Winnipeg Jets are Switching Spots With Former Dynasties

The Winnipeg Jets have slowly been progressing towards becoming a winning team, and now we’re here! We’re one of the top teams in the league, and we’ve become a whole lot better than teams who’ve had lots of past success, like Chicago and Pittsburgh.

The Winnipeg Jets lead the way in the Central Division. With the St. Louis Blues trailing them by only two points, it’s a tight race. That said, the Jets are still striving forward. We are only three points back of third place, and the playoffs are looking like a lock.

On the flip side, take a look at the Chicago Blackhawks. Their former “three cups in six years” dynasty has come to an end. They currently sit at the bottom of the Central. If you look back a few years ago, it was almost exactly the opposite. The Winnipeg Jets were either second to last, or outright last in the division. The Blackhawks would be around the same cushy spot the Jets are currently in. Tides have turned, and with multiple moves from Kevin Cheveldayoff, the Jets are now a contender.

Key pieces to the switch

If you think key pieces, sure, you think lots of the new young guys. Truly, we should be giving credit to guys like Dustin Byfuglien, Blake Wheeler, Bryan Little, and Tobias Enstrom. These guys have stuck with us from the start, throughout tough seasons without requesting trades or complaining. That’s the reason those guys are fan-favourites.

Another big reason for the Jets improvement is Mark Scheifele. Scheifele is one of the NHL’s top players, and is one of the biggest names on the Jets. Mark Scheifele was the first pick after returning to Winnipeg. From being a scrawny, small teenager, Scheifele has worked hard to get where he is right now.

Will we drop as fast as Chicago when we go down?

It’s very hard to say. It depends on how fast we age, and how Cheveldayoff replenishes our team with prospects. For all we know, we could be the next Detroit Red Wings and make the playoffs for a quarter century straight.  If Chevy doesn’t forget about our future, I think we should have many years of success ahead of us.

Next: Sharks Point To Winnipeg As The Worst City To Play

Thank goodness, mine and fellow Jets fans prayers were answered. Kevin Cheveldayoff came through, and has created a solid contender.