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New York Times
21-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
NHL rumblings: Who was in on Toews, plus latest on Marner, McDavid, Tavares, Robertson and more
The Winnipeg Jets were the front-runners for Jonathan Toews from the get-go. His relationship with Jets chairman Mark Chipman was a big part of it, and Toews' desire to play for his hometown team was a natural allure. But that doesn't mean that his camp, led by agent Pat Brisson, didn't talk to other teams once it was announced May 29 that it was 100 percent Toews was coming back. The Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs were among the 15 teams that spoke with Brisson about their interest in Toews. Advertisement The Leafs are dying to find the keys to a deeper playoff path, and Toews would have been a wonderful addition from that perspective. It was a no-brainer for general manager Brad Treliving to poke his nose in there, but the Leafs got the sense early it was Winnipeg or Colorado for Toews. The young Habs could have used Toews' Stanley Cup-winning experience, too, to be sure. The Avs are trying to find their way back to another Stanley Cup, and adding Toews to that talented mix would have put him in a position where he didn't have to lead but could find a way to become impactful. Colorado was seriously interested and had a chance to talk directly with Toews and felt it had a real good role for him there — don't forget Charlie Coyle could have easily slid over to wing — but ultimately was the runner-up. The fit is similar in Winnipeg, where there's also a deep, talented roster. Toews doesn't have to be Superman there. 'When it comes to fitting into the lineup, this is more about where he will finish than where he will start,' Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff told The Athletic on Saturday. 'His contributions will grow as he becomes more comfortable with his surroundings. Every year, a team has to find out who they are and what each player brings to the collective group. That's why each season brings a new challenge and what drives each individual player. 'In today's game, it's not about jumping over the boards first, second or third. It's about how you influence the people around you when you are out there. JT could have chosen to just sit on the sidelines and watch time pass by, but he has chosen to embrace the new challenge of working with a group of guys to achieve something special.' If all goes well, and Toews rediscovers some of his old form after not playing for two and a half years, he could be the second-line center on a team that has one of the very best third-line centers in the league in Adam Lowry (when he's healthy again). Advertisement But what's clear from Cheveldayoff's comment is that Toews will have a chance to find his form. He won't be rushed into a role he might not be ready for. Here are more rumblings from around the league as we head into draft week. After making a number of calls around the league on it this past week, here's what I make of the Jason Robertson situation: The Stars aren't actively shopping him but are listening on him to educate themselves on the market and what teams might be willing to do at some point. Dallas correctly views his value as at its highest right now, given that he's still signed for another year at $7.75 million on the cap. At the same time, the Stars are also trying to gauge Robertson's camp, CAA and Pat Brisson, to get a feel for what their ask would be on the next contract. Robertson is set to be a restricted free agent on July 1, 2026. He can be extended as early as this summer. I do believe that if it's a contract that's fair, Dallas will extend him and keep him. But if the ask is perceived as too high without much wiggle room, it might get interesting as far as circling back to teams that have reached out. I think the market interest is already pretty robust for Robertson, as it should be. Either way, though, I don't see a quick resolution in the coming week or two. I think this is a slow-play situation where he's either extended by the end of the summer or traded in August. Connor McDavid spoke this week, and I think he was candid and clear: He's looking for reasons to stay with the Edmonton Oilers but also needs to have the team share its vision of what the next few years look like. Because winning is No. 1. All of which is why he's in no hurry to sign an extension right away when he's eligible July 1. How the Oilers front office handles the next few weeks will be important in communicating to No. 97 that they're still going to be an elite contender. Advertisement 'It's my job to connect with Connor in that way and demonstrate that that's what we're all trying do do,' Oilers GM Stan Bowman told Edmonton media members Friday. 'We all have the same objective.' So, message received. Leon Draisaitl didn't sign his extension until Sept. 3 last year, and people shouldn't freak out if McDavid still hasn't signed come training camp. It doesn't mean it will drag out that long. Perhaps something gets done swiftly by August, but the most important fact to remember is that there is no firm timeline his camp has declared as having to follow in this. Echoing what colleague Chris Johnston wrote this past week, I'm not in the camp of not believing McDavid will sign an eight-year max deal but rather a shorter one. Whether that's two years or three or five or six, time will tell. McDavid's agent is Judd Moldaver, who did a four-year extension for superstar Auston Matthews with the Maple Leafs two years ago. He isn't focused on eight-year max deals in all situations. And McDavid is still only 28. So a three-year deal, for instance, would put him back in an unrestricted-free-agent leverage position at 31, when he's still in his prime. Of course, there's always the small chance McDavid doesn't think the Oilers are set up to remain a contender and doesn't extend. I don't think that's the likeliest outcome, but it's not 100 percent off the table. Teams like the Los Angeles Kings, with former Oilers GM Ken Holland, are keeping a close eye. If and when McDavid ever leaves, it's a short list of markets that I believe would be a fit for him: L.A., the New York Rangers, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Dallas Stars, etc. It would not be a free-for-all, with 25 teams getting a chance at it. The rumor du jour — and it is very much that, as I've not confirmed it but have heard it now from two teams now — is that one option Mitch Marner is considering is a two-year deal at around $12 million to $13 million per year, positioning him to hit the market again when the salary cap skyrockets to $113 million or higher in a couple of years. Advertisement The risk is injury, of course, but at 28 now, he would be 30 when he is a UFA again if he went that route. The Vegas Golden Knights, the Stars and the Kings are among the teams that I believe are high on Marner's list. The Stars would be a long-shot fit given their financial commitment to Mikko Rantanen, but never say never. Sam Bennett's late-night declaration to fans at a bar Thursday was a clip that went viral. (I love how the Panthers celebrate Stanley Cups, by the way.) Bennett also made it clear on the ice Tuesday night after winning it all that he considered his teammates brothers and couldn't imagine being anywhere else. So we know Bennett wants to stay, and we know Panthers GM Bill Zito wants to make it happen. But there is still work to do to find a sweet spot on a deal. Somewhere between $7.5 million and just under $8 million on an eight-year deal seems like the spot, but will that be enough to get it done? Remember: Bennett was announcing his intention to stay late Thursday night, not an actual extension. I find it hard to believe the sides won't get there before July 1, though. Same as with Sam Reinhart a year ago. As colleague Frank Seravalli first reported, talks between the Calgary Flames and Rasmus Andersson's camp didn't go great recently regarding a possible extension that can be signed as early as July 1. The Flames still have Andersson under contract for another year and are comfortable having him play for them next season, but at the same time, my understanding is that GM Craig Conroy is now ready to listen on trade offers for the veteran right-shot defenseman. Whether that's a trade that happens this summer or waits until the deadline, both are on the table. There will be no shortage of interest in Andersson. Right-shot defensemen of his caliber are hard to acquire. He would be a great fit in Dallas, but how the Stars navigate that around their limited cap space is another matter. The Columbus Blue Jackets were among the teams in on Mason Marchment before Dallas shipped him to the Seattle Kraken. (About 20 teams showed different levels of interest in Marchment, but Dallas needed to move his entire salary and not retain.) Columbus has the most cap room in the league and is eager to add this summer. But the Jackets don't want to be a dumping ground for bad contracts. They want to add talent to a team that surprised everyone this past season and nearly made the playoffs. They thought Marchment would have been a solid add. They would absolutely enter the Mitch Marner sweepstakes if invited to do so. But unless something changes, I don't think the Marner camp has Columbus on its list of preferred destinations. At least not so far. It's been a strong couple of days for Kraken GM Jason Botterill, who basically swapped out the underachieving Andre Burakovsky ($5.5 million average annual value for two more years) for Mason Marchment ($4.5 million AAV). Marchment didn't have a strong playoffs for Dallas, but he's a more versatile player than Burakovsky in any universe and brings a different element to the Kraken. Marchment does need a new contract in a year, but he's an upgrade for Seattle by any measure. Advertisement There's still more than a week to go before July 1, but the Leafs and John Tavares' camp, led by agent Pat Brisson, still haven't found their sweet spot on an extension. Wherever each side is, it wasn't close enough as of Saturday. The stakes are high here. You've got a 34-year-old player who doesn't want to leave his home and a team that can ill-afford to lose a second-line center who just scored 38 goals and 74 points. Deadlines spur decisions. It's probably still going to get done, but it's a fascinating one to be sure. (Top photo of Mitch Marner and Connor McDavid: Dan Hamilton / Imagn Images)
Winnipeg Free Press
11-06-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Jets co-owner: 'Patently unacceptable' to see downtown change from Whiteout to down and out
Vulnerable people passed out and sleeping on sidewalks, in front of businesses and on park benches. Visible signs of addiction and mental illness at seemingly every turn. Desperate panhandlers teetering on concrete dividers hoping motorists will toss them some change. These were the scenes obvious to anyone in downtown Winnipeg on Monday afternoon — ones that Winnipeg Jets co-owner and chairman Mark Chipman experienced first-hand as he made his way into a Main Street building for an event much bigger and more important than any hockey game. 'I just don't know how we can look away from it,' Chipman told the Free Press during a candid, wide-ranging one-on-one chat. 'It never ends. Just driving over today … you can't drive a block without being reminded of somebody that is really suffering.' Ruth Bonneville / Free Press True North and United Way Winnipeg funding event is attended by (from left) Sheryl Blacksmith, Executive Director, Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), Connie Walker, President & CEO, United Way Winnipeg, Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment and Winnipeg Jets defenceman, Dylan DeMelo with a cheque for money raised during Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party events, Monday. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press True North and United Way Winnipeg funding event is attended by (from left) Sheryl Blacksmith, Executive Director, Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), Connie Walker, President & CEO, United Way Winnipeg, Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment and Winnipeg Jets defenceman, Dylan DeMelo with a cheque for money raised during Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party events, Monday. Chipman noted the stark contrast of how the inner-city was bursting with energy and excitement during the seven Jets home playoff dates earlier this spring, with more than 15,000 fans cheering inside Canada Life Centre and thousands more at the outdoor street parties. But what happens once the buzzer sounds, the game ends and the crowds head home? 'I just find it patently unacceptable,' Chipman said of the challenges facing so many citizens. The painstaking, often frustrating work to address what he calls a 'complex, multi-generational set of issues' continues, with days like Monday providing hope that progress is slowly being made. Chipman stood front and centre inside Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), with Jets defenceman Dylan DeMelo at his side, presenting a cheque for $234,890 to the United Way which represents 50 per cent of the proceeds from the playoff events held earlier this spring. 'It never ends. Just driving over today … you can't drive a block without being reminded of somebody that is really suffering.'–Mark Chipman The funds will be shared equally among four grassroots organizations working to combat issues of addiction, homelessness and mental illness. 'It's just incredible,' said Connie Walker, the interim president and CEO of United Way who recently returned to the organization she had previously been with between 2008-2023. 'I didn't realize just how big the cheque was.' It's the biggest single playoff contribution since True North and United Way began partnering together in 2019 — and it comes just in the nick of time. 'I've been taken aback by the level of need in our community,' said Walker. 'Every day, any time of day, I can look out my window and see people struggling. More people than I have ever seen before. It's not right. I find it heartbreaking.' Chipman said it was a similar glance outside from his office back in 2014 that led to a personal awakening. A dishevelled, disoriented man was clearly in some distress. He watched as first responders, paramedics and police showed up to deal with him. Chipman had viewed similar scenes countless times over the years. But this one, he says, stuck with him. He had seen enough. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'I got really curious about what was happening to this soul. Where is this soul going?' Chipman said. 'That just took me down a path that I'm still very much on and have spent a lot of time trying to understand and offer solutions to.' OPK, which works with marginalized, at-risk Indigenous young adults, are one of the four recipients of this year's funds. 'It's been a tsunami of need,' said OPK Executive Director Sheryl Blacksmith. 'Helping our young people to realize their dreams, to realize their potential, to forgive themselves. Failure is a great teacher. Thank you so much for this amazing gift and how much it's going to change lives.' Blacksmith drew plenty of laughs when, looking directly at DeMelo, she admitted to being 'a little star-struck…Dylan, I'm your No. 1 fan. I was more nervous about being in your presence than anything else. Just know that you are our heroes.' DeMelo, an Ontario product who now lives year-round in Winnipeg with his family, embraced her with a hug. The other recipients this year are N'Dinawemak – Our Relatives' Place (an Indigenous-led resource offering 24-7 space for individuals experiencing homelessness), the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (which provides 24-7 non-emergency support, outreach and intervention) and Kã Ni Kãnichihk – Velma's House (a shelter for adult women). Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment speaks at the funding announcement, Monday. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment speaks at the funding announcement, Monday. 'The gravity of the situation is very serious. Having said that, I think in many ways I've never been more hopeful,' said Chipman, noting ongoing initiatives at both the provincial and municipal level which he and many other partners are involved with. 'Because I'm sensing a real willingness of all those interested parties to work together. We're at an intersection here, and we're going to go one way or the other here. I think we're really close now. Parts of it are finally coming together.' Whether it's on or off the ice, there's no question the Jets have always had a strong connection with the community, re-enforced by losing the NHL back in 1996 only to get a second chance in 2011. Chipman, who along with business partner David Thomson purchased the Atlanta Thrashers 14 years ago, believes this year's hockey club only solidified that bond. True North made a concerted effort to re-connect with old and new fans, due in part to a decrease in its season ticket base and overall attendance. They made significant progress on that front while overseeing a team that won the Presidents' Trophy, beat the St. Louis Blues in an epic seven-game series and then eventually fell to the Dallas Stars in six games. 'We were really a good team from start-to-finish. Getting past the first round, and the way it was done so dramatically, helped,' said Chipman. 'Every day, any time of day, I can look out my window and see people struggling. More people than I have ever seen before. It's not right. I find it heartbreaking.'–Connie Walker 'But when I think about our team, I think about the core of our team. It's that group of men that really represent us I think people connect with. They've watched them grow up. That maturation process revealed itself in some very difficult circumstances.' None greater than first-ever draft pick Mark Scheifele learning his father, Brad, had passed away just hours before a pivotal Game 6 in Dallas. Scheifele ultimately played in the game, scored the opening goal, then took a late penalty that led to the overtime winner by the Stars. Jets players and fans immediately rallied around him, and Chipman chartered a plane to take the group to the funeral several days later. 'The way our group rallied around Scheif left an impression on me. I can't tell you I'm surprised, because I've watched these guys grow into men together. But it still left an impression that I'll never forget,' said Chipman. 'It was just so authentic and genuine and real that I think people connected with it. Schief was everybody's son.' On the hockey side, Chipman said the ultimate goal remains delivering a Stanley Cup to Winnipeg. He believes this group is closer than ever to making that happen. 'It's been a work-in-progress. This group didn't all of a sudden just emerge into what they showed themselves to be. They've been becoming this group for many, many years now,' said Chipman. 'And what excites me is they're going to continue to be this group for the foreseeable future. I think that's what's really resonating with people.' And, as Monday showed, that can be a real win-win for everyone. 'It's one of the great privileges of being involved in this business of professional hockey,' said Chipman. 'That you can associate with organizations like this and try, in some incremental way every year, to make the community a little bit more healthy and stronger. Hopefully we can do this again next year and maybe the cheque is a little bit bigger because we go a little bit deeper.' X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
10-06-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg Jets partner with community groups aiming to see city soar
Vulnerable people passed out and sleeping on sidewalks, in front of businesses and on park benches. Visible signs of addiction and mental illness at seemingly every turn. Desperate panhandlers teetering on concrete dividers hoping motorists will toss them some change. These were the scenes obvious to anyone in downtown Winnipeg on Monday afternoon — ones that Winnipeg Jets co-owner and chairman Mark Chipman experienced first-hand as he made his way into a Main Street building for an event much bigger and more important than any hockey game. 'I just don't know how we can look away from it,' Chipman told the Free Press during a candid, wide-ranging one-on-one chat. 'It never ends. Just driving over today … you can't drive a block without being reminded of somebody that is really suffering.' Ruth Bonneville / Free Press True North and United Way Winnipeg funding event is attended by (from left) Sheryl Blacksmith, Executive Director, Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), Connie Walker, President & CEO, United Way Winnipeg, Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment and Winnipeg Jets defenceman, Dylan DeMelo with a cheque for money raised during Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party events, Monday. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press True North and United Way Winnipeg funding event is attended by (from left) Sheryl Blacksmith, Executive Director, Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), Connie Walker, President & CEO, United Way Winnipeg, Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment and Winnipeg Jets defenceman, Dylan DeMelo with a cheque for money raised during Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party events, Monday. Chipman noted the stark contrast of how the inner-city was bursting with energy and excitement during the seven Jets home playoff dates earlier this spring, with more than 15,000 fans cheering inside Canada Life Centre and thousands more at the outdoor street parties. But what happens once the buzzer sounds, the game ends and the crowds head home? 'I just find it patently unacceptable,' Chipman said of the challenges facing so many citizens. The painstaking, often frustrating work to address what he calls a 'complex, multi-generational set of issues' continues, with days like Monday providing hope that progress is slowly being made. Chipman stood front and centre inside Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), with Jets defenceman Dylan DeMelo at his side, presenting a cheque for $234,890 to the United Way which represents 50 per cent of the proceeds from the playoff events held earlier this spring. 'It never ends. Just driving over today … you can't drive a block without being reminded of somebody that is really suffering.'–Mark Chipman The funds will be shared equally among four grassroots organizations working to combat issues of addiction, homelessness and mental illness. 'It's just incredible,' said Connie Walker, the interim president and CEO of United Way who recently returned to the organization she had previously been with between 2008-2023. 'I didn't realize just how big the cheque was.' It's the biggest single playoff contribution since True North and United Way began partnering together in 2019 — and it comes just in the nick of time. 'I've been taken aback by the level of need in our community,' said Walker. 'Every day, any time of day, I can look out my window and see people struggling. More people than I have ever seen before. It's not right. I find it heartbreaking.' Chipman said it was a similar glance outside from his office back in 2014 that led to a personal awakening. A dishevelled, disoriented man was clearly in some distress. He watched as first responders, paramedics and police showed up to deal with him. Chipman had viewed similar scenes countless times over the years. But this one, he says, stuck with him. He had seen enough. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'I got really curious about what was happening to this soul. Where is this soul going?' Chipman said. 'That just took me down a path that I'm still very much on and have spent a lot of time trying to understand and offer solutions to.' OPK, which works with marginalized, at-risk Indigenous young adults, are one of the four recipients of this year's funds. 'It's been a tsunami of need,' said OPK Executive Director Sheryl Blacksmith. 'Helping our young people to realize their dreams, to realize their potential, to forgive themselves. Failure is a great teacher. Thank you so much for this amazing gift and how much it's going to change lives.' Blacksmith drew plenty of laughs when, looking directly at DeMelo, she admitted to being 'a little star-struck…Dylan, I'm your No. 1 fan. I was more nervous about being in your presence than anything else. Just know that you are our heroes.' DeMelo, an Ontario product who now lives year-round in Winnipeg with his family, embraced her with a hug. The other recipients this year are N'Dinawemak – Our Relatives' Place (an Indigenous-led resource offering 24-7 space for individuals experiencing homelessness), the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (which provides 24-7 non-emergency support, outreach and intervention) and Kã Ni Kãnichihk – Velma's House (a shelter for adult women). Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment speaks at the funding announcement, Monday. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment speaks at the funding announcement, Monday. 'The gravity of the situation is very serious. Having said that, I think in many ways I've never been more hopeful,' said Chipman, noting ongoing initiatives at both the provincial and municipal level which he and many other partners are involved with. 'Because I'm sensing a real willingness of all those interested parties to work together. We're at an intersection here, and we're going to go one way or the other here. I think we're really close now. Parts of it are finally coming together.' Whether it's on or off the ice, there's no question the Jets have always had a strong connection with the community, re-enforced by losing the NHL back in 1996 only to get a second chance in 2011. Chipman, who along with business partner David Thomson purchased the Atlanta Thrashers 14 years ago, believes this year's hockey club only solidified that bond. True North made a concerted effort to re-connect with old and new fans, due in part to a decrease in its season ticket base and overall attendance. They made significant progress on that front while overseeing a team that won the Presidents' Trophy, beat the St. Louis Blues in an epic seven-game series and then eventually fell to the Dallas Stars in six games. 'We were really a good team from start-to-finish. Getting past the first round, and the way it was done so dramatically, helped,' said Chipman. 'Every day, any time of day, I can look out my window and see people struggling. More people than I have ever seen before. It's not right. I find it heartbreaking.'–Connie Walker 'But when I think about our team, I think about the core of our team. It's that group of men that really represent us I think people connect with. They've watched them grow up. That maturation process revealed itself in some very difficult circumstances.' None greater than first-ever draft pick Mark Scheifele learning his father, Brad, had passed away just hours before a pivotal Game 6 in Dallas. Scheifele ultimately played in the game, scored the opening goal, then took a late penalty that led to the overtime winner by the Stars. Jets players and fans immediately rallied around him, and Chipman chartered a plane to take the group to the funeral several days later. 'The way our group rallied around Scheif left an impression on me. I can't tell you I'm surprised, because I've watched these guys grow into men together. But it still left an impression that I'll never forget,' said Chipman. 'It was just so authentic and genuine and real that I think people connected with it. Schief was everybody's son.' On the hockey side, Chipman said the ultimate goal remains delivering a Stanley Cup to Winnipeg. He believes this group is closer than ever to making that happen. 'It's been a work-in-progress. This group didn't all of a sudden just emerge into what they showed themselves to be. They've been becoming this group for many, many years now,' said Chipman. 'And what excites me is they're going to continue to be this group for the foreseeable future. I think that's what's really resonating with people.' And, as Monday showed, that can be a real win-win for everyone. 'It's one of the great privileges of being involved in this business of professional hockey,' said Chipman. 'That you can associate with organizations like this and try, in some incremental way every year, to make the community a little bit more healthy and stronger. Hopefully we can do this again next year and maybe the cheque is a little bit bigger because we go a little bit deeper.' X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Global News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Jets in must-win mode after dropping 3-1 decision to Stars in Game 4
As the final minutes of regulation time ticked down Tuesday night, Winnipeg Jets executive chairman Mark Chipman paced outside his team's dressing room. Hands in his pant pockets, head facing down, Chipman occasionally glanced up at the television monitor in the hallway. He watched as his team pressed late but couldn't cut the deficit, eventually dropping a 3-1 decision to Dallas in a Game 4 loss that left the Jets in must-win mode for this second-round NHL playoff series. Chipman folded his arms and looked away in the dying seconds. He didn't need to look up again. The game-ending horn that blared throughout American Airlines Center and the roar from the sellout crowd said it all. Chipman moved to the side as the dejected players made their way into the room, a frustrated Josh Morrissey punching the door on his way through. Story continues below advertisement The Presidents' Trophy winners have been unable to win on the road in these playoffs and now they're on the brink of elimination. The result, with Mikael Granlund scoring all three goals for the Stars, left Jets coach Scott Arniel with a clear message for his players. 'Don't lose your last game,' he said. 'Real simple.' 1:24 Jets gameday behind the scenes with 680 CJOB Game 5 goes Thursday at Canada Life Centre, a venue that will be a welcome sight for a Winnipeg side that has lost nine straight road playoff games and all five this post-season. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The Jets aren't getting breaks and the Stars have taken advantage of their opportunities. Jake Oettinger has outplayed Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck in net and Dallas is playing with confidence. The free-flowing skating, crisp puck movement and offensive potency that helped the Jets finish first in the overall standings have been minimized due to more frequent broken plays and general scuffling. Story continues below advertisement Something just feels a little off and when Winnipeg presses to find another gear, it sometimes backfires. There are no easy answers for a team that hasn't won a road playoff game since the 2023 playoff opener in Las Vegas. 'If I had the answer to why, we would have got one at some point,' Ehlers said. 'I think this (season) we've been really good on the road, and now we need to win at home and find a way here and hopefully make it to Game 6. 'So we need to find a way, simple as that.' Arniel experimented for Game 4 by juggling his lines with Mark Scheifele on the top unit with wingers Kyle Connor and Alex Iafallo. The Stars also changed things up as star blueliner Miro Heiskanen returned after an absence of over three months due to knee surgery. 2:12 Jets fans across Manitoba make playoff melodies A good start by Winnipeg was negated by an undisciplined penalty from Dylan DeMelo. He was called for holding the stick and Granlund tallied on the power play with a wrist shot that beat Hellebuyck on the glove side. Story continues below advertisement After Ehlers scored early in the second period, Granlund restored the Dallas lead by shooting on a 2-on-1 break. He notched his first career hat trick with a one-timer midway through the third. 'Granny led the way,' said Stars coach Pete DeBoer. Heiskanen, meanwhile, played almost 15 minutes and set up Granlund's final goal — a power-play marker — with a crisp pass from the point. 'He's worked his butt off,' Oettinger said of Heiskanen. 'Just such a big part of this team. The fact that we get to add a guy like that halfway through the post-season run is incredible.' Sounds like a player who's preparing to play two more rounds. If Oettinger plays like he did Tuesday, he very well might. Oettinger made 31 stops, including a highlight-reel save on Kyle Connor in the second period and a short-handed breakaway stop on the Winnipeg forward in the third. 'There were a couple of guys that had some really good looks,' Arniel said. 'Just got to find a way to bury those.' Hellebuyck, a Vezina Trophy and Hart Trophy nominee, has started all five road losses this spring. He has a 5.84 goals-against average and .793 save percentage away from home in the playoffs. Story continues below advertisement 'I leave it all out there every night, I'm doing my best,' Hellebuyck said in a rare post-game media availability for the netminder. 'Sometimes it's a heartbreak, but all it takes is one little change, one little bounce and things can start going our way.' The Jets led the NHL with 26 road wins this past season and topped the Western Conference in road points percentage. They won't be back on the road this spring without a victory at home in Game 5.
CTV News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Jets in must-win mode after dropping 3-1 decision to Stars in Game 4
The Winnipeg Jets are now facing elimination after losing to the Dallas Stars in Game 4. The Winnipeg Jets are now facing elimination after losing to the Dallas Stars in Game 4. DALLAS — As the final minutes of regulation time ticked down Tuesday night, Winnipeg Jets executive chairman Mark Chipman paced outside his team's dressing room. Hands in his pant pockets, head facing down, Chipman occasionally glanced up at the television monitor in the hallway. He watched as his team pressed late but couldn't cut the deficit, eventually dropping a 3-1 decision to Dallas in a Game 4 loss that left the Jets in must-win mode for this second-round NHL playoff series. Chipman folded his arms and looked away in the dying seconds. He didn't need to look up again. The game-ending horn that blared throughout American Airlines Center and the roar from the sellout crowd said it all. Chipman moved to the side as the dejected players made their way into the room, a frustrated Josh Morrissey punching the door on his way through. The Presidents' Trophy winners have been unable to win on the road in these playoffs and now they're on the brink of elimination. The result, with Mikael Granlund scoring all three goals for the Stars, left Jets coach Scott Arniel with a clear message for his players. 'Don't lose your last game,' he said. 'Real simple.' Game 5 goes Thursday at Canada Life Centre, a venue that will be a welcome sight for a Winnipeg side that has lost nine straight road playoff games and all five this post-season. The Jets aren't getting breaks and the Stars have taken advantage of their opportunities. Jake Oettinger has outplayed Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck in net and Dallas is playing with confidence. The free-flowing skating, crisp puck movement and offensive potency that helped the Jets finish first in the overall standings have been minimized due to more frequent broken plays and general scuffling. Something just feels a little off and when Winnipeg presses to find another gear, it sometimes backfires. There are no easy answers for a team that hasn't won a road playoff game since the 2023 playoff opener in Las Vegas. 'If I had the answer to why, we would have got one at some point,' Ehlers said. 'I think this (season) we've been really good on the road, and now we need to win at home and find a way here and hopefully make it to Game 6. 'So we need to find a way, simple as that.' Arniel experimented for Game 4 by juggling his lines with Mark Scheifele on the top unit with wingers Kyle Connor and Alex Iafallo. The Stars also changed things up as star blueliner Miro Heiskanen returned after an absence of over three months due to knee surgery. A good start by Winnipeg was negated by an undisciplined penalty from Dylan DeMelo. He was called for holding the stick and Granlund tallied on the power play with a wrist shot that beat Hellebuyck on the glove side. After Ehlers scored early in the second period, Granlund restored the Dallas lead by shooting on a 2-on-1 break. He notched his first career hat trick with a one-timer midway through the third. 'Granny led the way,' said Stars coach Pete DeBoer. Heiskanen, meanwhile, played almost 15 minutes and set up Granlund's final goal — a power-play marker — with a crisp pass from the point. 'He's worked his butt off,' Oettinger said of Heiskanen. 'Just such a big part of this team. The fact that we get to add a guy like that halfway through the post-season run is incredible.' Sounds like a player who's preparing to play two more rounds. If Oettinger plays like he did Tuesday, he very well might. Oettinger made 31 stops, including a highlight-reel save on Kyle Connor in the second period and a short-handed breakaway stop on the Winnipeg forward in the third. 'There were a couple of guys that had some really good looks,' Arniel said. 'Just got to find a way to bury those.' Hellebuyck, a Vezina Trophy and Hart Trophy nominee, has started all five road losses this spring. He has a 5.84 goals-against average and .793 save percentage away from home in the playoffs. 'I leave it all out there every night, I'm doing my best,' Hellebuyck said in a rare post-game media availability for the netminder. 'Sometimes it's a heartbreak, but all it takes is one little change, one little bounce and things can start going our way.' The Jets led the NHL with 26 road wins this past season and topped the Western Conference in road points percentage. They won't be back on the road this spring without a victory at home in Game 5. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2025. Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press
