Of the 24 players on the Jets roster, 10 are free agent invites, including seven forwards.
But in Vincent's mind, it doesn't matter if a particular player is at the tournament with an invitation or if he's drafted, they're all wearing Jets colours.
"We're looking for players that compete. We told them, and the message is clear, we're looking for players that are pushing for jobs and pushing to get signed, " said Vincent. "We're a team, we're the Winnipeg Jets. There are a lot of players that wanted to come here, and we had to select only a few. Those guys made that list. There's a reason for it. Now it's their job to show us what they can do."
Jansen Harkins (Winnipeg's second round pick in 2015) is no stranger to this tournament. This will be his third time skating in the event, giving him some veteran status in the dressing room this weekend.
He's also one of seven players on the roster with pro hockey experience. He reached 10 games played in the American Hockey League with the four he experienced with the Manitoba Moose at the end of the 2016-17 campaign.
"I've been waiting for a game for a couple months. Every guy here is a bit on edge just to start playing again," said Harkins. "It hit you yesterday just travelling, and the pre-game skate today just getting geared up. It should be fun."
GAME DAY: Jets open Young Stars against Canucks
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