Simplistically, the Winnipeg Jets` off-season can be summarized as one key player joining and one key player departing.
On July 1, the Jets officially signed Winnipeg native Jonathan Toews to a one-year deal. Despite not playing in the NHL for two years, this acquisition created significant excitement, fueled by more than just a local legend and one of the era`s prominent NHLers joining the roster.
While expectations aren`t for Toews to perform at his peak, there is hope that, with sufficient time to regain form, the 37-year-old can effectively address the team`s need for a second-line centre.
This is the positive aspect.
The negative, however, is the departure of winger Nikolaj Ehlers after 11 years with the team, signing as a free agent with Carolina. Ehlers` exit undeniably leaves a significant void in the top-six forward group.
The overall impact on a team that led the NHL last season with 116 points is yet to be determined. An optimistic view suggests Toews` arrival will succeed, representing a net gain despite Ehlers` departure, as it addresses a crucial need at centre ice.
A more pessimistic perspective would argue that counting on Toews as a top-six forward after a lengthy absence is risky, and that replacing Ehlers` unique game-breaking skill set via trade would be extremely difficult.
Beyond changes to the top two lines, most other roster adjustments made by Winnipeg this summer can be seen as minor alterations.
Duncan Priestley