The Winnipeg Jets need to trade Mark Scheifele now to create a new locker room culture. While the argument against trading Scheifele is the fact that Winnipeg doesn’t have a player to fill the number one center spot in his absence. However, Winnipeg would rather be in the position where they continue to build towardthe future and not set themselves back. It’s time for Kevin Cheveldayoff and the Winnipeg Jets to trade Mark Scheifele and declare a new era with the team.
Does A Scheifele Trade Hurt in the Short Term?
Yes, a Scheifele trade hurts in the short term, but it gives an opportunity for younger players to get a chance they might not get if he stays for the 2023-24 season. The Winnipeg Jets have Cole Perfetti, Brad Lambert, Chaz Lucius, and Rutger McGroarty that could step into a bigger role sooner. Rick Bowness could also give an opportunity to recently acquired forward Gabriel Vilardi to play in a larger role. However, many Winnipeg Jets fans would be left wondering who would play as second line center?
Vladislav Namestnikov, Cole Perfetti, Adam Lowry, and Brad Lambert could fill the second line center role. Winnipeg is also in a position where they could ask for futures in return for Scheifele. However, with teams being in situations where they may or may not have a lot of futures, it could be an issue that is reflected through trade.
What Teams Could Realistically Trade For Scheifele?
Cap space is definitely tight for many teams right now, it is also worth noting that contending teams don’t have many futures to give up right now. However, teams will certainly attempt to clear cap space to acquire an experienced center on an expiring contract.
The teams that are candidates to acquire Mark Scheifele are the Colorado Avalanche, the Florida Panthers, the Boston Bruins, and the Edmonton Oilers. Each of the teams listed except for Boston aren’t in a position where they desperately need another center. Boston is likely to have David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron retire in the same season, making it necessary for them to acquire a center in the short term.
Edmonton could use the additional depth come playoffs, but knowing Scheifele’s defensive tendencies, I don’t know if this would help Edmonton. Colorado is in a similar boat, they just acquired Ryan Johansen and Ross Colton while also signing Jonathan Drouin in free agency. Florida has Aleksander Barkov, Sam Bennett, Evan Rodriguez and many other players who can play center. However, there are situations, specifically the playoffs, where teams want to add experienced players to help make a deep Stanley Cup Playoffs run.
Will Mark Scheifele Be Traded?
While I don’t see a realistic scenario where Scheifele is moved, but the Jets have had locker room problems for years. The shift where and when they need to usher in a new culture on and off the ice is right on the teams doorstep. It’s just up to management to make the shift and try to figure out if not being in a playoff spot is where they want to be for the year.
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