Refuelling the Jets

108th overall pick

19th overall pick

Outside of Scheifele and Ehlers the Jets really lack any forwards that create offensive chances, so on draft day Kevin Cheveldayoff decides to make a big splash by bringing in a dynamic winger to play in the top 6 and compliment an already dangerous core. Dominik Kubalik has been a real shining light in an otherwise dark Chicago rebuild. Bringing him in gives Winnipeg a top notch offensive calibre player that has proved he can be a line driver in any situation. This is a bit of a steep price and perhaps a slight overpay for Kubalik with only 1 year remaining on his current deal, but with 2 years of arbitration eligibility after this season Winnipeg keeps control of negotiating rights with Kubalik.

For Chicago, they continue to embrace the rebuild and look to cash in on Kubalik's value before he hits free agency as a RFA with arbitration rights. An overall need in Chicago appears to be a top pairing left handed defenceman, and although Dylan Samberg might not have that high of ceiling it does give Chicago more chances to hit on that position, but Samberg should be no less than a very solid #3 defenceman in the NHL. The Blackhawks also replace Kubalik with a young, yet so far inconsistent winger in Kristian Vesalainen. Vesalainen has proved to be a dominate force in Liiga and the KHL but that success hasn't translated to the NHL yet. He does still carry some upside, and likely settles in as a high 3rd line player with a possibility of a 2nd line player. Chicago also adds the 19th overall pick to continue to add young players into the organization for their rebuild to succeed.

*Conditional 2022 1st round pick (LAK):
- If Los Angeles misses the playoffs in 2021/2022 the Kings have the option to defer the pick to an unprotected 2022 1st round pick (LAK) or relinquish this pick. LA has until the start of the 2022 draft to decide.

This deal is a bit more bold and unlikely to happen, but I think it's highly worth considering for both teams. & for the sake of this ACGM, Wheeler agrees to waive his NMC. Afterall, who wouldn't wanna move from cold Winnipeg to sunny and warm Los Angeles?

For Winnipeg, after another disappointing series and more mentions of leadership lacking in the dressing room (albeit just rumours), this is a massive shake-up by trading their captain. Wheeler has been mentioned before about possibly not being the best leader and although I'm not saying it's true, usually when there's that much smoke there's at least a little bit of fire - so Winnipeg looks to start a new culture and looks to move Wheeler after an impressive offensive season. In return they get a top young prospect in Rasmus Kupari who provides a very solid 2way style of play with some offensive capabilities. They also receive a depth player tp help their roster now in Blake Lizotte. Lizotte is a smaller, speedy kind of player who can play all 3 forward positions and generate a little bit of offence - I see his speed being a need of this Jets team so Cheveldayoff should look to target him. In Braden Doyle the Jets receive a defensive prospect that will require some work and is longer away form making the NHL, but may be a decent bottom pairing defenceman that can steal some top 4 minutes in the future. He is committed to Boston University for next season, which is a great program, and will get chances to develop throughout Winnipeg's system. Finally, the Jets add a 1st round pick that is protected (see conditions) to o help make up some of the value loss in this trade.

For Los Angeles, their coach and star player have both talked about wanting to contend sooner rather than later while the core is still there to build around. Rob Blake looks to buy low by adding Wheeler who adds another offensive threat and veteran leader to a relatively young locker room. Wheeler would make a great threat for Los Angeles' powerplay and can consistently help create offence. With tons of cap space and only 3 years remaining on his contract, Wheeler shouldn't affect the signing of all LA's young players as they develop and need new deals either.