© Chris Tanouye/Getty Images

WINNIPEG — Colby Barlow took notice when Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff turned to his prospect pipeline after losing key players to free agency July 1.

“Today, as a young player in the Jets organization,” said Cheveldayoff, “I would be thrilled about the opportunities ahead of me and would be diligently working during the offseason to ensure I seize them fully.”

The Jets lost several impact players from their veteran core, including top-six forwards Sean Monahan (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Tyler Toffoli (San Jose Sharks). So, Cheveldayoff’s comments were exactly what a forward prospect like Barlow wanted to hear after being the No. 18 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

“Receiving such positive feedback is certainly encouraging; I simply embrace it and promise to give my all and be ready for what’s to come,” Barlow stated last month at the Winnipeg development camp. “I’m striving to achieve my ultimate goal of playing in the NHL. I’m doing the absolute best I can. I understand that there are stages to this journey and learning experiences that are necessary.”

The 19-year-old faces a tough challenge to make it onto this season’s NHL roster. A back injury during his third season with the Ontario Hockey League’s Owen Sound limited his appearances to only 50 games, but he still scored an impressive 40 goals. Barlow was able to return for the playoffs, subsequently getting his first exposure to professional hockey with the American Hockey League’s Manitoba team. Here, he accumulated three points – one goal and two assists – in three games.

“Indeed, it was a year of highs and lows,” admitted Barlow. “I had an injury that sidelined me for a month and a half, which was disappointing. However, I managed to make a strong comeback towards the end of the year, which, in my opinion, was a positive turn of events.”

Sadly, our playoff run was brief, but another chance presented itself with the Manitoba Moose. It was a fantastic experience for me, participating in a few games, spending time with the team, and familiarizing myself with Coach Mark Morrison and his assistants. I learned a lot about their coaching style, which was great. I’ve taken these lessons into the summer and am now working on improving.

Jets captain Adam Lowry scored 45 goals in his fourth and final junior season with Swift Current of the Western Hockey League in 2012-13. Now 31, the forward shared his experiences with the 35 prospects at development camp.

Jimmy Roy, Winnipeg’s director of player development, mentioned that Lowry had discussed his transition from being a top player in junior with 40 goals and over 40 assists, to his first professional year in the American league where he only had one assist in nine games. According to Roy, Lowry recognized the need to understand his role and continue his development.

Barlow is aware that he must do more than just scoring, something he’s been exceptional at with 116 goals in 168 OHL matches. The first step is to keep up with the game’s tempo.

“Since initially being drafted, I believe my skating has significantly improved,” conveyed Barlow. “There’s still room for progression, but I feel I’m making the right strides. I also sense that I’m starting to mature physically.”

“By thinking about the game at a faster pace, I’ve been able to improve. Being part of the Jets organization for a year and working with more experienced and talented players has increased my understanding of the game. Their high IQ has accelerated my learning and been very advantageous for me.”

It’s yet to be determined if Barlow will play in the NHL this season, however, he is actively preparing for the opportunity.

“He said, “I believe it’s about being prepared for the opportunity. It’s about equipping myself as best as I can for my current age. I consider it to be a significant offseason for me.”