The Winnipeg Jets struck gold in the lottery after their inability to return to the playoffs resulted in the second pick in the draft. However, that is not the only pick that they will have early.
After trading Andrew Ladd to Chicago, the Jets received the Blackhawks’ first round pick for this year’s draft. So far, they already have Marko Dano, who is already playing on his third team in two years, on the NHL roster from that trade. Now they have a chance to add another key player to the team after they draft an instant impact player with the second pick. Here are a few players that Winnipeg should consider drafting at the 22nd pick and 36th pick (second round).
22nd pick
Logan Stanley
Barring an unexpected turn of events, the Jets will likely draft a star forward for the second pick. While talent tends to drop off as the first round progresses, there is still the possibility of a steal in the twenties. Why not go for another version of Dustin Byfuglien? After all, two huge defensemen are better than one (and Tyler Myers is not looking like a permanent solution for Winnipeg).
The 6’7” blue liner will need a little bit of time to develop, but he can be as good as other giants, like Byfuglien and Zdeno Chara if things go right. Keep in mind that Chara was drafted 56th in 1997 AND was traded from the Islanders before jumpstarting his incredible career (way to go, Mike Milbury). With Stanley being projected to be picked 35 ahead of Chara’s pick, the Jets should be ravenous for the big man.
Charles McAvoy
Some teams, especially the New York Islanders, will have their eye on Stanley. If he is off the board by the time Winnipeg has to choose, then McAvoy would be another solid option. The Boston University commit is currently six feet tall, but he could be taller by the time he reaches the NHL. Some scouting reports have labeled him as an excellent option for running Power Plays. He has succeeded in his physicality, and that could be even better if he continues to get bigger. While he is certainly not NHL ready at this moment, the Jets would likely be rewarded if they chose him and remained patient. He has the skills to be a slightly smaller Byfuglien.
Boris Katchouk
Adding another forward to a squad with Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, Nikolaj Ehlers, Dano, and possibly Patrik Laine is not exactly ideal for Winnipeg’s needs. Those lines could use some physicality, however, which is what Katchouk has. The Sault Ste. Marie Left Winger is not afraid to make big hits and start fights, and he also has a very hard slap shot. He is a nice breed of Brendan Gallagher and Derek Dorsett, which is great because Byfuglien needs someone to reduce his penalty minutes. Maybe Katchouk can match Byfuglien with his hard slap shot,
36th pick
Will Bitten
Another Gallagher-like player, Bitten is certainly not big. In fact, at 5’9” and 154 pounds, he is about the same size as Johnny Gaudreau. If his skills can compare, too, then the Jets may be grabbing a massive upgrade at #36. He has the grit to charge the net at will, something that young players, like Bo Horvat, have been known to have early on. With his size being like a chip on his shoulder, Bitten could definitely bring the hype that Gaudreau brought to “nearby” Calgary.
Cameron Morrison
The Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) player is currently committed to Notre Dame. At 6’3, 209 pounds, his college experience should prepare him for the next level. With 66 points (34 goals) in 60 USHL games, the points will likely be available for him at the Fighting Irish and hopefully the Jets.
Ryan Lindgren
The Minnesota native is committed to the Golden Gophers, and he is one of the few defensemen that have excelled in all-direction movement, which is key since the NHL is not stranger to fastbreaks. With several NHL defenders making careless passes that resulted in opposing goals this season, several teams could use a guy like Lindgren, who can read defenses very well when looking for a breakaway goal. He has a lot of upside for a second-round pick.