Having more guys than needed is usually seen as a positive in sports, especially ones with high injury risks. In the case of the Jets' defensive line, however, it seems as though too many players demanding ice time has become a serious issue.
The Jets have 10 men for 6 positions on defence, with former high-valued draft picks like Logan Stanley on the outside looking in. After trading up for Stanley in the 2016 draft, the player has perennially complained about his playing time, culminating in a demand for a trade elsewhere.
Veterans like Dylan DeMelo and Branden Dillon are unrestricted free agents next season, bringing their status into question. Both players have been top 4 defensemen for the Jets, and moving on would be difficult while still trying to compete. Keeping both players around would continue the logjam at the position though, with guys like Kyle Capobianco stuck without a spot for the moment.
Contract circumstances aren’t helping the Jets either. Ville Heinola has a waiver exemption clause, meaning he has to be kept on the active roster. Declan Chisholm also only loses his waiver exemption status this year, meaning he’ll also have to be kept on the roster. Contract details like this make it much more difficult for an organization to be flexible and have to balance taking the best players, and the required players into the next season.
Having too many players ready to suit up for the team is rarely a problem, but for the Winnipeg Jets, it’s one the team will soon have to solve. Picking and choosing which players to waive, and ultimately risk losing, could have long-term impacts on a team currently at a crossroads.
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