Winnipeg Jets: Hometown Boy Could be the Answer

The New York Rangers made a move today that they may regret for years to come. They placed their 2010 first round pick Dylan McIlrath on waivers, in an attempt to send him down to Hartford, the Rangers American Hockey League affiliate. This is music to the Winnipeg Jets ears.

After multiple up-and-down developmental seasons, Dylan finally blew the NHL by storm last season, playing in 34 games. McIlrath’s big body, and small salary, (just $800k) makes him someone who will be targeted around the NHL on waivers. This isn’t something New York wanted to do, but since he has only played in one game so far this season, his trade value was no where.

Maybe since McIlrath doesn’t fit in the Rangers bench, the Winnipeg Jets would be willing to give him a chance – Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Dylan is a Winnipeg born and raised player, who still has considerable amounts of friends and family in the city. If Winnipeg is per chance interested to claim him off waivers, what a transition it could be for McIlrath. Not only going from a team who has lots of depth at the defence position, but also heading to one where depth “D” are hard to come by. Not only was he part of a crowded pack of defence in New York, but he stood out with his puck movement.

Unfortunately he’s shoots right handed, which is the Jets side of strength. But at the moment he bodes as a good replacement for Jacob Trouba on the third pairing until he’s back. He could relieve some pressure off the shoulders of Dustin Byfuglien, who’s been playing way too much lately, something that he won’t be able to sustain over a full season. Especially with an injury concern to Byfuglien right now. The Winnipeg native would also leave a team who’s just departing from their Henrik Lundqvist era, and could be entering a rebuild in the near future. If McIlrath wants to win, his chances are with Winnipeg in a few years.