Fans want answers after Jets’ first-round playoff exit By: Mike McIntyre, Ken Wiebe Posted: 6:06 PM CDT Saturday, Jun. 15, 2024 Last Modified: 2:50 PM CDT Sunday, Jun. 16, 2024 Updates

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This article was published 15/06/2024 (523 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s been said time heals all wounds. Judging by what was in our Winnipeg Jets mailbag this month, that’s not true.

Fans are still fired up about the club’s early first-round exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs at the end of April. Who can blame them? The Jets, after all, finished the regular-season tied for fourth in the overall standings with the Florida Panthers. And that’s where the similarities end.

Many of the questions pertain to what went wrong and what needs to be done to ensure hockey history doesn’t repeat itself. There’s also an eye to upcoming events such as the NHL draft and free agency and roster moves, both internal and external.

Free Press hockey writers Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre have your answers below.

1. There is a lot of discussion regarding the personnel make up of the Jets: Playoff grit, experience, etc. I’ve read many people say they need more playoff savvy veterans. I’m under the impression that the opposite is required. An injection of youthful hunger should be on the menu. A few hungry young (hopefully with sandpapery personalities, because I think the jets lack ‘mean’ in their lineup) guys would not only help but also improve the salary structure for other additions. What do you think? — Adrian

WIEBE: The beauty of the NHL is that every team is looking to find the sweet spot of melding high-end skill with playoff grit and experience. Putting together a team that is relentless defensively but can also score enough to win. Through two rounds, the Dallas Stars were viewed by many as having the perfect blend of youth and experience. Even that wasn’t enough to get past the Edmonton Oilers this season. As impressive as the Stars were both in the regular season (finishing second overall) and the playoffs (recording 10 wins), further roster improvements are required. The reason roster construction has been a hot topic of conversation for the Jets is that they’ve been bounced in five games in consecutive postseasons. Determining whether some tweaks or a massive renovation is required is where the debate gets tricky. There’s little doubt that in order to take the next step, the Jets need to work in some youthful enthusiasm, including a player or two on an entry-level contract or close to the league minimum. That’s how teams widen their competitive windows. Incoming Jets head coach Scott Arniel referenced the importance of bringing players on entry-level deals in his first press conference after getting the job. Experience remains important and the Jets have brought in more of it during the past several seasons. Having players that have played in high-pressure games is rarely a bad thing, though it’s not a guarantee of future playoff success. For example, adding Tyler Toffoli, who won the Stanley Cup as a rookie, was a smart move by the Jets. It just didn’t have as big an impact as projected. That’s part of the deal and it doesn’t mean the Jets shouldn’t look to bring in another player or two that has their name engraved on Lord Stanley’s mug. Knowing what it takes to reach the top of the mountain is a valuable thing to bring to the table. The other part of the equation of difficult playoff losses is that they often pave the way to future success. Look no further than the Florida Panthers, who are led by a head coach Jets fans are very familiar with.

2. I, like thousands of other Jets fans, was again very disappointed in the Jets early defeat in this year’s playoffs. It has caused me to truly wonder… what are they missing? One thing they seem to be missing are 1st round draft picks of the last five years playing for the big club. Just Perfetti right now, I think. I guess Vilardi is an equivalent (Laine, Dubious, Vilardi). How many from previous years’ first-round picks? Is this one of the missing components on the Jets? When the Jets returned we were told it would be a “draft and develop” organization. Has that held true? — Bob

MCINTYRE: Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor, Nikolaj Ehlers, Cole Perfetti and Logan Stanley are all first-round drafted and developed players who remain with the organization. We’ve also seen other first-rounders like Jacob Trouba, Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic get moved for players that, if you follow the current chain, include Neal Pionk, Gabe Vilardi (himself a first-rounder), Alex Iafallo and Rasmus Kupari (also a first-rounder). That’s…a lot, for one NHL team. And it raised the bar exceptionally high around here. As you note, there hasn’t been a ton of hits lately, at least not yet. Kristian Vesalainen (2017) was the first true swing-and-miss for the organization. And the jury is still out on the likes of Ville Heinola (2019), Chaz Lucius (2021), Rutger McGroarty (2022), Brad Lambert (2022) and Colby Barlow (2023). Ideally, some/all of those players will form part of the next core to allow for a much smoother transition from the present to the future. Looking ahead to this coming season, I’d expect Heinola and Lambert to take on meaningful roles with the Jets, and hopefully Lucius, McGroarty and Barlow aren’t too far behind them.

3. It’s clear to see every year that as the playoffs wear on less is called, in general, so it’s imperative you have enough players willing to play up to the line and cross it a bit. Do the Jets have enough of those players as currently constructed? That is the question. My thought on it would be on D, I would suggest Brenden Dillon and Neal Pionk fit that bill and Dillon is likely gone. On forward, I’d suggest Adam Lowry and Vladislav Namestnikov are capable, but that’s really it. The skill to grit ratio on this team is way off if you want to compete in the playoffs where the rules change and it’s a completely different game. What are your thoughts on that? I feel like we get really caught up in what the regular season shows us and without fail, there are people and frankly teams that construct their rosters for the wrong season and consistently get shocked at the results instead of questioning the construction of their cores. (See the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jets and Carolina Hurricanes as examples of good on paper short on playoff results) — @eoghanisowen

WIEBE: I don’t see a lack of will as an issue for the Jets at this time. Nor do I see the skill to grit component as being that far off. Could the roster use a further increase in sandpaper? No doubt. Almost every team in the NHL would like a little more. There’s been significant changes to the roster, with an eye to finding players that can continue to produce in higher traffic areas when open space is difficult to come by. A bunch of recent trades by Cheveldayoff brought the combination of size and skill, including (but not limited to) Nino Niederreiter, Gabriel Vilardi and Morgan Barron (whose presence was missed in the first-round series with the Colorado Avalanche). Mark Scheifele has nearly been a point per game player in the playoffs (38 points in 42 games) and Kyle Connor has 15 goals and 32 points in 45 playoff games and has essentially been a point per game player in each of the past four series he’s been involved in. As for rosters being built for the regular season but not the playoffs, the evidence I present to you is this: of the four teams to reach the conference final, the New York Rangers were first in the NHL, the Stars were second, the Panthers were tied with the Jets for fourth overall and the Oilers were ninth — though they were the hottest team in the NHL and nearly caught the Vancouver Canucks for top spot in the Pacific Division. So while it didn’t work out for the Jets, three division winners and the Oilers, who had an eight-game winning streak and a 16-game heater during the regular season, all made lengthy runs. And I don’t think there were dramatic changes in terms of style for those teams from the regular season to the playoffs. A ramping up of intensity? Sure, but they didn’t start playing a completely different game.

4. I may have missed the details last year, but how/why did the Jets lose Kevin Stenlund? This guy is a beast in these playoffs with the Florida Panthers; penalty killing, face-offs, etc. — Anthony

MCINTYRE:

Stenlund has been a staple on Florida’s fourth line, no question about it, and as you point out he’s a huge part of a PK unit that has completely stymied the Edmonton Oilers so far in the Stanley Cup Final. Given all of Winnipeg’s problems when short a man this season, including in the five-game series against the Colorado Avalanche, there’s no question the Jets could have used a guy like him. Of course, Winnipeg had him in the fold last year, after signing the Swedish product to a one-year, league-minimum US$750,000 contract on July 13, 2022. Stenlund appeared in 54 games with the Jets (6G, 3A) and was part of a PK unit that finished seventh in the NHL (82.4d per cent). This past season? Just 77.1 per cent when short-handed, good for 21st overall.

The Jets actually could have retained Stenlund last summer, as he was a pending restricted free agent. However, they chose not to tender him a qualifying offer, which ultimately made him an unrestricted free agent. While I don’t know the specific reasons, no doubt they wanted to leave the door open for David Gustafsson to try and win the 4C job. Florida ended up signing Stenlund to a one-year, US$1 million deal that, in hindsight, is one of those sneaky good moves that championship teams often have on their roster. Now 28, Stenlund is no doubt earning himself a raise after a regular-season in which he set career highs in games (81), goals (11) and points (15). While the offensive production hasn’t followed to the playoffs, with just one assist in 20 games, he’s done everything Paul Maurice and company could have asked — and then some. He truly has been a beast.

5. The Jets need a shake-up. Regardless of how many regular-season points they put up they continue to get embarrassed in round one. If this team believes in their drafting process wouldn’t it make the most sense to move both Kyle Connor and Ehlers in trades? Do not overpay on extensions for guys in their 30’s. Trust that Rutger McGroarty, Lambert, Cole Perfetti, Nikita Chibrikov, Colby Barlow and Chaz Lucius can fill that void. Stop over valuing your own players that are not getting us past round one. — Darren

WIEBE: That depends on your definition of shake up. But if you’re looking for a bunch of changes, it’s likely you’re going to be disappointed. From my perch in the press box, I don’t share the same opinion. Subtle tweaks or addition to the core? That’s what is likely required. Losing in five games to a team that includes Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen and other core group members of the 2022 Stanley Cup champions is not an embarrassment — though there were obvious areas where the Jets needed to be better — and in some of those, much better. Special teams and protecting the blue paint in front of Connor Hellebuyck being two of those areas. While the Jets have plenty of intriguing young forwards, including the prospects you mentioned, on the horizon, trading away two of the top goal scorers doesn’t seem like a path a team looking to contend is going to go down at this time. Incorporating some or even most of those young forwards over the next two or three seasons is definitely part of the plan for the Jets, keeping one of — if not both — of Connor and Ehlers for the next season or two, is an important part of easing that transition. To your point, it seems unlikely that both of Ehlers and Connor will receive long-term extensions, the expectation is that one of them will remain in the mix and join Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck and Josh Morrissey as core pieces that have at least four more seasons on their respective deals. To your final point, there’s a fine line between trusting your core too much and doubling down on your belief in them and allowing them the opportunity to grow and show that they’re able to learn from past playoff exits.

6. Outside of Nikolaj Ehlers, the unrestricted free agents and the restricted free agents, what players could you see not wearing a Jets jersey next year? — Bubba

WIEBE: The crystal ball remains a tad cloudy when it comes to the first part of the question. Although there has been some speculation about a potential buyout on defence, it’s important to remember the Jets already have a dead cap hit of US$2.75 million for former captain Blake Wheeler on the books for the 2024-25 season. Also, the Jets have only bought out two players in the previous 13 years of operation. That’s not to say it’s impossible another one is on the horizon, it’s not necessarily likely. The expectation is that the Jets will be revamping the defence corps. What that means for the futures of Nate Schmidt or Neal Pionk is unclear. As for the forwards, Alex Iafallo ended up being a really good fit for the Jets after coming over in the deal with the Los Angeles Kings as part of the package for Pierre-Luc Dubois. Iafallo played up and down the lineup, was a valuable penalty killer and managed a sixth consecutive campaign of double-digit goal scoring. The only issue with Iafallo is that he finished the season on the fourth line and he’s making US$4 million. That’s not a knock on the player and the contract isn’t egregious by any means, but a case could be made that the Jets might consider moving Iafallo and replacing him in the lineup with a player making closer to one million dollars — leaving nearly US$3 million in cap space to invest in the defence corps or the second-line centre role. Iafallo is a high-character guy who could also be signed to an extension, but he would probably be looking at a pay cut in that scenario.

7. What are the top three-four priorities for Jets management this off-season? — Ed

MCINTYRE: Kevin Cheveldayoff’s to-do list is a lengthy one, but a few items are more important than others. The first order of business is building, or re-building the blue-line. Winnipeg currently has just four NHL regulars under contract for the coming season in Josh Morrissey, Dylan Samberg, Nate Schmidt and Neal Pionk. Logan Stanley and Ville Heinola are notable restricted free agents, while Dylan DeMelo, Brenden Dillon, Colin Miller and Kyle Capobianco are the notable unrestricted free agents. Whether it’s re-signing some of those players or completely re-tooling through trade or free agency, addressing the back-end is priority No. 1. Next up will be securing a backup goaltender, one who can complement Vezina Trophy favourite Connor Hellebuyck. Ideally, find the next Laurent Brossoit, who will be moving on to bigger opportunities this summer in free agency. It’s a job that will likely only call for 20-22 starts, but finding the right person for it is pivotal. Third, I’d put the Nikolaj Ehlers situation as one that requires some urgent attention. If the Jets aren’t going to get his name on a long-term extension — whether by their own choice, Ehlers’ choice or a mutual decision — then moving him prior to next season would seem to be the safest, smartest option. Getting some clarity, and soon, will be vital. Fourth, I’d say getting pending RFA Cole Perfetti signed to a new deal — a bridge rather than a long-term extension at this point seems most likely — but this matter could drag out well into the summer. We shall see.

8. Does Cheveldayoff’s longevity in Winnipeg equate to anyone else. It seems like the numbers or years and number of coaches without sustained success would be an issue but for TNSE. — Mattie

WIEBE: The general manager of the Jets is the second-longest tenured at his position in the NHL, behind only Doug Armstrong of the St. Louis Blues. As it turns out, the Blues announced a succession plan for Armstrong on Thursday morning, as the architect of the 2019 Stanley Cup will spend two more seasons as GM before moving into the role of president of hockey operations. Winnipegger Alex Steen will spend the next two seasons as the special assistant to Armstrong before taking over as GM. This is not to suggest the Jets will soon come up with any succession plan, only to mention what is happening with the only guy who has been in the job longer. The third longest tenured GM is Jim Nill of the Dallas Stars, who has been in that role since 2013. Nill was the GM of the year in each of the past two seasons as the Stars have made consecutive appearances in the Western Conference final and helped the team reach the Stanley Cup final in the bubble season of 2020. Brian MacLellan of the Washington Capitals took over in 2014, is fourth on the list and he guided the organization to the Stanley Cup in 2018. Cheveldayoff is preparing for his 14th season and is coming off a fourth-place finish in the regular season where the Jets won the Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals in the NHL. There’s no doubt the Jets are looking to improve in the post-season, as the Jets have one series victory since the run to the Western Conference final in 2018. The overall playoff record on Cheveldayoff’s watch is 18-31 (3-7 in playoff series). On the flip side, the Jets have qualified for the playoffs in seven of the 13 seasons. Cheveldayoff is coming off a strong season in terms of acquisitions and long-term signings, but it’s another important summer ahead when it comes to decision making and roster construction.

9. How long is Chevy’s leash? (Paul Maurice) is proving there was NEVER a coaching issue. Coaches are leaving, constant player changes, bare prospect cupboards, especially on the blueline, and the same results over and over again. Entering Year 14 of Chevy’s “five-year plan”. — Joey

MCINTYRE: Just because Maurice is having success in Florida doesn’t mean there wasn’t a coaching issue near the end of his tenure in Winnipeg. However, I agree pointing the finger of blame at one person, or one problem, is foolish. I’d disagree the prospect cupboards are bare, although the blue-line could certainly use a few more bodies beyond Ville Heinola and the promising Elias Salomonsson. But to your main question/point about Cheveldayoff, I suspect there’s still some considerable length to his leash. That could certainly change if what appears to still be an open window for contention in the coming year(s) quickly slams shut.

10. What do you think the likelihood of Brad Lambert playing 41 games next season is? Do you agree that Lambert needs significant playing time in the NHL for a portion of the season to continue his development? — Lee

WIEBE: It’s a massive summer ahead for the 30th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. He had an excellent season with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. Not only did he show he was capable of playing centre at the pro level, he was highly productive (21 goals, 55 points in 64 games) and during a conversation during the season, Moose head coach Mark Morrison praised Lambert for his diligence to improve in the defensive zone. Lambert doesn’t turn 21 until December, so further improvements are necessary. One of the biggest questions about the Finnish forward is whether the Jets will look to promote him into the second-line centre role or use him on the wing at the NHL level. That could depend on the off-season moves, but many signs point to Lambert battling to be with the Jets in the fall. When it comes to the over/under of 41 games, as of right now, I will take the over. That Lambert needs a significant amount of ice time to continue his development is accurate. Given his age and experience level, it doesn’t have to come primarily at the NHL level. However, for a team looking to get faster, Lambert is the type of player that can drive the pace and provide some valuable offence as long as he continues his progression. There will be some growing pains ahead, but the onus will be on Lambert to leave no doubt that he’s ready for the next step during training camp.

11. Given what you know today, what is Elias Salomonsson’s NHL floor and ceiling? — Craig

WIEBE: Salomonsson is coming off a fantastic season in the Swedish Hockey League that included playing an important role on a championship team with Skelleftea IFK. Mike will have more on this topic in a story this week. Right now, the right-handed shooting blue-liner remains one of the most intriguing prospects in the Jets’ system. He suited up for Sweden at the 2024 World Junior Hockey Championship. Salomonsson, who turns 20 at the end of August, is set to play his first season in North America and though the likelihood is that he’ll require some additional seasoning at the AHL level, it would surprise few if he makes his NHL debut next season at some point. He’s a mobile defender who has skill and plays with some edge, which makes him the type of D-man most teams are looking for. The ceiling is that the second-round pick in 2022 is going to end up being an impactful NHL player for a long term. Could he grow into a future partner on the top pairing with Morrissey? That’s probably the ceiling. Although he’s not a high point producer, Salomonsson figures to be someone who could fit nicely in a shutdown role, perhaps with someone like Dylan Samberg. The floor? Probably a more than capable third pairing guy who could be used higher on the depth chart when necessary.

12. Hope you don’t mind a random question… do you happen to know the dates of this year’s Jets Development Camp? Thanks! — Cathy

MCINTYRE: Don’t mind at all! From what I understand this year’s camp will run from July 3-7 at the Hockey For All Centre. The first day is looking to be off-ice testing and physicals/medicals, while the final four days should involve a mix of on-ice activities (open to the public) and off-ice ones. I’m personally looking forward to seeing the likes of defenceman Elias Salomonsson and forward Rutger McGroarty, in addition to some/all of the players the Jets draft on June 28-29 in Las Vegas. If you’ve never come down, it’s a great opportunity to watch some of the stars of tomorrow up close, with no shortage of opportunities for photos and autographs. McGroarty stole the show last summer, and I’d expect he’ll do the same again this time around.

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

X: @WiebesWorld

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg