Just like that, the offseason is behind us and we are a day away from the Winnipeg Jets' season opener. The Jets will be tested right off the bat when they visit the defending Western Conference Champions and many people's favorite to hoist the Cup this year, the Edmonton Oilers.

Barring any last minute changes, it appears the Jets lineup to start the season will be as follows:

Line 1: Connor Scheifele Vilardi

This line had a small sample size last year due to various injuries. It was always the go to top line for Rick Bowness and it seems to be the same for Scott Arniel at least to start the year. Although they put up stats, their underlying possession numbers weren't great. As long as this line continues to put up points and the Jets are winning games, I think this top line will stay intact.

Line 2: Ehlers Namestnikov Perfetti

Nikolaj Ehlers is coming into this season in the same boat that Scheifele and Hellebuyck were in last year with one year remaining on his contract. Scheifele and Hellebuyck re-signed long term prior to the start of the season. The fact that Ehlers is still on the team, I'm guessing he and the team are close to an extension. When healthy and on the ice, Ehlers has shown to be an elite play driver for the Jets regardless of who his linemates are.

Line 3: Niederrieter Lowry Appleton

This third line for the Jets was amongst the best third lines in the league last year. If they continue to consistently drive play against other teams top lines, they will be a force yet again.

Line 4: Barron Kupari Iafollo

This fourth line for the Jets is a bit of a wild card. It will be Rasmus Kuparis first audition as the teams 4th line center. Fingers crossed that the three of them can stay healthy and develop chemistry with each other.

AHL: Brad Lambert and Nikita Chibrikov

Lambert and Chibrikov will be starting with the Moose. But if there's any injuries in the top six group or if the Jets are not winning many games, I expect one or both of them to be up with the big club sooner rather than later.

D pairing 1: Morrissey DeMelo

Nothing much to say about this pair. They were by far the best for the Jets last year and amongst the best in the league.They will continue to shoulder the heavy minutes vs other teams best players.

D pairing 2: Samberg Pionk

With Brendan Dillons departure, this year will be Dylan Samberg's first opportunity to assert himself in the top four. Pionk, apparently healthier this year, is in a contract year. These two have played together previously. Hopefully they can assert themselves as a solid second pair for the Jets D corps.

D pairing 3: Fleury Miller

With the injuries to Logan Stanley and Ville Heinola, Hadyn Fleury, by default, will be playing on the third pair with Colin Miller to start the year. Miller had a really good pre-season. Once either of Stanley or Heinola return, I expect Fleury to be sitting in the press box.

In net: Connor Hellebuyck. Back ups: Comrie and Kahkonen

The goaltending situation could not be any more straightforward. The Vezina trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck will be the Jets workhorse between the pipes.

Thanks for reading. Go Jets Go!

Join the Discussion: » 2 Comments » Post New Comment

» Jets Win Rematch with Panthers

» Rough Game in Sunrise: Jets Blanked by Panthers, 5-0

» Lightning Strike Down Jets, 4-1

» Jets Double up Rangers, 6-3

» Jets Beat Stars, Break Record