We’re continuing our previews of the Central Division this weekend. As Bon Jovi said, we’re half way there. And today’s subject might be one of the most fascinating teams in the entire NHL this season. To catch you up with our preview series, thus far, we’ve looked at:
Arizona Coyotes
St. Louis Blues
Nashville Predators
Let’s take a trip north to Winnipeg today. Earlier this week, the Jets named Adam Lowry as their new captain. But… they’ve been shopping almost everyone else on their roster all summer. By the time we get through the trade deadline, the Jets might be grounded.
Head Coach: Rick Bowness
2022-23 Record: 46-33-3 (95 points — 4th in the Central)
2023 Playoffs: Lost 4-1 to Vegas in the first round
2022-23 Offensive Leaders
Goals: Mark Scheifele (42)
Assists: Josh Morrissey (60)
Points: Kyle Connor (80)
Current Cap Hit: ($1,779,643 available cap space)
Roster Additions: Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari, Vladislav Namestnikov, Collin Delia, Laurent Brossoit, Jeffrey Viel
Roster Losses: Blake Wheeler, Pierre-Luc Dubois, David Rittich, Kevin Stenlund, Arvid Holm, Alex Limoges, Karsꦛon Kuhlm🃏an, Leon Gawanke
Prospect Pool Rank (The Athletic):
Key Rookies/Prospects: Cole Perfetti, Colby Barlow, Rut𒀰𝔉ger McGroarty, Brad Lambert
Outlook
Hey! You! Rival general manager(s)! Want a goaltender? How about a really good one? Because Connor Hellebuyck is about as good as it gets and he’s walking out the door at the end of this season whether the Jets trade him or not. The question is whether Scheifele finishes his contract (this year is all that remains) in Winnipeg or not.
I think they did well in the PLB trade with the Kings, I really do. But the departures of Wheeler and Dubois leave big holes in the lineup, and buying out Wheeler is the kind of move that could turn off the fanbase if this season goes south and they don’t do well in the likely trades of their two remaining veteran stars.
