Forward depth
The Jets have top-six forwards Kyle Connor (five), Nikolaj Ehlers (four), Scheifele (three) and Blake Wheeler (three) under contract for multiple seasons. Lowry, a key piece in their line rotations, signed a five-year, $16.25 million contract ($3.25 million average annual value) April 16 to prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.
No. 1 goalie in his prime
Connor Hellebuyck gives Winnipeg stability at the position for the foreseeable future. The 28-year-old is under contract for three more seasons and had a 2.23 goals-against average, .931 save percentage and one shutout in eight games during the 2021 playoffs. He was 24-17-3 with a 2.58 GAA, a .916 save percentage and four shutouts in 45 regular-season games and led the NHL in minutes played (2,602:49), shots against (1,335) and saves (1,223).
Evolving on defense
Stanley, the No. 18 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, became a regular in the lineup and scored four points (one goal, three assists) in 37 regular-season games, and three points (two goals, one assist) in eight playoff games. Ville Heinola, the No. 20 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, played five NHL games this season and his puck-moving skills look to be a good fit. Dylan Samberg is another candidate for the roster next season after he scored seven points (one goal, six assists) in 32 games for Manitoba of the American Hockey League.