5 Biggest Issues Still Facing the Winnipeg Jets

By Nick Villano

5 Biggest Issues Still Facing the Winnipeg Jets This Offseason

Winnipeg Jets — The Winnipeg Jets were the best story in the NHL last year. They had never made the playoffs in their history, but the fans were so happy to have hockey back in Winnipeg that they never stopped filling the arena. Despite having one of the smaller arenas, they always have one of the better crowds. They finally made the postseason, and the crowds were even better. Unfortunately, some of their issues may cause a repeat of postseason play to delay.

2. A Better Division

Dallas Stars

2. A Better Division

Dallas Stars — The Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche were huge disappointments, opening the door for the Jets to take advantage. Both those teams got better this offseason. There are still question marks at the top, but overall, this is probably the most competitive division in the NHL.

4. Dustin Byfuglien: Re-sign or Trade?

Dustin Byfuglien

4. Dustin Byfuglien: Re-sign or Trade?

Dustin Byfuglien — Dustin Byfuglien is one of the most polarizing players on this team. He leads a defense that never got its proper due (mostly due to issues in net). The issue is coming of whether or not to pay him. Byfuglien will make million this season. Can the Jets afford to pay him that every season? If they can't, they must trade him and get as much value as possible.

3. Depth Is Young

Paul Maurice

3. Depth Is Young

Paul Maurice — The Winnipeg Jets are not equipped to deal with a major injury. Every player they have plays a crucial role in winning games. If someone gets hurt, they have to go to their deep prospect pool. When that happens, it is a crap shoot for a team with something on the line. An injury could derail expectations immediately.

2. Can Either Goalie Repeat Success?

Ondrej Pavelec, Winnipeg Jets

2. Can Either Goalie Repeat Success?

Ondrej Pavelec, Winnipeg Jets — Ondrej Pavelec and MIchael Hutchinson were the main reason for the Jets making the playoffs last year. Their upgraded play was the difference with playing the franchise's first postseason games and being in the Connor McDavid conversation. Can they do it again? Hutchinson has a better chance of a repeat, since he hasn't ever shown weakness in the NHL. Pavelec was one of the worst starting goalies in the league for half a decade.

1. Are the Forwards Good Enough?

Andrew Ladd, Blake Wheeler, Bryan Little

1. Are the Forwards Good Enough?

Andrew Ladd, Blake Wheeler, Bryan Little — Losing Evander Kane was probably a good move, but it did eliminate the most talented forward on the team. Andrew Ladd, Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little are good players, but are they a true top line? This team could have used one of those star players that got traded this offseason.

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Winnipeg Jets

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