NHL Power Rankings Week One: Capitals, Lightning, Predators, And Ducks Are Favorites

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings: #17 – Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets are coming off a playoff appearance. They should contend for the playoffs once again.

STRENGTHS: The Jets have a pretty balanced team. Andrew Ladd and Blake Wheeler are very underrated forwards. Their boxcar stats aren’t going to wow you. They do an excellent job considering they are often asked to shut down their opponents’ best lines. Mathieu Perreault is prone to injuries, but when he’s healthy, he’s an extremely productive center. Dustin Byfuglien is the leader of their blue line. Tyler Myers seemed to get his act together after being traded to Winnipeg.

WEAKNESSES: I sort of alluded to this earlier, but the Jets don’t have much as far as elite talent. That’s going to make it hard for them to return to the playoffs. They also have a questionable goalie situation. I’m not sold on Ondrej Pavelec. He was never a good goalie until last season. Michael Hutchinson is unproven.

OUTLOOK: If I was convinced that they could get league average goaltending, I’d be much more confident in the Jets. It’s certainly plausible that they could get it. Certainly not a guarantee.

Next: #16