The Winnipeg Jets continued to add to their depth at forward on Sunday by acquiring depth forward Lee Stempniak from the New York Rangers in exchange for farmhand Carl Klingberg.

Stempniak, 32, has become something of a hockey vagabond, but he’s generally proven himself a capable third-line caliber forward. He even does a few things – like manufacture shots on goal – at a second-line rate. 

He’s also used to being a trade deadline rental player, and notably carried the Phoenix Coyotes to the 2010 postseason by scoring 14 goals in 18 games following a deal from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the deadline. For those efforts, Stempniak was named NHL Player of the Month, something which is still funny today. 

Obviously the Jets aren’t expecting that level of production here, but Stempniak is a decent stopgap and an upgrade on the likes of Chris Thorburn and T.J. Galiardi in a third-line role. 

Klingberg, 24, has some potential as a bottom-six forward and at least has scored even-strength goals at a very solid clip in American Hockey League action. Though Klingberg nails the eye test with his combination of speed, energy and size, his .52 points per game rate in his extended 255 game AHL career would suggest that there isn’t a tonne of unrealized upside here – despite his relative youth. 

From a macro perspective, Klingberg will probably provide the Rangers with more value than Stempniak will provide the Jets over the next few seasons. This is deal is about upgrading Winnipeg’s bottom-six depth for the stretch run though, and Stempniak will ably do that. Anything to keep Dustin Byfgulien at defense, right?