As per Ken Wiebe of Sportsnet expect the Winnipeg Jets to move on from both Paul Stastny and Andrew Copp this season, the latter if he’s healthy enough to be traded ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline. Per Wiebethe chances of either player being offered an extension, “currently fall in the slim-to-none category”.
Wiebe suggests GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is trying to balance his commitment to the team that he’ll try to make them more competitive, especially in future seasons, but also knows that moving two players who are highly respected could pose issues, he writes, “There are a number of teams that have been watching the Jets closely, among them the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers and Edmonton Oilers.”
TSN’s Darren Dreger notes, “The Winnipeg Jets hoping for the best as Andrew Copp is evaluated by Jets doctors today. As trade bait or “own rental” Copp is an important piece in discussions this week.” If he’s healthy enough to be traded, there are plenty of teams that could use a player like him. As for Stastny, being traded at the deadline and to a team that wants to make a playoff run is nothing new.
Copp carries a $3.64 million cap hit into free agency this summer. Stastny has a $3.75 million hit. Neither play would be considered a bargain, especially for teams that are tight to the salary cap, but neither player would be categorized alongside some of the bigger names that have a high price tag and are drawing most of the attention.
Copp has 13 goals and 32 points in 54 games this season. Stastny has 17 goals and 30 points in 49 games.
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