Winnipeg Jets 2022-2023 Expectations: Four Players to Watch
Here’s our look at the Winnipeg Jets’ expectations for a few players in this upcoming season who might move the needle in either direction.
As a new season approaches, the yearly set of questions placed on Winnipeg Jets players has begun to ramp up. With each passing year, each player has a certain number of questions that surround them, and this year is no different.
The Winnipeg Jets’ expectations are often a topic of discussion, as the offseasons tend to spawn many debates.
So, let’s look at the Winnipeg Jets’ expectations for a few players in this upcoming season who might move the needle in either direction.
EXPECT MORE FROM…
Cole Perfetti
2021-22 NHL Stats: 18 GP, 2 G, 5 A, 7 PTS
Cole Perfetti will likely get every chance to expand his role on the Winnipeg Jets for the 2022-23 season
Cole Perfetti, 20, gave Jets fans a glimpse of his sheer talent last year in limited action, and given the dealing of Andrew Copp at the deadline last year and the Free Agent departures of Paul Stastny and Zach Sanford, there are several spots available to solidify his spot as a full-time NHLer.
In his eighteen games last season, the 5’11 C/RW played the majority of his minutes on a line with Kyle Connor and Pierre-Luc Dubois. The line showcased the raw skill that Perfetti possesses, and clearly made it difficult for the coaching staff to make a decision regarding his contract status and whether he should remain on the NHL roster. The Connor-Dubois-Perfetti line was dominant at times, and that’s reflected in the stats.
In approximately 146 five-on-five minutes last year, the trio outshot their opponents 154-119 (Natural Stat Trick) and had a 54.2% expected goals percentage, (MoneyPuck) which was good enough for second best on the team and first among forwards. Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo, the Jets’ top defense pairing, led the team with 57%. Expected Goals percentage (xGoals%) is often indicative of how many dangerous chances a line may have, and the Perfetti line impressed.
All that said, the Perfetti experience was cut short, and he was returned to the Manitoba Moose (AHL) for the remainder of his season.
His NHL time, however, showed that placing him with skilled players such as Connor and Dubois only made him more dangerous. Perfetti’s season was cut short due to a lingering upper-body injury, so he’ll be looking to bounce back going into this season. Look for him to have a break-out campaign that should have him in Calder Trophy contention.