The reviews are in… Hellebuyck, Morrissey, Scheifele shining stars of ‘23-24 Jets roster By: Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe Posted: 6:08 PM CDT Friday, May. 3, 2024

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This article was published 03/05/2024 (823 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Jets’ season ended in swift, stunning fashion earlier this week, crushing speculation they might just have a Stanley Cup run in them.

Now what?

A longer-than-expected off-season awaits, with plenty of questions about what the team could — and should — look like when they re-convene in September for training camp.

The Jets finished with 26 players on the active roster Of those, 17 are under contract for next season. Six are pending unrestricted free agents as of July 1, while another three are restricted free agents who will need to get new deals done prior to training camp.

Here’s our breakdown of what the future might hold for each Jets player.

G Connor Hellebuyck

• Season: 60GP, 37-19-4, 2.39GAA, .921 save percentage
• Playoffs: 5GP, 1-4-0, 5.01GAA, .870 save percentage
• Contract: Entering Year 1 of a seven-year extension with an AAV of US$8.5 million

A sensational regular season will likely earn him his second Vezina Trophy, along with some Hart votes as well. The playoffs were a different story, and he (and his teammates) had no answers. Expect this to light an even bigger fire under a guy who desperately wants to win a Stanley Cup.

 

G Laurent Brossoit

• Season: 23GP, 15-5-2, 2.00GAA, .927 save percentage
• Playoffs: 1GP, 0-0-0, 0.00GAA, 1.000 save percentage
• Contract: Pending UFA (made US$1.75 million)

Parting will be such sweet sorrow. Brossoit proved to be among the best backups in the business, which means an opportunity for a bigger role elsewhere (and the bigger salary that comes with it) which will take him out from under Hellebuyck’s shadow.

 

C Mark Scheifele

• Season: 74GP, 25G, 47A, 72P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 2G, 4A, 6P
• Contract: Starting a seven-year extension with an AAV of US$8.5 million

The Jets’ top-line pivot was asked to deliver a better two-way game, and that’s what he did while still leading the Jets in scoring during the playoffs and regular season. This was the first time since 2019 he didn’t finish the playoffs with an injury or suspension. He’s going to remain the No. 1 centre for the foreseeable future.

 

LW Kyle Connor

• Season: 65GP, 34G, 27A, 61P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 3G, 2A, 5P
• Contract: Two seasons left at US$7.143 million, then a UFA

He was challenging for the Rocket Richard Trophy before a knee injury knocked him out of the lineup on Dec. 10. It was the first time in his career that Connor missed considerable time, but he still led his team in goals and game-winners (10). During the post-season, he took his game to another level, adding a defensive component that was often lacking during the regular season. He remains the best pure goal scorer on the roster and could threaten to score 50 next season if he stays healthy.

 

RW Gabriel Vilardi

• Season : 47GP, 22G, 14A, 36P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 0G, 4A, 4P
• Contract: One season left at US$3.438 million, then a RFA

When healthy, the cornerstone piece of last summer’s blockbuster was a power-play maestro and a fantastic complementary piece on the top line. He’s just scratching the surface when it comes to his potential, but he needs to eclipse his career high for games played (63) to help this group push forward.

 

C Sean Monahan

• Season with Montreal: 49GP, 13G, 22A, 35P
• Season with Winnipeg: 34GP, 13G, 11A, 24P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 0G, 1A, 1P
• Contract: Pending UFA (made US$1.985 million last season)

A valuable in-season addition who helped solidify the second-line centre position, but a quiet playoff certainly took some shine off the trade. There would appear to be a long-term fit here if the price is right. If not, the search for a 2C continues.

 

LW/RW Nikolaj Ehlers

• Season: 82GP, 25G, 36A, 61P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 0G, 2A, 2P
• Contract: One season left at US$6.0 million, then a UFA

Stayed healthy and appeared in all 82 games but had his worst offensive production (points-per-game) in five seasons and did very little in the playoffs, which has been a theme with him. At times, he fell out of favour with the coaching staff, and his lukewarm answer on Thursday about being part of the future suggests a change of scenery might be coming. It might be for the best, as he’s arguably the best trade chip to land an impact blue-liner.

 

RW Tyler Toffoli

• Season with New Jersey: 61GP, 26G, 18A, 44P
• Season with Winnipeg: 18GP, 7G, 4A, 11P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 2G, 0A, 2P
• Contract: Pending UFA (made US$2.125 million last season)

Showed glimpses but didn’t really provide the punch the Jets expected. He started Game 5 on the fourth-line, which was certainly not in the plans. This will go down as a short-term rental that was worth the risk but ultimately didn’t pay off. He’s gone.

 

C Adam Lowry

• Season: 81GP, 12G, 23A, 35P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 2G, 0A, 2P
• Contract: Two seasons left at US$3.25 million, then a UFA

Faces the toughest defensive matchups, is a key cog on the penalty kill and flourished in a leadership role in his first season as captain. A physical force who played through a hand injury in the postseason. The 2012 third-rounder is preparing for his 11th season with the organization and will continue to play a prominent role.

 

RW Mason Appleton

• Season: 82GP, 14G, 22A, 36P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 0G, 2A, 2P
• Contract: One season left at US$2.167 million, then a UFA

A red-hot offensive start helped the 2015 fifth-rounder hit career highs for goals, assists and points — impressive when you consider his primary responsibility is to defend first and get involved on the forecheck. Needs to help get the penalty kill turned around next season as he continues to ride shotgun with Adam Lowry.

 

LW/RW Nino Niederreiter

• Season: 74GP, 18G, 16A, 34P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 0G, 2A, 2P
• Contract: Starting three-year extension with an AAV of US$4 million

A late-season gash from a skate probably prevented him from eclipsing 20 goals for the eighth time in his career. Plays hard, lives around the blue paint and rounded out the Jets’ identity line. Despite numerous chances, Niederreiter went cold down the stretch and into the playoffs as he went 21 games without a goal to wrap up the campaign. Will be interesting to see if he might return to a second-line role next season or if he remains as the most natural finisher on the Lowry line.

 

C/LW Vlad Namestnikov

• Season: 78GP, 11G, 26A, 37P
• Playoffs: 4GP, 1G, 0A, 1P
• Contract: One season left at US$2 million, then a UFA

He showed his value, and then some, taking on many roles and always delivering up and down the lineup. He’s as tough as they come, too. Suffered a broken cheekbone in Game 4, so he’ll be raring to go next season.

 

LW/RW Alex Iafallo

• Season: 82GP, 11G, 16A, 27P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 0G, 1A, 1P
• Contract: One season left at US$4.0 million, then a UFA

A versatile utility piece, albeit one with little offensive punch who carries a hefty salary. You wonder if the Jets would look to clear some cap space by moving on, considering re-signing him is likely not in the cards with several young forwards coming up the pipeline, such as Brad Lambert and Nikita Chibrikov.

 

C/LW Morgan Barron

• Season: 80GP, 11G, 7A, 18P
• Playoffs: Injured, did not play
• Contract: One season left at US$1.35 million, then a RFA

Hitting double-digits in goals primarily on the fourth line with no power-play time is impressive. Safe to say the Jets could have used Barron’s defensive acumen and penalty-killing ability in the playoffs, which he missed owing to a knee injury.

 

C/LW/RW Cole Perfetti

• Season: 71GP, 19G, 19A, 38P
• Playoffs: 1GP, 0G, 0A, 0P
• Contract: Pending RFA (US$894,167 AAV last season)

A breakthrough year in which he managed to stay healthy and blew away career highs, only to find himself pushed out of a deep roster down the stretch, There’s a bright future here. It will be curious to see what his next contact looks like. A bridge deal seems the most likely route.

 

C David Gustafsson

• Season: 39GP, 3G, 4A, 7P
• Playoffs: 4GP, 1G , 0A, 1P
• Contract: Pending RFA (US$775,000 AAV last season)

Took an important step forward and showed during the playoffs that he’s ready to be a full-timer on the fourth line. Integrating him onto the penalty kill on a regular basis is the next step in his progression.

 

C/RW Rasmus Kupari

• Season: 28GP, 0G, 1A, 1P
• Playoffs: Did not play
• Contract: One season left at US$1 million, then an RFA

No shortage of speed and creates some chances but hasn’t shown an ability to convert them with any regularity. His season was derailed by a shoulder injury in November, and he never got back on track. He’s now in a position where he’ll need to win a job in training camp if he wants to avoid being an extra forward again.

 

LW Axel Jonsson-Fjallby

• Season: 26GP, 2G, 3A, 5P
• Playoffs: 1GP, 0G, 0A, 0P
• Contract: One season left at US$775,000, then a UFA

A decent depth piece with speed to burn who excelled with the Manitoba Moose and brings some injury insurance for at least another year.

 

D Josh Morrissey

• Season: 81GP, 10G, 59A, 69P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 3G, 1A, 4P
• Contract: Three seasons left at US$6.25 million

The top blue-liner had another excellent offensive season while improving his defensive play during another season in which he received Norris Trophy votes. Expect him to take another step forward as he prepares for his 10th season.

 

D Dylan DeMelo

• Season: 82GP, 3G, 28A, 31P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 0G, 1A, 1P
• Contract: Pending UFA (made US$3 million last season)

One of the most important decisions of the off-season. He picked a great time to produce a career-high in assists and points. Has a history of making life easier on his defence partner — and Morrisssey will vouch for that. He’s interested in sticking around but is looking for a long-term commitment. It says here that he re-ups on a three- or four-year pact that includes a raise.

 

D Neal Pionk

• Season: 82GP, 5G, 28A, 33P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 0G, 1A, 1P
• Contract: One season left at US$5.875 million, then a UFA

A tough season, both personally and professionally. Pionk is a proud pro who will want to turn the page. His contract status, along with the Jets likely looking to clear some cap room and space for young defencemen such as Ville Heinola and Elias Salomonsson, makes you wonder if a trade could be in the mix.

 

D Brenden Dillon

• Season: 77GP, 8G, 12A, 20P
• Playoffs: 3GP, 0G, 3A, 3P
• Contract: Pending UFA (made US$3.9 million last season)

Along with Monahan and DeMelo, he’s the other UFA to watch. Brings elements the Jets don’t otherwise have and is a tremendous leader on and off the ice. He wants to re-sign here, and you’d have to think the feeling is mutual. It should be. Get it done.

 

D Dylan Samberg

• Season: 78GP, 1G, 17A, 18P
• Playoffs: 5GP, 0G, 0A, 0P
• Contract: One season left at US$1.4 million, then RFA

One of the best defenders during the regular season and a shot-blocking machine at even strength and the penalty kill, Samberg had a few hiccups in the post-season but he’s clearly trending upward. Will continue to add a physical element this defence needs more of. Tracking to be a shutdown defender who will see an increase in minutes.

 

D Nate Schmidt

• Season: 63GP, 2G, 12A, 14P
• Playoffs: 3GP, 1G, 0A, 1P
• Contract: One season left at US$5.95 million, then a UFA

Bounced between the sixth and seventh spot on the depth chart late in the season. Provided steady play and didn’t give up much on a pairing with Samberg. His offensive numbers were down a bit and there’s little doubt that the ankle injury he suffered in the first exhibition game set him back a bit. Seems destined for the sixth or seventh spot again next season unless a buyout or trade is in the offing.

 

D Logan Stanley

• Season: 25GP, 1G, 1A, 2P
• Playoffs: 3GP, 0G, 1A, 1P
• Contract: Pending RFA (US$1 million AAV last season)

A polarizing figure, consistency remains an issue and one wonders if it’s time to cut the cord with the 18th-overall pick from 2016.

 

D Colin Miller

• Season: 46GP, 4G, 5A, 9P
• Playoffs: 1GP, 0G, 0A, 0P
• Contract: Pending UFA (made US$1.85 million last season)

Brought in to add depth as a right-handed shot, Miller’s opportunities were limited and he didn’t show off his full arsenal until the final game of the playoffs. Not getting him into the lineup sooner, given his postseason experience was a mistake. The Jets have shown interest in Miller previously, but he’s likely to search for a new hockey home this summer.

 

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg

 

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

X: @WiebesWorld