Winnipeg Jets May Have Surprising Option at Second-Line Center

The Winnipeg Jets are just one of the many contenders around the NHL this season looking up the middle of the ice as the trade deadline approaches, hoping to add a center.

But according to insider Darren Dreger on TSN's Insider Trading, it appears that the Jets just may have found their solution to their 2C, with the recent elevation of captain Adam Lowry to that spot.

It's just a few games, but as Dreger notes, to this point, "they really like what they see."

Because of an injury to (Vladislav) Namestnikov, they've had to alter their lines, and that means captain Adam Lowry has been thrown into the second line center spot, and... They really like what they see. The size is there, the physicality, the hockey IQ, he can do so many good things.

Now in his 11th season, with 10 goals and 25 points along with a plus/minus rating of +15, Lowry is on pace for 18 goals and 45 points, both of which would easily be career highs. The 6'5", 210-pounder, who normally patrols the third line, might be making the team's trade deadline decisions a bit easier, says Dreger.

"If this continues up to the deadline… Maybe this allows (GM) Kevin Cheveldayoff to take a more versatile approach, and instead of looking specifically for a center, maybe just grab the best center available at that point".

With the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, and Minnesota Wild, among others, all in the market for an upgrade at the pivot, that would be a nice option for the Jets to have, largely expanding their trade market.