Jets' Defenseman Could Be Traded So Team Can Upgrade Again

The Winnipeg Jets have had a great season so far and it allowed them to add Sean Monahan far ahead of the deadline to get him acclimated and make the team better. While cap space and roster spots might make some question if the Jets should add any more pieces, it looks like they may by moving pieces out this time.

Monahan was brought in with no money going back to the Montreal Canadiens. The next move should involve a roster player so that the Jets can stay cap compliant and still bring in another worthwhile addition. The Athletic believes that Nate Schmidt's position with the Jets could be at risk due to this.

Schmidt has played better overall than he has in recent seasons, but still not at the level that the Jets need from someone being paid $5.95 million AAV. He is still under contract until next season and since he could be the roster player sent back in the team's next deal, barring they have one, he will be on a non-contender.

The 32-year-old has averaged under 17 minutes per game of ice time this season and is one the third pairing. He is on pace for his lowest offensive output since his sophomore season where he only played 39 games. Schmidt has just one goal and eight points in 45 games, and while he's used a bit on the power play, he is used even less on the penalty kill. For what he's being paid, it makes perfect sense that the Jets try to move his contract out in any future deal they make to set themselves up better for this season and next.