Rugged winger in battle for job as Jets 13th forward

Rugged winger in battle for job as Jets 13th forward

It appears to be a four-horse race for the final forward spot on the Winnipeg Jets.

One of those players currently jockeying for position, Jeffrey Viel, believes he could add some punch to the lineup — the scoring variety but also with his bare knuckles, if required.

The undrafted 26-year-old from Rimouski, Que., has been a true power forward at every level, from the QMJHL when he had three straight seasons of at least 33 goals and 117 penalty minutes, to the AHL where he lit the lamp 15 times last season while serving 150 minutes in the sin bin.

“Now I’m trying to get there at the NHL level and really establish myself,” Viel said Monday. “I feel like at the AHL level I’ve had some pretty good offensive seasons with limited amount of time on the power play.”

Viel has played in 49 big-league games over three seasons, all with the San Jose Sharks, with three goals, two assists and 139 penalty minutes to show for it. He’s hoping game No. 50 (and beyond) comes this year with the Jets, who signed him to a one-year, US$775,000 contract on July 1.

“We’re just trying to get a feel for him,” Jets coach Rick Bowness said of the 6-2, 205-pound winger.

“The scouts spoke highly of him, that’s why we signed him. So, we’re giving him every opportunity to make the team as well. He only played five games last year in San Jose. He’s another guy that falls into the category of, ‘OK, let’s see what we have here, let’s see if he does all those things.’”

Viel appeared in his fourth preseason game with the Jets on Monday night in Calgary, along with the other three prime contenders for the 13th forward position on the club: David Gustafsson, Axel Jonsson-Fjallby and Parker Ford.

Exactly what Bowness and his staff are looking for will determine which guy has the inside track.

“Those all different types of players. They all have their strengths,” he said.

Gustafsson is the lone drafted-and developed product in the mix, and the smart Swede would have to be exposed on waivers to be sent to the Manitoba Moose. Although he hasn’t shown much offence at the NHL level (one goal, six assists in 74 games), his age (23) and draft pedigree (60th overall in 2018) might have another team making a claim.

Jonsson-Fjallby, 25, was obtained by the Jets on waivers last year after the Washington Capitals didn’t have room for him on their roster. He’s got speed to burn but not a whole lot of finish, and would also require waivers.

Ford, 23, is the dark horse, making a terrific impression straight out of college as an energetic sparkplug with no pro experience. He would not need to pass through waivers to join the Moose.

And then there’s Viel, who brings a more physical element than the others and could make Winnipeg a bit tougher to play against.

“I feel like I’m ready to take the next step,” said Viel. “Obviously, for me it’s just about being consistent. I know my role. I know how I have to play to be successful.”

He played with current Moose players C.J. Suess and Artemi Kniazev last year with the San Jose Barracuda and also knows Jets defencemen Brenden Dillon and Dylan DeMelo from their stints in the Sharks organization.

“It’s been really great so far. I feel like it’s a great group of guys,” said Viel.

His truculence was on display last week when he went after Flames forward Martin Pospisil, who elbowed Cole Perfetti in the head and received a match penalty. Viel got a 10-minute misconduct out of the melee.

“I just have to bring a lot of energy, be hard on the forecheck and be there for my teammates,” said Viel. “That’s why they brought me here, and this is what I’m going to keep doing.”

There was a time in the NHL when the so-called enforcer didn’t have to have much in the way of hockey sense or skill. Just go out, play a couple shifts a game and toss a few right hooks, Those days are long gone.

“It’s a fast game nowadays. It’s not like when there was one guy on each team and they knew they were fighting that night,” said Viel. “You have to play the game, you have to bring something to the table and fighting is still part (of it). If it happens, it happens. But I feel like it’s not the focus anymore.”

The Jets have plenty of sizzle up front, with offensive performers such as Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Nikolaj Ehlers, Cole Perfetti and Gabe Vilardi. Viel could bring a bit of steak, if required.

“I love my teammates. I’m always going to be there for them,” he said of his mindset. “When it’s time to step up, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m not going to shy away from anyone in the league.”

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