Jets insider breaks down Winnipeg's next move amid struggles
The Jets are in a tailspin, and NHL insider Murat Ates has revealed the very next step this team must take going forward this NHL season.
The Winnipeg Jets were crushed after giving up the lead against the Ottawa Senators, and fans were frustrated when the team couldn't score against the St. Louis Blues.
But Friday night's close loss to the Colorado Avalanche highlights a different reality. The Avalanche are everything the Jets are not. Nathan MacKinnon provides superstar-level forward talent.
Cale Makar offers a more dynamic version of Josh Morrissey. Colorado is deep in a way that Stanley Cup contenders are, with 15 skaters who would rank among Winnipeg's top 10 scorers. They're also fast in a way the Jets can't match.
Colorado is likely the Jets' first-round opponent if Winnipeg even reaches the playoffs.
Where the Jets are trending at the moment
For many fans, the loss cements harsh truths. Winnipeg is trending toward becoming the fourth NHL team to miss the playoffs after winning the Presidents' Trophy.
Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Morrissey continue to deliver strong seasons, but the Jets are more likely to waste this talent than make a serious postseason run.
Being five points out of a playoff spot is troubling, especially when scoring relies heavily on one line.
Catching the Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, and St. Louis Blues is a daunting challenge, and beating Colorado in Round 1 seems nearly impossible.
Why Winnipeg still has time, according to NHL insider Murat Ates
That leaves Winnipeg with a choice, according to NHL insider Murat Ates. There's still time to salvage the season while protecting a high-end draft pick.
With two and a half months until the trade deadline, the Jets can push hard until January to see if Hellebuyck can keep them in wild-card contention.
Striking early without selling the first-round pick could reinvigorate the roster, fight apathy, and still leave the option to trade players closer to the deadline if contention slips away.
"Winnipeg must try to save its season and not send out a first-round pick. Striking early buys time, but the Jets can still sell closer to the deadline if they're way out of contention, so no need to sell immidiately. Giving Winnipeg's players a boost - while keeping a first-round pick - fights apathy."
- Murat Ates
- Murat Ates
At that point, the team will likely drop down enough that they will still secure a top-end pick at the June draft.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 21 | 95 ANSWERS Jets insider breaks down Winnipeg's next move amid struggles Do you agree with Murat Ates' take on the Jets' next steps? | ||
| Yes | 63 | 66.3 % |
| No | 32 | 33.7 % |
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