Winnipeg Jets’ Off-Season Road Map: Part One

Since the National Hockey League’s 2023-24 campaign is over for our Winnipeg Jets, it is time for us to take a look at what the summer has in store for the True North franchise.

While the past season contained quite a few positives trends for the Jets, getting knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by the Colorado Avalanche has resulted in negative thoughts being at the forefront of the fans’ minds. For me, it wasn’t really the fact of another 1st round loss that upset me….it was the lackadaisical effort by Winnipeg that had us watching our team play completely different than they did during their successful regular season. However, I am not here to re-hash the Jets’ post-season problems nor critique their performance, although I will be sharing my thoughts throughout the articles on what potential off-season moves could perhaps improve future playoff experiences for us fans.

The first item on our list is completely in the hands of the True North ownership group…deciding who should be the person sitting in the General Manager’s chair and guiding the organization through Winnipeg’ 13th off-season since relocating from Atlanta? Based on the Jets’ history with its staff and the utter lack of any reports suggesting that Kevin Cheveldayoff won’t be back next season, I would be shocked if the team made a move on this front. I believe Chevy has done an above average job at the helm of the franchise, especially when you consider that Manitoba is probably the hardest location in the NHL to try and run a big league squad. Cold weather. Check. High taxes. Check. A small city with less interesting things for millionaire hockey players to do with their cash. You betcha.