NHL Trade Deadline Approaches
As the NHL trade deadline rapidly approaches, the Winnipeg Jets are poised to make significant adjustments to their roster, with two of their pending free agents garnering attention from teams across the league. Defensemen Luke Schenn and Logan Stanley have risen to the forefront as likely candidates for trades, although the specific timing of any movements remains unclear.
Logan Stanley’s Potential Departure
Among the pair, Stanley stands out as the most probable player to exit or not be retained for the next season. The 27-year-old, who towers at six feet seven inches, has yet to enter discussions regarding a contract renewal with the Jets, as reported by TSN’s Darren Dreger.
Stanley’s Career Progression
Stanley, selected 18th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft after the Jets traded up to secure his talents, has faced challenges in his early career, frequently filling a supporting role on the blue line. However, this season marks a potential turning point for him, as he has achieved a personal best with eight goals and nine assists, totaling 17 points over 51 games played. His impressive performance is likely to attract the interest of playoff-contending teams in need of a second or third-pairing defenseman.
Trade Value and Future Prospects
As the Jets look to retool for future seasons, Stanley’s current trade value may be low, with projections estimating they might receive a fourth or fifth-round draft pick in exchange. For context, Carson Soucy was traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the New York Islanders for a third-round selection this season. Even a mid-round pick for Stanley would surpass what Winnipeg initially anticipated at the beginning of the year, signaling a shift in his perceived worth as a rising player.