Meet the Winnipeg Jets–The ‘Peg is Ready for the Central Division

Apr 25, 2013; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets celebrate a goal by Winnipeg Jets forward James Wright (17) during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the MTS Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

If you’ve been paying attention to Gone Puck Wild lately, and shame on you if you haven’t, then you know school has begun as Wild fans brush up on their knowledge of the new teams within Minnesota’s division. This week, that new team just so happens to be the newest addition to the Western Conference–the Winnipeg Jets. Going through Sunday, we’ll break down the Jets’ major additions and subtractions, strengths and weaknesses, prospect pool, 2013 draft class and team outlook.

Well, Winnipeg Jets Week has finally come to an end. We broke down the latest additions and subtractions to the roster, strengths and weaknesses, took a dip into a surprisingly deep prospect pool and were amazed by a spectacular 2013 draft class. Today, we wrap it all up with the team recap.

Having not made the playoffs since the 2006-2007 season, the Jets franchise is ready to soar in the new-look Central Division. Overall, the defense looks solid, with talented reinforcements waiting in the wings, the offense looks better than it has in a long while, with a potential Martin St. Louis still baking in the WHL in Nic Petan, and the only real question is whether or not there is a goalie prospect in the system capable of ousting Ondrej Pavelec as future franchise goalie.

Can Winnipeg finally make the playoffs? With Chicago, St. Louis, Minnesota and rising organizations in Colorado and Dallas, it’s highly unlikely. However, they’re only a year or two away from being solid contenders. With the emergence of Mark Scheifele, Petan, Jacob Trouba and Josh Morrissey, and continued maturation in the games of Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian, this franchise has everything it needs to put together a dangerous and competitive roster for many years to come. There’s certainly no doubt Jets fans have a lot to be proud of and excited about.

And that’s a wrap! Starting tomorrow (and every day afterwards) it’s Minnesota Wild Week! I’m off for the rest of the day, but our good Mr. Scott Drain will have your Minnesota Wild free scrimmage recap up later this afternoon. We’ll see you then.