Surprising Development in Logan Stanley’s Trade Market

6-foot-7 defenseman Logan Stanley is having a breakout season for the Winnipeg Jets. And for the hulking blueliner, it comes just in time, as he's set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

His two-year, $2.5 million contract ($1.25M AAV) is coming to an end, and he'll be due for a raise. But in the meantime, he'll be a wanted man on the trade market, as the bruising d-man with the booming shot would be a huge (excuse the pun) add for any playoff team's blueline.

But in the midst of this unexpectedly disastrous season for the Jets, Stanley has been one of the bright spots. Are they ready to give up the 27-year-old just when he's coming into his own? A trade is far from a sure thing.

Stanley told Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press that he loves it in Winnipeg, and says they'll be having extension talks now that league business is resuming.

I think they are going to have a conversation here in the coming days. What that entails, we’ll see. I’ll leave that to my agent Pat (Morris) to deal with. I love playing here. It’s been my home and this organization treats everyone like family.

Stanley was drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft (18th overall) and now, finally, after a decade in the organization, it really seems to be paying off.

After never having scored more than a single goal in his previous five seasons, Stanley has erupted for nine thus far this season, while playing a career-high 16:33 a night. He's also handed out 91 hits and blocked 68 shots in 55 games.

As for whether he's able to continue his career in Winnipeg after March 6th, Stanley is a realist.

“Everyone knows what is going on. Everybody sees the rumours and whatnot. I’ll just take it day-by-day and see how it plays out.”