Winnipeg Jets 2022 Offseason Makes them an Underdog this Season

Training camp is here and the 2022 offseason has been an interesting one, to say the least, for the Winnipeg Jets.

This offseason has included: Rick Bowness being named head coach, the Jets not making any major free agent signings or trades, losing Paul Stastny, Eric Comrie, and Evgeny Svechnikov in free agency, and Blake Wheeler being stripped of his captaincy right before training camp.

You can find various articles online and multiple posts on social media that show why there are a number of reasons not to feel confident and optimistic about the Jets as they begin the 2022-2023 season.

Considering last season’s results and what happened this past summer, the Jets have gone from a Stanley Cup contender to somewhat of an underdog in a matter of months.

The Winnipeg Jets are underdogs coming into this season

I think many would consider the Jets organization to be in flux right now. Considering Rick Bowness is the Jets’ third head coach in less than a year and the changes within the organization, there is good reason for people to have this belief about the Jets.

But the change in coaching style may benefit the Jets. Winnipeg still has the same core group of players, and the change in leadership and playing style under Bowness may play in the Jets’ favor.

In recent years, we have seen much success from a new head coach with a team. In 2019-2021, during Bowness’ first season in Dallas, the Stars went to the Stanley Cup Final but ultimately fell short to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The same thing happened in 2021 when Dominique Ducharme took over the Montreal Canadiens and they went to the Stanley Cup finals. Finally, last season, the Rangers were Eastern Conference runners-up after Gerard Gallant took the helm.

There is a chance that the Jets may surprise many this season. They will be employing new systems under Bowness and have a roster that will have a mix of veterans and younger players.

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Winnipeg Jets Fans: What place in the Central Division do you predict the Winnipeg Jets will finish in at the end of the upcoming season? Leave your comments below!