2. Know Your Enemy
Clearly, the Jets are in ‘win-now’ mode.
The biggest news out of the Manitoba capital this week was not the start of the upcoming campaign – but, rather, how the core of their team is locked up, avoiding a re-build and keeping the emphasis squarely on winning a championship over the next few years.
On Monday, it was announced that Mark Scheifele and perennial Vezina frontrunner Connor Hellebuyck had signed identical seven-year extensions that carry an average annual value of $8.5 million.
Both players were drafted by the Jets – Scheifele being the first-ever pick in team history following the franchise’s re-location from Atlanta in 2011.
Scheifele will be 39 when the new deal expires. Hellebuyck, 38.
“I'm very honoured, first and foremost,” Scheifele said during Tuesday's press conference in Winnipeg. “I can't thank the organization (enough) for trusting me as a player. Obviously, I was drafted here. My mom reminded me that I signed my (first) contract on the day of my first NHL game. It's pretty wild how things happen and there's nothing I want more in this world than to win a Stanley Cup with the Winnipeg Jets.
“To get this whole process done with the likes of a Vezina goalie like Connor ... I'm lucky to be sitting beside him.
“I'm very excited to get the season going.”
On the ice, the Jets are hoping another top player will – finally – be ready to play.
But it’s not clear yet.
Star winger Nikolaj Ehlers missed the entire preseason with neck spasms. He skated on a line with Cole Perfetti and Nino Niederreiter at practice this week and looks close to a return – however, it’s not clear if that will happen tonight in the season opener.
“If he feels he’s good enough to play, then he’s good enough to play," Head Coach Rick Bowness told reporters. "The medical staff has done a wonderful job with him, they’ve been patient with him.
“We've been saying all along if he comes to us and says he’s ready to play, then he’s ready to play.”
Last year, the Jets (46-33-3) snuck into the playoffs as the second wild card, but were bounced in five games in the opening round by the eventual Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights.