The defence and goaltending in Winnipeg has been quite inconsistent. We are not sure if it's due to lack of IT ST DF in our core forwards, or in our core dmen. We have some work to do with our DF youth. It's sad to see OEL struggling with production this year.

Between him and Zaitsev, we are relying on them to be the ones moving the puck on the back end. Some games you see it, but it's a bit far and few between. There is still a lot of hockey left to play this year, and the % avgs may level out and that would mean we see an uptick in production, which would be great for the overall squad.

Gillies has been a bit handcuffed with the endorsement, we would like to give him a rest once we are able to finalize those numbers, and work on his development again this offseason. We are looking to be in a good spot financially and with a playoff berth, at least 2 home games could count towards a small developmental boost, longer the better, obviously.

With a fresh young G, and a somewhat young core D, we think we have a good mix to be on pace to compete in 2030. Once those years come, we will reassess and attempt to hold on to our draft assets until we determine if the team "has it" to break through the perennial contenders in the West.

On the Farm side of things, previous 2nd round pick Dimitri Zavgondry (sp?) has been showing great promise. He currently leads the farm squad in goals. The Suzuki brothers are also finding great chemistry and we are just happy overall with everyones effort to further their development. We are hoping things shape up for Ilya over the years and will rely on him to play a big role in our farm club's continued success until he is ready to make the break into the Pros. We will likely explore a natural progression for him while spending efforts in the offseason on our current pro squad, but that can change rather quickly depending on our financial situation.

Kuze will need a new deal, but below him, Domi and Stephane are a lock for next year, which is great, both Max and Stephane are having great years and are really providing that edge and solidity down the middle.

White and Miks are on the book for next year, and we love what we are seeing from Roman, it will be up to him to see if he wants to come back, we are open to talking with his agent, but we are not sure what the cap will look like post pandemic.

Another key player who will need a new deal is Value Train Nino, acquired as an RFA, we did ship quite a bit in draft capital to bring him over, but we think it has been working out great for us in the short term. We expect him to be in the 6-7M range in line with players of his calibre and he has been a great presnece in the dressing room and on the bench. He has also been a proponent for the community starting up Jet Set Ready, a local non-profit that helps young kids in the community get started with their journey into the world of sports. Nino has contributed to local hockey rink rebuilds and a new soccer field complex within the Greater Winnipeg Metro Area. We wish him all the best and look forward to years to come with him in our club.

Our core D is locked up somewhat long term, except for depth value bus Urbom. Urbom has been amazing since being acquired from Edmonton, he does the right things at the right time and there is just something intangible with what he brings to the squad. His EX and LD are greatly welcomed and he has had great chemistry with Muzzy on the 3rd pair. We look forward to seeing his contributions in the playoffs and will hope he enjoys his role with the club for another 1-2y deal this offseason.