News and Analysis: Logan Stanley to be sidelined for four months

Windsor Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel announced that Logan Stanley, the Winnipeg Jets’ first round draft pick in 2016, will be placed on the injured reserve for the next four months after undergoing knee surgery earlier today. 

“We’re obviously going to miss Stan on the back-end.” Rychel said. “He plays a ton of minutes in key situations. Other guys are going to have to step up back there while he’s out.” The Spitfires host this years Memorial Cup and unfortunately for Stanley, his availability for the tournament is now in question.

The Jets swapped their 22nd and 36th overall picks to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for their 18th overall pick. Winnipeg was in a position of need as the organizations defecneman depth isn’t looking too promising in the AHL and junior ranks. Thus triggering the trade to land Stanley, which appeared to be somewhat of a panic move.

Why are there question marks about Stanley’s game? 

There are legitimate concerns that Logan Stanley’s skating can translate to the NHL game. Along with that, his lack of offensive input coupled in with his oftentimes passive defensive-zone play raises some serious question marks moving forward.