Sep 16, 2015
The future could be now for the Jets
The Winnipeg Jets reached the playoffs last season for the first time since returning to the NHL, only to be swept away by the Anaheim Ducks. TSN.ca's training camp preview looks at the wealth of prospects they have and the possible impact they might have in helping the team take the next step this season.
The Winnipeg Jets reached the playoffs last season for the first time since returning to the NHL, only to be swept away by the Anaheim Ducks. Then, the Jets didn't do much of anything in the offseason.
They brought Alexander Burmistrov back from the KHL, but their relative inactivity leaves the impression that if the Jets are going to improve in 2015-2016, it's going to be a result of prospects making the jump and performing well.
The riskiest spot on the Jets roster is goaltending. For years, Ondrej Pavelec has performed at a below-average level and was a big part of the reason that the Jets weren't making the playoffs, but after his career-best season in 2014-2015, there has to be hope that he can do it again. If not, Michael Hutchinson or prospect Connor Hellebuyck should be ready for a shot.
Winnipeg's blueline is overstocked with NHL defencemen, especially now that Dustin Byfuglien has moved back (where he's much more effective), so there is room to make a deal, if need be.
Up front, Andrew Ladd, Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler are the underrated mainstays while Mathieu Perreault and Mark Scheifele are solid contributors, so there are some pieces in place, but there are jobs to be taken. Nikolaj Ehlers is the most highly-touted Jets prospect and should be a regular from the start, but Andrew Copp, Nicolas Petan, Joel Armia and Brendan Lemieux could all be in consideration for roster spots. That's exciting, but leaves the Jets with an element of uncertainty heading into the season.
OFF-SEASON HEADLINES
July 1: Jets, Burmistrov agree to two-year deal
2015-16 WINNIPEG JETS
* Off-season Addition
TSN's Projected Lines
Fighting For Jobs: RW Joel Armia, C Patrice Cormier, LW Matt Fraser, C Nic Petan
TSN's Projected Pairs
Fighting For Jobs: LD Adam Pardy, LD Paul Postma
TSN's Projected Goalies
| No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Ondrej Pavelec | Michael Hutchinson | Connor Hellebuyck |
Off-season Departures: RW Michael Frolik, LW T.J. Galiardi, D Keaton Ellerby, C Eric O'Dell
KEY QUESTIONS
1. Will Nik Ehlers and/or other prospects make the team or will the Jets open the season with some fringe veterans in the lineup?
2. Can Alex Burmistrov replace the solid two-way game of Michael Frolik which was lost in free agency?
3. Ondrej Pavelec and Michael Hutchinson helped lead the Jets to a Top 10 finish in goals-against last season. Does this trend continue or does the club regress?
CRAIG'S LISTS
Winnipeg's Top 2015-16 Prospects
1. Nikolaj Ehlers (Halifax, QMJHL): High end skill and creativity who can both excite and dazzle.
2. Josh Morrissey (Kelowna, WHL): Excellent skater who passes well. Best D prospect in the organization.
Top 5 Long-Term Prospects
1. Connor Hellybuyck (St. John's, AHL): All the capabilities of a No. 1 goalie. Smart, poised and competitive.
2. Kyle Connor (Youngstown, USHL): Excellent offensive skills with an ease to his play both physically and mentally.
3. Brendan Lemieux (Barrie, OHL): Hard winger who can score. Always challenging opponents in some way.
4. Andrew Copp (Michigan, NCAA): Complete player who can contribute in multiple ways and play in various spots in the lineup.
5. Nic Petan (Portland, WHL): Diminutive centre is highly skilled, smart, can make plays and is extremely competitive.
* Listed with 2014-15 teams
BY THE NUMBERS
Three-Year Breakdown (League Rank)
| 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 87 (18th) | 84 (22nd) | 99 (14th) |
| Goals For | 2.6 (T-16th) | 2.7 (15th) | 2.7 (T-16th) |
| Goals Against | 2.9 (T-9th) | 2.8 (22nd) | 2.5 (T-10th) |
| Power Play | 14% (30th) | 15% (25th) | 18% (T-17th) |
| Penalty Killing | 80% (24th) | 83% (T-9th) | 82% (13th) |
| SAT% Possession | 49.5% (16th) | 50.1% (16th) | 52.6% (8th) |
* 2012-13 points: Pro-rated lockout-shortened total
ESTIMATED PAYROLL vs. CAP - $58.2M/$71.4M
The Jets are putting together a team on a budget, and with a deep crop of prospects, inexpensive help will continue to work its way through the system. How the club deals with Ladd and Byfuglien could go a long way to determining their future financial flexibility.
PARTING SHOT