Jets acquire Kevin Hayes from the Rangers

UPDATE 9:45 AM The Winnipeg Jets were quick to make waves on the trade deadline, getting center Kevin Hayes of the New York Rangers Monday morning.

The free standing player of 6 & 5 and 216 pounds has amassed 14 goals and 28 assists this season. He immediately offers a Winnipeg upgrade in the middle of the field.

In return, the Jets sent striker Brendan Lemieux, a first-round pick and a fourth-round pick (if the Jets win the Stanley Cup) on Broadway.

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This is the trade deadline – and the Winnipeg Jets should actively seek to improve their struggling team.

NHL clubs have until 14:00 CT to conclude their deals, and several big names should be on the move. It's no secret, the Jets could use a boost, because the 4-1 defeat on Sunday in Arizona leaves them only 3-5-2 in the last 10 games.

The urgency for chief executive Kevin Cheveldayoff and his team may have been heightened when top defenseman Josh Morrissey suffered what appeared to be a shoulder injury early in the third period. Winnipeg will return from the desert later in the morning and Morrissey is expected to be assessed by the team's doctors once they land.

Can the Jets bring Mark Stone from Winnipeg home? If not, does Plan B include an attacker such as Kevin Hayes, Wayne Simmonds, Marcus Johansson or Derick Brassard?

And what about the blue line, a post that would probably need to be improved even before Morrissey collapsed.

The other burning question is what could go the other way. Winnipeg's first-round pick is probably up for grabs, while young skaters such as Jack Roslovic, Nic Petan, Sami Niku, Eric Comrie and Logan Stanley have been involved in the discussions.

the Free Press has a team of editors ready to bring you news when it breaks. Cheveldayoff is also scheduled to speak at Bell MTS Square later in the day. Check back here all day for the latest news.

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