The Winnipeg Jets have four players vying for three forward spots and there does not seem to be a front-runner yet. However, it is early in this race and we do not know how this will end.
Even though Nic Petan has left Winnipeg for family matter, he is still in contention for a roster spot alongside Marko Dano, Kristian Vesalainen, and Brendan Lemieux. What is interesting about this group is that three of the four forwards that Maurice is talking about are skilled players who do not necessarily fit the mold of a third or fourth line player should be of little concern to Jets fans.
For both Dano and Peta; they have been here many times. With both it is hard to see what they will become because they have had bright, shining moments in the NHL and also many not so great moments. With Dano, he has been with three teams and it is hard to fault them for the trades they made with him. For Petan, it has been a roller coaster ride in Winnipeg, but he is fine as long as Chris Thorburn is not around.
The way the Jets are shaping up this season, they should have three offensive lines and two extra forwards. If the lines remain mostly the same, expect Kristian Vesalainen to remain with the team and on a line with Jack Roslovic and Mathieu Perreault at least to start the season. If Adam Lowry centres the fourth line alongside his partner in crime, Andrew Copp and Brandon Tanev. That leaves three players for two spots in the press box.
Of those three players (Dano, Petan, and Lemieux), the best players to slot into the lineup in any place is probably the first two. Dano especially can be versatile. However, the organization has loved Lemieux since they acquired him and might see him as the perfect fourth liner/press box guy. If that is the case, then one of Dano or Petan will be waived and both should be picked up quickly.
In short, the Jets have a nice conundrum right now and the second line centre spot has not even been mentioned yet.
