Despite not having a first round pick, there are still areas of interest in tonight’s NHL Draft for Jets fans
The Winnipeg Jets may not have a first round pick in Friday night's NHL Draft, however, there are many other areas of interest that should entertain the fans.
Whether it’s a franchise-altering trade or seeing a player from Manitoba get picked, it should be an exciting night for all Jets fans. Here are some interesting points that Jets fans can look out for on Friday:
1. Rutger McGroarty trade
The Jets' most valuable prospect is on the trade block and could be moved at any moment. There has been a lot of discussion around the Jets possibly trading back into the first round as part of a package deal for the Nebraska product.
For fans, they should expect a very large return as the 20-year-old forward is well-liked in hockey circles for his goal-scoring ability as well as the physical aspect to his game.
This could create the possibility of a return package with massive upside and could propel the Jets into a more favourable position towards a Stanley Cup.
Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice noted how much he enjoyed his time in Winnipeg and following his Stanley Cup win on Monday, he claimed he wanted the Jets to win the next one.
2. Division rivals' first round picks
The Central Division is loaded with first round picks as the Jets are the only team without one. The second overall pick could be a sizeable move as the Blackhawks look to continue their rebuild with a key addition.
Colorado, Dallas and Nashville all fought fiercely with the Jets last season to make the playoffs and could add more depth to their respective prospect pools.
The NHL’s panel of analysts give great insights and in-depth analysis on the picks as they are made. This can give Jets fans some perspective on who the upcoming players they see selected squaring up in the Jets' faces for years to come.
3. Macklin Celebrini becomes San Jose’s next superstar
If you are just a general hockey fan, it is always fun to see a generational talent join the league. We aren’t calling Macklin Celebrini that, but the Sharks hope he will become that and the new face of their franchise.
The franchise has fallen on hard times since the days of Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski, as the Sharks have just a 73-135-38 record over the past three seasons.
They hope to add another piece to their young core and eventually build towards their first Conference Finals appearance since 2019.