Just six teams in the league have scored fewer goals, not good news for fans who watched their team play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2015. However, with a good summer, which includes an effusion of young play makers, this franchise could make a quick turnaround and get back inside the top-8 in the Western Conference next year.
The front office is in a good position to make some changes with the roster and adding a couple veteran free agents will help, but a foundation must be made for future success and with a likely top-5 selection in the first round of the Draft in June, all the building blocks are at their disposal.
Chris Ransom has released his latest mock and has the Jets using their top pick on winger Jesse Puljujärvi. The youngster just had an outstanding showing at the World Juniors Championship, scoring 17 points in just seven games, but its his ability to take control of an offense that has experts raving about his potential at the next level.
With a late pick in the first round, the club has a good shot at adding another strong offensive player, a move that could have big dividends down the road.
Draft Site expects the front office to take another winger and Brett Howden fits the mold of the type of young talent this team needs and wants. The 18-year-old scored 68 points this season for Moose Jaw of the WHL and could see those numbers increase if surrounded by better talent, but the youngster will need more experience before making the jump to the NHL.
Winnipeg will have several options when selecting in round two. A center with good puck skills is needed, but they could also look for a big defender to help on the back line, but no matter what management decides, a solid group of youngsters this summer could make this a quick rebuild job and have this franchise back on track in a hurry.
