*

Some news out of Camp Winnipeg Jets today, as the team signed free agent forward Matt Halischuk to a ? deal. As per Club Policy, terms were not disclosed. I think it’s a rather stupid Policy, as everyone in the world with Internet access will be able to see the terms on Capgeek in a good day or less. BUT KEEP IT A SECRET UNTIL THEN! Bet on a 1-2 year deal at less than 1M per season.

Good question, dear reader. He’s a 25 year old RW who spent last year with the Nashville Predators, netting 5G, 6A for 11P in 36 games. I’m sure Kevin will have an in-depth look at his possesion numbers, corsi, diet breakdown, and other advanced statst soon, but when it comes to classic counting stats, shabbier numbers exist. At 5’11, 185, Halischuk is not the largest man in the world, but he averaged well over 10 minutes/game with the Predators, so he is not apparantly not without use.

Originally drafted in the 4th round by the New Jersey Devils in the 2007 Entry draft. Halischuk has appeared in 157 career games between New Jersey and Nashville to date. He also appeared in the 2008 Word Juniors for Team Canada, where he tallied 5 points in 7 games, including ‘The Golden Goal’ against Sweden. Yay, our own Sydney Crosby!

What can we expect from Halischuk as a Jet? I like to think big – my hope for him is to become the all-time leading scorer in Franchise history, as he leads the Team to multiple Cup victories. In reality, though, expect him to be an effective presence on the 3rd or 4th line, someone who can slide up if needed, and  perhaps kill some penalties.

All in all, anytime you can add a proven NHL player under the age of 27 to your roster, you’ve generally done well, so welcome to Winnipeg, Matt Halischuk. And please, for the love of mercy, be better than Antti Miettinen.

*Cover Image courtesy http://www.deviantart.com/morelikethis/293824773?view_mode=2#skins