The Winnipeg Jets defensive numbers took a step back last year after being one of the better defensive teams in the 2014-2015 season. Following a season in which they finished top 10 in goals against per game (GA/GP) at 2.56, the Jets got younger, and finished last season 22nd in goals against, with 2.88 GA/GP.

On paper, the Jets have a strong group of defencemen with an excellent combination of physicality and puck skills. Assistant Coach Charlie Huddy primarily works with the defenders on this squad, and it will be up to him make sure that the infusion of younger defencemen can capably overtake the ice time from some of the aging vets (ie. Mark Stuart), or from a particular restricted free agent that’s gone missing.

With Trouba’s absence and Stuart’s declining role, there figures to be 25-30 minutes of opportunity that someone will need to claim as their own. Continue reading