Although fans of the Winnipeg Jets spent the majority of their day handwringing as other NHL General Managers continued the free wheeling cupboard-stocking that goes along with any Free Agent frenzy, we can finally collectively exhale.
Jets’ General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has acquired Devin Setoguchi from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a 2014 second round draft pick.
Originally drafted by the San Jose Sharks with the eight overall selection in 2005, Setoguchi has spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Wild after being traded in a package that landed the Sharks Brent Burns. Twice as a member of the Sharks did Setoguchi go on to post 20+ campaigns but his sophomore season was easily his most productive, in which the Taber, Alberta native amassed 31 goals and added 35 assists in eighty-one games.
Since being traded, the right winger has scored 32 goals in 117 games with the Wild, and his 27 points in 2013 were fourth best on his team, behind Zach Parise (38), Mikko Koivu (37) and Ryan Suter (32).
| Season | GP | TOI/60 | Pts/60 | Corsi Rel | On-Ice Sht % | On-Ice Sv% | PDO | Pen Take | Pen Drawn | OZ Strt% |
| 2013 | 48 | 12.21 | 2.15 | -4.9 | 10.32 | 927 | 1030 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 48.6 |
| 2012 | 69 | 14.16 | 1.35 | +13.7 | 7.30 | 904 | 977 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 50.6 |
| 2011 | 72 | 12.95 | 2.0 | -1.7 | 8.70 | 905 | 992 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 55.5 |
| 2010 | 70 | 12.57 | 1.77 | -1.9 | 7.95 | 938 | 1017 | 0.4 | 1.7 | 53.1 |
Setoguchi saw his minutes reduced last year after the Wild brought in high profile names such as Zach Parise and Jason Pominville, but he is exactly the type of player that the Winnipeg Jets coveted. Now the Jets have a right-handed shot to align alongside the dynamic Evander Kane on their second forward group. Another bonus is that only one year remains on his $3 million dollar contract, meaning Winnipeg management isn’t locked into an impossibly long-term commitment to the player. Still, the price of a second round pick is pretty steep for a one-year rental, so hopefully Setoguchi will have success in Winnipeg and earn an extension past 2013-14.
The Jets still have plenty of work to do this off-season, but the addition of Devin Setoguchi takes some of the heat off in regards to lack of unrestricted free agent signings.
Having said that, don't trust Seto in the shootout:
Let us know how you feel about the trade in the comments section below!
Read more Jets:
- NHL Free Agency 2013: Forwards the Winnipeg Jets should target
- Winnipeg Jets' re-sign defenceman Grant Clitsome to three-year $6.2MM extension
- Winnipeg Jets announce 2013 Development Camp details
- Google Hangout: Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets at the 2013 NHL Draft
- Recapping the Draft: Winnipeg Jets build prospect pool with ten selections in 2013 NHL Draft
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