Winnipeg Jets Player News

During his first full NHL season, DeMelo failed to record a goal but added 20 assists in 63 games. Over 291 career pro games (AHL + NHL), DeMelo has scored just 10 goals, so don’t expect him to start scoring any time soon.

Namestnikov, 23, appeared in 80 games in his first full NHL season, collecting a total of 14 goals and 21 assists (35 points). The 2011 27th overall pick has collected 51 career points (23G / 28A) in 127 NHL games and enters 2016-17 as a third line option for the Lightning.

After a solid 2014-15 season, the Jets were expecting Lowry to take a step forward, but instead he took a step in the other direction. Lowry had just 17 points (7G / 10A) in 74 games with Winnipeg and four assists in four games with Manitoba (AHL). Lowry will try and bounce-back with the Jets this year.

Scheifele, 23, the former seventh overall pick (2011) is coming off of his best season as a professional, having collected 61 points (29G / 32A) in 71 games. The 6-foot-3 centre emerged as the Jets’ top-line centre and this extension will keep him in that role for many years to come. If Scheifele can stay healthy in 2016-17, he could approach the 70-point plateau.

Connor, 19, was a Hobey Baker Finalist this season after scoring 35 goals and 36 assists (71 points) in 38 games with the University of Michigan. Connor was the 17th overall pick in 2015 and had a massive Freshman season in Ann Arbor and will turn pro with the Jets next season.

Bjugstad has 21 points (13G / 8A) in 34 games this season. His 13 goals leads the Panthers and puts him on pace for 31 this season. He is miles ahead of his strong rookie campaign and should continue to get better. His six-year extension will see him in Florida through the 2020-21 season.

The Blackhawks signed Patrick Kane to the exact same contract. The ,deal does not kick in until the 2015-16 season, but the annual cap-hit will make them the highest paid players in the NHL. When Toews and Kane joined the Blackhawks they had not reached the Finals since 1992, but since drafting Toews (third overall) in 2006 they have won two Stanley Cups and reached the Western Conference Final on two other occasions. Toews had 28 goals and 40 assists (68 points) with a plus-26 rating in 76 games last season. Toews has scored on a 74.5 point per 82 game pace in the first seven years of his career. He is one of the most reliable centres in the league and should be a top-15 pick in fantasy drafts next season.

The 23-year-old forward appeared in 22 games for Detroit during the regular season, and then appeared in all 14 of the Red Wings' playoff games.

Lowry is not expected to play a role with the Jets this season

Bjugstad had 21 goals and 15 assists in 40 games at University of Minnesota this season. He will play tomorrow on the Panthers third line with Jack Skille and Quinton Howden.

Namestnikov likely contends for a roster spot during next season's training camp. The Russian expatriate scored 22 goals and 70 points in 60 games with the London Knights of the OHL.

As one of the better offensive players during the preseason, Scheifele signs his entry-level contract. Scheifele scored 22 goals and 75 points in 66 games with the Barrie Colts of the OHL. Expect at least a nine-game tryout with the big club.