Yesterday, as predicted by many, the Winnipeg Jets made no
moves at the trade deadline. For once I will not criticize GM Kevin
Cheveldayoff for his lack of activity because it was the correct course of
action. What they did accomplish yesterday was better than any trade they could
have made, they signed pending unrestricted free agent Mark Stuart to a very
reasonable deal.
Stuart and his agent definitely gave the Jets a
"hometown discount" to stay in Winnipeg
According to Cap Geek, Stuart will be the Jets 4th highest
paid D man, depending on whether or not Dustin Byfuglien stays at forward or
not. Regardless of that the Jets have their top four (or five) D men under contract
for the next two seasons when Jacob Trouba will need a new contract. Having the
blue line locked up gives Cheveldayoff the ability to focus on the forward
group at the draft and when free agency begins.
The advance stats folks wont like this deal. Stuart is not
especially gifted offensively. His first pass out of the zone isn't as strong
as the other D men on the team. His Corsi numbers are all over the place but
generally below 50%. What does bring is toughness, grit, and he's a voracious
penalty killer. In this case I think you have to ignore some of the numbers and
look at it this way. How many teams would have wanted to sign Stuart on July 1?
The correct answer is 30.
Mark Stuart is a leader, a "glue guy", a warrior
who will throw is body in harms way. He is the key guy on the penalty kill as
well, leading the team in short handed minutes. He is a very important piece to
the Winnipeg Jets puzzle. That is why I give GM Cheveldayoff an A+ for what he
accomplished yesterday.
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