Winnipeg Jets
Key Losses-Andrew Ladd
Key Additions-Patrick Laine (2016 Entry Draft), Shawn Matthias,
Analysis: Winnipeg was a better team than they finished last year. Analysts suggest that they generated a healthy number of scoring chances but failed to capitalize on them. After trading their captain away at the NHL trade deadline the Jets landed (again, pun intended) in some incredible luck. Despite finishing 11th in the Western Conference (7th in the division) and 25th in the league, Winnipeg drew the second overall pick in the 2016 Entry Draft and used it to select Finnish phenom Patrick Laine.
If you buy what the gurus are selling about Winnipeg, they may just be the team to beat next year in the Central Division. If they continue to develop their home grown talent, create scoring opportunities, and play the physical brand of hockey which has served them and Paul Maurice well, this team is going to be hard to beat, especially if they cut down on the penalties (only LA, Anaheim, and Arizona gave more penalty opportunities last year).
Season Series: 10/28-H, 11/11-H, 12/18-A, 2/4-H, 3/4-A
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