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The Winnipeg Jets lacklustre preseason came to an end Friday night with a 5-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche in Denver. Overall, the Jets went 1-2-1 in preseason play.
Both the Jets and Avalanche played nearly their opening night line-ups. During 5 on 5 play, it was no contest. The Avalanche controlled the game. Although this game was just preseason, it should be a wake-up call for Jets management and Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff that the Jets roster as currently constructed, cannot compete with teams like the Avalanche, Stars, Wild and most likely the up and coming Mammoth as well. If one were to project the final standings for the Central Division today, at best, the Jets would be 5th; ahead of only perhaps the St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks.
Jets forward group
Judging from the preseason finale line-up and the line rushes at most recent practices, it seems as though the forward lines are mostly set to begin the year.
Connor-Scheifele-Perfetti
Rosen-Bjorck-Vilardi
Barron-Lowry-Lambert
Niederreiter-Namestnikov/Yager-Iafallo
The only decision that remains to be made is whether Brayden Yager will begin the season centering the Jets 4 th line or with the Manitoba Moose. Most Winnipeg fans would like to see him with the big club. Time will tell if the Jets youth movement this year will be a hit or a miss.
In the 4-game preseason sample size, none of the Jets young players produced eye popping plays for better or worse. Hopefully, with time and minutes, the kids will solidify their line-up spots. At least, they’re getting their opportunity.
Jets defence group
Although Elias Salomonsson is ahead of schedule from his off-season shoulder surgery rehab, he won’t step into the line-up until mid-October at best.
Morrissey-DeMelo
Samberg-Pionk
Ferraro-St.Ivany/Bauer
Fleury
Whenever Salomonsson does return, it would make sense for him to be eased back into the line-up and start on that 3 rd pair alongside Mario Ferraro. Best case scenario would be for Salomonsson to quickly reassert himself and play alongside Josh Morrissey sooner rather than
later and the declining Dylan DeMelo can be pushed down to the third pair.
For what it’s worth, Ferraro has been the best #5 defenceman the Jets have had in a long time. He is an obvious upgrade from the likes of Logan Stanley, Hadyn Fleury and Luke Schenn.
Hellebuyck standoff continues
We are less than a week away now from puck drop on the Jets season opener vs the Boston Bruins. It doesn’t seem as though a Connor Hellebuyck trade is anywhere close to happening anytime soon. Having said that, Stuart Skinner will the opening night starter and it seems as
though Dominic DiVincentiis has the inside track on being the back-up to at least begin the year. Divincentiis’ has had a solid preseason.
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