3 Things from Jets Training Camp – Day 4
Jets looking for offence from everywhere
The Jets know they need more offence throughout the lineup after relying heavily on Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor for much of their scoring last season. Scott Arniel believes that starts with getting more pucks into dangerous areas and having all five players involved in the attack.
“Obviously, one of the retrievals-that's the forecheck side of things-but the second part was how quick you attack, how quick you got the puck back,” said Arniel on Sunday.
“But then the other area, where we analytically really need to improve two areas: one is more plays into the slot area, into that area to get those chances, and then it's recover it again and do it again.”
Arniel also wants Winnipeg’s defencemen to play a bigger role offensively, something Dylan Samberg echoed when discussing his own game.
“For myself, our coaches are always harping about our D men getting up in the rush. I want to take another step in the offensive role of things.”
But Samberg knows that can't come at the expense of his defensive game.
“That’s the part of my game that is best,” said Samberg.
“If I can shut down other teams’ top lines, then the offence will come from that. Not trying to search for it, just playing steady and whatnot.”
Barron says Jets have plenty to prove
Morgan Barron believes the Jets are entering the season with something to prove after last year's disappointing finish. Despite having a career year individually, Barron said he expects more from himself.
“There’s still another level I can get to. I think everybody feels like that,” said Barron.
“You can probably ask Scheif and guys like that who had real career years and were at the top of the league in scoring, and they still feel like they can reach another level. I think you look up and down our lineup and at the end of the day, we missed the playoffs. So that means everyone can contribute more. There’s nobody that’s going to sit back and be satisfied with the way our season ended.”
Barron also pointed to the competitive vibe at camp this year, with young players like Brad Lambert, Brayden Yager and Viggo Björck pushing for opportunities and more openings in the lineup than in years past.
“Obviously there’s going to be changes, but I think it’s good to have some young energy and some youth that’s coming in competing for jobs and competing for roles in our lineup,” said Barron.
“It’s nice to see those guys, as they’re figuring out the league you can see big steps they take over the course of a summer and as they get their feet under them.”
Time change forcing Jets to rethink travel and recovery
The changes to Manitoba's time system will have a significant impact on how the Jets manage travel and recovery during the season. Arniel said Winnipeg has already been looking at how the change will affect trips east and west, including potentially staying overnight rather than immediately returning home.
“It really is. It changes a lot.”
Arniel said the Jets have also consulted with their medical staff and players about how best to manage the new schedule.
“There are certain places that we don't want to come home or whatever,” said Arniel.
“And if we have two days off, we will. You know, we'll probably come home because we can have the rest day.”
The Jets have gone through numerous versions of the schedule while trying to account for the changes.
“We’re on our 12th draft of the schedule that we’ve sent out to everybody.”
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