Jets Season Preview: Building on a playoff appearance
The Jets brought playoff hockey back to Winnipeg last season and, let's face it, that was enough. While it was a short run with the Anaheim Ducks completing the first-round sweep, it's time to dream bigger and brighter in 2015-16.
The Jets are building something. They're coming off a 43-win season and boast the sixth-best prospect cupboard, according to ESPN's organizational rankings. Winnipeg's shown patience in developing its young talent. Mark Scheifele was a point away from hitting 50 in his second season and Nikolaj Ehlers, who had 205 points in his last 114 junior games, is coming. Why not stick him on Scheifele's wing on the second line?
The Jets' top line doesn't get enough credit. Alex Burmistrov - a former eighth overall pick - is back from the KHL. And a top four of Dustin Byfuglien, Jacob Trouba, Tobias Enstrom, and Tyler Myers should lead the Jets back to the playoffs.
There's also depth in goal. Michael Hutchison pushed Ondrej Pavelec, who responded by posting a .920 save percentage in what was the best season of his career. Connor Hellebuyck's in the pipeline, too.
Most importantly, the Jets have an identity thanks to head coach Paul Maurice. Few clubs work harder, as evidenced by Winnipeg's 20 road wins.
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff believes in his team, and it's time for the men in the room to justify his faith.
Projected Depth Chart
| LW | C | RW |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Ladd | Bryan Little | Blake Wheeler |
| Mathieu Perreault | Mark Scheifele | Drew Stafford |
| Nikolaj Ehlers | Alex Burmistrov | Matt Halischuk |
| Matt Fraser | Adam Lowry | Chris Thorburn |
| LD | RD |
|---|---|
| Dustin Byfuglien | Jacob Trouba |
| Tobias Enstrom | Tyler Myers |
| Mark Stuart | Ben Chiarot |
| Jay Harrison | Josh Morrissey |
| G |
|---|
| Ondrej Pavelec |
| Michael Hutchinson |
| Connor Hellebuyck |
X-Factor
The Jets finally got some goaltending last season, and it resulted in a playoff berth.
Here are Pavelec's numbers over the past four seasons:
| Season | Save Percentage | Starts |
|---|---|---|
| 2011-12 | .906 | 67 |
| 2012-13 | .905 | 43 |
| 2013-14 | .901 | 57 |
| 2014-15 | .920 | 46 |
Pavelec got off to a slow start last season, posting a .908 save percentage in nine October starts. By December, he was splitting time with Hutchinson - and Hutchinson was better, posting a .935 save percentage in 19 pre-All-Star Game starts to keep the Jets afloat.
Perhaps motivated by the competition, Pavelec took the job back down the stretch. He was otherworldly as the Jets closed in on the playoffs, registering a .943 save percentage in 10 games in March, and a .965 save percentage - and three shutouts - in four April starts.
Pavelec's first four postseason games, however, were ones to forget. He allowed 15 goals and finished with a .891 save percentage, bringing back the doubts that have surrounded him in recent years.
How short Pavelec's leash is this season will be a storyline to keep an eye on because the Jets need above-average play in the crease in order to succeed.
Player to Watch
Ehlers, drafted ninth overall in 2014, appears ready for prime time. He had 37 goals and 64 assists in 51 games with the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads last season, and added 10 goals and 21 assists in 14 playoff games.
At 5-foot-11 and 176 pounds, he's the type of player poised to star in a league putting more emphasis on speed and skill over size.
"I feel ready," Ehlers said, according to The Canadian Press' Joshua Clipperton. And with Michael Frolik, Jiri Tlusty, and Lee Stempniak departed, a roster spot is Ehler's to lose.
"I don't have any other plans than playing in the NHL this year," he said.
If everything goes according to his plans, Ehler could make a quietly deep Jets team much deeper - and much more dangerous.