Former Thrashers player and NHL all-star, Ilya Kovalchuk, spoke about the state of the Jets, and he had nothing but praise for his former organization. The Winnipeg Jets are <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/winnipeg-jets/winnipeg-jets-player-currently-has-most-votes-to-win-prestigious-end-of-season-trophy' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>performing as well as anyone could have hoped</a> this year and are odds-on favorites to win the Central Division crown. <a href='https://www.nhl.com/standings/2025-03-17/wildcard' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>The West's top seed,</a> they have a darn good shot at winning their first-ever Stanley Cup championship for their franchise. Since returning to the NHL, the Jets have far exceeded their previous franchise, <a href='https://thehockeywriters.com/docs/atlanta-thrashers-1999-2011/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>the Atlanta Thrashers</a>. They've been a conference contender on a near decade-long basis, and former Thrashers captain and all-star Ilya Kovalchuk has certainly taken notice. In an interview with RG's Head of News Department Sergey Demidov, Kovalchuk commended the resurrection of the Jets. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TheRGMedia/status/1901245816125133074'> </a></blockquote></div> <h3>Kovalchuk has high praise for Winnipeg's management</h3> He credited the management with turning Winnipeg into a destination where excellent players wish to play and extended gratitude to the fan base for helping to change the culture of the team. Management has changed, Kovalchuk said. And players actually want to go there now. The atmosphere at their arena is incredible. <a href='https://www.nhl.com/player/ilya-kovalchuk-8469454' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Kovalchuk</a> remained with the Thrashers as elite players departed, either in trade or free agency, which ultimately resulted in his own migration to <a href='https://www.nhl.com/devils/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'> the New Jersey Devils</a>. However, he says the Jets do have a blueprint for success, citing the difference-making signings to the roster, particularly in goal with Connor Hellebuyck. Now, they've got an elite goalie, a deep top-nine forward group, and a strong power play, he said. This isn't the old Atlanta Thrashers franchise anymore - it's a whole new identity. - Ilya Kovalchuk The remarks of Kovalchuk are evidence that the franchise has matured. With a strong roster and good leadership now on board, the Jets believe that they can use regular-season success to fuel a deep playoff run.