Winnipeg Jets: Three Reasons Patrik Laine Was Traded

2. Playoff success is key for the Jets

When questioned about whether fans should judge Dubois based on the well publicized one effortless shift that led to his benching by coach John Tortorella, Cheveldayoff invited fans to watch video of Dubois in last year’s playoff round (starts at 3:47 of the video).

Dubois had 10 points in 10 playoff games last year facing off against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning. Cheveldayoff stressed that Dubois played extremely well against the likes of Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and Brayden Point.

The Jets lost in last year’s play-in round against the Calgary Flames without top players Mark Scheifele and Patrik Laine. However, most fans and media would agree that being without those players was not the only reason for the loss.

The Jets looked slower, less physical, and were a far cry from the playoff team that went to the Western Conference finals in 2018. I suspect that this was not lost on the Jets management team.

Therefore, despite losing a supremely talented goal scorer, being able to add a legitimate top line center who has demonstrated an ability to play a physical two-way game only helps the Jets’ chances in long playoff series.