The Winnipeg Jets took over first in the Central Division for the first time in a while following their victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. But it can.
I was under the impression the Winnipeg Jets had been notably worse than they were last season. They’re on pace for roughly 112 points, which is a) really good and b), two points off their record last year.
That’s…essentially the same. Yes, Winnipeg got off to an uneven start, and it was a little bit of everything. Mediocre play from Connor Hellebuyck, defensive letdowns, lack of offense.
It was…worrisome. I wasn’t outright panicked, but I was starting to worry. Look, a team like the Jets doesn’t have the margin for error that teams like the Rangers and Kings will have in their rebuilds.
Winnipeg isn’t a huge free agent draw, as we know. They also have fewer resources than big market teams. The Jets have to develop perfectly and make smart trades to fill holes.
They can’t plug a major hole with, say, John Tavares or Erik Karlsson (not likely, kids). Especially not now, since they need all the precious cap space they can get their hands on.
They did develop and draft well, and now they have to pay those guys. They’ve started already, with Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck and Nikolaj Ehlers. Patrik Laine, Josh Morrissey and Kyle Connor all await.
So, the Jets should win now rather than attempt to extend their window?
Yeah, probably. The Blackhawks went for it, won some Cups, and now are a pitiful team. 100% worth it. The Rangers were always close but never had the opportunity to make a move that put them over the top.
Their window is closed and likely will remain so throughout the swan song of Henrik Lundqvist, the player most responsible for them being that perennial playoff contender.
I’m not saying to bankrupt the farm for marginal improvements, but if you have an opportunity to make a move that changes your chances considerably (Matt Duchene, for instance), I think you have to take it.
Yes, the Jets were in the lead of the division. They still have that game in hand. They might finish above Nashville. But ask anyone who they think will win the Cup. Toronto and Tampa, who the Jets will face this evening, are the usual answers.
The Capitals won it all last year and sit atop the Metro as we speak. I always see Winnipeg as a B-tier team. Now, this was before they won eight of their last nine. They’ve certainly been on the upswing.
But there’s a caveat, here. Hockey Reference’s strength of schedule tool puts the Winnipeg Jets at 31st of 31 teams, which means they’ve had the easiest schedule.
This really checks out. It seems like every night, Winnipeg is up against Chicago or Florida or one of the three garbage tri-state area teams (Rangers, Isles, Devils).
It doesn’t seem like they’ve been challenged all that often. That’ll change. Tampa is tonight. San Jose, Calgary and Minnesota all come within the next two weeks.
Next month gives them the Flyers, Red Wings and Vegas as mediocre players. But also Nashville, Pittsburgh, Colorado, Anaheim, Boston, Minnesota and Dallas twice. It gets tougher.
But the Jets can, too. We’ve seen their scoring prowess and their defense isn’t terrible but it has a hole. The Jets can win this year. Yes, Connor Hellebuyck’s play gives me pause, but he’s been solid lately.
Winnipeg benefits from moving quickly on the trade market. Every point is crucial in the standings. The best home team in the NHL would really benefit from home ice in the playoffs, don’t you think?
So yes, I think it would be wise to attempt to acquire players like Matt Duchene or Michael Del Zotto. Find a weakness, plug it. What’s not to like? Don’t sell out the future, but I’d take an extra down year or two for a Cup.