Rick Bowness Hints at Potential Jets Lines For Upcoming Season
NHL training camps haven't quite kicked off yet, but Jets head coach Rick Bowness has already revealed some of his plans for his team's forward core.
Gabe Vilardi Joins the Top Line
During his first media availability of the season, Bowness revealed that he plans to play newcomer Gabe Vilardi on the right wing alongside Mark Scheifele and Kyle Conner. It's safe to say this should be Winnipeg's top line to start the season assuming everyone remains healthy.
Bowness also noted that the other newcomer from LA, Alex Iafallo would start off on a line with Adam Lowry and centered by Mason Appleton.
What About the Young Guys?
Jets fans may be wondering where their top young player Cole Perfetti may slot into the lineup. Bowness stated that he would get the first chance to center the second line, but implied he would have to earn that role.
As for Rasmus Kupari, another addition from the Kings, Bowness said that he would be centering the fourth line for the time being.
When asked about players on the bubble of making the team, Bowness had this to say.
"We want them to make that argument. We want them to show �I can help your team. I can make you closer to getting the Stanley Cup.' That's the whole objective here is to get the best team on the ice that we can that moves us closer to winning the Stanley Cup."
What About the Rest of the Forwards?
This leaves a few forwards still unaccounted for. Most Notably, Nikolaj Ehlers and Nino Niederreiter, should both be in line to play on the second line, potentially alongside Perfetti. Players like Morgan Barron and Vlad Namestnikov will most likely be on the fourth line alongside Kupari.
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Illegal Curve
| POLL | ||
20 SEPTEMBRE | 240 ANSWERS Rick Bowness Hints at Potential Jets Lines For Upcoming Season Who will lead Jets forwards in scoring this year? | ||
| Mark Scheifele | 63 | 26.3 % |
| Kyle Conner | 98 | 40.8 % |
| Cole Perfetti | 43 | 17.9 % |
| Gabe Villardi | 36 | 15 % |
| List of polls | ||
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