NHL - Winnipeg Jets News

The Winnipeg Jets announced they have agreed to terms with forward Buddy Robinson on a one-year, two-way contract with an average annual value of $650,000. Robinson, 25, split last season between the Ottawa Senators and San Jose Sharks organizations. He played in four games for the Senators and registered 12 points (7G, 5A) in 33 games in the AHL with the Binghamton Senators. The product of Bellmawr, N.J. was traded to San Jose on Jan. 24 and tallied 19 points (10G, 9A) in 33 games with the Barracuda. In the playoffs, he had nine points (4G, 5A) in 15 games with the Barracuda. He has played 278 games in the AHL, tallying 123 points (59G, 64A).

Buddy Robinson
Left Wing
Born Sep 30 1991 -- Bellmawr, NJ
Height 6.06 -- Weight 232 -- Shoots R

The Winnipeg Jets announced they have agreed to terms with forward Michael Sgarbossa on a one-year, one-way contract with an average annual value of $650,000. Sgarbossa, 24, split last season in the Anaheim Ducks and Florida Panthers organizations. The product of Campbellville, Ont. had two assists in nine games with the Ducks and seven points (2G, 5A) in 29 games with the Panthers. In the AHL, he had 13 points (5G, 8A) in 16 games between the San Diego Gulls and Springfield Thunderbirds. He has played 244 games in the AHL, racking up 159 points (56G, 103A.

Michael Sgarbossa
Center
Born Jul 25 1992 -- Campbellville, ONT
Height 6.00 -- Weight 175 -- Shoots L

The Winnipeg Jets announced they have agreed to terms with defenceman Dmitry Kulikov on a three-year contract with an average annual value of $4,333,333.

Kulikov, 28, played in 47 games for the Buffalo Sabres last season and recorded five points (2G, 3A). The Lipsetsk, Russia native has played eight seasons in the NHL for Buffalo and the Florida Panthers during which he played 507 career games and picked up 143 points (30G, 113A). He has five points (1G, 4A) in 13 career playoff games. Kulikov was drafted by the Panthers in the first round (14th overall) in the 2009 NHL Draft.

Dmitry Kulikov
Defence
Born Oct 29 1990 -- Lipetsk, Russia
Height 6.01 -- Weight 204 -- Shoots L

The Winnipeg Jets announced they have agreed to terms with goaltender Steve Mason on a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4,100,000.

Mason, 29, played in 58 games for the Philadelphia Flyers last season and posted a 26-21-8 record with three shutouts, a 2.66 GAA and a .908 SV%. The Oakville, Ont. native has played the last nine seasons for the Flyers and the Columbus Blue Jackets during which he played 463 games and went 200-177-63 with 33 shutouts, a 2.68 GAA and a .911 SV%. He also won the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2008-09, after going 33-20-7 with a 2.29 GAA and .916 SV%. Mason was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the third round (69th overall) in the 2006 NHL Draft.

Steve Mason
Goalie
Born May 29 1988 -- Oakville, ONT
Height 6.04 -- Weight 217 -- Shoots R

It's all about the now. While it didn't take long for the Winnipeg Jets to make a splash on the open market, doing so not only shored up a couple of key roles on the playing roster, they also made a statement to the fans and their peers in the process after a week of intense negotiation. They're ready to take the next step. Shortly after the gates (officially) opened at 11:00am central time, the Jets made the first of five announcements on the day, confirming that goaltender Steve Mason had signed a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4.1 million. Mason, who had as many as five other teams inquire with him and his agent during the 'courting' period, said the decision to sign in Winnipeg was an easy one after speaking with General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff earlier this week.

"I'm really looking forward to coming back to Canada after being in the States to start my career, coming back to a Canadian city that obviously lost their franchise for a number of years and was able to get a team back. Just the passionate fan base that they have has made it real attractive," Mason said over the phone only minutes after the deal was announced.

The feeling was mutual. The bottom line, Cheveldayoff said, was that they needed a guy to come in and help the Jets win right now. That made the two-year term a good fit for both sides.  

"I had a really good conversation with Chevy, Paul Maurice, Wade Flaherty, and we were very open about what we expected from each other and I think it is going to be a really good fit moving forward here. … When you look at the roster from top to bottom and you see the names that are on it, what this team is going to be capable of, I'm glad to be a part of it."

Mason added that the "intense" atmosphere inside Bell MTS Place was a major selling point, and that as a Canadian kid, being back on home soil was something he'd always dreamed about from the moment he entered the league.

"Winnipeg has always been a difficult spot for the opposition with how intense of an atmosphere it is," he said. "There are only a handful of arenas that are actually intimidating for players to come into. One being Philadelphia, and I've obviously experienced that, and Winnipeg is another. Coming out as the home team, you have the advantage.

"One of the best things about hockey is playing in front of sold-out crowds. Going to Winnipeg where you can count on a sold-out building every single night, having a passionate fan base that is going to back the team, you look at the roster and it's a great team already and I just hope I can be another piece of the puzzle."

Mason had a 26-21-8 record, along with a 2.66 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage and three shutouts in 58 appearances last year. During the 2014-15 campaign, he tied a career high in wins with 33, and set new personal bests in both GAA (2.25) and save percentage (.928) over a full year. Additionally, Mason won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie with the team that drafted him, the Columbus Blue Jackets, in 2008-09. In his career, the Oakville, Ontario native has a 200-177-63 record and a .911 save percentage, putting him in the top half of active NHL goalies with a significant (>100 NHL games) body of work.

"I've been in the league for nine years now, and every year my game has grown," Mason said. "I believe at 29 years old I'm just entering the prime of my career and working with Wade, I think will help grow my game even more. I believe I can be an integral part to helping this team win hockey games. I can come up with big saves that can help us win on any given night."

Cheveldayoff agrees, but would not speculate about whether or not Mason will get the bulk of the work next year. Twenty-four-year-old Connor Hellebuyck is still very much in the plans, and will get every opportunity to succeed after an up-and-down rookie campaign.

"He had 26 wins last year and that's nothing to sneeze at," the GM said. "We've got tremendous depth and competition now at that position."

Mason and Hellebuyck will have to work together and push each other throughout the upcoming season as the Jets hope to improve their results between the pipes after finishing 28th in team save percentage with a .900 mark just last year.

"There's going to be a little bit of a feeling out phase, but that will come," Mason said.

"Having a good relationship with your goaltending partner is a must. (Hellebuyck) a good goaltender but he's had some challenges and, honestly, that's a good thing. When you come out of tough situations, it makes you better in the long run. I've gone through some of the same things that Connor may have experienced and I think I can help guide him through and come out the other side. My practice habits are solid and hopefully he can see that, maybe even follow suit, and help push each other."

The Winnipeg Jets announced they have agreed to terms with defenceman Cameron Schilling on a one-year, two-way contract with an average annual value of $650,000. Schilling, 28, appeared in 72 games last season with the Rockford IceHogs (the American League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks) and the Ontario Reign (AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings). In 40 games with the IceHogs, the Carmel, IN native had 17 points (7G,10A), along with 18 penalty minutes. In 32 games with the with the Reign, Schilling had nine points (1G,8A) and 31 penalty minutes. Schilling has played in four NHL games in his five-year career - all with the Washington Capitals. He has also appeared in 355 games in the AHL with Hershey, Rockford, and Ontario where he has 98 points (26G,72A) as well as 314 penalty minutes.

Cameron Schilling
Defence
Born Oct 7, 1988 -- Carmel, IN
Height 6.02 -- Weight 196 -- Shoots L

Dmitry Kulikov had never been a free agent at any point in his career, and he thought the process would take a lot longer than it did. But the Winnipeg Jets wouldn't let that happen.

"From the time I started talking to them, I felt in my gut that I think Winnipeg is the right fit for me, and I should be a Jet," Kulikov said via a conference call from Boca Raton, Florida.

"Looking at the roster and the players that we have, it's an impressive group."

The 26-year-old from Lipetsk, Russia put his name to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $4,333,333 on Saturday, just hours after the NHL's Free Agency period opened up. But it wasn't only Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and management making the pitch to the left-handed defenceman. Captain Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele had a little something to do with it as well.

"I know Scheifele from a couple summers ago. I trained with him in Canada. I skated with Wheeler this summer a couple times," Kulikov said. "They played a big role in my decision. They pretty much sold me on Winnipeg and talking about how good the team is and how good the guys are in the locker room."

Kulikov has played in 507 career NHL games, scoring 30 goals and 143 points during that time. The majority of those came over seven seasons with the Florida Panthers between 2009 and 2016.

From there, Kulikov played the 2016-17 season with the Buffalo Sabres. He played in 47 games, hampered by a back injury he sustained after getting hit into an open bench door.

"Our trainers talked to the trainers in Buffalo and went through how he dealt with it, what he did, and his recovery time period. Ultimately, everyone felt comfortable," said Cheveldayoff. "He's skating on a regular basis with Blake Wheeler in Florida. At the end of the day, we've had guys that have had injuries and they heal over the summer, or they do the proper therapy to make sure they're strong in the areas that they need to be, and we feel comfortable there."

Cheveldayoff said the team was confident in the group of defencemen the Jets had on the roster heading into last season, but never got to see them all together, especially with the 71 games Tyler Myers missed.

But the addition of Kulikov makes that group of blue liners even better heading into 2017-18.

"The depth of our defence is certainly greatly increased today with Dmitry," said Cheveldayoff. "We have three unbelievable right shot defensemen. Now with Toby and Dmitry, that gives us two experienced left shot defensemen - and the sky is the limit for (Josh) Morrissey."

Over the course of his eight-year NHL career, Kulikov continued to improve his defensive game. It was something he felt he needed to focus on, after he registered 62 points in 57 games with Drummondville of the QMJHL.

"Learning from my team and coaches, it was take care of your own end first, and the offense will come from there," said Kulikov. "I feel like that's been my motto and I've excelled at playing in my own zone. I'm trying to add an offensive part to my game that's kind of been forgotten over the years."

Kulikov has experience playing on the penalty kill as well, and enjoys the challenge of going against the top players in the NHL. Now, he's relishing the opportunity to help the Jets return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2014-15 season.

"I can tell you from the time I was in Florida, it was always hard to play in Winnipeg when they were playing in front of their own crowd," he said. "I made a decision to join the team because I feel like they are the team that has all the pieces and they are moving in the right direction. It's an exciting future for this organization and I'm happy to be a part of it."

True North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, along with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, are pleased to announce a partnership with the Jacksonville IceMen as their new ECHL affiliate for the upcoming 2017-18 season.

"We are pleased to embark on our partnership with the Jacksonville IceMen," said Craig Heisinger, Senior Vice President & Director of Hockey Operations/Assistant General Manager of the Winnipeg Jets. "The commitment the IceMen ownership has to winning on and off the ice has been unquestioned. We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with their Head Coach Jason Christie and look forward to him continuing to coach our prospects, as well as add to his ECHL record as the winningest coach in ECHL history."

The Jacksonville IceMen announced they were awarded an ECHL membership in February 2017, beginning with the 2017-18 season. The IceMen begin their 72 game season at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday, October 14 against the Orlando Solar Bears.

Jason Christie, who was recently announced as Jacksonville's first head coach, has long-standing ties to the Jets organization, working with the organization in Ontario and Tulsa. The winningest coach in ECHL history, Christie holds a 547-349-111 record in 14 seasons. Last season, when Christie was coach of the Tulsa Oilers, nine players played for both the Oilers and Moose. That group included Manitoba's third leading scorer, Dan DeSalvo, and goaltender Jamie Phillips, who was named to the ECHL All-Star game.

"We are excited to launch our team with the Winnipeg organization," said Bob Ohrablo, President of the Jacksonville IceMen. "In addition to a strong commitment to development, the Winnipeg organization has successful ties to our Vice President of Hockey Operations/Head Coach Jason Christie, who has been integral in player development for both the Jets and Moose in the past while accumulating the winningest coaching record in ECHL history."

The Winnipeg Jets announced they have agreed to terms with forward Brandon Tanev on a one-year, one-way contract with an average annual value of $700,000.

Tanev, 25, played in 51 games for the Jets last season and had four points (2G, 2A) and 26 penalty minutes. He also played in 23 games for the AHL's Manitoba Moose last season and had nine points (2G, 7A) and 13 PIMs. Tanev was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Jets organization on March 30, 2016 following four years with Providence College.

Brandon Tanev
Left Wing
Born Dec 31 1991 -- Toronto, ONT
Height 6.00 -- Weight 170 -- Shoots L

The Winnipeg Jets announced they have agreed to terms with forward Mason Appleton on a three-year, entry-level contract with an average annual value of $758,333. Appleton, 21, led the Michigan State University Spartans in goals (12), assists (19), and points (31) last season while playing in all 35 games. During two seasons with the Spartans, he had 53 points (17G, 36A) in 72 games. Appleton was drafted by the Jets in the sixth round (168th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft. He's the sixth of the Jets' eight selections from the 2015 NHL Draft to sign an NHL entry-level contract, joining defenceman Sami Niku and forwards Kyle Connor, Jansen Harkins, Jack Roslovic, and Michael Spacek.

Mason Appleton
Forward
Born Jan 15 1996 -- Green Bay, WI
Height 6.02 -- Weight 193 -- Shoots R

The Winnipeg Jets announced they have agreed to terms with forward Andrew Copp on a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1,000,000.

Copp's go-ahead goal

WPG@CHI: Copp unleashes wrister to give Jets the lead

·         01:02 • December 5th, 2016

Copp, 23, played in 64 games for the Jets last season and established career-highs for points (17), goals (9), and assists (8) despite missing 18 games. He also played in eight games for the AHL's Manitoba Moose and had five assists in eight games. He has now played 142 games for Winnipeg and has 31 points (16G, 15A).

Copp was drafted by the Jets in the fourth round (104th overall) in the 2013 NHL Draft.

Andrew Copp
Center
Born Jul 8 1994 -- Ann Arbor, MI
Height 6.01 -- Weight 206 -- Shoots L

The Winnipeg Jets announced they have agreed to terms with forward JC Lipon on a one-year, two-way contract with an average annual value of $650,000.

Lipon, 24, played in 71 games for the Manitoba Moose last season and had 30 points (12G, 18A) and 129 penalty minutes. He made his NHL debut in 2015-16 and played nine games for the Jets, recording an assist and five PIMs. Lipon has played in 263 games for the Moose and the St. John's IceCaps over the last four seasons and recorded 128 points (39G, 89A) and 515 PIMs.

Lipon was drafted by the Jets in the third round (91st overall) in the 2013 NHL Draft.

JC Lipon
Right Wing
Born Jul 10 1993 -- Regina, SASK
Height 6.00 -- Weight 190 -- Shoots R

The Winnipeg Jets announced they have agreed to terms with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck on a one-year contract with an average annual value of $2,250,000.

Hellebuyck, 24, appeared in a career-high 56 games for the Jets last season, going 26-19-4 with a 2.89 goals-against average, .907 save percentage and four shutouts. Against Central Division opponents, the product of Commerce, Mich. went 12-3-1 with a 2.09 goals-against average and .937 save percentage. He played the most games of any goaltender age 23 and younger in the NHL last season. In 82 NHL games, Hellebuyck has a 39-30-5 record with a 2.71 goals-against average and .910 save percentage.

Hellebuyck was drafted by the Jets in the fifth round (130th overall) in the 2012 NHL Draft.

Connor Hellebuyck
Goalie
Born May 19 1993 -- Commerce, MI
Height 6.04 -- Weight 207 -- Shoots R

 

Islanders Close In On Silverware

The Whitley Bay Islanders go into their game against fierce rivals Durham Dragons on Thursday [face-off 10:30pm free entry], knowing just a point will see them lift the Summer Cup League Trophy, and if they can get the job done it will be the third straight year the Tynesiders have claimed that particular piece of silverware.

Two years ago the Islanders won their first Summer Cup and followed that up with winning the playoffs too. Last time out though, the Islanders defended their League Championship but due to poor ice conditions at Hillheads, their season came unstuck throughout the closing weeks of the season.

The ice at Whitley has never been great but last summer the ice melted completely and meant some games were forced into being called off. Thankfully Widnes Wildcats, one of the sides still set to travel to Whitley, very sportingly forfeited the game themselves so that the Islanders could claim the points and not lose out on the trophy through a technicality.

While that was all well and good in being able to win the regular season trophy, come the playoffs the Islanders had not been able to play in weeks and so were lacking match practice. That ultimately cost the Islanders in their semi-final against a very experienced Kingston Cobras side and then again to arch rivals Durham in the Plate final.

This season the Islanders have been on something of a mission, racking up wins and goals on a relentless pursuit to right the wrongs of last season. After ten games so far they are 9-0-1, their sole dropped point coming at home to closest challengers Cleveland.

The Islanders campaign got underway back in early April, when they dispatched the Grimsby Lightning 17-1 and have never looked back since. Over the next 10 weeks the all-conquering side recorded road wins in Widnes, Grimsby and Blackburn, despite being short-benched for some of those trips. There was also time to win the Overs 35s tournament in Nottingham, beating holders Cleveland in the final before the two sides met again a fortnight later at Hillheads.

It was probably the one occasion this season that the Islanders weren’t on top form but they were still able to recover from being down 4-2 with a couple of late goals to snatch a point against an experienced Comets side packed with former Billingham Bombers players.

As we entered the month of July the Islanders were facing perhaps the toughest run of games all season with their three most difficult road games played within eight days of each other. First up they had to make a trip down the A19 to face Cleveland on Teesside before a double weekend playing Kingston in Hull and then Durham ‘away’.

The Islanders and Comets have been far and away the best two sides in the competition this season and met at the Forum in what should have been the hardest game of the season for the Islanders but in the end they eased to another victory [7-3] to put themselves in pole position down the stretch.

The following weekend, saw the Islanders put another seven goals past a title rival before having an easy win over the Dragons [9-1], the next day. The Dragons brought a sizeable crowd with them from Wearside but the Islanders soon silenced them in an impressive display.

Over the following couple of weeks the Islanders gained further success, first when Blackburn Falcons were unable to travel so had to forfeit and give the points to Whitley and then an 8-4 success over Solihull.

That brings us up to date for this season and with just four games remaining it’s surely a question of when not if the Islanders claim this latest trophy. Kingston have already refused to travel North due to the latest bout of Whitley flu sweeping the competition. Originally the sides were set to face each other on August 13 but with the EIHA referee seminar that weekend the game had to be moved and despite the Islanders re-arranging their schedule and securing ice time for the game to take place following the Cobras clash with the Dragons last Sunday the Humberside-based outfit opted to change their mind leaving Whitley with another blank weekend and the cost of paying for ice time. With the Cobras now refusing to complete their fixtures, the Islanders will be awarded a second 10-0 forfeit victory, and leaves just a trip to Solihull and a home clash with Widnes to complete before the playoffs get underway on August Bank Holiday weekend.

There was a time when a Whitley/Durham clash meant one thing. A very one-sided victory for the big blue machine on Wearside as the Wasps buzzed their way to another trophy. Now though it’s quite different, with Whitley being the dominant force in the North East now, the Yellow Submarine is looking to sink all who stand in their way for silverware this season starting with the Dragons on Thursday!