{allcanada} Winnipeg Jets preview: Filing flight plan for success

 

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2014-15 results: 43-26-13, fifth in Central

Arrivals: C Alex Burmistrov (return from Kontinental Hockey League)

Departures: LW Michael Frolik (signed with Calgary Flames), Fs Jiri Tlusty, Lee Stempniak and Jim Slater (free agents)

Goaltending: Ondrej Pavelec (22-16-8, 2.28, .920) enjoyed perhaps his best NHL season in 2014-15. He helped the team make the playoffs but wasn't sharp there. You still hear fans wishing the Jets would turn the page on him and let Michael Hutchinson (21-10-5, 2.39, .914) and Connor Hellebuyck (28-22-5 in the American Hockey League) battle for the No. 1 job. Pavelec, 28, has two seasons left on his deal.

Analysis: The Jets mostly stood pat this summer because they think they're on the rise. They have a stable of high-quality prospects who could spark them to the next level. Nikolaj Ehlers, Nic Petan or Andrew Copp could make the team. Winnipeg's top line of Andrew Ladd, Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler matches up well in the West. Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has a say in every game he plays. Tyler Myers was far more confident after he arrived in a trade. Jacob Trouba is maturing into a difference-maker on defense. This is a playoff-caliber team playing in a very challenging division. Coach Paul Maurice has done an impressive job in making the Jets competitive.

What advanced stats say: According to war-on-ice.com, the Jets scored three goals for every 60 minutes that Tobias Enstrom was on the ice. Only 11 defensemen, with a minimum of 500 minutes played, had a higher G/60 rating. The Jets averaged 2.5 goals for every 60 minutes Byfuglien was on the ice.

Breakthrough candidate: C Mark Scheifele, 22, had 34 points in 2013-14 and 49 in 2014-15. He could be in line for a 60-point season in 2015-16.

Youngster to watch: W Ehlers, from Denmark, is an elite prospect. He is a slick scorer who had 37 goals and 101 points with the Halifax (Nova Scotia) junior team.

What the team really needs: A few more scorers, especially after 19-goal scorer Frolik left.

Key question: What will happen to Byfuglien? His contract expires in July, and he'll be coveted. He is very popular with his teammates, and he can have an impact in many ways. He has a big shot, first-rate offensive instincts and is a giant, physical player. The Jets presumably will make a significant effort to re-sign him. Here is the concern: He's 30 and will want a long-term deal. He's a 260-pound player. Will that affect his ability to be effective in his mid-30s? If the Jets can't sign him by March, do they consider trading him? The return could be franchise-changing.

Forecast: With several Western teams improving, the Jets will be in a dogfight to make the playoffs.

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