Winnipeg Jets Struggle: Player Report Cards After 25 Games

The Winnipeg Jets faced a challenging start to their season, culminating in a disappointing performance during their 25th game against the Buffalo Sabres. Following the game, head coach Scott Arniel expressed disappointment, stating that the team had “embarrassed itself.” Kyle Connor, a key forward, described the team’s play as “disconnected,” while Adam Lowry called for a players-only meeting to address the issues. With a record of 13 wins and 12 losses, the Jets currently sit below playoff contention as of December 1, 2023.

Despite the team’s struggles, a review of individual performances reveals some bright spots. Here, we assess the players based on their contributions through the first quarter of the season.

Forwards’ Performance

Leading the forward group is Mark Scheifele, who has tallied 13 goals and 19 assists, amounting to 32 points, placing him ninth in league scoring. His ability to generate scoring chances has been a crucial asset for the Jets. Kyle Connor matches Scheifele with 13 goals and contributes a total of 30 points. His speed and agility consistently create opportunities, although his power-play production has been less than stellar with only one goal.

Another notable player is Gabriel Vilardi, who has amassed 21 points in 25 games. While he has shown potential as a significant contributor, he occasionally struggles with foot speed, leading to some defensive lapses. He shares the team lead with Connor and Josh Morrissey for power-play points, each having seven.

Nino Niederreiter is enjoying his best offensive season with the Jets, contributing 15 points thus far. His efforts on power plays and at even strength have demonstrated his value, although his recent decline in speed raises concerns about his overall performance.

Other forwards like Alex Iafallo and Cole Perfetti have had mixed results. Iafallo has shown work ethic and versatility on special teams, while Perfetti has been more productive in creating chances despite struggling to convert them into goals.

The bottom six forwards, including Adam Lowry and Vladislav Namestnikov, have not matched the expectations set for them. Lowry, recovering from hip surgery, has yet to regain his previous form, reflected in his modest three points in 13 games. Namestnikov’s contributions have been limited, with eight points in 25 games, highlighting a need for offensive improvement in this segment of the lineup.

Defensive Analysis

On the blue line, Josh Morrissey stands out as a potential Norris Trophy candidate, having recorded 24 points in 25 games. His strong performance has been critical to the Jets’ defensive play, even as he faces tough competition on the ice.

In contrast, Dylan Samberg has shown promise but has struggled to maintain consistent performance, particularly when paired with different defensive partners. His overall numbers reflect a need for improvement, especially in transition play.

Meanwhile, Dylan DeMelo has experienced ups and downs this season. While he ranks sixth in team scoring with ten points, his tendency to take penalties has been a drawback. Neal Pionk, prior to injury, was also underperforming relative to his past contributions, with the lowest point production of his career.

“The Jets have been outscored 10-4 with Samberg on the ice,”

indicating the challenges faced by the defensive unit.

The defensive corps, including Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn, have also faced scrutiny. Stanley’s performance has been inconsistent, with his minutes resulting in more scoring chances against than for. Schenn’s leadership is valuable, yet his on-ice performance has not translated to improved outcomes for the team.

Goaltending Situation

In goal, Connor Hellebuyck, a Hart Trophy winner, has had a rocky start, undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery after a series of sub-.900 save percentage games. His current save percentage of .913 is concerning, although he remains a top-tier goaltender. The Jets must tread carefully with his recovery to avoid rushing him back.

With Hellebuyck sidelined, Eric Comrie has stepped in but holds an .893 save percentage over ten games. His performances have been a mixed bag, often facing heavy shots from opposing teams. Thomas Milic recently made his NHL debut, facing challenges but showing promise despite allowing six goals over two games.

As the season progresses, the Jets will need to address their shortcomings both offensively and defensively. The upcoming games will be crucial for determining their playoff viability and whether they can meet the expectations set at the season’s outset.