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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 quite excited about the opportunities ahead of me. I would also be working diligently during the offseason to ensure I fully seize these opportunities.”

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.

Hearing such positive things is certainly uplifting; you just absorb it and do the best you possibly can in preparation,” Barlow stated last month at Winnipeg’s development camp. “I’m striving to achieve my goal of playing in the NHL. I’m doing all I can to be the best. I understand that there are definitely steps and a learning curve to be overcome.”

The 19-year-old faces a tough challenge to make it onto the NHL roster this season. He was limited to a mere 50 games during his third season with Owen Sound in the Ontario Hockey League due to an early back injury, but impressively still scored 40 goals. Barlow was back in time for the playoffs and subsequently had his initial experience with professional hockey with the American Hockey League’s Manitoba, achieving three points (one goal, two assists) in three games.

“Barlow described the year as a rollercoaster. “I sustained an injury that sidelined me for approximately a month and a half, which was unfortunate,” he said. “But I bounced back and I believe I ended on a strong note.”

Sadly, our playoff run was brief, but a new opportunity presented itself with the Manitoba Moose. This was an incredible experience for me. I got to play a few games, interact with the team, and familiarize myself with the coaching style of Mark Morrison and his assistants. It was fantastic to understand their approach to running things. I’ve carried the experience into the summer and I’m continuously working on it.

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.

“Lowry discussed his time as a junior where he was one of the top players on his team,” said Winnipeg’s director of player development, Jimmy Roy. “He boasted about scoring 40 goals and making over 40 assists. However, in his first year as a pro in the American league, he only managed one assist in nine games. He had to figure out his role and understand the intricacies of his own development.”

Barlow understands that he needs to do more than just scoring goals, an area where he has thrived by scoring 116 goals in 168 OHL games. It starts with keeping up with the game’s pace.

“Since being initially drafted, my skating has significantly improved,” said Barlow. “Although there is still room for improvement, I believe I’ve made the necessary strides toward that. I feel I am beginning to adapt to my body better.”

“Reflecting on the game at a faster pace is important. Having spent a year with the Jets organization and interacting with high-end, experienced players with high IQs, I believe I’ve learned quickly and it has been greatly beneficial for me.”

It’s still uncertain if Barlow will be able to participate in this season’s NHL, however, he’s actively preparing for that potential opportunity.

“He said, ‘I believe it’s all about being prepared for the opportunity. I’m just doing my best to get ready for this stage of my life. I believe this offseason is extremely important for me.'”