The Winnipeg Jets have selected Ville Heinola with the 20th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft

The 5’11” Finnish born defenseman has been described smart, calm under pressure defenseman who can move the puck well out of his own end and be an offensive threat on the other side of the ice.

Heinola has turned more than a few heads this past season as he rose through the prospect rankings. The left handed defenseman started in the under-20 Lilga, but was quickly promoted to the main Finnish Elite League where he continued to play really well.

The story of the Jets first round pick of 2019 is an interesting one as they traded that pick to the New York Rangers at the deadline along with Brendan Lemieux to acquire Kevin Hayes for a playoff run. The Jets then traded the rights to Hayes to Philadelphia for fifth round pick that they’ll be able to use tomorrow during day two of the draft. Meanwhile they re-aquired their first round pick from the Rangers when they traded RFA Jacob Trouba to the Rangers earlier this week.

And now the Jets have used that pick to bring Heinola into the fold which helps re-stock the defensive ranks for the Jets.

Speaking of trades, none have been made yet which should please most fans worried about a potential departure of Nik Ehlers…

But the weekend in Vancouver is just beginning, so stay tuned!