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Jets Announce Lowry as Captain, Chisholm Extension |
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The Winnipeg Jets made a pair of announcements that may have pretty big impacts on the team both on and off the ice.
Adam Lowry was named captain of the team, and Declan Chisholm was given a one-year extension. Having a leader in the room who has been around as much as Lowry and getting Chisholm under contract will ensure the defensive depth throughout the organization stays strong.
Lowry is coming off a career year, whether it be in part because of the coaching change having an impact on his style of play, a boost in confidence from the team or just a good season, it doesn't matter because he did it. Posting 36 points in his defensive role is pretty impressive, and is a new career high. He played his physical game as always, but looked more comfortable with the puck than before.
Having his as captain isn't an indication of his career year, but it certainly helps. The decision was likely down to two candidates, Lowry and Josh Morrissey.
I don't think there was a wrong decision between the two. The only real gripe I can see anybody having with this decision is that they are both part of the same culture the Jets have been framed by for many years prior. Behind the scenes, things will rarely come to light, but Lowry could be part of the change moving forward. This team certainly needed a shakeup from Blake Wheeler, and the direction of the team seems to be headed in a positive direction. With Wheeler and Pierre-Luc Dubois gone, replaced by excellent defensive players in Alex Iafallo, Gabe Vilardi and Rasmus Kupari, the style is starting to match what head coach Rick Bowness thrives with.
It will be very interesting to see what kind of turn this team can take. They have been very clear that rebuilding and acquiring future assets is not what they are interested in, and they are retooling on the fly.
The rumours around Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck will be non-stop until they are either extended or traded, and speculation at this point is tough to work through, but having one year left on both deals is something that needs to be dealt with still.
Chisholm getting a contract is a positive move for the team. He likely won't see much NHL action, but after a strong AHL season, he earned a one-year, two-way deal. It is possible the wait was because he was fighting for a one-way deal, which he may look to sign next offseason, but for this year, until the Jets make some moves on the back end, he is going to have another season of development.
The Jets are entering dangerous territory on defense. They already lost Jonathan Kovacevic and Leon Gawanke due to the plug up and lack of room, and they have Ville Heinola, Chisholm, Salomonsson and more that are either knocking on the door now, or will be very soon.
Winnipeg Jets Blogger • 
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