2021-2022 Season Projections
For all my season previews, we’ll be utilizing my 2021-2022 team and player projections. You can find much more background on these models here, along with more on assessing value of contracts here. Today, we’ll preview the Winnipeg Jets.
2021 Offseason
In my 2020-2021 Jets season review, I suggested their priority this offseason should be upgrading their defense corps. With some free agents leaving town, they could target a #1 defenseman along with another top four defensemen. Re-signing or replacing Paul Stastny also looked like a priority.
The Jets seemed to come to the same conclusions as they followed these priorities closely. They brought in Brenden Dillon and Nate Schmidt via trade, who should both figure into the Jets’ top four. They also re-signed Stastny, keeping their top six forward group intact.
2021-2022 Season Preview
Roster Strength
The Jets strength in recent seasons has been strong offensive production from their forwards, along with world class goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck. Although their defense looks like it improved this offseason, it still lacks some top pair talent and is still the weakest area of the roster.
Forwards
The Jets top six forward group is one of their biggest strengths. With the entire group back from 2020-2021, they can create matchup problems with two lines that are top line quality. The bottom six saw some departures this offseason and it looks like there could be a few roster spots up for grabs in training camp.
The Jets re-signed a few forwards this offseason with mixed results on getting good projected value. Stastny’s new deal looks like a good value contract, Andrew Copp’s projected value is right at the league median, and Adam Lowry’s is near the 25th percentile.
Defensemen
The Jets made some moves this offseason in an attempt to upgrade their defense corps. While they could still use a #1 defenseman, they did make some positive steps. Brenden Dillon and Nate Schmidt both project as capable 2nd pair defensemen and improve the Jets’ defensive depth. While Logan Stanley’s 21/22 projection is very strong, we should consider it with a healthy dose of caution since there is only one NHL season (37 GP) behind it.
While the Jets’ defense improved this offseason, it may have come at a high cost. Both Dillon and Schmidt have projected value below the league median, as does Neal Pionk’s new contract. With mostly poor value contracts on defense, the Jets may be hard pressed to make future upgrades within their available cap space.
Goaltending
Connor Hellebuyck will man the crease in Winnipeg again this season and we can expect his strong play to continue. The question for the Jets in goal this season will be whether Eric Comrie can hold the fort in a backup role.
Team Performance
The Jets projection has them in the playoff race this season. Improved defense will help their fortunes, but they’ll need one or two depth forwards to step into the available roster spots at the bottom of the lineup.
2021-2022 In Season Updates
Make sure to subscribe and check back for updates to the 2021-2022 season projections throughout the season. Watch for updates and enhancements to the models, updated player projections using 2021-2022 season data, analysis of trades and injuries, and more.
