Top 5 Players the Winnipeg Jets Should Build Around in 2014

By Tyler Ruby

5 Players the Winnipeg Jets Should Build Around in 2014

Winnipeg Jets
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In their move to the Western Conference, the Winnipeg Jets struggled to contend with the traditional Western Conference powers. They finished with 84 points, which was last in the Central Division. If the Jets wish to play with the top teams in the conference, then they need to build their organization around these five players.

5. Evander Kane

Evander Kane
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5. Evander Kane

Evander Kane
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For the past two seasons, all I have heard about Evander Kane are trade rumors, and quite honestly, I don't get it. The guy is 22 years old, possesses world-class speed and he has the capabilities of becoming an elite offensive player. Why would an organization want to get rid of a player like that? He finished with 41 points last year, and the Jets are better off building around him than trading him away.

4. Bryan Little

Bryan Little
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4. Bryan Little

Bryan Little
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Bryan Little certainly came into his own last season as a top-line centerman. It certainly helped playing with Blake Wheeler on his wing, but Little finished the year with 64 points. He had 23 goals and 41 assists, proving that he has the capability to put the puck into the back of the net.

3. Andrew Ladd

Andrew Ladd
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3. Andrew Ladd

Andrew Ladd
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Andrew Ladd is the captain of the team, so this should come as no surprise to anyone. He plays the right way, and he tallies up the points for the Jets. He has the experience to help the younger players grow because he knows what it takes to win a Stanley Cup.

2. Ondrej Pavelec

Ondrej Pavelec
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2. Ondrej Pavelec

Ondrej Pavelec
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Last year was a rough year for Ondrej Pavelec. He is a talented, young goaltender who has never really had an elite defense in front of him, but he always competes. A team cannot win with solid defense and goaltending, so the Jets should do Pavelec a favor and get some help in front him because he has proven in the past he can win at the NHL level.

1. Blake Wheeler

Blake Wheeler
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1. Blake Wheeler

Blake Wheeler
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Blake Wheeler is the best player in Winnipeg. He represented the United States at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, and he scored the most points for the Jets last season. He led the team in goals with 28 and he added 41 more assists. He is the team's best offensive weapon, and he is entering the prime of his career. Winnipeg really shouldn't waste it.

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