Jets Reporter Confirms The Worst For Young First Round Pick

According to a report from NHL reporter for the Winnipeg Jets Mitchell Clinton a bright star for the Jets could miss out on making the roster. Clinton says that Ville Heinola likely doesn't have a path to making the opening night roster with Winnipeg.

This quote from Clinton confirms what many feared for the Winnipeg Jets young defenseman. With the same coaching staff and many veterans coming back on defense Heinola could be left out of the roster.

Ville Heinola has played 35 total games in Winnipeg. In those games he has 11 points. His best stretch was in 2021-22 when he had 5 points in 12 games.

Last season Heinola didn't get much of an opportunity with the Jets only playing 10 games. In his time in the AHL Heinola was great putting up 37 points in 48 games. He has fantastic offensive upside but is currently in a logjam of offensive defensemen.

If the Jets cannot find a spot for him on the main roster soon a trade could be in the cards. Heinola deserves and NHL shot somewhere and is likely getting frustrated with his lack of opportunities. From Winnipeg's point of view they could get an asset to help them win immediately for a player that they don't seem to want to use.

This will be a situation to monitor as the season gets going. If Heinola does not make the opening night roster expect trade buzz to pick up.