3 Canadian NHL teams that will benefit from a shortened season
By Jasmine Yen
2. Winnipeg Jets
I believe that teams that have undergone the fewest changes will greatly benefit from this shortened season. Players that are familiar with each other and their coach’s strategies will have an easier time getting back into the swing of things than new guys who still need to learn their new team’s system. Teams like the Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames made significant additions this offseason, and it will take time to gel together as a group.
The Winnipeg Jets have remained virtually the same, re-signing many of their key players for the next season. Their big free-agent signing was Paul Stastny; a guy was on the team just two years ago. This will be a huge advantage for them as there will be no surprises when they get to training camp.
Stastny had a positive impact on the team and complimented Nikolaj Ehlers and Patrik Laine very well. The team has built a deep and talented forward group and have the reigning Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck between the pipes. Familiarity will allow this team to come out of the gates strong, which is key in a shortened season.