Winnipeg Jets: Three Early Conclusions After Game One

1. 2018 Paul Stastny is back!

Full disclosure, I am a Paul Stastny fan. He was a key contributor to the Winnipeg Jets 2018 Western Conference finals team. When he signed with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2018 I knew that was going to leave a tremendous gap on the roster.

The Jets made a valiant effort to retain him in 2018 when he signed with the Vegas Golden Knights but were unable to re-sign him. Fortunately, Kevin Cheveldayoff did not forget how well Stastny fit on the team and made an excellent trade this past offseason to re-acquire the 35-year-old center.

Understandably, many had concerns that perhaps he had slowed down from the 2018  younger version of the player we last saw play for the Jets. Based on my observation last night, Stastny looked like essentially the same player I remembered.

Stastny fit in very well with his younger, faster linemates Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine. He also demonstrated excellent face skills, sound defensive play, physical play in the opponent’s zone, and a stabilizing presence on the powerplay.

The Jets appear to have once again found an ideal second line center who fits in seamlessly and solidifies the top six forwards.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: What were your early conclusions about the Jets based on their game one victory against the Flames? Leave your comments below!