The Winnipeg Jets traded their 2024 first-round pick to the Montreal Canadiens for Sean Monahan, aiming for a Stanley Cup run that didn’t materialize. Unless a significant trade happens—potentially involving prospect Rutger McGroarty, who is reportedly hesitant to sign his entry-level contract—general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff’s first pick in the 2024 NHL Draft will be in the second round at 37th overall.
While this pick might not seem significant, recent history suggests there is potential to find valuable talent in this range. Cheveldayoff, who has been the Jets’ GM since their re-establishment, has a varied track record with his second-round selections over 13 drafts.
**NHL Regulars:**
Two of Cheveldayoff’s second-round picks are currently regulars on the Jets’ roster:
1. **Dylan Samberg (43rd overall, 2017):** After a patient development period, Samberg has become a solid defensive presence in the third pairing and is poised for a larger role.
2. **David Gustafsson (60th overall, 2018):** Despite injuries hindering his career, Gustafsson has played 113 games over five seasons as a fourth-line center or winger and is an RFA this offseason.
**Fringe Departed:**
Three second-round picks played for the Jets but have since moved on:
1. **Nic Petan (43rd overall, 2013):** Petan struggled to translate his junior success to the NHL, playing 108 games for the Jets before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has since bounced between the NHL and AHL and is a UFA this offseason.
2. **Eric Comrie (59th overall, 2013):** Comrie made 24 appearances for the Jets, with his best season as a backup in 2021-22. He signed with the Buffalo Sabres but struggled there and is now a UFA.
3. **Jansen Harkins (47th overall, 2015):** Harkins played 154 games for the Jets in a bottom-six role before being claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is also a UFA this offseason.
**Promising Hopefuls and Current Prospects:**
Four second-round picks are still Jets’ prospects:
1. **Elias Salomonsson (55th overall, 2022):** Salomonsson has shown steady improvement with Skelleftea AIK in the Swedish Hockey League and represented Sweden at the 2024 World Juniors.
2. **Nikita Chibrikov (50th overall, 2021):** Chibrikov had a strong first season in North America with the Manitoba Moose and even scored in his NHL debut.
3. **Daniel Torgersson (40th overall, 2020):** Torgersson’s production dipped in his second pro season, with nine points in 52 games for the Moose.
4. **Simon Lundmark (51st overall, 2019):** Lundmark had a consistent season with the Moose, recording 17 points in 67 games. He is an RFA this offseason.
**The Bust:**
Lukas Sutter (39th overall, 2012) stands out as a notable bust. He never signed with the Jets and was out of professional hockey after a brief stint with the New York Islanders.
**The Next Pick:**
The focus now shifts to who Cheveldayoff will select with the 37th overall pick. Potential targets include Tanner Howe, Lucas Petterson, Aron Kiviharju, Dominik Badinka, and EJ Emery.
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