I was really looking forward to seeing Spencer Machacek get a chance in a Winnipeg Jets jersey this season. It took longer than expected, but based on the past 10 games he’s had with the team, it looks like we’ll see more of him in 2012-13.

Machacek comes from a very well respected Vancouver Giants organization in the Western Hockey League and played on the same team as Boston Bruins bruiser Milan Lucic. A couple years ago, when talking to Giants general manager Scott Bonner about Lucic, he mentioned how Lucic was a self-made player.

He was discovered by chance, signed the next day and through his own work ethic eventually became one of the NHL’s better power forwards.

That’s when Bonner noted Machacek, at the Giants’ captain, was guided by the same desire and passion.

A third-rounder in 2007, Machacek has been a pretty steady producer at the American Hockey League level for the past three seasons and likely would have improved his totals had he not gotten the call-up. And the early returns in the NHL are very promising.

“With the Jets now out of the playoff picture, Machacek should see more ice in the final couple of games, just as he did against the Panthers Tuesday night.”

Even though he was playing a bit role in getting between five and nine minutes for nine games, Machacek still managed two goals and eight points. With the Jets now out of the playoff picture, he should see more ice in the final couple of games, just as he did against the Panthers Tuesday night.

Don’t get me wrong, Machacek won’t come in next year and lead the team in scoring. But he has learned the pro game gradually in the AHL, which is the smart way to success, and has the work ethic behind him. While the team will lose a couple depth forwards this summer, Machacek will fit in nicely and, in turn, help keep salary cap costs down.

It’s not a big development, but it’s one with more upside than you might initially think.