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More Win in Winnipeg Juri Tlusty than Daniel Winnik

Winnipeg Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff mad Jets’ fans happy today by trading third and conditional fifth round draft picks to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Jiri Tlusty. Jiri Tlusty is a former first round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was drafted 13th overall in 2006, one spot after Bryan Little and three picks after Michael Frolik.

Daniel Winnik was another name that was thrown around as a Jets’ target, but the asking price was high. Chevy was wise to pass and found himself a better asset at a lower price.

Why is Tlusty a better asset?

For starters, a quick look at the numbers (courtesy of war-on-ice.com) tell you that things are pretty even.

Name Gm G A P G60 A60 P60 PenD CF% PDO ZSO%Rel TOI/Gm
Jiri.Tlusty 168 35 29 64 0.9 0.8 1.7 1 51.8 100.3 6.5 13.4
Daniel.Winnik 182 17 48 65 0.4 1.2 1.7 2 48.7 102.1 -4.5 12.8

These players may have played in different roles and on very different teams over the last three years. They also have very different play styles, but their 5 on 5 results are darn similar. The major difference is that Tlusty scores while Winnik is a primarily a play-maker.

The good goes beyond that though. Another big plus for Jiri Tlusty should come via assimilation. Tlusty has a history with Paul Maurice, having played under him in two different organizations (now three). He also has a great deal of history with fellow Winnipeg Jets Ondrej Pavelec and Michael Frolik.

Familiarity with both systems and players should ease the transition for the Winnipeg Jets' newest forward. It could also have lasting ramifications if that familiarity leads to Jiri Tlusty (and perhaps Michael Frolik) deciding to stick together on the Jets.

There are many layers to this deal that present upside for the Jets. Add to the equation a reduced purchase price and the fact that Tlusty is three years younger than Winnik – a factor that would be very relevant if he extends – and it is easy to see that Chevy did well here.

Now for fun, HERO charts! via ownthepuck.blogspot.ca:

What do you think of Kevin Cheveldayoff's latest addition? Do you think he did well passing on Winnik?

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