The Winnipeg Jets will not be buyers at the NHL Trade Deadline on Monday, February 24 if Paul Maurice has any say in the matter and he should have a say in the Jets moves at the deadline. Furthermore, Maurice has a fair view of his team and a front row seat to all the madness.
Who can the Jets move out though. This is an area where they are ripe for action especially if a team needs some cheap depth at the last minute. Nathan Beaulieu, Anthony Bitetto, and Luca Sbisa are all on low money contracts that expire at the end of this season. The Jets would be smart to look into moving them if there are any takers.
The Jets also have Dmitry Kulikov who will be harder to move because of his contract, but they also could have more cap space to retain some of that salary if they are able to buy of Dustin Byfuglien with his consent. If that happens the Jets would have another defenceman to move. They would have to pick up some more defencemen to close out the season, but they really should look to see if they can get what they can for their assets.
As for the forwards, the Jets do not have many assets, but could explore moving Nicholas Shore, Gabriel Bourque, and Logan Shaw. They could look at moving a prospect if they see it as getting an asset for someone who will not move up in their system or they could look at acquiring a player on a longer-term contract to help shore up the defence. Those type of moves usually happen around the NHL Entry Draft though. However, you never know what will happen in the NHL and Jame Duthie would LOVE it if something wacky happened.
