#10 in the East: Winnipeg Jets

Welcome back to Winnipeg! After 15 seasons without hosting an NHL game, the city finally gets its team back. I know Bettman doesn’t want more teams in Canada, but I’m in full support. Put hockey wherever it’s appreciated. I understand trying to expand interest in the game, but it’s only going to flourish where people have interest. It’s hard to convince NASCAR fans that hockey is a great sport. Maybe if they just skated in circles it would be an easier argument. “YOU THINK I CAN’T TURN LEFT BETTER THAN YOU?” I think most hockey fans are happy for Winnipeg.

Although they sport one of the smallest salary caps in the NHL, the Jets still have a very competitive roster. On offense, they resigned a true leader in Andrew Ladd. To begin, I had no idea Ladd was only 25 years old. He is an incredible leader for such a young age. After seasoning himself in Carolina and Chicago, Ladd has found his niche in Winnipeg. He had a respectable season last year with 59 points and I expect this figure to rise playing in front of more passionate fans. Antropov is next on the salary cap chart. He is a very large individual with some slick hands. He may not be the fastest player in the world, but he’s dangerous along the boards and in front of the net. Paired with Ladd, this should be a fairly dangerous first line. Kane is a young forward poised for a breakout season. He has speed, a great shot, playmaking abilities and toughness. I expect big things from a kid wearing Hull’s #9. Another signing over the off-season was Wheeler. He had a wonderful season last year accumulating 44 points and plus-10 – difficult on a team with the majority of players in the negative. He’s a healthy, young individual who should be good for even more points this season. Little is one of the more underrated players not only on this team, but in the league. He has a smart head on his shoulders with the skills to match. Opponents: be aware of his speed. You’ve been warned. Fehr was acquired in the off-season and will be a helpful addition to the lineup. How about those two goals in the Winter Classic? Fehr is another talented, young forward for this club and should contribute a sufficient number of points. I would hope the Jets utilize him in front of the net. As I continue through this roster, the word “young” keeps reoccurring. Burmistrov is no exception. He is a speedy, crafty forward with incredible stick-handling skills. Along with Kane, I anticipate Burmistrov having a breakout year. Slater missed half of the season last year with a concussion. When he comes back, he will continue to grind out his ice time. Thorburn is a durable, tough forward often under the skin of his opponents. He has more than one dimension however. Thorburn has a nose for the net and is good for some garbage goals every season. It will be interesting to see when Cormier arrives in the NHL and when his reputation will fade. Glass is a great 3^rd or 4^th line player who works hard every shift. His figures should increase with more ice time playing for Winnipeg rather than Vancouver. Stapleton and Maxwell finish off the forwards – two more young guys looking for some time to prove themselves. It should be fun watching them battle.

Offensive Score: C+

While Winnipeg’s offense is slightly thin, their defense is absolutely not. Byfuglien signed a new 5-year deal over the summer. After moving from Chicago to Atlanta, while simultaneously switching from offense to defense, Byfuglien is one of the most versatile players in the league. His current position with the Jets allows him to follow the puck forward and protect it in his own end. Byfuglien's big body also allows him to be an enforcer when needed. Hainsey had a down season last year, but provides an important veteran presence in the lineup. His numbers should look a little better this coming season. Enstrom is one of the more underrated defenseman in the NHL. He plays valuable minutes for the organization in every situation - averaging the most time on ice. He and Byfuglien form a scary tandem on the power play. Oduya was acquired from the Devils in  2010 for the (dis)service of Kovalchuk. He is a durable, skilled, puck-moving defenseman. Stuart doesn't put a ton of points on the board, but still fills useful minutes stopping the opposition in tight games. Jones has put in his dues in the NHL and should see more ice time playing for this club. This will come along with an increased point production. I know nothing of Festerling, but I will come next season. Finally, the Jets still have to resign RFA Bogosian. Everyone seems to be "pumping his tires" and while I think he's a very good, young player, I don't understand this sentiment. His numbers suggest mediocrity, but he is still young and his potential may be worth an investment. 

Defensive Score: B

In net, the Jets have two fairly-priced goaltenders in Pavelec and Mason. Pavelec is the starter and the organization is hoping he can play at the same level as last season. Although he didn't have a winning record, Pavelec stood on his head in a number of games. This team doesn't sport the most talented roster so much of the responsibility falls to the 'tenders. Mason is an extremely capable backup, if that's how you want to label him. He's started for teams in the past and if Pavelec fails to deliver early in the season, we could see a change in roles. Either option provides a decent situation.

Goaltending Score: B

With high hopes from their fans, let's hope the Jets perform.