This week is an NHL edition of hot takes, as Ryan discusses why fans shouldn’t be too upset with the Winnipeg Jets’ current record and Mike provides his input on having spotters at NHL games to try and identify concussion symptoms among players.

 

Expectations are too high for the Jets 

Many Winnipeggers are scratching their heads about the dismal season the Jets have had so far. With less than 20 games remaining in the season, Winnipeg looks primed to be in the race for prized prospect Auston Matthews. I have some unfortunate news for Jets fans; this is the way they should be playing.

Last year was a fluke, to be frank. The Jets took advantage of a down year in the Western Conference, with both the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks not making the playoffs. The lack of competition from the Pacific division allowed Winnipeg to squeak into a wild card spot.

This is a developing team and they have a plethora of young talents such as Connor Hellebuyck, Nic Petan, Josh Morrissey, and Marko Dano (recently acquired from Chicago). However, this might be a longer struggle, as the Moose have not had a stellar year in the AHL so far. They are currently tied for dead last – not a good showing from the Jets prospects playing down in the minors.

We have yet to see any proof of these kids being able to play at the NHL level, so until we see that, the Jets may be on the outside of the playoff picture for a couple years still. Hope should not be lost yet, but don’t expect the world from this Jets team.

 

Independent concussion spotters a step in the right direction for NHL

This season, the NHL – as part of their new concussion protocol – placed independent spotters in all 30 arenas in order to help identify potential concussion symptoms. The decision follows the NFL’s installation of the same policy four years ago.

In my opinion, the most critical piece of information about these spotters is the fact that they operate independently from the NHL teams and are hired by the league.

Prior to this season, teams had the opportunity to hire their own spotters. However, there may have been a bias in that regard, as teams may not have firmly enforced concussion protocol since it wasn’t a league-wide consensus.

The league-appointed spotters also don’t have to be physicians. I believe this is a positive choice, as the “common” man or woman would likely be quicker to point out unusual behaviour displayed by a player as opposed to the former, who may have the tendency to brush off certain symptoms as not “specific” enough to qualify as concussion related, an issue that I’ve personally had in the past when dealing with doctors or trainers.

With an increasing amount of pressure being put on pro leagues to step up their concussion protocol, I have to tip my hat to both the NFL and NHL for finally beginning to take steps towards improving player safety.

 

You can catch Steltsy and Still’s hot takes every Tuesday morning from 10-11 a.m. on 101.5 UMFM.