Winnipeg Jets: Final Skills-Comp Predictions

Apr 7, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (33) shoots and scores a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the last ten seconds of the game in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Winnipeg won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (33) shoots and scores a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the last ten seconds of the game in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Winnipeg won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

It’s that time of year again! The Jets have finished their crazy NHL record of 32 games in just 60 days, and nothing can recharge the group like a little competition. Here’s our picks on who will win it all!

Fastest Skater

Much of us won’t remember who won last season… Paul Postma! Normally a lineup fringe player, it was quite a surprise to see Postma beat players like Blake Wheeler or Nikolaj Ehlers. Postma is a bigger player, who’s long legs help him accelerate out of the corners, and down the straights. This year, expect Ehlers, and Brandon Tanev, despite being smaller players, to clobber Postma, and even Wheeler. Ehlers was flying last night in front of a home crowd, so let’s see if he can continue on with that.

Final Verdict:

  1. Nikolaj Ehlers
  2. Blake Wheeler
  3. Brandon Tanev
  4. Paul Postma

Hardest Shot

Byfuglien is the big man who scores more goals from the point than almost all the rest of the “D” combined. Enter Ben Chiarot, who nearly broke 100 miles per hour last season, and won the whole competition. Then add Patrik Laine to the fold. Laine was almost solely taken by the Winnipeg Jets second overall because of his game changing ripper. We could see one of the more exciting competitions ever. Expect Byfuglien to let it be known he’s still the boss.

Final Verdict:

  1. Dustin Byfuglien
  2. Ben Chiarot
  3. Patrik Laine
  4. Jacob Trouba

Accuracy Shooting

This event could be thought as the most lopsided. Laine leads the Jets in goals, meaning he knows best how to shoot exactly where he wants to. Remember Mark Scheifele has an underrated world class shot, especially picking off corners. Blake Wheeler, Nikolaj Ehelers, Bryan Little, and Mathieu Perreault can all find their targets, and despite only four goals on the year, do not under estimate Dustin Byfuglien.

Final Verdict:

  1. Patrik Laine
  2. Mark Scheifele
  3. Mathieu Perreault
  4. Bryan Little

Patrik Laine and his shot could take home the bragging rights, but it`s always fun to see some underdogs excel. What a fun night it should be for the Winnipeg Jets, and fans at the event.

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