The Canada Life Centre crowd erupted as Logan Stanley delivered a bone-rattling hit on Jordan Kyrou early in Game 2, immediately making his 6-foot-7 presence felt. It wasn’t just a big hit—it was a statement. The Jets fed off the momentum, energized by both the impact and the relentless roar of the whiteout.

His teammates noticed, too.

“That was a great hit, and he’s been a guy that’s not scared of the moment,” said fellow defenceman Dylan DeMelo. “He goes after guys and uses that size well. But he’s done a great job with the puck, too—making plays. He’s been real solid for us.”

Stanley’s size guarantees he’s hard to miss. Whether it’s a big play or a misstep, everything he does draws eyes. At 6-foot-7, 231 pounds, he’s always under the spotlight.

After dressing in a career-high 63 games this season—his fifth with the Jets—Stanley got the nod from head coach Scott Arniel to start the playoffs over Haydn Fleury. And through the first two games, he’s showing why. Paired with 6-foot-2, 225-pound veteran Luke Schenn, the duo has brought a bruising edge to the Winnipeg blue line, combining for 16 hits so far in the series.

“We want people to go the long way around to get to the net-front,” Arniel said. “And if they’re going into the corners to get pucks, we want to make sure they know it’s not going to be an easy ride.”

It hasn’t been easy for the Kitchener, Ontario native since the Jets drafted him in the first round nine years ago. Even this season he’s been in and out of the lineup, at times.

“It hasn’t been an upward trajectory for him,” DeMelo admitted. “He’s had some injuries and tough bounces. He’s really had to grind. Nothing was given to him, and he’s worked hard at his craft. Every year, you can see him getting more comfortable.”

Since arriving at the trade deadline, Schenn has watched Stanley’s game grow firsthand.

“He’s not chasing hits, he’s taking them when they’re there,” Schenn said. “He’s using his size well down low and at the net-front, and moving the puck efficiently. I’ve been in that spot—trying to find your game and build confidence. He’s doing a great job. You can’t teach size like that, and when you put it all together, it’s really effective.”

At the age of 26, Stanley is still learning—and he’s looking to Schenn for guidance.

“Definitely someone I’ve looked up to,” Stanley said. “If I can take stuff away from him… and if that’s me in 10 years, I’d be very, very happy. He’s been a great teammate.”

Stanley isn’t going to impress on the scoresheet, but DeMelo sees more than just muscle.

“His shot from the point is underrated,” he said. “And no one works harder than he does. I’m sure it wasn’t easy growing into that body through his teens and early 20s. To see him have a moment like that—it made us proud. We know what he’s capable of, and we believe his best hockey is still ahead.”

The Jets now head to St. Louis for Game 3 on Thursday, looking to take a commanding 3-0 lead—and with Stanley making his mark, their blue line is as intimidating as it’s ever been since the Dustin Byfuglien days.