Welcome to Ask the Jets Experts. We have all the answers to percolating questions involving the Winnipeg Jets. Whatever your question is, we’ve got the answer. This September issue focuses on pre-season predictions.
Question 1: Do you see the Jets making the post season for a second time in three years?
Anthony Jacob – I predict with the Jets big youth movement of their forwards, they will creep into the playoffs. Patrik Laine, and Kyle Connor will help the Jets finally score enough goals to hide any other deficiencies they have. If Connor Hellebuyck can finally cement his job as number one, even better.
Dylan Paré- They could possibly make the post season, but it completely depends on if they are going to attempt to make the playoffs, or look at one final year at receiving top prospects during the draft. I think they will play Connor Hellebuyck as the starting goalie, and will get their prospects and veterans to step up and show a little bit more leadership towards the rookies, and young guns.
That leads us to the second question, Who will win the starting goalie role for the Jets?
Anthony – Connor Hellebuyck has shown his potential in international events, and now it’s his time to shine in the show. Taking over the job from Ondrej Pavelec won’t be too easy, but since the Jets aren’t too crazy about winning yet, they will give Connor whatever opportunities he needs to succeed, and that may be a starting role.
Dylan – The Jets have three goalies on their hands that they have to choose from in Connor Hellebuyck, Michael Hutchinson and Ondrej Pavelec. I don’t believe that Pavelec has the consistency to be a starter, but has his spurts of an all-star. Connor Hellebuyck is the best candidate because he is the only one who can stay consistent as a young player. Michael Hutchinson will probably end up as the AHL backup because they don’t want Eric Comrie riding the pine all season, and stunt his development.
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Who will represent the Winnipeg Jets at the 2017 All-Star Game?
Anthony – Mark Scheifele had a half season breakout last year, and this upcoming year might be his to finally become a true NHL number one centre. Blake Wheeler or Dustin Byfuglien are also always possibilities, with their scoring, and game changing abilities. Patrik Laine could also represent the Jets as a rookie, due to impressing by his goal output.
Dylan – Dustin Byfuglien was chosen as the candidate to play in the NHL All Star Game last year, and Blake Wheeler was nominated after a player had an injury. I don’t necessarily think it will be the same this year. I think they will choose Wheeler, and Byfuglien and then if there is an injury, they will add Mark Scheifele to that list. If Patrik Laine has a good start to the season, he could be nominated as a rookie All-Star.
Question 4, Will Jacob Trouba be signed before the season, or get traded?
Anthony – I don’t think it’s a case of Winnipeg not wanting Trouba (although it could be the other way), so I think a deal will get done. Trouba and his agent are making sure the Jets know what kind of player they think he is, and why he’s worth a huge contract. Eventually he will realize in late September it’s time to give in, and to get a huge contract, he’s gonna have to earn it.
Dylan – I think it’s a complete toss up. It totally depends on how much GM Kevin Cheveldayoff wants him. I think a trade will and should be the end result. There is no way he is worth more than almost every player on their team, and he has lots value on the trade market as a quality, overvalued right handed defenseman.
Final question, will the Schwehlers (Scheifele, Wheeler, Ehlers) line stay together for the majority of the season, and will it be one of the best lines in hockey like it was down the stretch last year?
Anthony – Having a line you can trust is something every team needs, and after Andrew Ladd got dealt, they don’t have their Little, Ladd, Wheeler combo. Down the stretch these three showed why they’re a big part of the Jets future, they will most likely start the season together, and have some success together.
Dylan – I think it will, because there was so much success with them together, and why would you take that away if it’s working for them.
Stay tuned for next months edition of Ask the Jets Experts. Comment any Jets related questions you have!