The Winnipeg Jets continue to flounder in the middle of their division, and while I’d be shocked if this team misses out on the playoffs, things could be better. But that doesn’t mean I’m concerned about the future.
The Winnipeg Jets are in a good position to absorb a lost year and still be contenders. This team has a big window.
Now, if they continue to play like they have, that will raise quite a few questions. They won’t be the slam-dunk contenders many of us envisioned before this season.
They’ll be an intriguing team with a high-powered offense and trouble stopping the puck in their own end. But development is not linear.
There are often bumps in the road. And this team can skyrocket to the top of the standings and nearly to the Stanley Cup Finals, we’ve seen it. They’ll be capable of it in the future, even if they flame out this year.
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Look how long it took Washington to finally win a Cup with Alex Ovechkin? It’s pretty clear the Winnipeg Jets have their own Ovie in Patrik Laine, who paces the NHL with 21 goals in 24 contests.
But they also have stud sophomore Kyle Connor, young speed demon Nikolaj Ehlers, defensemen Josh Morrissey and Jacob Trouba, ect.
Their veterans are few and far between. Two members of their core are in their thirties. Dustin Byfuglien, who is 33, is dealing with injuries right now. Those usually don’t get better with age, but he’s shown he’s a premium player on the ice even now.
And then there’s Blake Wheeler, the 32 year old captain with the new contract. But again, he’s putting up 32 points in 24 contests, which is a 109 point pace. I think he’ll be fine for a couple years.
The biggest concern moving forward is the goaltending. It’s held many teams back from the ultimate goal. And with Connor Hellebuyck getting a six year, $37MM contract, he’s stuck there. And they’re likely stuck with him.
But I doubt they’ll live or die with him. If the team realizes he’s the only weak link in the future, I’m certain they’ll make a move to put themselves in the best position to win. Helly’s young, at 25, and we’ve seen just how good he can be.
I believe in him recovering. Maybe not to the highs of last season, but numbers certainly better than what he’s currently putting up. Even if this is a lost year, he’s not a lost cause.
Yes, eventually this team will be fighting the salary cap and probably have to shed assets until they look like the Chicago Blackhawks. But if they can win just one Cup in that time, it’ll be all worth it.
And hey, if it doesn’t happen this year, don’t worry. They’ve all the talent in the world. Sometimes it just takes a while for it to click for everyone.
You know, it might happen this year. It might happen in 2020. It might never happen. But even if Winnipeg continues to play the way they have, I’ll believe they can win the Cup next season.
I won’t be confident, but I’ll think to myself after every dominating win: Damn, this team is fun. And capable of things few others are. It’s just about timing. Timing is everything, they say.
So don’t fret too much. I know Winnipeg has been devoid of success, and it’s such a great hockey town. They deserve a win. And this team can give it to them, even if it’s not this year.