The winds of change seemed to be blowing into the Winnipeg Jets organization following a disappointing 21/22 season. As the dust settles on the offseason, though, it appears the Jets will give their core another chance under a new coach.
2021-2022 Season Performance
Regular Season
The Jets got off to a decent start to the 21/22 season, but things fell apart around the quarter mark. They stabilized within striking distance of the wild card race but never managed to mount a serious challenge. They were essentially break even in xG% at 5v5 and had strong goaltending. Poor finishing was a problem, however, undoing what they gained from their goaltenders.
Looking Ahead to 2022-2023
Offseason Moves
After all the bluster at the conclusion of the 21/22 season about a major roster shakeup coming, the Jets essentially stood pat this summer. The biggest change comes behind the bench, where Rick Bowness takes over as head coach. The roster remains intact, with none of the trade rumors turning into action. The biggest offseason addition on the ice may be signing of David Rittich, who comes in to back up Connor Hellebuyck.
More rumors swirled out of Winnipeg over the summer regarding the future of Pierre-Luc Dubois, with the forward reportedly not interested in signing long term with the Jets. He signed a one year deal as an RFA, walking him closer to unrestricted free agency.
According to CapFriendly, the Jets have $5.5M in cap space for the upcoming season based on a 20 player roster.
22/23 Roster
The Jets roster looks average. They fall below average in many categories, but there aren’t any big weak spots relative to the other areas. Their defense corps looks like the area that needs the most work, with Logan Stanley the only skater who has a projected impact above the top 4 benchmark. Yet his projection also predicts very limited ice time and a bottom pair role so the Jets are in real need of top pair defensemen.
Central Division Landscape
The Jets sit in the pack of teams that appear set to chase wild card berths this season. The Stars and Blues look like their closest competition in that race.
Long Term Outlook
Much of the Jets roster is under contract through the 23/24 season and the players they have under contract for longer terms are generally in their prime years. Their spending efficiency 2-3 years out isn’t great so how they complement the contracted core utilizing limited cap space will go a long way to deciding their fate over the next few seasons.
Want to check out more projections for the 22/23 season? Sign up for an annual membership to get access to all 22/23 team and player projection plots and peruse the full set of free agent player cards. Plots will be updated through the offseason as the 22/23 rosters take shape and updated to track progress through the season.
Historical player data from Natural Stat Trick. Contract data from CapFriendly.
