What Happened to 2019?

The Winnipeg Jets are supposed to win the Stanley Cup in 2019 aren’t they? –

Seems like a distant memory; that day the Winnipeg Jets were featured on the cover if The Hockey News. Remember when you heard that news? Fans were so excited! The thought of their team hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup put smiles on many fans faces around the province and beyond but lately it feels as though some of the faithful are losing their faith in the team.

What’s has changed since? Well not much frankly. Sure we have seen the departure of the only captain we’ve known Andrew Ladd. Aside from that, not much. This is a problem for some. Kevin Cheveldayoff has not done a whole lot by way of free agency. Opting for a youth movement the Winnipeg Jets find themselves in the basement and have a legitimate chance at picking projected first overall pick Auston Matthews in the up and coming entry draft.

The 2019 winners story has been about the Winnipeg Jets talented prospects and their presumed inevitable development to the NHL level. Though fans shouldn’t just assume every draft pick is going to pan out, experts continue to be impressed with the pantry Kevin Cheveldayoff has stocked since taking over.

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Some, like Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry, are already in the league continuing their steady evolution. Jacob Trouba, Nicolaj Ehlers, and the acquired Joel Armia who also made some strides in his development. Nic Petan, Chase De Leo, goalie prospects Connor Hellebyuck, Eric Comrie and others who continue to season with the Manitoba Moose. Kyle Connor also having himself quite the season down at the University of Michigan. The cupboard hasn’t gone bare and only looks like it will get a little tighter with what is likely to be a top five, first round draft pick this offseason.

If all these prospects turn out as hoped, the problem is going to be ice time in the top six. Pretty good problem to have.

Fans like to win, I get it, heck who doesn’t? This season may not have panned out to meet some expectations but the plan is still the same. Draft and develop and build for long-term success. It’s only 2016 and the Winnipeg Jets have a few years before they are scheduled to hoist the cup.

Go Jets Go!