The WInnipeg Jets are not far removed from being one of the elite teams in the entire NHL. However, they have fallen on hard times due to roster construction. Players have left, or have been moved in deals, and have found success. This has left the Jets with holes to fill and this past season exposed some off their flaws. Does Jets GM Kevin Chveldayoff make moves this offseason or stand pat?
The Jets have clear roster needs
The center position is the second most important position behind that of the goaltender. Winnipeg center Mark Scheifele has been the most consistent center for the Jets for years now but he has also been the sole offensive contributor down the middle. Yes, the Jets have tried different players to fill that void but nobody has stepped up. Secondary scoring issues and the depth have declined, giving the Jets a hole that needs to be addressed. Second-line center should be a top-three priority this offseason but with other teams having the same need, Chveledayoff will need to stand out and get creative.
Another need is a top-four defensemen. With Winnipeg primarily bringing back the same defensive core over the past few seasons that group has not lived up to expectations. Neil Pionk and Josh Morrissey have carried the load and need help if this team is going to be a threat again. A top-four defensemen is another need for this team but that type of defensemen could be costly. Another reason for an overhaul of the Jets defense is that the current group is more of a veteran group and needs to implement some youth going forward. Experience does not always mean a better player. A shakeup is overdue for this group.
While Winnipeg is neither a fast or slow group, team speed was a concern last season. They failed to capitalize on transition opportunities and those can be costly if players came down with no speed. They play a solid defensive game with a tight forecheck but that means nothing without speed going the other way. Speed and secondary scoring are a concern going forward with Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Gabe Vilardi the only main, consistent scorers. Prospects like Brad Lambert, Brayden Yager, and Samuel Fagemo provide both scoring and speed but maybe still too young to play an advanced role this soon into their NHL careers.
Cheveldayoff has multiple paths to improve the roster
Cheveldayoff likes the group he has but changes need to be made to make them a contender again. Winnipeg has a projected cap space of $21.06 million to spend in free agency. While this is not the best free agent class, some options could help this roster. The Jets also have 27 draft picks spread out over the next four NHL Drafts. This kind of draft capital could be huge if Chveldayoff decides to flip some for a proven player or takes a chance that players picked can immediately step in. This could be an intriguing offseason for Winnipeg and Cheveldayoff.
Last season, Winnipeg played 40 1-goal games. They need another player that can come up big in the clutch. Connor, Vilardi, and Scheifele can not do it alone every game. Losing Nikolai Ehlers was big because he had NHL speed and could provide that secondary scoring. If a player like that is out there, Cheveldayoff needs to make a play. The only position that does not need to be touched is the goaltending position. While Connor Hellebyuck has had issues in the playoffs, he is still an elite goaltender. The Jets may be one to watch this offseason.
