WINNIPEG - Teammate Blake Wheeler suggested today a little good-natured banter on Twitter has turned into another excuse to pile on Winnipeg Jets forward Evander Kane, after Kane responded to Wheeler's comments the talented young forward could step up his play and be a leader this season for the Jets.

Wheeler said Kane was just making a joke that was misunderstood and misinterpreted by "Winnipeg folks" and the media once again.

Wheeler repeated that he believes Kane is a player who has the ability to help the Jets get to the next level as they try once again to reach the playoffs in 2014.

He made the comments initially in an interview, when asked how the Jets could compete in the Central Division with teams that have made some high-profile off-season signings.

The Jets are largely unchanged from last season, when they once again failed to add to the single playoff appearance the franchise has made during its former residence in Atlanta or new home in Winnipeg.

Kane Tweeted that Wheeler "could have just thrown me a text #youcanfindmeatthetopofthecircle."