2014-2015 Review
The Winnipeg Jets were one of the more surprising teams to get into the playoffs last year. After years of disappointing seasons, leading to falling short of the playoffs, the Jets won 43 games and were a wild card team. They did not find success in the playoffs, however, as they were unfortunate to draw the Anaheim Ducks in the first round.
New Additions
Nikolaj Ehlers
Instead of trying to grab someone in the offseason, the Jets decided to give their young players a chance this offseason. In his last two years in the QMJHL, Ehers has scored over 100 points. The Jets are hoping he can bring a fraction of that firepower to the NHL.
Key Losses
Michael Frolik
Maybe the biggest decision the Jets made this offseason was to not resign Frolik. He had 19 goals and 42 points last year despite only playing 17 MPG. With the lack of scorers already, losing Frolik hurts.
Biggest Strength
Star Defenders
Tobias Enstrom, Tyler Myers and Dustin Byfuglien are all star players in the NHL with plenty of talent. They each got over 22 MPG last year with the Jets, and were able to get a positive +/-. The addition of Tyler Myers in a trade with the Sabres last year was what really set this team playoff bound. They were tied for the tenth best defense and allowed Ondrej Pavelec to have a career year.
Biggest Weakness
Lack of Goal Scorers
When Blake Wheeler is your top goal scorer, you know you have problems. No offense to Wheeler, but he is a two way forward. Last year, he had a great season with 26 goals, 61 points and 26 +/-, but he has never had a 30 goal season. It would be a surprise if anybody on the Jets next year scores 30 goals, which goes to show that Winnipeg is lacking in the sniper department.
Bottom Line
The Jets have a nice defense, but their problem is lack of offensive firepower. Also, Tyler Myers is known for inconsistent play and while he played great last year, that doesn't mean that he will be great this year. With Andrew Ladd, Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little as the teams leading scorers last year, they are going to need to hope that the defense can continue their efforts from last year.
Fantasy Slant
Most Overrated: Ondrej Pavelec
Over the past four years, Pavelec has gotten a .910 SV% or better only once, and that was last season. His career .908 SV% and 2.86 GAA show that he is a below average goalie that had a career year last year.
Most Underrated: Tobias Enstrom
Not that well known outside of Winnipeg, Enstrom is arguably the best defender with the Jets. He led the team in MPG (excluding Tyler Myers, who only played 24 games) and had a better +/- than Myers, Trouba or Byfluglien. He is a for sure first pair defender next year.
Biggest Surprise: Mark Scheifele
The 22 year old keeps getting better with each year played in the NHL. Last year, he amassed 49 points a year after getting 34. He should continue to improve, so expect a 50-point season from him.