The Winnipeg Jets have announced the signing of 2016 first round selection Logan Stanley to a three-year entry level deal.

Stanley, 18, has experienced his fair share of criticism since being a first round selection at last June’s draft. It only adds salt to the wound that the Jets traded up to draft the 6’7 defenseman. His offensive production was never promising but what’s more alarming is his defensive awareness at the junior level, which obviously poses question marks for his potential pro career.

Thus far in to Stanley’s 2016-2017 campaign, the Windsor Spitfire has 9 points in 20 games while leading his team in penalty minutes, with 38. 

The signing of Stanley could be deemed an insurance move of sorts. If the Jets decide to protect seven forwards three defenders and a goaltender as opposed to the eight skater alleyway, they’d be at risk of losing either Jacob Trouba or Tyler Myers. In the event the Jets leave one of those two players open, they will almost certainly be claimed. The thinking from the Jets end could be that if one of those two defenders is claimed, Stanley could fill the void. 

Stanley will be on the national stage this upcoming spring at this years Memorial Cup where Windsor is the host city for the tournament.