The Winnipeg Jets have landed their defensive upgrade right at the deadline, acquiring Jordie Benn from the Vancouver Canucks according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Darren Dreger of TSN reports that the Jets will send a 2021 sixth-round pick to Vancouver.
The quality of the player and the timing of the deal point in one direction: GM Kevin Cheveldayoff ran out of time and options. There was perhaps no team in the NHL with a more identifiable need than the Jets and their blue line. The team has needed another defenseman all season and was expected to be in the running for the best available names. The team even signaled that a trade was on the way by moving Nathan Beaulieu to Long-Term Injured Reserve to open up more cap space.
Instead, they leave cap room to spare and leave their fans wanting more with the addition of Benn. In fairness, the respected veteran is having a good offensive season by his standards and brings experience and leadership to the fold. However, he has only been playing bottom-pair minutes in Vancouver this season and has been regularly exposed on defense. Benn is simply a depth addition for Winnipeg, not the game-changing presence that was hoped for.
Funny that more trades are being reported after 3pm than before.
@Gbear – It’s those pesky fax machines!
:)
Imagine if the power went out at 2:58pm just as you worked out the greatest deal of all time. :D
@Gbear – Or, worse yet, you’re looking for a coupon for a free loaf of bread and stumble upon your long-lost PowerBall ticket…that was worth $500MM…and expired yesterday…
:(
Mac, did this happen to you? :D
@Gbear – Not quite. I have cashed in some bread coupons, but the worst thing was misplacing a lottery check for about $40, some 35+ years ago. I’ve only lost out on a couple of $3 PowerBall tickets, too, but at least I changed my ways with those! Currently, somebody in Rhode Island is in danger of losing out on a $1MM MegaMillions prize!
@Gbear – EDIT: No wonder I have a headache. I knew I should have followed up the MegaMillions link. That ticket expired on St. Patrick’s Day! Stooged again! It would serve them right if you and I both pick the magical six for tonight’s drawing…
Negotiations until the very last moment and the Que…