2 Surprising Cuts Jets Made In Training Camp

The Winnipeg Jets have introduced some young blood into their lineup in hopes of making a return to the postseason. It is a tough division, so these players will have to be impactful. Though the Jets do have a couple of prospects, there was another surprising cut as well as someone who was thought to be an NHL-regular.

Jansen Harkins

It came as a surprise when the Jets chose to keep Dominic Toninato on the team over Jansen Harkins. Both can play centre or left wing, but Harkins is the natural left wing. With David Gustafsson centering their fourth line, Toninato will be playing on the left wing. Not only did Harkins play a larger role than Toninato last season, but he is also younger.

The Jets chose to go with eight defencemen, so it further shortened the list of forwards making the opening night roster. It's an interesting move considering Harkins has been with the Jets for three seasons now.

Ville Heinola

Ville Heinola has been pushing for a spot on the Jets roster for a few seasons now. He was drafted 20th overall in 2019, but has quickly developed and looks ready. He has gotten in games with the Jets in each of the seasons since being drafted and produces points wherever he plays.

The Jets are in need of a defenceman who can put up points and someone to take over as the point man on the power play. Heinola should have gotten that opportunity this season, but Dylan Samberg was chosen to make the team instead, another good choice. The questionable defenceman is Logan Stanley. Ideally, the Jets would have both Heinola and Samberg in the lineup and Stanley out. Heinola recorded five assists in 12 games with the Jets last season and 26 points in 41 games in the AHL. The team needs to find a spot for him in the lineup soon.