducks’ Selanne unsure about future.

Jets prospect and World Championship news:

-  Trouba did not play in a 4-2 U.S. win over France.

- Kulda had 3 shots in a 2-0 Latvia loss to Germany.

Barrie Colts official site:  Colts Comeback to Force OT, But Knights Prevail 5-4 in Game 6.  What is better than a Game 7?  After an improbable third period comeback, the Knights and Colts will do battle in London for the OHL Championships on Monday night.  Mark Scheifele was hit by Josh Anderson of the Knights which forced him to leave the game but he returned with a minute to go in the 3rd period.  If you’d like to see the game highlights, here they are.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Penguins 4 Islanders 3 in OT
Games: Capitals @ Rangers | Bruins @ Leafs |Wings @ Ducks

Penguins 4 Islanders 3 in OT:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Malkin’s patience makes a difference.

Pittsburgh Tribune:  Penguins should thank the Islanders.

Newsday:  Tavares’ star is born after a strong playoff debut.

Newsday:  Islanders pump new life into their fans.

Note II:  Tune into the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN Radio 1290 today from noon to 3 pm as the guys spend the show breaking down the Stanley Cup playoffs.  Guests:  Alan Strachan (Hockey Hall of Fame hockey writer), Jesse Rogers (ESPN Chicago).

Jets prospect and World Championship news:

- Jets captain Andrew Ladd had a goal and assist in a 4-2 Canada win over Belarus (Boxscore here).  You can watch the highlights of the game here.

- Ondrej Pavelec made 23 of 25 stops as he won his second game in two days leading the Czech Republic past Slovenia (Boxscore here).  You can watch the highlights of the game here.

Colts official site:  Knights avoid elimination, defeat Colts 6-4 in Game 5.  Mark Scheifele has two assists but it wasn’t enough as London was able to win and keep the OHL Finals alive.  Game 6 is tonight in Barrie.

Roto World:  Mock draft.  Expect a lot of mock drafts as we get closer to the NHL Entry Draft in New Jersey on June 30th at the Prudential Center.  Here is a bit more on Valeri Nichushkin.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Leafs 2 Bruins 1 | Capitals 2 Rangers 1 in OT | Wings 4 Ducks 3 in OT | Kings 2 Blues 1
Games: Penguins @ Islanders

Leafs 2 Bruins 1:

Toronto Star:  Leafs stave off elimination with gutsy Game 5 victory.

Boston Herald:  Faltering, not finishing.

Capitals 2 Rangers 1 in OT:

Washington Post:  Ribeiro, Caps snatch upper hand.

Newsday:  Henrik Lundqvist frustrated with OT loss.

Wings 4 Ducks 3 in OT:

Detroit Free Press:  Red Wings send it back to Disneyland for Game 7.

L.A. Times:  Ducks pushed into Game 7 with overtime loss.

Kings 2 Blues 1:

L.A. Times:  Kings advance on a long shot.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch:  Blues are not the same.

Note II:  Tune into the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN Radio 1290 Saturday noon to 3 pm as the guys spend the show breaking down the Stanley Cup playoffs.  Guests:  Alan Strachan (Hockey Hall of Fame hockey writer), Jesse Rogers (ESPN Chicago).

Jets prospect and World Championship news:

- Ondrej Pavelec played his first game for the Czech Republic and led his team to a 2-1 shootout win.

- Arturs Kulda had an assist as Team Latvia beat Slovakia 5-3.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Scheifele’s dominance makes Jets look wise.  An important part of his development is happening right now and the Jets have to be very happy with what they have seen from their first round selection in 2011.

- Mark Scheifele and his Barrie Colts teammates try to punch their ticket to the Memorial Cup tonight as they head to London up 3 games to 1.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Penguins 4 Islanders 0 | Senators 6 Canadiens 1 | Hawks 5 Wild 1
Games: Leafs @ Bruins | Rangers @ Capitals | Ducks @ Wings | Blues @ Kings

Penguins 4 Islanders 0:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Penguins backup Vokoun knew he had to be ready to play.

Newsday:  Islanders on brink of elimination after Game 5 loss to Penguins.

Senators 6 Canadiens 1:

Ottawa Citizen:  Senators crush Canadiens to advance.

Ottawa Citizen:  Coaching respect survives tough series.

Montreal Gazette:  Silver lining to this dark cloud.

Hawks 5 Wild 1:

Chicago Sun-Times:  Crawford making fans believe; Blackhawks advance to next round.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune:  Wild needs to find finishers to reach next level.

Jets prospect and World Championship news:

- Jacob Trouba and Team USA beat Finland 4-1 and the young prospect finished +2 with 12:33 total time on ice.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Chevy’s choice – Stick with Noel or pursue Vigneault.  Since AV remains with the Canucks the point is moot, for now.   What do you think?  Should GM Cheveldayoff given his coach a more ringing endorsement when given the opportunity? (Question 3 in his End of Season presser).

Yahoo Canada:  Mark Scheifele has a massive night.  The Jets prospect had back-to-back five point nights as he helped the Colts storm back from a 3-1 deficit.  His four 3rd period goals helped to give Barrie a 3-1 series lead and he solidified his hold on the OHL point lead (39 points – 15 goals, 24 assists).  Game 5 goes Friday, May 10th in London.

OHL Network:  London at Barrie Game 4 post-game (video).  Listen to coach Dale Hawerchuk and Mark Scheifele talk about the big win last night which starts at 1:10.

NHL Mid-Week Replay:

Illegal Curve:  Replay.  Interview with Ed Willes of the Vancouver Province.  Interview with Arthur Staple of Newsday.  Cover all the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Illegal Curve Hockey Show Replay:

Part 1:  Paul Edmonds (Goldeyes talk to open the show at Shaw Park).  Interview with Shawn Simpson of The Team 1200.  Interview with Sean Fitz-Gerald of the National Post.  Breaking down the Habs/Sens, B’s/Leafs and Pens/Isles.

Part 2:  Interview with Randy Hahn of CSN Bay Area.  Breaking down the Rangers/Caps, Sharks/Canucks, Hawks/Wild, Ducks/Wings and Kings/Blues.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Bruins 4 Leafs 3 in OT | Rangers 4 Capitals 3 | Kings 3 Blues 2 in OT | Ducks 3 Wings 2 in OT
Games: Islanders @ Penguins | Senators @ Canadiens | Wild @ Hawks

Bruins 4 Leafs 3 in OT:

Boston Herald:  The break B’s need.

Toronto Star:  Maple Leafs lose heartbreaker, but what a night of hockey.

Rangers 4 Capitals 3:

New York Post:  Rangers nip Capitals to even series.

Washington Post:  Martin Erat suffers apparent injury to left wrist or forearm.

Kings 3 Blues 2 in OT:

L.A. Times:  Kings beat Blues, 3-2, to move within a win of advancing in playoffs.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch:  Blues are on the brink.

Ducks 3 Wings 2 in OT:

L.A. Times:  Nick Bonino scores OT goal for Ducks win and series lead.

Detroit Free Press:  Howard did it all, but Wings still lose in OT.

0:00 – San Jose Sharks sweep the Vancouver Canucks 4-0

11:57 – Interview with Ed Willes of the Vancouver Province

23:33 – Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators

37:27 – New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders

47:18 – Interview with Arthur Staple of Newsday

1:01:22 – Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins

01:12:48 – LA Kings vs. St. Louis Blues

01:21:51 – Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild

The Illegal Curve Hockey Show airs Saturdays from 12pm-3pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg. Search for the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast - non iTunes users can subscribe via RSS.  NHL Mid-Week with Illegal Curve airs Wednesdays from 6pm-8pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg.

Jets prospect and World Championship news:

- Ladd scored the opening goal in the 7-1 rout by Team Canada over Norway.

- Trouba finished -2 with 7:54 time on ice (lowest of US defencemen) in a 5-3 loss to Russia.

Winnipeg Sun:  Prospect Mark Scheifele a Colt becoming a thoroughbred.  Paul had a chance to catch up with the Jets prospect as he continues his run in the OHL finals.

Winnipeg Sun:  Scheifele thinks Hawerchuk will make fine NHL coach.  Jets 1.0 fans are very familiar with the man known as ‘Ducky’.  Can his success at the Junior level translate to the NHL?  We will have to see if/when he gets that opportunity.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Islanders 6 Penguins 4 | Senators 3 Canadiens 2 in OT | Hawks 3 Wild 0 | Sharks 4 Canucks 3 in OT
Games: Bruins @ Leafs | Capitals @ Rangers | Kings @ Blues | Wings @ Ducks

Islanders 6 Penguins 4:

Newsday:  John Tavares gives Isles a reason to believe.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  It’s time for Vokoun.

Senators 3 Canadiens 2 in OT:

Ottawa Citizen:  Senators take 3-1 series stranglehold with OT win.

Montreal Gazette:  Price hurt, Canadiens hurting.

Hawks 3 Wild 0:

Chicago Sun-Times:  Hawks respond in Game 4.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune:  Wild down to third goalie.

Sharks 4 Canucks 3 in OT:

San Jose Mercury News:  Sharks sweep and have something to talk about.

Vancouver Sun:  Canucks ‘took too many penalties,’ failed to unplug Sharks’ power play.

Jets prospect news:

Winnipeg Jets official site:  Plays of the Year Showdown.  First play of the year has Kane up against Pavelec.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Mark Scheifele leads Colts past Knights 6-3.  Quite the night for the Jets first round selection in 2011.  He went off for five points (two goals, three assists).    Barrie now takes a 2-1 series lead and Scheifele is the clear playoff points leader with 34 points (11 g, 23 a) as he sits seven points up on Max Domi.

OHL:  Game 3 post game presser (video).  Mark Scheifele and Dale Hawerchuk break down a critical game 3 victory (starting at the 1 minute mark).

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Bruins 5 Leafs 2 | Rangers 4 Capitals 3 | Wings 3 Ducks 2 in OT |Kings 4 Blues 3
Games: Penguins @ Islanders | Canadiens @ Senators | Hawks @ Wild | Canucks @ Sharks

Bruins 5 Leafs 2:

Boston Herald:  Bruins offense erupts in victory.

Toronto Star:  Bruins crash Leafs’ playoff party.

Rangers 4 Capitals 3:

New York Times:  Tortorella said it was close, and he was right.

Washington Post:  Capitals power play falls flat late in game.

Winnipeg Sun:  Marc Staal’s return an emotional lift for Rangers.

Wings 3 Ducks 2 in OT:

Detroit Free Press:  Wings’ offense rises to occasion in must-win Game 4.

Kings 4 Blues 3:

L.A. Times:  Kings rally to beat Blues 4-3.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch:  Tarasenko makes his NHL playoff debut.

Jets World Championship and prospect news:

Winnipeg Sun:  One great sports city.  I agree with Paul that Winnipeg is a fantastic city to enjoy the sports scene and there is also no doubt that the landscape looks radically different now than it did when he first began.  Even just a comparison between 2013 and 2010 is significant enough.

- Andrew Ladd scored his 1st goal in Canada’s loss to Switzerland;

- Jacob Trouba had an assist in a 5-1 USA win over Latvia;

- Speaking of Latvia, Arturs Kulda scored the lone goal.

OHL:  Game 2 in the books as London wins 4-1 over Barrie (boxscore).  Jets prospect Mark Scheifele didn’t get any points in the loss and finished the game -2.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Penguins 5 Islanders 4 in OT | Wild 3 Hawks 2 in OT | Senators 6 Canadiens 1 |Sharks 5 Canucks 2
Games: Bruins @ Leafs | Capitals @ Rangers | Ducks @ Wings | Blues @ Kings

Penguins 5 Islanders 4 in OT:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Penguins captain Sidney Crosby showing few signs of fatigue.

Newsday:  Islanders lose to Penguins in overtime despite John Tavares’ first playoff goal.

Wild 3 Hawks 2 in OT:

Minneapolis Star-Tribune:  Gritty leads to pretty as Wild wins Game 3 in overtime.

Chicago Sun-Times:  Blackhawks’ No. 1 line not on top of its game.

Senators 6 Canadiens 1:

Ottawa Citizen: Another toothy win.

Ottawa Citizen:  War of words between MacLean, Therrien continues after game.

Montreal Gazette:  An embarrassment in every way.

Sharks 5 Canucks 2:

San Jose Mercury News:  San Jose Sharks seek first playoff sweep.

Vancouver Sun:  These Canucks showed no push back or resolve.

Segment 1: New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals

Segment 2: Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks

Segment 3: Interview with Randy Hahn of CSN Bay Area

Segment 4: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild

Segment 5: Anaheim Ducks vs. Detroit Red Wings

Segment 6: Los Angeles Kings vs. St. Louis Blues

The Illegal Curve Hockey Show airs Saturdays from 12pm-3pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg. Search for the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast - non iTunes users can subscribe via RSS.  NHL Mid-Week with Illegal Curve airs Wednesdays from 6pm-8pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg.

Segment 1: Guest: Paul Edmonds. Topic: Ottawa/Montreal

Segment 2: Interview with Shawn Simpson of The Team 1200

Segment 3: Montreal vs. Ottawa

Segment 4: Boston vs. Toronto

Segment 5: Interview with Sean Fitz-Gerald of the National Post

Segment 6: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders

The Illegal Curve Hockey Show airs Saturdays from 12pm-3pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg. Search for the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast - non iTunes users can subscribe via RSS.  NHL Mid-Week with Illegal Curve airs Wednesdays from 6pm-8pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg.

Note II:  Reminder that if any Stanley Cup Playoff games go to overtime, we will be having our #ICOTpool contest.  Similar to the #ICGWG contest in that you pick one player (total) from either team and @ tweet us (@illegalcurve) with your selection as well as the hashtag #ICOTpool.  Winner gets IC Gear.

Jets prospect news:

TSN:  Colts beat Knights to open OHL final with a victory.  The Knights are the heavy favourites but Mark Scheifele and his Colts team doubled up 4-2 last night.  Scheifele finished the game with one goal and one assist.

Yahoo Canada:  OHL playoff MVP watch – Max Domi, Mathias Niederberger, Mark Scheifele heading into final.  After last night’s Game 1, Mark Scheifele remains in the top spot for the OHL playoff points race as his 29 (9 G 20 A).  Max Domi has 26 (10G 16 A) having played one fewer game.  Will that coupled with a potential OHL Championship trophy be enough to win him the hardware?

IIHF:  USA beats Austria 5-3 in opening game of World Championships.  Of note to Jets fans was Jacob Trouba played 16:34 of ice time.  He finished a -1.  Old fan favourite Tim Stapleton has a goal for Team USA.  For the boxscore which shows Trouba’s numbers click here (pdf).

Stanley Cup Playoff news:

Scores: Islanders 4 Penguins 3 | Canadiens 3 Senators 1 | Hawks 5 Wild 2 | Sharks 3 Canucks 2 in OT
Games: Rangers @ Capitals | Leafs @ Bruins | Ducks @ Wings | Blues @ Kings

Newsday:  Islanders rally to beat Pittsburgh, tie series.

Montreal Gazette:  Canadiens show character despite missing key players.

Montreal Gazette:  Coach Michel Therrien keeps his cool in wake of Maclean comments.

Chicago Sun-Times:  Hawks cruise to a 5-2 over the Wild.

San Jose Mercury News:  Sharks’ old guard comes through in Game 2 win.

Globe and Mail:  Playoff beards fit right in with warrior mentality.

Globe and Mail:  Sound and fury, signifying little has changed in NHL.

Note II:  Reminder that if any Stanley Cup Playoff games go to overtime, we will be having our #ICOTpool contest.  Similar to the #ICGWG contest in that you pick one player (total) from either team and @ tweet us (@illegalcurve) with your selection as well as the hashtag #ICOTpool.  Winner gets IC Gear.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Playing poker.  Remind me not to play poker with Ed.  He picked up some tells during Kevin Cheveldayoff’s presser.

TSN:  Staal named Team Canada captain.   Jets fans won’t be surprised to read that captain Andrew Ladd was named alternate captain for Team Canada at the World Championships which begin in Helsinki and Stockholm tonight.  Team Canada starts the tournament against Denmark on Sunday.

Winnipeg Sun:  You be the Boss.  There are literally thousands of people throughout our province who want to help Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff make decisions that would help move this team forward.  Ken gives you an opportunity to vote for the changes you would most like to see this team make.

Jets official site:  A Swift Season.  The Jets focus on the season that was just enjoyed by prospect Adam Lowry as he celebrates his Player of the Year award.

Illegal Curve:  GM Kevin Cheveldayoff end of season press conference.  The Jets GM met with the media for about 30 minutes on Wednesday for his end of season presser.  If you missed it, we’ve broken it up into 15 questions for ease of listening.

Jets prospect news:

Yahoo Canada:  Knights heavy favourites over Colts.  Game 1 goes tonight as Mark Scheifele looks to put the exclamation point on his OHL career.

Stanley Cup Playoff news:

Scores: Senators 4 Canadiens 2 | Capitals 3 Rangers 1 | Blues 2 Kings 1 | Red Wings 5 Ducks 4 in OT
Games: Islanders @ Penguins | Senators @ Canadiens | Wild @Hawks | Sharks @ Canucks

Winnipeg Sun:  Capitals stay red hot, down Rangers in series opener.

Ottawa Citizen:  Senators steal on in Montreal.

Montreal Gazette:  Habs-Sens rivalry ignited with one nasty hit.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch:  Late Jackman goal lifts Blues to 2-1 victory.

Detroit Free Press:  Wings erase Ducks’ comeback on Nyquist’s goal in OT.

Hockey Night In Canada 2013 Playoff Opening:

Jets news:

Winnipeg Sun:  You be the Boss.  Ok arm-chair Gms, time to show how you would improve this Jets roster.

Winnipeg Free Press:  For first time, Jets GM Cheveldayoff is poised to put stamp on the franchise.  We are about to see what this GM is made of with all the work he has this summer.

TSN:  Button’s Mock draft.  The focus of this article is the Avalanche taking Seth Jones.  Of note is the suggestion that the Jets 2.0 might be getting a flash from the past as a former Jets 1.0 player’s son could be playing in the same city that his father once brought fans to their feet.  Although Max Domi is a goal scorer whereas Tie was better known for his pugilism.

Winnipeg Sun:  Surgery possible for Kane.  Fans will have to hope once it is further evaluated it will be determined that surgery is unnecessary.  If it is required, then hopefully they get it done sooner rather than later so the recovery can begin that much sooner.

Winnipeg Sun:   GM Kevin Cheveldayoff can tap dance with the best of them.  Lots of questions may have remained for the media following the presser (you can hear the entire press conference below) but after this summer many will be answered as Cheveldayoff will be forced to make a number of moves.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Young prospects will get every opportunity to stick with the big club.  They will not be promote prospects simply because they are high draft picks.  It will be a merit based system in which those who have earned the right to suit up for the big club, will do so.

Illegal Curve:  GM Kevin Cheveldayoff end of season press conference.  The Jets GM met with the media for about 30 minutes yesterday for his end of season presser.  We’ve broken it up into 15 questions for ease of listening.

Illegal Curve:  Adam Lowry wins WHL Player of the Year.  The 2011 3rd round selection is looking like quite the selection as the former Swift Current captain takes home the hardware.

Stanley Cup Playoff news:

Scores: Bruins 4 Leafs 1 | Penguins 5 Islanders 0 | Sharks 3 Canucks 1
Games: Senators @ Canadiens | Rangers @ Capitals | Kings @ Blues | Red Wings @ Ducks

Globe and Mail:  The NHL … in all its opening-round glory.

Boston Herald:  Just like the Bruins of old.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Fleury gets shutout, Dupuis scores twice as Penguins smack Islanders in Game 1.

San Jose Mercury News:  Sharks are victorious in a game of hard knocks.

NHL news:

Globe and Mail: Don Cherry not backing down – still doesn’t think women should be in men’s locker rooms.  First up is Ying for one side of the conversation.

CBC:  Ron MacLean – dressing room a place for all media.  And next up is Yang as the other half of the Hockey Night in Canada duo makes a counter argument.

Jets prospect Adam Lowry, who spent the year with the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL, was announced as Player of the Year.  Lowry had a phenomenal season playing in all 72 games, scoring  45 goals with 43 assists for 88 points.

Once his WHL season finished the Jets moved him to their AHL affiliate St. John’s IceCaps where he signed an amateur tryout contract.  In nine games with the Caps he had one assist, finished a -1 with 14 shots on goal.

Here is what he had to say:

Give him a follow on twitter:  @ALowsyPlayer17

Links:

Swift Current Broncos:  Lowry named Player of the Year.

Comparing season one to season two:

Kevin Cheveldayoff

In hindsight was there a move in late March/early April he could have made to get his team in playoffs:

Kevin Cheveldayoff

Will Claude Noel be back as head coach of the Jets:

Kevin Cheveldayoff

With so many players contract status in the air, will team look a lot different next season:

Kevin Cheveldayoff

With cap coming down, does he expect market to be exciting for the Jets:

Kevin Cheveldayoff

Oilers MacT said there would be significant and meaningful change in Edmonton with 6-8 new players, is that the sort of image he has for this club:

Kevin Cheveldayoff

Injury updates (Kane, Stuart, Enstrom, Slater):

Kevin Cheveldayoff

Moving to the West, does he need to tweak his roster:

Kevin Cheveldayoff

Play of Dustin Byfuglien:

Kevin Cheveldayoff

Preparing to make a bigger splash this summer potentially:

Kevin Cheveldayoff

What pieces does he need next year to be a better hockey club:

Kevin Cheveldayoff

Follow-up to the above questions, asked for a specific:

Kevin Cheveldayoff

Impatience from fan base, what can he say to that segment of the base:

Kevin Cheveldayoff

Prospect talk (Scheifele/Trouba mentioned):

Kevin Cheveldayoff

Play of Ondrej Pavelec:

Kevin Cheveldayoff

We also have the end of season interviews from the Jets players and Coach Noel.

Note II:  Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will be giving his end of season media press conference today and stay tuned as we will bring you everything from the MTS Centre.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  It’s all about team for Scheifele.  While he knows the eyes of Jets brass and fans are focused on him, he has to keep his eyes on the present and that is helping the Barrie Colts win the OHL Championship.  He sits first overall in playoff scoring and could end his junior career with a chance at a Memorial Cup.

Stanley Cup Playoff news:

Scores:  Blackhawks 2 Wild 1 in OT | Blues 2 Kings 1 in OT | Ducks 3 Red Wings 1
Games: Leafs @ Bruins | Islanders @ Penguins | Sharks @ Canucks

Chicago Sun-Times:  Bryan Bickell’s overtime goal gives Blackhawks 1-0 series lead vs. Wild.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch:  Steen steals Game 1 for Blues.

TSN:  Selanne’s third-period goal puts Ducks past Red Wings.

Globe and Mail:  A nation’s eyes turn to quartet of Canadian teams to fill 20-year Stanley Cup void.  Seems unreal that it has been that long since a Canadian team has raised a Stanley Cup but you have to go back to the 1993 playoff series when the Habs beat Gretzky and his L.A. Kings.  There have been five Canadian teams in the Finals during this drought but none were able to achieve the ultimate goal.

NHL news:

The Tennessean:  Predators, Patric Hornqvist agree to five-year, $21.25M extension.  And so it begins as teams on the outside of the playoffs start getting their business done.  Good extension by the Preds as they show players that guys will stay in Nashville.

Edmonton Journal:  Why video analysis is crucial to analyzing pro hockey.  A very long but interesting read on the value of video in the NHL.

For the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs we will be bringing back our ICOTpool contest.  The contest takes place during any playoff game that goes to overtime.  It takes place on twitter so you have to follow us on @illegalcurve.   Reminder: You MUST use this hashtag (#) for your guess to count.  (i.e.  #ICOTpool Kane).

For the IC Overtime contest, before overtime begins, submit the 1 player (from either team) that you think will score the overtime winning goal.

It is really quite simple and we have a lot of fun giving out IC gear to those who participate.

We will also have other fun prizes that we will be giving away so be sure to get your guess in.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Jets official site:  Jets at the World Championships.  Couple of Jets will for sure be playing for their respective countries as they clearly don’t want their hockey seasons to end.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Is this the face of an Olympian?  So what do you think?  Can Andrew Ladd make the jump to the big ice surface?  Would the captain make your Olympic roster?

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets to pick 13th in draft.  In an extremely anticlimactic 30 minutes TSN ran through the draft order and the only surprise was Colorado jumping ahead of Florida for the top pick.  The actual selection process took place at the NHL offices and commissioner Bettman explains the procedure for selection (see below).  The Illegal Curve crew will be down in New Jersey covering the draft on June 30th.

Illegal Curve:  Jets forward grades.  The guys gave out their end of season grades for the Jets forwards.  Agree or disagree?  You are welcome to add your grades to the list.

Illegal Curve:  Jets defencemen/goalie grades.  Similarly they gave out the marks for the defence and goalies.

Illegal Curve:  Jerseys off our Backs.  At the conclusion of the Season Finale against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, the Jets literally gave the jerseys off their backs to fans who were randomly selected during the 1st and 2nd intermission.  For those who missed the giveaway here are some sights from this end of season promotion.

Jets prospects:

OHL: Colts win Bobby Orr Trophy after Game 7 victory.  After blowing a 3-1 series lead, Mark Scheifele and his Colts held on to win the game by a score of 3-1 last night.  The Jets 2011 1st round pick had two assists which gives him 27 points in 15 games (8G 19 A) and the playoff points lead.  They now take on Max Domi and the London Knights for the OHL Championship.

Stanley Cup Playoff news:

Globe and Mail:  Penguins, Blackhawks rise above the playoff herd.  Erik Duhatschek is thinking we are gonna see a re-match of the 1992 Stanley Cup Finals (Sans Eddie the Eagle and Mario Lemieux).

Chicago Sun-Times:  Jonathan Toews is playoff leader for Blackhawks.  Can he take this team back to the promised land once again?  Many pundits are picking him to do exactly that.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune:  For Wild captain Koivu, ‘winning is all that matters’.  The Wild captain isn’t going to roll over and let the Hawks walk all over his team.  While many expect the Wild to be more complete team in the next year or two, these guys want to win now.

Winnipeg Sun:  Ovechkin’s playoff message ‘I’ll step on you’.  Local Sun reporter Ken Wiebe is covering the Capitals and Rangers opening round series so be sure to stay tuned as Ken brings his thoughts to this series.

NHL news:

Denver Post:   Avalanche wins NHL draft lottery, setting up likely Seth Jones pick.  Well at least the Jets won’t have to worry about facing the Avs…..oh wait.

Sports Illustrated:  NHL wants everyone on the ice, regardless of orientation.  The big news outside of the NHL yesterday was the revelation that current NBA basketball player Jason Collins came out about his sexual orientation becoming the first male athlete in any professional sport to be open.  The NHL, NHLPA and You Can Play have been working together to ensure tolerance in the NHL.

NHL Draft Lottery procedure:

The grades are in the context of our expectations for that particular player.

Legend:

Player (Grade)

Contract status

Games Played – Goals –Assists – Points

Defence:

Toby Enstrom (B)

Five more years

22 GP – 4 G – 11 A – 15 P

Richard: I thought he was solid when he played, but not great. Offensively he flourished at the beginning of the year leading the defensemen in points early on. The reason he gets a B is because his defensive game is lacking. I don’t think he has played well enough as a defender to merit anything above a B.

Ezra: Players with his offensive ability don’t grow on trees, but struggles defensively.

Dustin Byfuglien (C)

Three more years

45 GP – 8 G – 20 A – 28 P

Richard: I have high expectations for Dustin Byfuglien and I think he let his weight get away from him. Everything he does on the offensive side, he gives it back on the defensive side. That was consistent throughout the year. He’s capable of more, the talent and natural ability are there but lacks the focus to play defensively.

Ezra (B): He didn’t produce as many points as last season and his defensive play really struggled toward the end of the season. Byfuglien is a highly skilled player who needs to show more commitment to the team.

Ron Hainsey (B)

UFA

47 GP – 0 G – 13 A – 13 P

Richard: He played a majority of the season with Bogosian, some of the credit of Bogosian’s year has to go to his partner Ron Hainsey. Does he score? No. But in reality he’s not asked to score. Some decision making isn’t the strongest and he’s not the most physical. He played more minutes than they wanted to and filled a role.

Ezra – He lead the league in blocked shots, played a shutdown role and is more offensive minded than the type of defensemen he is.

Zach Bogosian (A)

RFA

33 GP -5 G – 9 A – 14 P

Richard: He really took some steps forward this year, plays big minutes in all situations. He’s a horse; he likes to pressure, likes to drop the gloves and took more of a leadership role. His offensive game took some steps forward in terms of getting involved in the play.

Ezra: Took a step forward, is part of the long term future of the Winnipeg Jets. He has great skating ability, got more physical this year.

Grant Clitosme (B+)

UFA

Richard: He exceeded my expectations, produced offensively. Played in all situations. He seemed to flourish near the end. There were some defensive deficiencies. His issues are size and sometimes he turns the puck over. He can skate and has a good shot. He is a useful player and it will be interesting to see the contract he signs for next season.

Ezra: Stepped up and played increased minutes this season. He’s not the biggest guy but is strong. Sometimes makes costly turnovers in the defensive zone. Is better suited as a third pairing guy.

Mark Stuart (B)

One more year

Richard: He is what he is. He’s a third pairing defensemen. He played with everyone on the team. You want him to play a physical style and be a leader. Wasn’t his best defensive year. What you got from him is what you expected. No complaints here.

Ezra: He only had four points, you’d like to see more, but he was +5 and was among league leaders in hits. Has limited offensive ability but makes the smart decision with the puck in his own zone.

Paul Postma (C+)

RFA

Richard: I would have liked to see more offensively, there was some opportunity with the injuries. His strength is his offensive play. He certainly made some problems defensively and turning over the puck. Settled down as the season went on. He is what he is, will top out as a bottom pairing.

Ezra: He’s a good skater but isn’t physical. Makes mistakes in his own end. Could have provided a bit more offensively.

Zach Redmond (B)

RFA

Richard: My expectations for him were higher than Postma based on what we had heard from the IceCaps organization. He didn’t blow me away but was solid. He does have a few drawbacks, but was a nice surprise for the Jets in terms of defensive depth.

Ezra (A+) – The future is bright for him. He played 19 minutes per game in all situations.

Derek Meech (B)

UFA

Richard: Nothing wrong with his game and stepped in when needed.

Ezra: Provided a stabilizing presence, plays a simple, effective game.

Goaltenders:

Ondrej Pavelec (B)

Four more years

Richard: I think he’s a starter but not an exceptional NHL goaltender. He’s probably around the 20^th ranked goalie in the league right now. Put him behind better defensemen and his numbers may be higher. He was solid this year and deserves a B.

Ezra (A) – He faced the 2^nd most shots in the NHL to Ryan Miller. Said in his exit interviews that he has to improve his conditioning. He proved that he has the mental toughness to be a number one goalie. Had a better year than last year and wants to get better.

Al Montoya (B)

UFA

Richard: He started five games. He hardly played and was solid when he did play. Hard to make a definitive decision.

Ezra (A) – His numbers aren’t overwhelming, but when he did play he was very well.

The grades are in the context of our expectations for that particular player.

Legend:

Player (Grade)

Contract status

Games Played – Goals –Assists – Points

Andrew Ladd (A+)

Three more years

48 GP – 16 G – 28 A – 46 P

Richard: Can it be anything other than an A+? He was the best player on the team as far as I’m concerned. He took his game to a level I hadn’t seen before. The role he played on those cup teams was far different than the role he played on this team.

Ezra: It’s more than the points, he was a leader, he fought, he played well defensively. He was the most consistent player for the Jets and was the MVP of the team.

Bryan Little (B+)

RFA

48 GP – 7 G – 25 A – 32 P

Richard: He had a solid season, it wasn’t dominant by any means. Little is the third guy on that (Ladd/Little/Wheeler) line, he had 32 points, but only seven goals. It was above average. A solid year, not as good as Wheeler or Ladd’s but a solid one.

Ezra (C+): There are a lot of good things that he does, he’s a good skater and stick-handler. Seven goals, playing in every game is a bit low for him, some games he wasn’t a big factor. In 24 games he had zero points, and on the last home-stand Bryan Little had a point in every game. To be a number one centre in the NHL you have to be bigger and meaner, Little isn’t the most physical guy. I think he’s better suited for a second line centre role.

Blake Wheeler (A)

RFA

48 GP – 19 G – 22 A – 41 P

Richard: Really solid year (in regards to his point totals). He displayed more confidence this year; he had a solid season and exceeded what I thought he would do. When put in the proper position with the right guys, he’s a real nice top six forward.

Ezra (B+). He was really consistent, had 13 multi point games. The only reason he doesn’t get an A is because he went six points without a point in March and April and the Jets really needed him in those games.

Evander Kane (B)

Five more years

48 GP – 17 G – 16 A – 33 P

Richard: I thought he’d be better. He had a solid season. He’s better defensively than people give him credit for and he killed penalties this year. I would have liked to see some improvements in some areas. I didn’t think he had a dominant season; there were stretches when he was invisible. I realize that he played with some injuries. He had a solid season, but looking at his contract, he is a player who is getting paid more than John Tavares, and they aren’t in the same ballpark. His game was solid, but I didn’t see a ton of progress over last year. He’s still a 30 goal scorer and a solid up and down winger, but I think he’s capable of more.

Ezra: On certain nights he can be the best player on the ice. The reason I will give him a B is down the stretch he struggled. He had a wrist injury and a leg injury. The reason he gets a B is he had 80 penalty minutes, was at the top of the league in minor penalties. That was a sign of immaturity and a lack of discipline. Going forward he needs to reduce the amount of penalties he takes because a lot of them are in the offensive zone. He trailed off at the stretch, and left a little bit to be desired. My expectations were higher this year than last year. He has room to grow as a hockey player.

Olli Jokinen (F)

One more year

45 GP – 7 G – 7 A – 14 P

Richard: He doesn’t win face-offs, he’s not a good passer. He was awful on the power play and awful at even strength. Olli Jokinen had an awful year, there’s not much else to say.

Ezra: He was invisible on a lot of nights, he probably had 4 or 5 strong games in the 45 games he played. In my wildest expectations, I didn’t expect him to have 14 points.

Kyle Wellwood (D)

UFA

39 GP – 6 G – 9 A – 15 P

Richard: He didn’t improve on any of his weaknesses, there were stretches where he was invisible. I thought he would be better, showed up for periods, but didn’t do much. He’s in over his head as a second line winger.

Ezra: Last year he was one of the best bargains. He had one goal in the first 19 games. He was a healthy scratch seven times this year. He makes great passes and has great hands but is slow and rarely lays a body check. There’s too many games where he isn’t a factor of the ice.

Eric Tangradi (C)

RFA

36 GP – 1 G – 3 A – 4 P

Richard: He’s a bigger guy without a mean streak and is really inconsistent. He tries hard, doesn’t do anything wrong, but doesn’t do much right. A C is about what I expected from him, but he didn’t do much. This is a guy who’s max fourth line right wing right now, and I feel like James Wright does it better than him.

Ezra (C+) – He’s a guy that has size, and can use it, he’s not overly physical. He was at his best when playing with Burmistrov and Santorelli. A guy like Tangradi hasn’t been able to transfer the offense from the AHL level to NHL. On certain nights in the 9 or 10 minutes he was on the ice did a good job.

Alex Burmistrov (C)

RFA

44 GP – 4 G – 6 A – 10 P

Richard: He sees the game quite well, but his decision making is below par. He’s a solid defensive player who does back check, I think he is more suited to that right now. He doesn’t win faceoffs and makes bad decisions with careless passes and fancy players. The guy doesn’t create much offense. He had 4 goals and only put 55 shots on net which is less than Ron Hainsey> if he could stop playing shinny and start playing hockey he would be a better player. I didn’t see progress from year to year which is why he gets a C.

Ezra (C+) – He fell into the doghouse in March. When he came back he showed more focus. He is one of the most frustrating players to watch because he has all the talent, but lacks focus. He’s a guy who could turn into more of a defensive forward. He’s still young, and the next two years will determine if he’s part of the organization.

Mike Santorelli (B)

UFA

10 GP – 0 G – 1 A – 1 P

Richard: It was only ten games so it’s hard to guage. He showed some nice speed at tiems. He’s a pending UFA. I don’t see him beign in the long term plans of this team. They do have a need on right wing, but I don’t see him coming back.

Ezra (C+) – I think they should sign him back, it’s tough to grade a guy in ten games. He’s young enough that he is still developing. I don’t think he’ll become a 40 goal scorer even though he had 20 a fewy ears ago with florida. If it’s between Kyle Wellwood and Mike Santorelli, you could probably get Santorelli for cheaper and he’s younger. He’s got lots of speed and is great in the shootout. Given the right role he can flourish next year.

Nik Antropov (C+)

UFA

40GP 6G 12A 18P

Richard – C – Nik Antropov when he wants to play is a pretty skilled player. He’s strong and sees the ice well but is slow. He puts out a bit under .5 points per game but is better than that. If he can’t take advantage of the opportunity to become an offensive force on this team, what team can he do it with?

Ezra (D) – He put up 18 points, and was injured in March. The reason he gets a D is that he had too many pointless streaks. There were big stretches when he wasn’t producing. When he’s out there you need him to score. He got a lot of icetime, and is another guy who gets a lot of criticism for his contract but even without the money he was too invisible on too many nights. For a guy like him to have six goals is not enough to contribute on a regular basis.

Jim Slater (C+)

Two more years

26 GP 1G 1A 2P

Richard: My expectation was a bit more than what he produced. They may have missed Tanner Glass a bit more than we thought. He still wins faceoffs at 54% which is where his value is. But he could have been a bit better scoring wise. His season wasn’t as good as last year, which is why he gets a C+

Ezra (B) – It’s tough to give him a full grade because of his hand injury but his offensive totals were not he would want them to be. He’s one of the top penalty killers on the team. He’s good at what he does and the Jets missed him down the stretch.

Chris Thorburn (B)

One more year

42 GP – 2 G – 2 A – 4 P

Richard: He’s a 4^th line right winger who plays five minutes a night, who plays hard and is supposed to fight. He does what they asked him to do.

Ezra (B) – He scored four points, and got into nine fights. He stands up for his teammates, I didn’t like how he only played 4 or 5 minutes on many occasions. His average ice time was down from last year and fell a bit into the doghouse.

James Wright (B+)

One more year

Richard – I thought he played quite well. He can slot in as the 4^th line left winger, he’s bigger and a better skater than Tanner Glass who had that spot last season. He surprised me, he is under contract for next season.

Ezra (B) – He’s a really good skater, has good speed and played good minutes on the penalty kill. Moving forward, he’s the type of guy that will be depended on as a number one penalty killer. What I love the most is that he will drop the gloves when called upon.

Antti Miettinen (D)

UFA

Richard: He didn’t perform well and had a season that merited a D

Ezra: The days of him being a 15-20 goal scorer are long gone.

Aaron Gagnon (B+)

UFA

Richard: Hard to grade the players who played such little time. He had nice hands, would go to the net and did some things that other players wouldn’t do. I don’t think he fits into the team’s long term plans, he might be in St. John’s but I don’t think he cracks the top 12 of the Jets roster.

Ezra (C+) – I think he’s earned the right to be an NHL player, but the only reason he got into the lineup on the Jets is because of injuries. A fringe player, maybe he will get a two way contract next year and split time between St. John’s and Winnipeg.

Anthony Peluso (B)

RFA

Richard: Tough to tell with so little ice time. Can he play as well or better than Thorburn. He gets a B with the small amount of time he was in the lineup

Ezra (A): In five games he had two points, and played his role.

Patrice Cormier (C)

RFA

Richard: He played four minutes a game, he didn’t play well when he played, but he played so little it’s tough to give him a grade. He’s physical and isn’t afraid to go into the corner, but he is offensively limited. It will be hard for him to take Jim Slater’s place and he couldn’t which is why they sent him down.

Ezra (D) – He only played ten games here, but was ineffective in those games.

Editors note: Stay tuned later this afternoon for the grades for the defense and goaltenders

At the conclusion of the Season Finale against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, the Jets literally gave the jerseys off their backs to fans who were randomly selected during the 1st and 2nd intermission.  For those who missed the giveaway here are some sights from this end of season promotion.  Enjoy.

Fans wait for the festivities to begin following the conclusion of the game:

The Jets flight crew rolls out the mats for the lucky contest winners:

The winners walking onto the ice at the MTS Centre:

Here come the Winnipeg Jets for the final time this season:

The Jets sign the jerseys that were given to fan:

The fans also had a chance to chat and shake hands with the players:

Final centre ice salute for the 2012-13 Jets team:

And that is all she wrote as the team leaves the ice:

If you missed any of the end of the season exit interviews we have you covered:

Jets players (including Antropov, Trouba, Bogosian, Thorburn, Kane, Little, Slater, Ladd and Pavelec).

Coach Noel.

Note II:  The 2013 Scotiabank NHL Draft Lottery to be held at 7 pm.  While the Jets chances are fairly nonexistent to grab the first selection overall, the guys will cut to the selection process during tonight’s show to let you know if the Jets are moving on up.

Jets news:

TSN:  A busy summer before switching divisions.  Dennis with a comprehensive look back at the season and a look at what is ahead for the Winnipeg Jets.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Have better lotto odds than 6/49 buyers.  The chance is 0.8% which is fairly unlikely but crazier things have happened. 

Winnipeg Free Press:  Guy with ‘C’ the MVP.  He took his game to another level this season.  The Free Press writers (Lawless, Tait and Campbell) hand out their end of season awards.

Winnipeg Sun:  Lotto chances for Jets are slim to none.  Kirk gives a pretty detailed explanation of the process including the process in which a team has a ball in the draw which represents 80% of one ball.  As I indicated above be sure to have your radios set to 1290 as the guys will bring you up to speed on tonight’s results. 

Winnipeg Sun:  Five Jets questions that need answers.  Ken takes a look at five questions including whether Buff should be traded,  Jokinen and the potential for an amnesty buyout, moving up in the draft, Pavelec’s backup and whether Enstrom can kick the injury bug.

Winnipeg Sun:  Captain Ladd to compete at world hockey championship in Sweden and Finland.  Based on the season he had his selection was a no-brainer.  The only impediment to his playing on the team was if he had decided to take some time off from hockey.  Luckily for Team Canada he will be joining the squad and giving Jets fans something to cheer about.

Winnipeg Sun:  Crown corporations still getting Jets tickets.  Where do you stand on the issue of public companies having tickets?  An interesting conversation for the public to have although it is a shame that it seems have been initiated on the basis of political motivation.

Jets prospect news:

OHL:  Barrie Colts vs. Belleville Bulls Game 7.  The stage is set as Mark Scheifele and his Colts try not to blow their 3-1 series lead.  The other Jets prospect in the series Austen Brassard will try and complete the comeback and send the Bulls to the OHL finals against the London Knights.

Playoff news:

Globe and Mail:  Eastern conference playoff matchups.  David Shoalts gives fans a sneak peek at the East.

Globe and Mail:  Western conference playoff matchups.  Eric Duhatschek gives fans a look at the West.

In case you missed it, the playoffs will look like this:

Illegal Curve Hockey Show Replay(Winnipeg Jets report cards):

Part 1:  Ladd/Little/Wheeler.  Kane/Jokinen/Wellwood.  Tangradi/Burmistrov/Santorelli.  Antropov/Slater/Thorburn.  Interview with Dennis Beyak voice of the Winnipeg Jets on TSN-JETS.  Wright/Miettinen/Gagnon/Peluso/Cormier.

Part 2:  Enstrom/Byfuglien.  Hainsey/Bogosian.  Clitsome/Stuart/Postma/Meech/Redmond.  Pavelec/Montoya.  Coaching Staff.  Management.

0:00 – Ladd/Little/Wheeler

14:19 – Kane/Jokinen/Wellwood

25:28 – Tangradi/Burmistrov/Santorelli

37:20 – Antropov/Slater/Thorburn

46:38 – Interview with Dennis Beyak voice of the Winnipeg Jets on TSN-JETS

1:05:16 – Wright/Miettinen/Gagnon/Peluso/Cormier

The Illegal Curve Hockey Show airs Saturdays from 12pm-3pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg. Search for the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast - non iTunes users can subscribe via RSS.  NHL Mid-Week with Illegal Curve airs Wednesdays from 6pm-8pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg.

0:00 – Enstrom/Byfuglien

9:36 – Hainsey/Bogosian

20:51 – Clitsome/Stuart/Postma/Meech/Redmond

33:53 – Pavelec/Montoya

43:04 – Coaching Staff

54:29 – Management

The Illegal Curve Hockey Show airs Saturdays from 12pm-3pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg. Search for the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast - non iTunes users can subscribe via RSS.  NHL Mid-Week with Illegal Curve airs Wednesdays from 6pm-8pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Odds of winning the draft lottery.  The Jets hot streak at the end of the season virtually guaranteed that if they didn’t make the playoffs they would be setting themselves up for a very low opportunity to get a high draft pick in the very deep 2013 draft.  The only good news is despite the chances being poor, the league removed the 4 space max movement when you win, so conceivably the Jets could go from 13th to 1st.  The draft takes place tomorrow.

Winnipeg Sun:  Making the grade for the Jets.  The guys broke down the Jets by grades yesterday and so did Ken in this article.  What do you think?  You are welcome to share your grades on this team.

Winnipeg Sun:  Higher learning.  Jacob Trouba did a lot of listening while here in Winnipeg and we shall get a quick opportunity to see what he learned while he joins Team USA camp for the World Championship.

Jets official site: 12-13 Season Recap Video.  Video showing some of the biggest moment with the Winnipeg Jets this season.

Jets prospect news:

Yahoo Canada:  ‘Lucky’ Belleville Bulls force Game 7, beast of burden bears down on Barrie Colts.  Game 7 between Scheifele’s Colts and Brassard’s Bulls goes Monday night in Belleville.

NHL news:

CBC:  Dallas fires GM Joe Nieuwendyk.  The big news of the day yesterday wasn’t that all the playoffs positions in the West were set.  It was the report that broke mid day that Dallas GM Joe Nieuwendyk had been fired and was being replaced by Red Wings Assistant GM Jim Nill.

NHL.com:  All 16 teams decided  for the playoffs; seeds still to be determined.  While Jets fans cannot be happy that their team did not finish above the line the good news is they were in it until game 82.  While the teams playing today, the last day of the regular season, are already in the playoffs, they still have to determine who they are going to be playing against.

West:
1st – Chicago vs. 8th – Minnesota2nd – Anaheim vs. 7th – Detroit
3rd – Vancouver vs. 6th – San Jose
4th – St. Louis vs. 5th – L.A.

East:
3rd – Washington vs. 6th – New York (Rangers)

Jets tribute to the fans video: