@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.socialA new #NHLJets season, and a difficult goodbye.
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@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.socialIt was mentioned to #NHLJets Viggo Bjorck there could be extra spotlight on him this weekend at prospects tournament.
His (impressive) reply:
"I’m going in there the same as everyone, just trying to do my best out there."
I've got a full story coming for @winnipegfreepress.com
@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.socialThere's no ego on Viggo Bjorck. The #NHLJets top prospect says his only focus right now is to "fight for a spot in training camp."
"Hopefully if I play well I have a good chance to make the Jets team. Hopefully I can make the dream come true. I just have to put the work in.”
@mistermulligan.bsky.socialIt’s giveaway weekend again in Winnipeg. Maybe the Jets can just leave Hellebuyck out on the curb and see if anyone grabs him. #nhljets
@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.socialThe #NHLJets rookies/prospects are skating this morning before getting on the big bird and heading to Quebec where they’ll play Montreal and Toronto’s young guns this weekend.
Viggo Bjorck will obviously be the main attraction for Winnipeg. We’re talking to him shortly here.
@gametimeart.bsky.socialMark Scheifele kept looking to his right on NHL Media Day because he was looking for Blake to return. #NHLJets
Is Connor Hellebuyck still a jet? ishellebuyckstillajet.ca
#nhljets
@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.socialThey’ve both been around the NHL block a bit, but Stuart Skinner and Mario Ferraro are experiencing some “new kid at school” type jitters this week.
On the #NHLJets free agent signings and how they're quickly trying to make themselves at home.
@mistermulligan.bsky.socialWinnipeg Jets should run a promo where one lucky Jets fan can win luxury seating next to Hellebuyck in the press box all season. #nhljets
@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.socialAnd, folks, now that #NHLJets season is about to be upon us, the latest edition of our @winnipegfreepress.com mailbag is open.
Have a question about the hockey club for @wiebesworld.bsky.social or myself? Fire it our way — either replying to this post or by DM — and we will tackle it.
@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.socialAnd here’s colleague @wiebesworld.bsky.social with a story on #NHLJets defenceman Dylan DeMelo, who had a great time representing Canada at the World Championship — but hopes to never go back.
@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.social“I’ve never been a part of something like this.”
Let’s address the elephant in the room.
Or, to be more precise, the goalie who is not in the room. Or on the ice. Or even in the city as his #NHLJets teammates try to carry on without him.
My story: www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews...
@wiebesworld.bsky.socialWas back at the rink for #NHLJets captain's practice, which was a reminder that the monthly mailbag is open and the September edition for @winnipegfreepress.com will run early next week. Get those questions in to @mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.social and me as soon as you can.
@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.socialMore #NHLJets Demelo on Hellebuyck and Winnipeg taking another hit PR-wise.
"I would hope not. I think we've had many guys over the years re-sign. Guys that have come here have loved their time here. (Hopefully) one example will not give it a bad taste. I can only say great things about the city."
@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.socialMore #NHLJets DeMelo on Hellebuyck:
"For me, individually, it's an extra wrinkle. We're friends. Our wives are friends, we have kids the same age playing hockey together and all that stuff. It's definitely a hard situation overall. I've never been a part of something like this."
@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.social#NHLJets Dylan DeMelo on Connor Hellebuyck:
"We can't let that be a distraction. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. In regards to his comments, that's his business and for him to answer. For us, it's about getting ready for camp and focusing on the guys we've got here."
@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.socialMore #NHLJets Adam Lowry on Connor Hellebuyck.
"Helly's a good friend of ours. It's not something that we think is going to really impact the room. It's not going to create a big divide. It's a personal decision he's made and thinks is best for his family."
@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.social#NHLJets captain Adam Lowry on the Connor Hellebuyck situation:
"Nothing's set in stone. Obviously the situation is what it is. You spend so much time speculating on it you're going to drive yourself crazy. Obviously it's going to resolve itself one way or the other."
@mikemcintyrewpg.bsky.socialThe boys are back in town. Most of them anyways. #NHLJets gearing up for training camp next week by holding their latest informal skate. We’re going to hear from captain Adam Lowry and defenceman Dylan DeMelo shortly.
@gametimeart.bsky.socialKevin Cheveldayoff absolutely overplayed his hand at the draft. UPL would have been a very nice replacement for Helle and would have solved a lot of issues going forward. A Skinner / UPL 1A-1B combo would have served the #NHLJets well.
