Winnipeg Jets Free Agency Outlook, Potential Fits

Winnipeg Jets Free Agency Preview/Outlook, Salary Cap Situation, Restricted Free Agents, Team Needs, and Potential Fits

Largely regarded as a budget team, the Winnipeg Jets have yet to reach the salary cap floor as they head into free agency. It’s unclear exactly how much GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has to work with, but the team still needs to re-sign Mark Scheifele and Jacob Trouba, among others.

With top defensive prospect Josh Morrissey ready to step up on the left-side, Winnipeg may need to consider moving one of Tyler Myers or Jacob Trouba (both RH) with Dustin Byfuglien locked in as no.1 on the right side.

The recent addition of 2nd overall pick Patrik Laine also helps to create options for Winnipeg. With the Finnish star immersed in the lineup, it gives flexibility for Kevin Cheveldayoff to move a top-six forward, preferably Drew Stafford ($4.35 million dollar cap hit) or Mathieu Perreault ($3 million dollar cap hit).

Year in Review

Joining the other Canadian teams in the Draft Lottery after posting a record of 35-39-8 (78 points), the Winnipeg Jets struck gold snagging the second pick.

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Several positives can be drawn from an overall disappointing season though. Mark Scheifele stepped up in a big way, and continues to climb the ladder of top center’s in the game.

Nikolaj Ehlers had some typical rookie hurdles to overcome, but a solid first year nonetheless.

Let’s not forget goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who got the call up once Ondrej Pavelec went down. Michael Hutchinson struggled, and Hellebuyck staked his claim on the starter role. Unfortunately, he was a victim of the numbers game, and was eventually sent back to the AHL.

Moving forward, expect the Jets to figure out a solution to their abundance of netminders. People refer to it as a big three, but often forget there’s a 4th in the mix, prospect Eric Comrie.

Given how the Jets operate as a budget team, logic dictates Ondrej Pavelec and his $3.9 million dollar cap hit is most likely to be traded.

Winnipeg Jets Free Agency Outlook/Preview

Salary Cap Committed to 2016-17: $52,839,999
Number of Players Signed: 31

Notable Unrestricted Free Agents: Matt Halischuk, Patrice Cormier, Thomas Raffl

Notable Restricted Free Agents: Brandon Tanev, Joel Armia, Mark Scheifele, Adam Lowry, J.C. Lipon, Jacob Trouba, Brandon Kichton, Julian Melchiori