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3 PTO signings Winnipeg Jets may consider before preseason feat. Blake Wheeler
The Winnipeg Jets head into training camp this fall looking to build on a second-place finish in the Central Division last season. While their roster remains largely unchanged, they could consider adding some veteran depth to bolster the team’s lineup.
Here’s a look at three PTO signings the Winnipeg Jets could consider ahead of preseason.
3 PTO signings Winnipeg Jets may consider before preseason
#3. Mike Hoffman, LW
Hoffman spent last season with the San Jose Sharks. Unfortunately, he had a down year, scoring 10 goals in 66 games. While he still shows speed and versatility, he’s far removed from the player who earned a three-year, $13.5 million contract from the Montreal Canadiens in 2021.
Still, his veteran presence and instincts for the puck could provide the Winnipeg Jets with an opportunity to fill out the bottom six with a reliable goal scorer. Hoffman could be enticed to sign a deal closer to $1 million, or perhaps league minimum, for a prove-it deal to show he still belongs in the NHL.
#2. Antti Raanta, G
The Jets have one of the best netminders in the world in Connor Hellebuyck. Nevertheless, Hellebuyck has seemed human at times, raising concerns about the need for a solid backup.
With that in mind, the Jets signed Kaapo Kahkonen this offseason to serve as Hellebuyck’s backup. However, there may be some concerns beyond Kahkonen as a reliable backup.
As such, the Jets could consider bringing in an experienced goaltender like Antti Raanta into camp on a PTO. Raanta showed he could carry the load as a starter with the Carolina Hurricanes. Unfortunately for Raanta, the depth in goal for Carolina squeezed him out of the picture last season.
Raanta could provide the Winnipeg Jets with a low-cost insurance policy should Hellebuyck go down, giving the Jets an experienced third-string goaltender to support Kahkonen.
#1. Blake Wheeler, C
The former Jet could be an interesting addition to the team. While his best days are arguably behind him, Wheeler still has a solid upside. Last season, Wheeler scored 21 points through nine goals and 12 assists in 54 games until a serious injury ended his season.
While he did return in the playoffs, Wheeler did not make a significant impact for the New York Rangers. Nevertheless, a reunion between Wheeler and the Jets does have its upside. It could be a way for Wheeler to ride off into the sunset with Winnipeg while giving the Jets a solid bottom-six forward option to complement young and up-and-coming players.
Wheeler played for $800K last season, making him a low-cost proposition for Winnipeg to consider. The club likely has nothing to lose in bringing Wheeler back into the fold for what could be his final NHL season.
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