The Winnipeg Jets have seen many familiar faces from their 2021 roster depart their team since the offseason began.
Out of all the players that have left the Jets, four of them were forwards. Three of those forwards including Trevor Lewis, Mathieu Perreault, and Nate Thompson have all left in free agency while Mason Appleton was selected by the Seattle Kraken in their Expansion Draft.
Regardless of how the player left Winnipeg, there was one thing in common among each of them. They were all consistent players on the Jets’ bottom-two lines.
The Winnipeg Jets will have a new look bottom-six during next season
Currently, the Jets only have one player from last year’s roster on their bottom-two lines and that player is Adam Lowry.
Andrew Copp is also a restricted free agent and his future in Winnipeg is still uncertain with his contract situation and the Jets’ limited cap space.
Depending on what happens with Copp, the Jets will either have four or five new faces on their bottom six.
The Jets have started the replacement process by signing Riley Nash in free agency. The veteran forward has played center throughout his career and he is projected to center the Jets’ fourth line.
With Nash signed, the Jets will look to three or four players to step in and step up on their third and fourth lines.
With dwindling cap room, there is a great chance that Jets supporters will see younger players, with little or no NHL experience, battle it out for these spots rather than the Jets looking to free agency for depth.
These players could include Jansen Harkins, Dominic Toninanto, Kristian Vesalinen, David Gustafsson, and Cole Perfetti.
It will be interesting to see who features on the Jets’ bottom two lines when the 2021-2022 season starts with all of the mainstays from last season departing.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: What are your predictions on who will feature on the Winnipeg Jets’ third and fourth lines next season? Leave your comments below!