Eliminated in four short games by the Habs in the second round of the playoffs, the Winnipeg Jets had no choice but to make changes this summer. The focus seems to have been on defense, as general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff acquired defensemen Nate Schmidt and Brenden Dillon from the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals, respectively.
In addition, according to the latest reports, Cheveldayoff has also attempted to acquire defenseman Josh Manson from the Anaheim Ducks. This move was never completed, however, for the simple reason that the Jets would be on the list of twelve teams for whom Manson would refuse to be traded, as he has a partial no-trade clause in his contract.
Known as a tough and physical defenseman, Manson will be completing the final year of a four-year, $4.1 million annual contract next season. In seven NHL seasons, all with the Ducks, Manson has 104 points, including 22 goals, in 408 regular season games.
At 29 years of age, Manson probably has several good seasons left in him, despite the fact that he has been plagued by injuries in the last two years. His acquisition would have been a huge addition to the Jets' defensive line.
