WINNIPEG - The Jets open the 2021-22 campaign tonight on the road against the Anaheim Ducks. The Jets first venture into the Disneyland area in quite some time should bring joy to not only the players, but for all fans as well. On paper, the team looks great. But how they look on the ice is what really matters.
I believe the success of the Jets depends on a few factors. Josh Morrissey must return to form. The defenseman had a lot on his mind off the ice last year, this season he will be paired with Nate Schmidt who has endeared himself to his teammates in quick fashion. Pierre-Luc Dubois needs to step up and start to play like a third overall draft pick. We all know that Jets fans are a fickle bunch with a warm spot still in their hearts for Patrick Laine; Dubois needs to make them forget about him fast. Mark Scheifele will need to move forward and morph into the Captain role as Blake Wheeler cannot play forever. Number 55 must remember he should act like a leader at all times; we will accept that what happened in the playoffs against Montreal was just a one off. Finally, former Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck cannot afford to have any “bad nights” as Eric Comrie won’t provide the stability that Laurent Brossoit provided in relief.
I believe that with the new offseason acquisitions and the continued development of the players in our system, the Jets will challenge Colorado for the top spot in the Central Division.
Game time is 9pm on Sportsnet 360 and 680 CJOB/Power 97
What do you think?