As I sit here getting ready to pen an article about the Winnipeg Jets, it dawned on me that it has certainly been a while since I had the opportunity to do that. Two whole weeks have passed since the True Northers last took to the ice on February 7th. I’m just going to have to shake off the rust and do my best to get back to my “A” game, much like the majority of NHL players will have to…lol.
Of course, the NHL & NHLPA’s first ever 4 Nation Face-Off tournament was the reason for that. Prior to it kicking off, I know that the level of interest in this mini “best on best” tournament was varied, but I believe the on-ice play and current political climate helped elevate the fan’s overall enjoyment. I think it easily surpassed the “fun” a typical All-Star Game provides, but don’t think I ever will be on-board with an in-season tournament occurring regularly.
In the end, the hockey world got the expected Championship match up when the United States hosted the Canadians at the TD Garden in Boston. The final clash started off exactly like the squads’ round robin match, with Team Canada scoring the opening goal only for the Americans to score the next two markers. However, when all the chips were on the table, the Canucks weren’t going to allow the game to go the way of their earlier 3-1 loss. A beautiful finish by the Florida Panthers’ Sam Bennett allowed the Northerners to tie the game, eventually allowing the overtime winner by the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid to occur. Stick tap to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner, who picked up primary assists on Canada’s last two goals.
It has been a while since we’ve got to witness anything close to “best on best” hockey and I, for one, am walking away satisfied with the level of play. The fact that Canada skated away as Champions was just the cherry on top.
When it comes to Winnipeg’s players at the 4 Nations, I think two out of three will be satisfied with their level of play. Team Canada’s Josh Morrissey unfortunately was too ill to take part in the Finals, but I felt that he did well when he was on the ice. While the American’s Connor Hellebuyck may be disappointed with a 2nd place finish, he was outstanding in the tournament and played a big factor in the US’s dominance of the round robin. Finally, Kyle Connor was only given the briefest of chances to make an impact on the 1st line and then couldn’t make much of an impact with limited 4th line action. As a Jets’ fan, I am happy that KFC decided to save his goal scoring prowess for his NHL squad, even though I would have liked the winger to have more of an impact. Congrats once again to the Canadians….a well earned victory backed by some timely saves by the St. Louis Blues’ Jordan Binnington.
Now, if you are getting older like myself, you might be struggling to recall exactly what was happening with our Winnipeg Jets before the NHL’s season was interrupted. Well, I can tell you that I went back to check and it appears things were going pretty well.
My little refresher told me that Winnipeg has played 56 games to date and their 81 points earned puts them at the top of the entire league. First place is something the Jets are used to this season, as they also hold that spot in the Goals For, Goals Against, Goal Differential, & Power Play Success categories. Besides battling for the President’s Trophy for the NHL’s best regular season record, the Jets also have a comfortable lead in the Central Division with the closest rival (Dallas Stars) sitting 9 pts back with a game in hand.
Looking at the True Northers’ more recent history doesn’t alter the outlook at all either, as our hockey team had just matched their season-long winning streak with an eight game run of victories that included quality opposition like the Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, & Carolina Hurricanes. So you could say the Jets were soaring along when the NHL & NHLPA’s fan building/cash grab tournament so rudely interrupted things. At least Winnipeg came out relatively unscathed on the injury front, as the worst a Jet player had to deal with is a seasonal illness, Josh Morrissey. Not all NHL franchises can say the same thing.
Before the Winnipeg Jets get back to the ice on Saturday against the St. Louis Blues (6 pm Central), I thought I would take a peek at how all the players have done so far. Our squad has been one of the more healthier teams this year, with 9 out of 18 skaters playing in every possible game and that puts them behind only the Washington Capitals (12), Carolina Hurricanes (10), and Montreal Canadiens (10).
FORWARDS
Kyle Connor: While the American winger may be unhappy with his offensive impact at the 4 Nations, Connor cannot be upset about his play with the Jets. With 69 pts in 56 games, Kyle is on pace to not only clear his previous career-best of 93 pts, but also the 100 pt mark with a projected 101 pts. That would be the first time a Jet player has done that since the team returned in 2011. The sniper’s two-way game has improved this season as well and his +8 rating matches his previous career best.
Mark Scheifele: Winnipeg’s top center has played so well this season, he probably deserved to be wearing red & white over the past two weeks instead of avoiding a sunburn in Mexico. Scheifele is another player on pace for a career year offensively (92 pts) when you project his current production of 63 pts in 56 games. Easily surpassing his best year by 8 pts and just falling short of Connor’s current team record of 93 pts, an impressive season for the Jets’ main pivot. Possibly surprising to some, but Mark has finished with a positive plus-minus rating in 75% of his twelve NHL seasons and this year is looking like he will improve that slightly (though at only +5 now, it could still go the other way).
Gabriel Vilardi: When the Jets’ top right winger was acquired as part of the PLD trade, I really didn’t know what to expect. Vilardi debuted by showing a decent offensive touch, but injuries stopped him from playing a full season…though his 60 pt full year scoring pace showed promise. Well, Gabe has certainly delivered that this season with 51 pts in 56 games (74 pt pace) and his play on the powerplay has helped that unit to become the envy of the NHL (22 pts with a man-advantage).
Nikolaj Ehlers: Can you believe that our favourite Dane is playing in his eleventh NHL season? Crazy how time flies. Ehlers has unfortunately only been able to play a full 82 game campaign in three of those seasons and 2024-25 won’t add to that list. With a maximum of 73 games for Nikolaj potentially able to play, his 48 pts in 47 games pace gives him a chance to match Vilardi with a projected 74 pts. A great 2-way player, Fly is also responsible for driving the 2nd line’s offense and being a key cog on the top PP unit (18 pts).
Cole Perfetti: In the three seasons that Cole has been a “full time” player for Winnipeg, the kid has been the model of consistency when you look at full years. Perfetti has reached the 30 pt mark in every one of those and his projected full-season point range is in the 43-49 pt region. However, the young winger is hardly consistent with his production throughout the seasons, scoring in spurts and suffering through dry spells. This year has been no different, but Cole does have a shot at clearing the 50 pt plateau for the first time. In the NHL, the self-tagged “prick” has always finished in the double digits in plus-minus and currently has a career-best +15.
Vladislav Namestnikov: The Russian center has performed admirably as Winnipeg’s 2nd line center, even though it may be a bit too high up in the lineup for his talent level. Namestnikov was limited to 78 games in his first full year with the Jets, but did manage to put up a decent 37 pts and has proven to be a useful utility player for coach Scott Arniel. Once again in 24-25 Vladdy has missed 4 games, but if he keeps up his current pace (29 pts in 52 gms) he will flirt with his career-best of 44 points.
Nino Niederreiter: The Jets’ Swiss Army Knife and a key part of Winnipeg’s shutdown trio, Niederreiter is still quite effective in his 13th NHL campaign. With 29 pts in 56 games, Nino is easily on pace to outdo his first full season in the Peg and the projected 42 points would end up as the winger’s fourth best regular season total. Relied on to keep the opponent’s best players at bay, El Nino’s impact goes beyond the scoresheet and that is shown by being a top 5 Jet in the plus-minus category.
Adam Lowry: The captain is the pivot of the Jets’ shutdown 3rd line, which likely ranks among the best such units in the entire league. Lowry is playing in his 11th NHL season and despite missing 8 games to injury, his 26 pts in 48 games puts him on pace to clear the 40 point plateau for the first time of his career (35 & 36 pts in last two years). A heart & soul type player that is willing to do anything for his teammates, the big center does give management some flexibility as they consider possible trade deadline acquisitions. Move him up to the 2nd or keep the shutdown trio in tack? Guess it might depend on who ends up being available and what the cost ends up being.
Alex Iafallo: In his six seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, Iafallo was a consistent 30 point scorer and topped out with 43 points in his third campaign. Since coming to Winnipeg, the American winger has seen his production drop slightly and his 19 pts in 56 games has him on pace to match last year’s 27 points. Alex’s ability to play a strong defensive game (+13) and jump up & down the lineup is very useful, as was his 8 powerplay points on the 2nd unit.
Mason Appleton: Despite missing 11 games so far, Appleton could still be on pace to finish with his second highest point total. After amassing 36 points last year, Mason has seen his playing time reduced (around 1.5 mins/gm less) and is sitting with 17 pts in 45 games for a projected 26 pts in 71 games. Apples’ 7 goals this year does put him on pace to break the 10 mark for the third time of his career.
Morgan Barron: Entering his third full season with the Winnipeg Jets, Barron has seen his point production drop each season. After putting up 21 pts in 70 games, Morgan followed that up with 18 pts in 80 contests, but this year has seen the 4th liner’s projection fall to a mere 12 points (8 pts in 52 gms). The 26 yr old winger does play a key role on the penalty kill and has chipped in 2 short-handed markers this season.
Rasmus Kupari: Acquired from LA after he put up 15 pts in 63 contests, the 24 yr old Finn is entering his second campaign as a Jet. After only chipping in one assist in 28 matches last year, Kupari has found a bit more offense this season (7 pts in 52 gms) and might have a shot at reaching the 10 pt plateau if he can stay in the lineup. Rasmus helps on the penalty kill and in the bottom six, but probably his best assets are his amazing speed and the fact that he provides the team with a much needed proficient right handed face-off man.
David Gustafsson: The 24 yr old Swede is entering his third season providing spot duty as the 13th forward (46, 39, & 24 games played). Offense has been hard for Gustafsson to find in the NHL and this season started off no differently (16 straight games without a pt), but has since improved with 5 points over his last 8 contests. With injured players like Lowry & Barron set to return, the Gus Bus’ hot streak may come to an untimely end due to press box duties. That would be undeserved because David has been playing very well lately.
DEFENSEMEN
Josh Morrissey: In his seventh NHL season, Morrissey suddenly emerged as one of the league’s elite scorers from the backend when he doubled his previous career-high to put up 76 points. Josh hasn’t reached those levels since but is still producing well with 69 pts in 23-24 and a projected 66 pts in 24-25 (46 pts in 56 gms). The Team Canada selected defender averages about 24 minutes per game for Winnipeg, while also quarterbacking the NHL’s best powerplay unit (18 pts). While Morrissey and his defensive partner DeMelo haven’t been as sound in their own end as last year, the duo remains a positive in the plus-minus stat.
Neal Pionk: Six seasons ago, Winnipeg acquired Pionk from the New York Rangers and the US defender put up a career season (45 pts in 71 gms) in his first Jet campaign. Since then Neal’s point totals dropped to the 32 to 34 pt range, but he appears to rediscovered that offense with 36 pts in 56 games. As a pending unrestricted Free Agent, putting up a projected 52 pt career-high campaign will probably earn the American a lot of cash in the summer.
Dylan Samberg: Speaking of getting raises, pending restricted FA Samberg certainly will deserve one. Asked to fill in for the departed Brenden Dillon on the 2nd defensive pairing, the American has really excelled and is a huge reason that his playing partner is having a career-season. The impact of the 6’4″ left hander was on clear display when he was out of action for 21 games and Winnipeg struggled the most they have all year. Sammie isn’t known for his offensive impact (18 pts in 78 gms last yr), but he has stepped up in that area with increased ice-time (up 5.5 mins/gm). With 13 points in 35 contests, the Michigan-born defender would have been on pace to eclipse the 30 pt plateau over a full campaign without the unfortunate injury.
Dylan DeMelo: The 31 yr old entered his fifth season as a Winnipeg Jet and averaged around the 30 point range in his past two campaigns. That streak won’t be continuing as DeMelo is only on pace to amass 19 points in 24-25, but even after a slow start Dylan is the Jets’ plus-minus leader at +26. A far cry from his +46 last year, but the Ontario-born skater is typically a calming presence in the defensive end.
Colin Miller: Entering his 10th NHL campaign, Miller has typically been a depth defenseman over his career (only twice flirted with a full 82 gms). Despite his good advanced statistics and no solid replacement option on the right side, Colin still has found himself a healthy scratch on 16 occasions. The Ontarian with a booming slapshot has scored a couple goals for Winnipeg and would be on pace for a 20 pt campaign if he played every game.
Logan Stanley: The most polarizing defenseman on the roster, Big Stan has 9 points in 42 matches this year, while also sporting a +10 rating from the Jets’ 3rd pairing. Everyone knows my stance on Stanley so I won’t really get into it other than to say the underlying numbers aren’t pretty when the 6’7″ pylon is on the ice.
Haydn Fleury: In his 8th season, Fleury has been the definition of a depth defenseman over his career, despite the pedigree going along with being a former 1st round draft pick (this might be something Winnipeg’s coaching staff takes note of when thinking above the player discussed above). Only once clearing the 50 game plateau in a season, the 2024-25 campaign won’t change that as Haydn has only appeared in 29 games (6 pts). It is unfortunate that the 28 yr old hasn’t pushed the coaching staff enough, as his Corsi percentage is only slightly better than Stanley’s (48% to 45%).
Ville Heinola: In his 5th season since being drafted 20th overall, the young Finn has yet to manage to hit the 20 games played mark at the NHL level. Heinola does have a shot at hitting that mark this season with 16 games to date (1 pt & a +7 rating), but it is difficult to imagine him getting a significant chance at regular play without an injury to someone higher up the depth chart. While a lot of Ville’s advanced stats are near the break even range, he has been hampered by having to play his off-handed side and also with his playing partners. Yet the numbers are still better than some of the options “above” him.
Dylan Coghlan: The 27 yr old defender has only seen 6 games this year in a Winnipeg Jets uniform and hasn’t managed to get his name on the scoresheet in the NHL. He has been great with the Manitoba Moose since clearing waivers, putting up 7 goals and 13 points in 16 contests and giving the minor league affiliate a chance for the final AHL wildcard spot.
GOALTENDERS
Connor Hellebuyck: Entering his 9th season as the Jets’ official starting goalie, Hellebuyck has been lights out this year. Bucky leads the NHL in Games Played (43), Goals Against Average (2.07), Goals Saved Above Expected (27.8), and is 2nd in save percentage (.925%), looking to be a lock in for his 2nd straight Vezina Trophy when the awards ceremony rolls around. I could go on forever with impressive statistics, but the main thing about the American tender is how calm and in control he looks when he is in the net. Connor played very well in the 4 Nations tournament so now all he has to do is keep up the momentum all the way until June. Fingers crossed.
Eric Comrie: The 29 yr old is in his third stint with the Winnipeg Jets and when you look at his career statistics it just might be the best place for him. Comrie has only had save percentages over the .900 mark when he was wearing a Jets’ uniform, with this season’s .912% coming close to his career-best .920%. He certainly hasn’t played as well in the backup role as Laurent Brossoit did last year, but if he had received better goal support his record would be much better than 5-7-1.
******
Well, that ends my review of what the Winnipeg Jets’ players have done so far this season. Hope your memory is sufficiently refreshed, I know mine is. All ready to go for tomorrow’s game against the St. Louis Blues. See you then.
