Winnipeg Jets rookies set to make NHL debuts

WINNIPEG — You can’t blame Nikolaj Ehlers for a being a little excited.

After all this season is the forward’s first in the NHL.

“I wanted this for a really long time,” Ehlers said. “It is a dream come true for me.”

The addition of Ehlers is one of a handful of changes the Winnipeg Jets have made to their roster. Gone are Jim Slater, Michael Frolik, Lee Stempniak and Jiri Tlusty. Taking their places are Ehlers, Alexander Burmistrov, Andrew Copp and Nic Petan. The four have suited up in a combined total of 195 NHL games. But take away Burmistrov and that number drops to one.

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“Each one of us brings something a little different to the table,” Copp said. “If the coaches believe in us, we’re going to believe in ourselves.”

Those junior Jets will have an eye opening welcome to the big leagues. Winnipeg opens the season with two back-to-backs on the road. Most teams would cringe if they have to start the season with four games away from home – but not Jets head coach Paul Maurice.

“It’s the first time this group will get to have a dinner together,” Maurice said. “After the game, they’re together. They’re not in their cars going to their separate homes.”

Meaning more time together and more time to talk.

“I think communication is a huge part of it especially when you’re on the ice with the young guys,” defenceman Tyler Myers said. “It makes the adjustment for them as easy as possible.”