It is time.

The preseason is upon us, and it is time to begin evaluating not just with numbers from last year and our own projection of players, but to finally begin using our eyes to see who jumps out like a frog, and who trudges along like a snail.

The Jets opened their preseason with a 3-0 loss in Calgary on Tuesday. As you’d expect, the lineup was sparse with NHL talent – only 5 NHL regulars were in the game – but with the loaded (if not overflowing) pipeline of prospects, the preseason has presented all Jets fans with plenty of hockey fodder to gnaw on. Although the Jets lost, they dominated possession for a portion of the game, and the scoreline was perhaps not reflective of the type of chances the Jets created. Calgary’s goaltending was fantastic.

A couple of players really caught my attention. I’ll be very curious to see their performance as the preseason trudges along and the competition resembles more of an NHL lineup.

Brandon Tanev

We caught a glimpse of Tanev for 3 games last year, but he absolutely stood out against Calgary, and any hockey fan could see that. Tanev is like a slingshot coming through the neutral zone and he was effective in harassing the opposition’s defence on numerous occasion. Continue reading