Return to Winnipeg - NHL 2011 Be a GM Mode

[tdh23ab]

This is my first attempt at a dynasty thread.

I am assuming at this point that the Atlanta Thrashers are soon to be the Winnipeg Jets V 2.0. In honor of hockey returning to Winnipeg I decided to see what a team might look like based in Winnipeg.

The conferences has been realigned as follows:



WINNIPEG/ATLANTA replaces MINNESOTA in the Northwest Division
MINNESOTA replaces NASHVILLE in the Central Division
NASHVILLE replaces ATLANTA/WINNIPEG in the Southeast Division

I am using the most recent roster update (4-15-11) to sim the 2010/11, this will represent the last year of the Thrashers in Atlanta. I will not sign or move any players, so this way the starting 2011/12 roster is as close to the current roster as possible.

The jerseys are as close to the originals as the jersey editor would allow.

I will do updates for the draft, free agency, and then monthly updates once the 2011/2012 Season begins.

The next post will be a wrap-up of the 2010/2011 Season.

[tdh23ab]

Unbe-Leaf-able!

6/7/2011 - TORONTO - In a shocking development, the NHL 11 simulation engine has decided that the Toronto Maple Leaf would be the 2010/11 Stanley Cup Champions ending a decades long cup drought. In a thrilling seven game series, Toronto ousted the Columbus Blue Jackets, another unexpected Cup contender.

[tdh23ab]

Pre-Draft Update

6/23/2011 - WINNIPEG - In Guy Smiley's first year in charge of the Jets, his first major task will be preparing for the upcoming draft. A strong presence at Center is a major priority, ranking only slightly ahead of depth in the Left Wing position, however it remains to be seen if any of upcoming crop of draftees can make the jump right away. Smiley remained open dealing at the draft, and while he wouldn't tip his hand, rumor has it that G-Chris Mason, D-Ron Hainsey, and RW-Radek Dvorak are on the trading block.

[tdh23ab]

Winnipeg's Second First Draft

6/23/2011 - ST. PAUL -Selecting tenth overall, Guy Smiley was in a solid position on draft day. Smiley's phone was quiet on draft day, as no trades were made with any other team. Apart from no pick in the second round, the GM had his full compliment of selections.

ROUND 1 - 10th Overall: COX, Connonr - D - Saskatoon, WHL

In the first round Defenseman Connor Cox from the Saskatoon Blades was selected. While still a raw talent, Cox exhibits the potential to be an excellent offensive defenseman in the future. With above average shooting skills, Connor is a threatening presence on the blueline. While not a imposing physical presence, the young defenseman exhibits excellent discipline and speed and has played plus hockey the past two seasons. He is a project who will require at least one more year in junior hockey.

ROUND 3 - 70th Overall: CONZ, Benjamin- G - Langnau, Swiss

Fans may be familiar with Conz due to his incredible performance in the 2010 World Juniors for Switzerland. He was named Best Goaltender for the tournament on his way to leading Switzerland for an impressive fourth place finish. While playing in a professional league has allowed Benjamin to be physically capable of taking on a starters workload, he will likely spend the year in the AHL adjusting his considerable skill set to the North American game.

ROUND 4 - 100th Overal: BOMBARDIR, Johnathan - D- NTDP, USA

In Bombardir, Guy Smiley has selected to extreme opposite of Connor Cox. Johnathan Bombardir is an imposing presence on the ice with a defensive mindset. Listed at 6'7", Bombardir live up to his name by delivering crushing checks as well as the occasional blast from the point. Johnathan also exhibits excellent speed for a big man and he relies on more than just size as he displays a good defensive mindset. Johnathan is likely to spend a year in the AHL bulking up and adjusting to the professional game.

ROUND 5 - 130th Overall: SANDLAK, Carter- LW - Belleville, OHL

Despite the Jets' immediate need at LW, Smiley waited until the 5th round to select a forward. And it will likely be sometime before Sandlak sees time in the NHL. A two-way forward who displays good speed and a decent shot. Carter will be best served by developing his skills at the junior level for the foreseeable future.

ROUND 6 - 160th Overall: GROENHEYDE, Joe- G - Edmonton - WHL

Guy Smiley surprised some with this pick as he had already selected goalie Ben Conz in the third round. While Conz is ready for a role at the professional level this year, Groenheyde will likely be sent back to junior for his last year of eligibility. The GM is hopeful that one more year will allow the big, athletic goalie to improve his fundamentals.

ROUND 7 - 190th Overall: OSBOURNE, Rudy - LW - NTDP - USA

For his final choice in the draft, Smiley once again picked a product of the US developmental program. Rudy Osbourne is a pure goal scorer, with an excellent shot. While unlikely to challenge for a a Selke Trophy, Osbourne's prodigious offensive talent might be enough for him to contribute at the NHL level in the future. Rudy is likely headed to the AHL for at least a season to allow him to develop further.

[tdh23ab]

Dollars and Sense

June 25 - WINNIPEG - The window for resigning players has opened. Winnipeg has several RFAs to take care of including C - Anthony Stewart, LW - Robbie Shremp, LW - Andrew Ladd, RW - Blake Wheeler, and perhaps most importantly D - Zach Bogosian. Guy Smiley has a little more than 18 Million in cap space however it is unclear if he will be allowed to spend to the ceiling.

JUNE 26 - WINNIPEG - General Manager, Guy Smiley wasted no time in getting down to the business of securing the future of the Winnipeg Jets. Highly coveted defenseman Zach Bogosian was locked up for 5 years at a hit of $5.7, while the price was steep, GM Smiley said he was happy to have one of premier young defensemen in the league locked up until he is 25. On the offensive side of the equation left wingers Andrew Ladd and Rob Shremp were signed to deals for 2 years/$1.735M and 1 year/$1.365M respectively. RW Blake Wheeler will remain in town for the next 2 years, and hopes to build on a 61 point campaign last season.

JUNE 27 - WINNIPEG - It appears as if Guy Smiley is taking the Jets in a younger direction. Today the General Manager's office announce that Radek Dvorak, Eric Boulton, and Jed Ortmeyer would not be returning for the upcoming season. All three players are 32 or older and it would seem that Smiley is looking to maximize ice time for the younger players. Defenseman Freddie Meyer was resigned to provide defensive depth. And the likely goaltending platoon in Houston* will have a European feel with Swiss Ben Conz and German Dennis Endras both agreeing to entry level 2-way, 3 year, $0.9M deals. Qualifying offers have been tendered to C - Anthony Stewart, C - Casey Wellman, C - Colton Gillies, D- Maxim Noreau, LW Robbie Earl, and D - Justin Falk.

June 28 - WINNIPEG - Several recent draft picks signed deals today. D -Johnathan Bombardir and LW - Rudy Osbourne, both from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, signed 3-year entry level deals. RW - Mikko Lehtonen, RW - Julian Walker, and LW - Brett Bulmer also all signed 2-way entry level contracts.

[tdh23ab]

Free Agent Frenzy

July 1, 2011 - WINNIPEG
The Free Agency period has opened up in the National Hockey League. This promises to be an exciting next few weeks as a number of big names are up for grabs. Perhaps the biggest name out the is UFA Zach Parise. Parise and the Devils were unable to come together on an agreeable deal and the talented left winger has hit the open market. The Jets have an immediate need at LW, however Parise is sure to demand top dollar.

Defensemen Christian Ehrhoff, Hal Gill, and Steve Staios are all UFAs. While Gill and Staios are nearing the end of their careers, Ehrhoff is only 28 and looks like he could be a solid contributor on the blueline for a number of years.

The biggest name for goalies is easily Tomas Vokoun, the Czech netminder is a UFA and likely looking to land in a place where he can compete for the cup immeidately. Other names available include Marty Turco, Corey Crawford, and Jose Theodore.

There are several very talented RFAs listed including D - Drew Doughty, C - Jeff Carter, D - Keith Yandle, C - Michael Frolik, LW - Andrei Kostitsyn, and RW Devin Setoguchi. These talented players are likely to draw interest, but their steep price in terms of draft picks could scare some teams off.

July 5, 2011 - WINNIPEG
The first free agent signing of Guy Smiley's tenure as the GM of the Winnipeg Jets is D - Josh Gorges. Gorges agreed to a 2-year/$3.8M deal. The General Manager was thrilled to snag the former Canadien as it gives the Jets a very solid top 6.

July 7, 2011 - WINNIPEG
The Jets addressed their need for another LW with th acquisition of Steve Sullivan. Sullivan agreed to a 1-year/$1.75M deal which will provide the Jets with some much needed scoring depth. The Jets also matched an offer for C - Colton Gillies from the Phoenix Coyotes.

August 20, 2011 - WINNIPEG
After refusing to accept his qulifying offer, LW Robbie Earl signed a 2-year/2-way contract.

Other Free Agent News
7/3/11 - Carolina signs D - Ian White to a 3-year contract
7/3/11 - Minnesota signs LW - Alex Tanguay to a 3-year contract
7/3/11 - Washington signs D - Kevin Bieksa to a 3-year contract
7/4/11 - Pittsburgh signs D - Eric Brewer to a 3-year contract
7/6/11 - Nashville signs G - Corey Crawford to a 3-year contract
7/7/11 - Nashville signs D - Roman Hamrlik to a 3-year contract
7/9/11 - Buffalo signs LW - Zach Parise to a 6-year contract
7/11/11 - NY Islanders signs G - Jose Theodore to a 3-year contract
7/11/11 - St. Louis signs D - Hal Gill to a 3-year contract
7/12/11 - Carolina signs G - Marty Turco to a 3-year contract
7/15/11 - Montreal signs D - Christian Ehrhoff to a 3-year contract
7/19/11 - Dallas signs C - Mike Comrie to a 3-year contract

[tdh23ab]

Training Camp/Top Prospects

September 13, 2011 - Winnipeg

With training camp underway and the preseason just around the corner the Jets have released their depth chart. The Jets have also released their prospect reports including information on the top ten prospects in the system.

Note: Player's name in red indicate a Top 10 Prospect

The Jets appear to be strong down the middle and at the backend, however a lack of depth on the wings could be a cause for concern.

The Top 10 list of prospects in the Jets' system has been released.

Note: It looks like when I substituted the teams for realignment, the AHL affiliates remained the same, so Winnipeg's AHL team is the Houston Aeros, Minnesota's AHL team is the Milwaukee Admirals, and Nashville's AHL team ius the Chicago Wolves. All the players listed on the AHL rosters remained on their respective teams.

1. Benjamin Conz - G - Conz is one of the brightest stars in the Jets system. After several professional years in Europe as well as an outstanding performance in the 2010 World Junior Championships, Benjamin is on the verge of the NHL. Slated to start for the AHL affiliate, Conz could see backup action later in season.

2. Jared Spurgeon - D - In the middle of the defensive depth chart for the Aeros starting the season, Jared will be given every chance to make the jump to the NHL. Equipped with a booming slapshot and excellent speed, Spurgeon can provide an offensive boost from the blueline.

3. Patrice Cormier - C - Cormier's offensive ability and mean streak have him knocking on the NHLs door. A strong training camp could lead to a roster sport for the budding center.

4. Tyler Cuma - D -Tyler Cuma's defensive awareness, checking ability, and strength give him the tools to contribute to the NHL sooner than later. Top pair minutes at the AHL level seem to be in his immediate future, as the Jets have excellent defensive depth.

5. Colton Gillies - C - Gillies was presented with an offer sheet by the Phoenix Coyotes in the offseason and it is clear why GM Guy Smiley was quick to match it. Gillies has excellent speed and hands and combined with his physical presence at 6'5", Colton projects to be strong power forward in the near future, look for Gillies to get the call up in case of an injury to the forward corps.

6. Johnathan Bombardir - D - A bit of a project on the backend, Bombardir may not see many minutes in his first year. Johnathan has the size and potential to be a shutdown defensemen in the future. Strong checking ability and good speed for his size will serve him well as he develops the nuances of the defensive game.

7. Brett Bulmer - LW - Bulmer looks like a likely bet to be reassigned to his junior team. Brett Bulmer's large size and aggressive playing style will translate well into a power forward role. Look for him to make in impact at next years camp.

8. Justin Falk - D - Yet another big body in the Jets pipeline. Listed at 6'5", Justin looks ready to take on top-pair minutes in the AHL. Excellent stick and body checking abilities, great strength, and above average defensive awareness project Falk to be an excellent defensive defenseman in the future.

9. Rudy Osbourne - LW - A recent draft pick, Osbourne is an all-out sniper. His limited defensive abilities may cause him difficulty finding ice time, but there is no doubt about his shooting ability. Look for Osbourne's minutes to increase as the season progresses.

10. Matt Kassian - LW - Rounding out the top ten is Matt Kassian. Likely to start on the first line in the AHL. Winnipeg's limited depth along the wing could see a call up early on in the season if there are injury troubles. Kassian's size and toughness and underrated defensive abilitites ensure that Matt would not be out of place on a 3rd or 4th line in the NHL.

[tdh23ab]

Preseason Wrapup

September 28, 2011 - WINNIPEG

It was an entertaining 4 games of preseason action for the Winnipeg Jets, going 3-1-0 and getting a good look at some of the prospects. The preseason stats are listed below.

3 Players were reassigned to their junior teams.

Brett Bulmer - LW - 1 G, 0 A, +2
Josh Caron - D - 0 G, 0 A, +1
Bjorn Krupp - D - 0 G, 0 A, -1

Final rosters will be released shortly.

[tdh23ab]

Final Rosters

October 1, 2011 - WINNIPEG

GM Guy Smiley has announced his roster selections for the start of the 2011/12 season. The preseason allowed Smiley to get a feel for the talent on his roster and gave him the finals bits of information needed to make his final decisions, the rosters are as follows.

The first game is October 4th against the Calgary Flames

[SENS_AK27]

Re: Return to Winnipeg - NHL 2011 Be a GM Mode

Nice start to the season. I enjoy the depth you have presented so far. Will you be playing in the old Jets Jerseys?

[tdh23ab]

Re: Return to Winnipeg - NHL 2011 Be a GM Mode

I tried copying the old jersey, I used the old logo and tried to match the colors as best I could. I believe I used the Jersey Template #1 to get the stripes vaguely close to how they used to me. The jersey ended up pretty close to the original.

[thedudedominick]

Re: Return to Winnipeg - NHL 2011 Be a GM Mode

Do you know how to upload pictures from the game? If so I would like to see how those uniforms turned out for you.

[tdh23ab]

Re: Return to Winnipeg - NHL 2011 Be a GM Mode

I'm not really sure how, I tried looking it up earlier but my google fu is weak. It loks like you need some sort of 3rd Party software running your tv, I'm not really sure. If anyone knows a good/easy way to take screenshots I'd love to know.

[thedudedominick]

Re: Return to Winnipeg - NHL 2011 Be a GM Mode

I'm not really sure how, I tried looking it up earlier but my google fu is weak. It loks like you need some sort of 3rd Party software running your tv, I'm not really sure. If anyone knows a good/easy way to take screenshots I'd love to know.

If you link your gamertag with an EAsports.com account you can upload a picture from the game right to your media on the easports website.

[SENS_AK27]

Re: Return to Winnipeg - NHL 2011 Be a GM Mode

Depends if you use an X-Box or PS3. On the PS3 i can upload screenshots and videos to EA Sportsworld and then link to them.