4. Winnipeg Jets
Last season the Winnipeg Jets finished with 110 points and second in the Central.
Over the offseason the Jets were quiet. They added Eric Comrie and Kaapo Kahkonen for goaltending depth and also made the one-for-one trade of Rutger McGroarty in return for another prospect, Brayden Yager. McGroarty forced his way out of Winnipeg during the offseason and backed Winnipeg into a corner which led to his trade to Pittsburgh.
Winnipeg is running back essentially the same roster. They started hot last year but fell off in the second half. This has been a trend with Winnipeg for a while, they get a great start and slowly fade by the time the playoffs roll around. They got smacked around in five games last year against Colorado with Hellebuyck not playing to his regular season form and the Jets struggling defensively.
I thought the Jets were a dark horse pick for the Cup last year but I'm out on them this year. To me, they get a wild card spot just because Hellebuyck is a lock to be a Vezina candidate and I think they have enough talent around the rest of the roster.
I like Connor, Vilardi, Perfetti (who still is a RFA), Ehlers, Morrisey and Scheiele had a solid year last year. Outside of that I like DeMelo even if he got paid too much this summer as well as Alex Iafallo.
The Jets have a fine roster and a great goalie. Kyle Connor is going to need to be great, which he usually is and Perfetti needs to take a step although I don't really know if they trust him.
The Jets are fine. They'll finish fourth in the Central.