$5 Things We\'ve Learned From the Winnipeg Jets\' Early-Season Action$

5 Things We've Learned From the Winnipeg Jets' Early-Season Action

By Jeff Henning

5 Things We've Learned From the Winnipeg Jets' Early-Season Action

Paul Maurice — After a surprising 2014-15 campaign, the Winnipeg Jets found themselves in the postseason. Now that they've had a taste of playoff hockey, both the team and its fans are expecting more positive results as the 2015-16 season continues. Here are five things we've learned from the Jets' early action

5. Team Has Moved On From Evander Kane Situation

Mathieu Perreault

5. Team Has Moved On From Evander Kane Situation

Mathieu Perreault — In what has been a bit of a news whirlwind the past few days, it’s become very clear that the team has moved on from former forward Evander Kane. Even going back to last season the team appeared to play better and with much more cohesion after Kane was dealt to Buffalo. Drew Stafford, a player acquired in the Kane deal, leads the team in goals (5) and is tied for second in points (7).

4. Nikolaj Ehlers Is The Real Deal

Nikolaj Ehlers

4. Nikolaj Ehlers Is The Real Deal

Nikolaj Ehlers — The 19-year-old Dane has exploded onto the scene in the early going of the 2015-16 season. Through nine games played, he’s netted four goals and added three assists. Rookies have ruled the roost so far this season, and while highly-touted prospects Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel have garnered most of the attention, Ehlers is a stud forward. His play could earn him a spot in the Calder Trophy conversation.

3. Top Line Producing Offense

Andrew Ladd, Blake Wheeler

3. Top Line Producing Offense

Andrew Ladd, Blake Wheeler — Blake Wheeler, Andrew Ladd and Bryan Little have certainly come into their own at the start of this season. Wheeler has been a menace on the puck with four goals and seven assists while center Little and captain Ladd have each posted seven and six points, respectively. If the Jets' top line can keep producing, they will certainly find themselves in the playoff conversation again at the end of this season.

2. Young Guns Supplying Secondary Scoring

Nic Petan, Nikolaj Ehlers

2. Young Guns Supplying Secondary Scoring

Nic Petan, Nikolaj Ehlers — Sure, every team’s top line should and will produce offense. While the Jets have a top line that’s clicking, they’ve also been getting big contributions from other youngsters on the roster. Along with the aforementioned Ehlers, young forwards Mark Scheifele (six points) and Adam Lowry (four points) have added to the Jets' potent offense.

1. Competition In Net Producing Positive Results

Ondrej Pavelec, Michael Hutchinson

1. Competition In Net Producing Positive Results

Ondrej Pavelec, Michael Hutchinson — When a team says they have two goaltenders, usually it means they have none. However, the strong play of both Ondrej Pavelec and Michael Hutchinson has added an interesting situation in between the pipes for the Jets. While Pavelec has been the perennial starter for this team, Hutchinson’s strong play cannot be ignored. The more Hutchinson excels, the more starts he will get as the Jets push towards the postseason.

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Winnipeg Jets

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