SOL WINNIPEG JETS

As free agency came to a close, the Winnipeg Jets said goodbye to Mike Commodore, retained Patrik Elias, and added Vincent Lecavalier.

Elias had been a major part of the Jets team during it's expansion years.  He was reaquried from the Flames, who were looking to dump his salary.  After earning over $14 million last season, the 37 year old winger took a major paycut, signing a 4 year deal worth $3.5 mil per season.  The deal is expected to be his last in the SOL.

"We are excited to have Patty back for the upcoming season" said GM A.J. Basile.  "He has been a major part of the team since year 1, and we are convinced that with his drive and leadership skill, he will continue to compete at a high level, and be a great leader for our rising stars."

"It's great to know that I will be able to come back, and most likely retire, as a member of a team that I love" added Elias.

Commodore, also added in that midseason deal with Calgary, was a top line defenseman for the Jets last year, and provided some desperatly needed experience.  He signed a 2 year deal with the Vancouver Canucks worth a total of $8 million.  He was not offered a contract from Winnipeg, as the Jets are looking to use their youth, such as Paul Coffey, Glen Wesley, and Stefan Blom, to pick up the slack.  Prior to free agency, another trade aqusition, Anton Volchenkov, was tied down, and is expected to provide the same expereince Commodore had.

The Jets also added depth to their offence, by adding centerman Vincent Lecavalier.  The quick pivot signed a 2 year deal worth $1 million, and is expected to bring speed and scoring to the fourth line, giving Winnipeg a deeper, and more dangerous squad.  While he had a terrible 15 point campaign last season with the New York Islanders, Basile seems confident that Lecavalier will be better in a new system.

"I never really felt comfortable in Long Island" said Vinny. "Playing here, with a nice change of scenery, should really help my game."

Winnipeg also took the time to intoduce new head coach Pat Burns.  Burns brings experience and fire to a team that is always looking for that extra jolt, especially come the end of the year.

The one thing the Jets did not add, via free agency, was a top line right winger.  "The bidding on Iginla was to out of hand, and we were not giving him that kind of money" said Basile.  Iginla signed with the New Jersey Devils for 4 years, and will earn $18.8 million during each of those seasons.

The GM, however, did not rule out adding a winger or another defenseman through trades.  Basile neither confirmed nor denied reports that the Jets were close to adding Zach Stortini from the St. Louis Blues.  One such report even said a deal was in place, and pending league approval.