When defining the best gamers in Winnipeg Jets historical past, the dialog is as distinctive because the franchise itself. With roots tracing again to the unique Jets, who grew to become the Arizona Coyotes, and a second iteration born from the Atlanta Thrashers, choosing a Mount Rushmore for the Jets may be tough. Nevertheless, Ken Campbell of The Hockey Information has weighed in, naming the three greatest gamers to don a Winnipeg Jets jersey.
Jets’ Participant #1: Dale Hawerchuk – The Franchise Icon
There’s no debate about who belongs on the high of the Jets’ all-time checklist. Dale Hawerchuk is not only a Jets legend; he’s synonymous with the franchise. With 929 factors in 713 video games, Hawerchuk is the franchise chief in targets, assists, and factors. His contributions have been so important {that a} statue of him stands proudly outdoors the sector in Winnipeg. For Campbell, Hawerchuk’s affect on the crew makes him an computerized alternative for the Jets’ Mount Rushmore.
Jets’ Participant #2: Teemu Selanne – The Finnish Flash
Teemu Selanne solely spent 4 seasons in Winnipeg, however these years had been excellent. His 76-goal rookie season stays one of many best in NHL historical past, and he put up 360 factors in simply 231 video games with the Jets. Campbell admits that Selanne’s quick tenure may elevate questions, however his brilliance and historic significance earned him a spot on the all-time checklist throughout these 4 years.
Jets’ Participant #3: Keith Tkachuk – The Prototype Energy Ahead
Like Selanne, Keith Tkachuk’s time in Winnipeg was temporary however impactful. In 4 seasons, Tkachuk scored 144 targets and posted 289 factors. His hard-nosed, bodily type of play and talent to place the puck within the web made him a dominant drive throughout his time with the Jets. Campbell notes that whereas Tkachuk didn’t spend his total profession in Winnipeg, his 50-goal season and general contributions had been too nice to disregard.
Jets Gamers Who Deserve Honorable Mentions
Whereas Blake Wheeler, the franchise chief in video games performed, is commonly talked about in conversations about Jets greats, Campbell feels Wheeler’s consistency doesn’t fairly attain the extent of “greatness” seen in Hawerchuk, Selanne, or Tkachuk. Nevertheless, Mark Scheifele stands out as the present face of the crew and will probably etch his identify into the franchise’s Mount Rushmore sooner or later.
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