Former Bear Update - Mathieu Perreault

This is something I've been wanting to do for a while now, but time has just not permitted it. However, with the way the seasons are progressing in both the NHL and AHL I thought now might be a good time.

I'm a HUGE Mathieu Perreault fan and have followed him since his first game in Hershey. It was great to see that he was one of the few players from the Calder Cup teams to make it to the Caps full time. And it was disappointing that he got traded to the Ducks last season. But I was hoping he'd find a spot in Anaheim since Perreault was always so touted by Bruce Boudreau. Unfortunately that didn't work out either.

Now signed with Winnipeg, I decided I'd start following the Jets more closely this season and watch Perreault's progress. First off…WOW are the Jets a really fun team to watch. I know they've struggled since making the move from Atlanta but it looks like things are clicking this season. I could go on and on about how exciting they are to watch and they're possible playoff chances.

The Jet's offense has used its speed, passing and cycling game to its advantage game in and game out this season. And Perrault has become a big part of that as he's finally rounded into a top six regular. When he was with Washington and Anaheim, Perreault always seemed to be a step behind and needed to skate twice as hard just to keep up with the play (especially the end to end rushes).

Now, whether through better conditioning or just becoming a more mature player, Perreault does't seem to have those issues anymore. He keeps up with the play more easily and has been getting to the open areas for a pass or goal.

The season didn't start out that way though. Perreault's first "goal" of the season didn't occur until his shootout winner against the Ottawa Senators on November 8th. He wouldn't get his first official goal until 10 days later in a 3-1 win over the New Jersey Devils on November 18th. Since then he's moved to 5th on the Jets in scoring with 9 goals and 10 assists. With a bit more than half the season to go, Perreault is on pace to at least match and probably exceed his stats from last season.

Check out the highlights of the Jets' wins against Chicago right before and Minnesota right after Christmas. Perreault seems to have the hot hand lately and put up some really nice goals.