In a surprising move, the Winnipeg Jets have landed themselves a promising young defenseman in Dylan Coghlan, who is being traded from the Carolina Hurricanes. The reported return for this deal is a conditional seventh-round pick, although confirmation is yet to be received at the time of publication.
Coghlan, a 26-year-old defenseman, went undrafted but was eventually signed by the Vegas Golden Knights to an entry-level contract back in 2017. He honed his skills in Vegas, spending time in junior before transitioning to the AHL, and eventually earning a place on the taxi squad for the 2020-21 season. Over the course of the next two seasons, Coghlan racked up 19 points in 88 games, often serving as an extra defenseman for the team. His stint with the Knights came to an end when he was included in the Max Pacioretty trade that sent him to the Hurricanes in the summer of 2022.
Coghlan faced difficulties in his first season with the Hurricanes, only managing to play in 17 games as he struggled to carve out a regular role. Subsequently, he was loaned to the Springfield Thunderbirds, the AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, due to the Hurricanes’ lack of a set minor league affiliate. Despite the challenges, Coghlan shone in the AHL, earning an All-Star nod and leading AHL defensemen with an impressive 16 goals.
The decision to trade Coghlan may have been influenced by the Hurricanes’ uncertainty regarding his fit within the team. With his value potentially at its peak after an All-Star season in the AHL, the timing seemed right for a move.
As the Jets look to solidify their defensive depth following departures in free agency, Coghlan presents an intriguing option. With the loss of Brenden Dillon and the buyout of Nate Schmidt, the Jets have already added veteran Colin Miller to the mix. Competition between Miller and Coghlan for playing time is expected, given their shared strong right-handed shots.
Coghlan’s standout AHL season has put him in a position to compete for a regular spot on the Jets roster, especially with the team’s status as Stanley Cup Playoff contenders. He will need to impress in training camp and preseason to earn his spot and contribute on the ice. Despite his potential, the Jets will not hesitate to make changes if Coghlan fails to deliver the expected results.
In what promises to be an exciting new chapter for Dylan Coghlan, the young defenseman will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and make a name for himself with the Winnipeg Jets. The upcoming season will be a pivotal one for him, as he seeks to establish himself as a valuable asset on a team with high expectations.
Photo Caption: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
