Mile High Sticking Central Division Power Rankings — Preseason Debut!

 7. WINNIPEG JETS

Mar 31, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Winnipeg Jets right wing Blake Wheeler (26) attempts a shot against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at Honda Center. The Anaheim Ducks won in overtime with a final score of 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Who was the leading scorer for the Winnipeg Jets last season? If you guessed Blake Wheeler, you win a fabulous prize. Just blink your eyes three times, hold out your hands, and shout out “the universe rifles a prize into my outstretched hands” in your best Doc Emrick voice. Hmmm, didn’t work? Well sorry, we’re still working the kinks out on that prize teleportation system.

The Jets have payed homage to their time in Atlanta, and struggled to win games since relocating to the True North. Evander Kane is probably the biggest name on the roster, but he had a rough season last year scoring only 41 points in 63 games.

Last Season: 84 pts – Missed Playoffs

Prediction: 78 pts

Team Strength: Headed for the draft lottery

The Avalanche found out, the best way to quickly improve your roster is score a few top five draft selections. Winnipeg has a roster that just might be capable of accomplishing that next season, especially if the Central Division proves to be as brutal as advertised. Sure, you want to play for pride, but this team is starving for talent. A truly disastrous season may be the best thing for them long term. Best case, I think the Jets are within shouting distance of the playoff race throughout March, but don’t ever have a legitimate shot at making it.

Team Weakness: Ondrej Pavelec

Pavelec is one of the worst starting goaltenders in the NHL. He posted a 3.01 GAA, and 0.901 save percentage last season, and in interviews was often quick to blame the team around him and his defense for giving up too many chances. I heard several Jets fans lament his attitude, and wish he would have held himself a bit more accountable for his performance.