Kevin Cheveldayoff has done it again and closed out a good off-season with a stupid move. The Winnipeg Jets have signed former Edmonton Oiler Matt Hendricks to a one-year contract, $700 000 effectively having him replace Chris Thorburn. It is hard to explain how bad this move is.
Following @FriedgeHNIC on this. Matt Hendricks about to become a member of the Winnipeg Jets. 1 year deal.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) August 26, 2017
This is the one move the Jets did not need to make. They rid themselves of Chris Thorburn. They were finally going to be able to play four competent lines and then they had to sign a forward who has about as much skill as Thorburn without the desire to fight Zdeno Chara.
The worst part about this news is it could block a player who could help the Jets for this season and many seasons after for a journeyman. Players like Kyle Connor or Jack Roslovic should have a fair shot at making the NHL and now they have to try to beat out a veteran who is seen as a warrior and good in the room. This is a move that could be use to neutralize Nic Petan as well. Of course, Hendricks could be sent to the AHL and this could all be for nothing, but there is no reason reason for the Jets to even be talking to Hendricks at all, let alone sign him to a contract.
