Forwards
The forwards must try to play a semblance of a two-way game somehow.
Last year came down to the Winnipeg Jets not being able to defend when they needed it most. They are relying on a lot of logical progressions and the hopeful avoidance of regression. That can be dangerous.
Does the top line stay where they are or can they be even better? That is something which will be answered during the second half. The Jets have a bit more forward depth than last season. Guys like Petan and even Lowry could help as they gained a huge year of experience.
Will Ehlers take that next step? The team needs him to play solid from the start. If he produces, then that will be a huge boost for them. The Jets are a team that needs consistency on special teams. There is too much front-end talent to be this undisciplined. Scheifele, Wheeler, and Laine will be expected to generate a ton.
The Jets are a team that needs consistency on special teams. There is too much front-end talent to be this undisciplined. Scheifele, Wheeler, and Laine will be expected to generate a ton.
Defense
The Winnipeg Jets are hoping for good health in 2017-18. Furthermore, the acquisition of Dmitry Kulikov and a healthy Tyler Myers could help.
Winnipeg takes a lot of penalties and has a poor penalty kill. Part of that has to be blamed on the defense.
Winnipeg’s initial top-six looks to be Morrissey, Trouba, Kulikov, Byfuglien, Myers, and Enstrom. Chiarot might compete for ice time. The top-six is optimal here.
With rearguard stability, expect the Jets to fare better. The key will be overcoming the discipline issues. Can Byfuglien pick up the slack? He has to have a better season in that regard. All of Winnipeg does honestly.
Goalies
After a very turbulent season, Ondrej Pavelec was finally let go. Winnipeg will be hoping that Steve Mason is the Mason of two seasons ago. He had an off season last year for Philadelphia and was not brought back.
Connor Hellebuyck is 24 and the future of the Winnipeg Jets in net. The goaltender is in a pretty good position, and he should see around half the games. Winnipeg will ride the hot hand more so Hellebuyck has a chance.
Questions
Looking ahead to trade deadline – if sellers who could be on the move, if buyers what area might they need to improve? The Winnipeg Jets will be in the market for depth at the deadline. They will be mostly content with selling their picks and prospects unless injuries should occur. It is a possibility the Jets stand pat as well.
What rookies could make the team? Kyle Connor would be that guy honestly. After that, there is not much else.
Which player could take a step forward this season? Without a doubt, it has to be Kulikov. If he can net some more offense, that will keep his ice time up.
Which players could regress? Mark Scheifele jumps to the top of any conversation. He had that outrageous shooting percentage and dishing passes to Laine and Ehlers does help. However, the lack of chances sometimes is infuriating. If that continues, he may come down a notch or two as far as points.
What sticks out about Winnipeg? The Jets annually underperform in the standings. Lack of discipline, coaching, and personnel seem to be reasons. They have the pieces, but the issue just is putting it all together.
What could the season look like? Winnipeg should a playoff bubble team. If the Central regresses enough as a whole, the Jets have a shot.