2 Right-Shot Defensemen Jets Should Target In Free Agency

The Winnipeg Jets have some roster work to do this offseason. Both Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck's new contracts kick in next season and there isn't a ton of cap space to work with after re-signing Cole Perfetti either. This leaves a limited amount of space to upgrade the defense.

Of the defense signed to contracts, the Jets only have Josh Morrissey and Neal Pionk and will likely dip into free agency to upgrade. With the expectation that Nate Schmidt will be bought out, this leaves a couple of spots to be filled on the right side.

The Jets will likely not be able to afford the top of the line defensive free agents, but grabbing a top-4 defensively focused d-man and a third pairing shutdown player would make for a successful offseason. These two upgrades should come in the form of Matt Roy and Ilya Lyubushkin.

Roy proved that he is a strong defensive player for the Los Angeles Kings, but it looks like he will be hitting free agency with the lack of cap space in LA and Brandt Clarke stepping into a larger role. Roy could be the next partner for Morrissey on the top pairing as it's best to keep Morrissey and Pionk on separate pairings.

So if Pionk plays on the second pairing, Lyubushkin can be brought in for a physical role on the third duo with someone younger like Ville Heinola. Lyubushkin surprised for the Toronto Maple Leafs and could step into a larger role if an injury occurs. He won't cost a lot, but brings a good style of play that would be well suited on the Jets.