Winnipeg Jets’ 2016 Top 25 Under 25: #7, Marko Dano

Overview:

Marko Dano is the puck possession, gritty spark plug the Jets needed when he arrived in February from the Chicago Blackhawks' farm club, the Rockford Icehogs. He immediately made an impact when inserted into the Winnipeg Jets lineup upon his arrival to Winnipeg. Dano was a standout for the Slovakian team at the World Championships, and showed the world who Dano the hockey player really is, as his gritty play and get in your face attitude was a highlight for Jets fans watching the tourney. This season, Dano is entering his final year of his entry level contract, and can find himself in the mix for a bottom 6 Jets roster spot or top 6 Manitoba Moose spot. Dano will be in tough, but I truly think he'll be with the Jets come opening night.

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AIH Authors' Thoughts:

Ian:

Dano finds himself in an interesting spot, In his final year of his ELC he can be sent down without waivers. At only 21 years of age and a former first round pick, he is already on his third NHL team. Not because he's bad, but because he's so good and team's know the type of player they'd have on their hands if he reaches his potential. I can see Dano potentially filling in the role that Michael Frolik left.Andy:

Dano was the prize possession in the trade that saw Ladd land in Chicago prior to the trade deadline. A skilled, grinding, in yer face type of player, Dano is looking for consistent NHL playing time. His play with Burmistrov and Perreault had the corsi experts frothing at the mouth at puck possession, so I'm on board with giving Dano more time to show us what he's got.

Summary:

Dano is a great player with a upside that the Jets really needed to be a well rounded club moving forward. I think Dano has what it takes to be a lineup regular, and certainly as what it takes to grind his way to consistent ice time and responsibility. What do you think?