The Winnipeg Jets are flying toward a Central Division title because of an amazing offense and phenomenal goaltending. Their Saturday win over the Washington Capitals kept the NHL’s top record in Manitoba heading into Monday. But general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff says the Jets could keep adding on the NHL trade deadline. With Brock Nelson and Yanni Gourde available, some options would improve their team.
The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported, “…my sense is the Jets would eventually look so as to add a middle and maybe also a defenseman, but that may rely upon what the market reveals to be available. Whether a trade happens soon or waits until after the 4 Nations break closer to March 7, that’s undetermined.”
Cheveldayoff told LeBrun he’s at all times seeking to add despite a robust start, “I’m going to see what’s available each day,” Cheveldayoff said coyly. “But I don’t wish to undersell how this group has done and what they’ve done together. It’s not about who’s on the trade deadline or whatever. It’s about who’s been an element of it for these 54-odd games.”
The Jets have scored essentially the most goals per game and allowed the fewest goals per game through Sunday’s motion. Anything they add on the trade deadline can be a luxury but given their recent playoff performances, they might need it.
The Jets need to enhance their playoff performances
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Last yr, the Jets unexpectedly made the playoffs with 109 points but didn’t win the Central Division. An important season from the Dallas Stars secured the title, sending Winnipeg to Colorado for a difficult first-round matchup. The Avalanche rolled in five games after a tricky series from Connor Hellebuyck, ending Winnipeg’s season.
Last yr, the Jets didn’t have the scoring depth to power through just a few rough games from Hellebuyck. After winning Game 1 7-6, they lost every game by multiple goals and never scored greater than 3. That is where Nelson and Gourde are available in, depending on their preferences to repair this issue.
If the Jets wish to add pure scoring from the middle position, they need to trade for Nelson. While the Islanders recently won seven straight games to get back into the playoff race, it still wasn’t enough to get into the dance. They need to trade their 34-year-old center heading into free agency.
Gourde is more of a defensive center who may help Hellebuyck back within the defensive end. That’s the way in which many NHL teams wish to play but just isn’t a guarantee against one of the best Western Conference teams.
