As I conclude the 3 From 30 series, I want to thank all of my readers who have been here the whole time. The three of you know who I’m talking about. Ha. But all jokes aside, thank you all. We here at Too Many Men on the Site have the best fans and readers, and I would like to thank you.
The last segment of 3 From 30 looks at the Winnipeg Jets. This is a team that I want to see do well, but some hope they crumble like their days in Atlanta. Their odds of winning the Stanley Cup this year (according to The Hockey News) are 100-1. I think they will just miss the playoffs, but it would be nice to see them compete in the competition this year. Let’s just say I wouldn’t be upset if the won the Cup in the next few years. Here are my choices for rising stars in Winnipeg.
Sep 14, 2013; Belleville, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals goaltender Philipp Grubauer (31) stops Winnipeg Jets forward Evander Kane (9) during the shootout at Yardmen Arena. Washington defeated Winnipeg 4-3 in an overtime shootout.Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Evander Kane is a good player, and one of my favorites. Something about him just brings my attention to him every time. Last season, he was in the top 30 in goals, and the top 20 in penalty minutes. He also led the forwards in TOI/G (20:27). E. Kane had 17 goals and 16 assists in 48 games. This shows he likes to score and set up goals. This is a key player to have on any team, and he is a strong physical force as well. The way I see it, the Jets hit the trifecta with this man. He is a player to watch next year. I expect him to get around 85-95 points.
Sep 19, 2013; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Andrew Ladd (16) during the second period against the Minnesota Wild at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Captain Andrew Ladd is my second choice for a rising star. He has led his team into the new city and has been a strong offensive force. His 18 goals and 28 assists last season landed him the number one spot in points throughout the team (2nd in goals and 1st in assists). He and Grant Clitsome were tied with the highest +/- rating on the team with a +10 rating. Ladd is a playmaker, and I think he can produce about 65-70 assists this year, totaling 100-110 points. He will most likely lead his team again in points this year.
Sep 14, 2013; Belleville, Ontario, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Zach Bogosian (44) carries the puck against the Washington Capitals at Yardmen Arena. Washington defeated Winnipeg 4-3 in an overtime shootout.Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Zach Bogosian isn’t a popular name around the NHL. This defenseman only recorded 14 points (5G, 9A) in 33 games last season. No one thinks he can be better, but I say he can. He will be able to fit into his skates a little better next season and produce some points from the blue line. Hopefully Dustin Byfuglien can give him some tips, and he will be able to score some more points. If Bogosian takes this offseason seriously, I can see him nailing down 60-75 points this year. It seems like a long shot, but it is possible, right?
Again, thank you so much for sticking around until the end of this series. Keep your eyes glued to Too Many Men on the Site during the rest of the offseason for all NHL news, and continue to read during the season for great reads while your favorite team(s) battle it out every night.