Manitoba Moose Get Flexibility With Jets Signing – Hockey Writers – Manitoba Moose

The Winnipeg Jets didn't make big splashes in free agency, but what they did do was provide a level of flexibility in the organization. Depth has been added to both the forward and defensive end groups, giving the Jets a better shot at filling holes in the event of injuries.

Part of what this does is give the Manitoba Moose, the Jets' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, a fighting chance to have a successful season and give some of its young players the ability to experience playoff hockey. As there seems to be a fair amount of turnover between starts and call-ups, it will certainly be an interesting team to watch develop this coming season.

Defense Team

Like other areas of the team, the Moose defense will likely look different than last season. Notably, Kyle Capobianco, who was named the AHL's Best Defenseman, signed with the Dallas Stars when free agency opened. He has been a big part of the Moose over the past few seasons but it was clear that he was looking for a bigger role that wasn't available in the Jets organization.

Another name that won't be spending time in the AHL in 2024-25 is Ville Heinola, who lost his waivers this season and will be with the Jets on the roster or as an extra. Having played a major role in the Moose's top four, his time with the AHL team is likely to come to an end as it is hard to imagine him going through waivers.

This doesn't mean it's all doom and gloom for Moose, as they have also been given new faces to help offset the impact of those who have stepped up or moved on. A combination of returnees, new faces, and homegrown talent will fill those holes and they should do a decent job of doing so.

Both Hadyn Fleury and Dylan Coghlan are new faces brought into the organization through free agency and trade and should play a major role in the Moose's front four. With both having experience at the NHL level, it could pave the way for a mix of experience and youth.

Related: Scoring the Winnipeg Jets' Free Agency Moves

Someone who can also play a major role in the defensive team is not someone brought in from abroad, but someone who jumps into North America. Elias Salomonsson makes his North American debut in 2024-25 and can make noise in the defensive pipeline.

Salomansson, 19, looked good in development camp earlier this month and plans to play meaningful minutes for the Moose. Don't be surprised if you see him making some noise in Jets training camp, as his game projects to make the jump to the NHL sooner rather than later.

Forward

The defense is not the only thing that could have a very different look next season, as the forwards also seem to be changing. That's not necessarily a bad thing, given their additions and increased depth over what they had in the past.

The biggest story of all the forwards revolves around Brad Lambert and whether he will be able to be in the AHL to start the season. With the Jets lacking a true second-line center, Lambert's name is often brought up as an option to fill that role.

Coming off his best season as a pro where he was named to the AHL's All-Rookie Team, many are wondering what the next logical step in his development is against NHL-level talent. If that is indeed the case, then his impact on Moose can be largely determined by who takes his place when called upon.

To help create that forward depth to replace the impact lost by someone like Lambert, the Moose signed experienced players to help balance the team. Mason Shaw and Jaret Anderson-Dolan were among the signings to help create a better sense of depth for the team, and give the Jets the ability to call up players with some NHL experience.

All of this includes returners Parker Ford and Nikita Chibrikov who have shown up on the radar as “next in line” in terms of who gets the shot when called upon. Chibrikov played one game last season, scoring his first NHL goal as a game-winner.

Called up or not, the Moose have accumulated a lot of talent and experience that should help themselves or the Jets.

Jets Depth/Calder Cup Victory

The addition of potential AHL draftees is a win for both the Jets and Moose. For the Jets, there is a good chance that their internal talent or new additions will impact the team early this season with the threat of injuries.

For the Moose, the depth gives them a strong chance to win their first playoff series since returning to Manitoba's capital. A playoff run with some inexperienced players could go a long way in teaching them the grind of playoff hockey, something that could be even more helpful down the line.