Winnipeg Jets reduce roster by 4

The Winnipeg Jets made another round of cuts on Monday.

The Jets cut four more players from their training camp roster to get down to 25 players. Forwards Brendan Lemieux, Jack Roslovic and Michael Spacek were assigned to the Manitoba Moose while JC Lipon was placed on waivers for the purpose of sending him to the Moose if he clears.

“The four that went down all had really good camps. We’re pleased with their progress.” Jets head coach Paul Maurice said. “Brendan Lemieux made huge physical strides this year. He put an awful lot of time in the summer and it showed in his speed on the ice.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The four that went down all had really good camps. We're pleased with their progress." Jets head coach Paul Maurice said. "Brendan Lemieux made huge physical strides this year. He put an awful lot of time in the summer and it showed in his speed on the ice."

The Jets are still two players over the 23-man limit ahead of Tuesday’s deadline but with injuries to Andrew Copp and Matt Hendricks the Jets could start the season with their present roster.

“Matt’s gone on the IR (injured reserve) but we’ll list him at day-to-day,” Maurice said. “Andrew, we’ll get a better feel tomorrow before we decide what we’re doing with him.”

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Rookie defenceman Tucker Poolman survived the latest cuts and it appears he could start the season with the Jets.

“I think Tucker’s had a real good training camp and I have no problem putting him in the lineup,” said Maurice. “Tyler (Myers) feels good but we got an eye on his health here in the early going. He deserves to be here.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I think Tucker's had a real good training camp and I have no problem putting him in the lineup," said Maurice. "Tyler (Myers) feels good but we got an eye on his health here in the early going. He deserves to be here."

Poolman is one of eight defenseman still on the Jets’ roster and the head coach was asked if he would rule out starting the campaign with that many players on the blueline.

“I wouldn’t rule that out,” said Maurice. “I don’t love it over the long term because of practice time. There’s not enough reps in there. But short term, we play here, we’re going to go out on the road for three. I wouldn’t rule that out.”

With more players heading to the Moose, the Jets AHL affiliate also trimmed down their roster. The Moose assigned Elgin Pearce, Chris Dienes and goalie Jamie Phillips to the ECHL’s Jacksonville Icemen.

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The Jets play their season opener on Wednesday at home to the Toronto Maple Leafs while the Moose kick off their season on Friday against the defending champion Grand Rapids Griffins.