Toronto capitalizing on the Winnipeg Jets collapse to acquire Adam Lowry builds a heavy checking line
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
After Winnipeg's free-fall this season, there are going to be changes for the Jets and it may lead the Maple Leafs to pounce and bring in a heavy hitter: Adam Lowry.
As the Maple Leafs look to make changes this summer, so too are the Winnipeg Jets. After last year where they took the league by storm and winning the President's Trophy, they took a tumble down the standings and finished 26th in the league; only a couple spots ahead of Toronto.
A lot of questions are surrounding Connor Hellebuyck, the roster itself which isn't exactly full of youth, and their defence is solid but could certainly use an upgrade.
It's safe to say that things out in Winnipeg are and frosty as the January temperatures and with a lot of things going to look different — perhaps the Maple Leafs can take advantage.
Toronto needs to target Winnipeg's captain to remedy their lack of toughness
If Winnipeg wants to get younger and perhaps give things a facelift, then several long-time names are potentially on the chopping block and with the Maple Leafs needing to get bigger, stronger and tougher; there's only one name they need.
It's the Jets captain, Adam Lowry.
Lowry, 33, is someone who has been a pretty underrated presence and while he doesn't score a ton of goals he does add a ton of versatility and is one of the most physical and relentless two-way forwards in the league.
This season he posted 21 points in 70 games but also added 48 blocks and 150 hits. It's actually a drop-off from his usual production as he has averaged 180 hits and 44 blocks over his career on top of a career 51.7% face-off win percentage.
With the loss of Nic Roy, there's a gaping hole in the middle of Toronto's third line and adding Lowry as a replacement would be perfect. You get the size and strength, the toughness, and he's someone who can take those heavy PK minutes away from Auston Matthews.
Plus he's not that expensive, as he has a five-year, $5-million extension that kicks in next year. It's similar to John Tavares' deal, and adding Lowry for that price is worth it considering you're getting something as reliable and certain as ever.
Can Toronto even afford to pry Winnipeg's captain away?
Well, if the Jets were looking to make big changes then absolutely, though Toronto needs to be careful not to overpay.
Winnipeg's big issue with their lineup right now is the lack of youth, and with Toronto loaded with young NCAA prospects as well as some other pieces like Nick Robertson and Matias Maccelli — it would help Winnipeg.
A potential deal involving Lowry won't be a blockbuster and it's more akin to Brayden Schenn leaving St. Louis to head to Long Island; long-time player going elsewhere.
But here's how it could look:
To Toronto:
(F) Adam Lowry
To Winnipeg:
(F) Nick Robertson
(F) Ryan Tverberg
(D) Cade Webber
(F) Ryan Tverberg
(D) Cade Webber
You're not giving up too much with Tverberg and Webber, as they are both young prospects who could turn out to be solid NHL pieces but are kind of blocked right now in Toronto and Robertson would instantly improve their top-six and is still only 24.
Toronto can afford to pay Lowry, and Winnipeg can afford to get younger. It's the perfect combination.
It's a hard bargain to drive given how engrained Lowry has been in the Jets community but much like Brad Marchand and Schenn after; loyalty means nothing in a business-oriented world.
And Toronto is ready to make a deal.
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