What Is Next for the Winnipeg Jets After a Dismal 2021-22 Season?
The Winnipeg Jets 2022-23 season could be interesting, as the team has many questions.
Most of them concern the current roster as it stands, and what it could look like three years from now. New head coach Rick Bowness has his work cut out for him as he tries to get this group back into the playoffs.
The Jets have not made any additions this off-season via free agency that will help secure a playoff spot. This team is going into the season with more questions than answers as it tries to turn around its fortunes and make a deep playoff run.
However, there seems to be a bit of controversy coming out of the locker room heading into the off-season. Captain Blake Wheeler discussed his displeasure with the team’s recent play and he hinted that he might want to play elsewhere.
Pierre-Luc Dubois recently signed a 1-year contract after last season but made it clear that he wants out after his contract is up. Most think he will sign with the Montreal Canadiens next off-season.
Where do the Winnipeg Jets go from here?
Can Coach Bowness get this group focused and ready to rebound after last season’s 39-32-11 record? Can the Jets climb the standings and be better than the 6th place finish last year?
Can goaltender Connor Hellebuyck rebound from his 29-27-10 record last season? Will Dubois regain his form to get a big payday in the off-season?
With the roster as it stands, and the next couple of seasons in question, what do the Jets do to acquire young talent and fill out the roster, with the thought that Dubois, Wheeler, and Mark Scheifele may not be in a Jets uniform in the 2024-25 season?
With $6.3 million left in cap space, will they see who is left in free agency and sign a free agent?
If Wheeler and Schiefle want out, the Jets could trade them to stock up on prospects, which could be a good idea for the future. The prospect pool for Winnipeg is ranked 11th by The Athletic.
With a lot of questions surrounding the Jets this season, do they hope for the best and secure a playoff spot? Do they trade Wheeler and/or Scheifele to secure pieces and rebuild for the 2023-24 season?
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A lot has to be figured out in Winnipeg and the fact that no moves have been made has to have fans questioning what the motive of the team is heading into the 2022-23 season.