Winnipeg Jets: Top 3 changes they must make after another playoff exit

3. Overhaul The Defense

It’s hard to describe in words how horrific the Winnipeg Jets were defensively this season. So I’m going to use some numbers instead. After losing Trouba, Byfuglien, and Ben Chariot last offseason, the Jets were expected to be a bit worse defensively. They were more than just a “bit worse” defensively. The Jets were far worse defensively.

Here’s where the Winnipeg Jets ranked at 5v5 during the regular season.

• Shots against per hour: 31.96 (26th)
• Expected goals against per hour: 2.58 (29th)
• Scoring chances against per hour: 27.9 (24th)
• High danger chances against per hour: 12.89 (30th)

Even their numbers while killing penalties were horrendous.

• Shots against per hour: 58.67 (28th)
• Expected goals against per hour: 7.28 (29th)
• Scoring chances against per hour: 51.59 (24th)
• High danger chances against per hour: 22.47 (25th)

These numbers are inexcusably bad. Even after overhauling their system, the Winnipeg Jets should overhaul their defense. Obviously, Josh Morrissey isn’t going anywhere. Neither is Neal Pionk. But other than that, even if the Jets re-sign Dylan DeMelo (which they should), they’ve got make some changes to their defense. Giving Sami Niku and Villie Heinola more playing time should help, though the latter shouldn’t be handed a roster spot.

Their top priority has to be finding Josh Morrissey a top-pairing partner. He was terrific with Jacob Trouba and both of them suffered without the other this season. That just goes to show how important chemistry is with pairings.

Last season, Cheveldayoff didn’t address the defense. This summer, he has to do it. Sitting by idly while his core gets older isn’t going to work.