Get To Know Every Winnipeg Jets Skater

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

The Winnipeg Jets roster has quite a few recognizable names that even the most casual hockey fan would know. The series will depend on much more than just them though and that’s why as a VGK fan you should know more about their entire roster. To help you with that, we went to one of the best sources out there to help fill us in.

With the help of Drew Mindell from IllegalCurve.com (let’s be honest, he did all the work, I did almost nothing but type the words out), here’s a rundown of every player likely to play in the series. They are organized in order of their place in the lineup.

Kyle Connor (1st Line LW)

One of the Jets most prolific goal scorers and a sneaky passer and playmaker as well. Also a member of the All VGK Killer team having racked up 10 goals and 11 assists in 14 regular season games against the Golden Knights.

Pierre-Luc Dubois (1st Line C)

Future with the Jets is in flux with many reports of him wanting to play in Montreal. Has taken on the responsibility as the 1C with Mark Scheifele moving to his right wing. Incredibly difficult to play against with his physicality and strength as well as high-end skill. Strong defensively too.

Mark Sheifele (1st Line RW)

Highest goal scorer on the team, has had an interesting season in which he went through a difficult drought and was even benched during a game. Has returned to full form and accepted his move to the wing after playing center for most of his NHL career and fit in well on an excellent 1st line with Kyler Connor and Pierre-Luc Dubois.

Nikolaj Ehlers (2nd Line LW)

A zone entry machine, he couples speed and skill to push back defenders when carrying the puck. Took a while to work through a sports hernia injury but has been playing much better until the most recent injury that got Ryan Hartman suspended. Definitely one of the Jets’ most dangerous attacking players. Expected to be in the lineup for Game 1 but not a guarantee.

Vladislav Namestnikov (2nd Line C)

Acquired at the deadline, has stepped into a role as the #2 center pushing long-time center Mark Scheifele to the wing. Has been excellent since coming to the team experiencing strong chemistry with Blake Wheeler and Nikolaj Ehlers.

Blake Wheeler (2nd Line RW)

Not the same player as he used to be having lost a step. Has seen his role reduced which has helped both him and the team as he no longer wears down in games. No longer counted on as the offensive driver of the line (that’s Nikolaj Ehlers now), instead has settled into a complementary role that has stabilized his game.

Nino Neiderreiter (3rd Line LW)

Another deadline acquisition is a pro’s pro that can play anywhere in the lineup and in any situation. Has enough skill to play in the top-six and produce and strong enough defensively to man the left wing of a shutdown 3rd line. Gelled well with Mason Appleton and Adam Lowry.

Adam Lowry (3rd Line C)

Heart and soul of the Winnipeg Jets as the team tends to take on his personality and style when his game is going well. Not an offensive driver but a large body and difficult to handle when in on the forecheck which has led to streaky offensive production. Expected to shoulder the load as the shutdown center and likely to be matched up with Jack Eichel.

Mason Appleton (3rd line RW)

A player that often gets lost in the shuffle has stepped up his game recently playing alongside Adam Lowry and Nino Niederreiter. Appleton is a solid forechecker with a touch of offense and decent defensively.

Morgan Barron (4th Line LW)

Acquired from NYR for Andrew Copp, playing his first full NHL season. 4th liner but has enough offensive potential that he could end up being an option to move up the lineup in the event of an injury. Penalty kill contributor as well.

Kevin Stenlund (4th Line C)

Won the job as the 4th line center role by being strong in faceoffs, a penalty killer, and defensive responsibility. Perfectly serviceable 4th liner but not expected to add much offense at all. Beware: He looks incredibly similar to Blake Wheeler both in stature, style, and number (28, Wheeler is 26).

Saku Maenalanen (4th Line RW)

One of the primary penalty killers but comes without much offense on a 4th line that does not score much.

David Gustafsson (Healthy Scratch)

Young player who was penciled in as the 4th line center but lost the job to Kevin Stenlund. Probably next man up in the event the Jets lose a center.

Karson Kuhlman (Healthy Scratch)

Similar to Jonsson-Fjallby, a fast forechecker without a lot of playmaking to go with it. Could slot into the lineup if the Jets are in need of a winger.

Axel Jonsson-Fjallby (Healthy Scratch)

Lots of speed but not a lot of playmaking. Strong on the forecheck. Lost his job as the team returned to health and was sent to the AHL. Unlikely to have an impact on the series.

Cole Perfetti (Injured)

Skating but remains in a non-contact jersey. An underdog to return to health in time for this series but would have to slot into the top-nine if he does. Would cause lots of line juggling in the event he can make it back in time for this series.

Defensemen

Josh Morrissey (1st Pair LD)

Affectionately being referred to as Josh Norris-ey, has been one of the best defensemen in the NHL. Potentially the next captain of the team and a major offensive driver of the team. Remains defensively responsible despite incredible impact going forward.

Dylan Demelo (1st Pair RD)

Perfect defensive partner for Josh Morrissey. Has shown more of an offensive game this season than previously expected of him.

Brendon Dillon (2nd Pair LD)

Big physical defenseman that will stand his ground in front of the goal. Has had a much better season than last year helping the Jets sure up their game in front of Connor Hellebuyck.

Neal Pionk (2nd Pair RD)

Not the player he used to be and has struggled for a majority of this season. When on the ice the game often turns chaotic, sometimes in a positive way but often in a negative way getting lost in his own zone.

Dylan Samberg (3rd Pair LD)

Physical quality defensive defenseman that has carved out a regular role in the line. Plays a simple game, making a good first pass, but not expected to add any offense to the team.

Nate Schmidt (3rd Pair RD)

Not quite the same impact player he was when he was in Vegas, but still willing to activate offensively. Brings levity to a team full of serious players creating a better lighter atmosphere.

Kyle Capobianco (Healthy Scratch)

7th or 8th defenseman that played a limited number of games. Has shown more offensive upside than expected but is not expected to play a role in the series.

Logan Stanley (Healthy Scratch)

Has fallen down the depth chart to a point in which he even asked for a trade. A giant defenseman with a strong shot but hasn’t been defensively responsible enough to remain in the lineup.

Lineup

Connor-Dubois-Scheifele
Ehlers-Namestnikov-Wheeler
Niederreiter-Lowry-Appleton
Barron-Stenlund-Maenalanen

Morrissey-Demelo
Dillon-Pionk
Samberg-Schmidt

Hellebuyck

Power Play Unit 1
Connor
Scheifele-Dubois-Ehlers
Morrissey

Power Play Unit 2
Neiderreiter
Wheeler-Lowry-Schmidt
Pionk