|
Cap Space Acquired with Mason Trade |
|
|
|
The Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens made a trade revolving around Jets #2 goalie and key free agent signing last summer, Steve Mason, and defenseman Simon Bourque. Joel Armia and a pair of late draft picks, a 2019 7th and 4th in 2020 are also going.
This is the move that frees up the cap space that would be needed to re-sign Paul Stastny. But the acquisition of Bourque a 22 year old LHD who has been in the Montreal system is intriguing as it adds some depth to a thinner left side.
The other part of this equation is that the the Jets also dump some salary and position with Joel Armia. Armia was a soldier for the Jets and had some moments of brilliance but given the other prospects who can play the right side Armia and his larger frame were expendable. He has talent but in the defensive zone he was a liability at times and that never seemed to change.
The draft picks were the extra sweetener for the deal and really not that much to pay as those can be acquired again in other moves in the future should the Jets want to add some back.
Now the two big questions are what does Paul Stastny come in at and who comes in to back up Hellebuyck?
My guess is Stastny will be in around 5.75 for 3 years and that the Jets and Hutchinson mend some fences and sign a 2 year deal around 1.5 million per year. Again just guessing.
The good news is Chevy dumped the most sensible salary (even if you are not a Myers fan) and a player that was better suited elsewhere compared to those sitting in Dano and Petan. Jets fans should be happy as this was a very savvy and smart move. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out and if there are other moves.