Jets' Stanley has been working steadily with the new prospect

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Most people don't get to see the other side of Logan Stanley. After all, it's a long way.

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A 6-foot-7 behemoth on the ice, Stanley was known for his bone-shaking jabs and punches that would fly free if you stood up to him.

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But last week, Stanley used those big gloves to hold his daughter on his lap as she sat on his locker room, stopping the interview several times to retrieve the ball she was playing.

Consistency is somewhat of a theme for Stanley, who eventually landed a permanent role in Rick Bowness' lineup.

Recently, reports said that Stanley has requested a trade. It's not surprising since we don't see much ice.

There was disappointment during the injury-riddled 2022-23 campaign, but at the time Stanley was reluctant to talk about it.

He kept his head down during the summer months and continued to do so this season in big pitches sitting in the press box.

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“A little boy helps,” she said with a smile on her daughter's face. “Last year was difficult. I was hurt and a lot of other things happened.”

Being a parent offered to focus on the rigors of the NHL. A return to health also brought back opportunities.

“Last year's injuries carried over into the summer,” he said. “Every time I skated, I wasn't very comfortable on the ice.”

The 25-year-old Waterloo, Ont. the product appeared in just 19 games, a sharp drop from his 58 games a season.

This season came with a different mindset.

Being healthy helped, but so did being on a good team. There is good energy in it, he said.

“And we didn't have many injuries,” Stanley said, knocking on wood. “Being healthy on the blue line is almost unheard of.”

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At first you might think this would hurt Stanley.

Injuries hurt. But for players on the bubble, they offer opportunities.

Stanley's mindset helped him make the most of it. All the ice time he received and the 21 games he played in were taken. It also helped with confidence.

“You have to earn everything you get in this league and you want to stay in this league and find my job in the future and also help the team win,” he said.

Stanley's Josh Morrissey is not on the scoresheet. He has just one goal and one assist in those 21 games.

But the Jets aren't looking for an offense as much as they're looking for a consistent defensive play.

That's what Stanley brought to the table with him this season.

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He was on the ice for more shots than the opposition. More goals.

He's put some effort into the physical department, dropping the glove in three of his last four games.

“It's a bit heated, but I don't want to watch anymore,” he said. “I want to play. I don't want to lose. I try to help guys win.

“I'm not a goal scorer in that sense. But I can block shots, be physical and play good D and try to bring good energy.”

Stanley's playing caught the attention of Bowness, who was happy to play him.

“This is his best hockey,” Bowness said. “He's physical and he moves, he's very confident with the puck.

“We wanted him to play more last year, but injuries held him back. He missed a lot of time, then he came back, got injured again. So, last year he could be injured.

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“This year, it was depth and he worked hard and we told you, 'we're not going to let him sit out too long' because he's earned the right to play.”

Stanley said Bowness was good to him during the tough times.

“Our relationship has grown,” Stanley said. “I would say it's always been good. He is a very honest person, his door is always open if you want to talk to him. From that point of view, it was good.

“That's why it's not easy to tell guys that they're not going to play. It's part of the job, and sometimes it's a brutal business. But overall it was great.”

It was all part of Stanley's maturation process.

“When you're young, you think you're going to play in the league right away,” he said. “But then you see how good everyone is and you also see how good the new young guys are, so there are a lot of good players. It makes you appreciate how lucky you are to be here.”

So, it's time to get that ball rolling one more time.

There is time to wait for the baby.

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X: @scottbilleck

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