The Winnipeg Jets have not had much luck in the postseason recently. Last season they were ousted by the Dallas Stars four games to one after posting 116 points during the regular season. What's next for the Jets? A revamped roster could mean more playoff success.
Cheveldayoff makes moves for better chances
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff was on a mission to change the roster for the better. Last season left a bad taste in his mouth and he wanted to make changes. He re-signed two of his biggest players, center Gabe Vilardi (six-year deal) and defenseman Dylan Samberg (three-year deal). He then went out in free agency and added some depth but those players filled holes.
The players he signed were all to one-year deals and those players included left wingers Gustav Nyqvist and Tanner Pearson, defenseman Kale Clague, center Jonathan Toews, and right wingers Samuel Fagemo and Walker Duehr (both to two-way deals). With an already solid roster, did Cheveldayoff do enoough to solidify the roster for the upcoming season and the playoffs?
Can the Jets repeat last season;s success?
The biggest question to that is goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He was the best goaltender during the regular season but completely fell apart during the playoffs, unable to win a road game. While some of the transactions were to get scoring depth, bringing in players like Nyquist, Toews, and Clague can also be a boost defensively. Hellebuyck needs to find a way to turn it up in the playoffs when his team needs him th most. He is one of the more dominant regular-season goaltenders but it means nothing if he flops in the playoffs year after year.
With 116 points in the regular season, the Jets proved they are a team that is dangerous and can compete for a Stanley Cup. However, their run stopped short at the hands of the Stars. Do the Jets have a chance at another run in the playoffs? Or will they fall short again? Winnipeg is a good team that has depth at every position so they will be an elite team once again. However, the playoffs are where they neded to make a statement.