The Winnipeg Jets saw their season end with their Game 5 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, and now they face an offseason that could see a lot of changes.
Rick Bowness’ comments at the postgame press conference showed that even with three coaches over the past two seasons, this core Jets just can’t be nudged in the right direction. With Pierre-Luc Dubois wanting to play for the Montreal Canadiens and Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck and Blake Wheeler entering the final years of their deals, it might be time to leave this group and make some big changes.
Frank Seravalli and Mike McKenna talked about the Jets’ offseason plans, specifically what they would do first.
Mike McKenna: I would trade Scheifele. He’s been there too long, and you have to shake the room. I know he scored 42 goals, so at least he has some commercial value, but those big -16s and -17s in the last two seasons, I don’t like that. And his move will give them some flexibility, especially knowing that he owes a new contract after this one.
Frank Seravalli: Yeah, he owes a new contract, just like Connor Hellebuyck. I think that’s the biggest question facing the Winnipeg Jets this offseason. He can sign an extension from July 1, will he want it? And if not, should the Winnipeg Jets consider dealing him this summer?
Mike McKenna: It will go down to Hellebuyck. If he wants to be, you pay him. 6-7 year contract, $8 million, whatever it is, he’s going to get that money, it’s just up to Connor. And he has to be honest with this club.
Frank Seravalli: That’s a great question, and plenty to go through if you’re the Winnipeg Jets and their fanbase. I think Rick Bowness’ comments were spot on, this team when they got punched in the face never really got an answer. And watching this game last night, the first thing I thought of was exactly what he said: no pushback.
You can watch the full episode here…
