Major Update Of Jets' 2 Top Trade Pieces
The Winnipeg Jets appear to be focused on winning this season and not selling...just yet. After buying out Blake Wheeler and trading Pierre-Luc Dubois, it seemed inevitable that Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele would also be dealt before they become UFAs at the end of this season. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff noted that both remaining core pieces that don't have interest in re-signing will be in the opening night lineup and not moved over the next month.
The Jets have the lineup to succeed and more depth this season. They also have elite players at all three positions and it isn't a far stretch to think that they could compete in a weaker Western Conference. Not so long ago they made the conference finals and are in the playoff picture each season. They have more young and hungry players filling their lineup now. It seems like it could be one final big run if the team starts off well before having to go through a retooling to stay relevant.
The Jets plan to meet in person with both pending UFAs in September and things could change. The Jets look fairly set for the future and would have a great opportunity for a long time if one of both were to stick around. This would entail a raise as both make very team-friendly deals right now. There is no shortage of teams that would want to acquire either Hellebuyck or Scheifele this season at any point. The direction of the September contract talks and how the team is playing during the season will be major indicators as to what the Jets do.
Photo credit: © Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Post a Comment