Winnipeg's penalty kill will be forced to do without key players in Adam Lowry, Brandon Tanev and Rasmus Kupari.
The Winnipeg Jets had one of the best special teams units last season with the league's best power play and the 13th-best penalty kill. They excelled at these areas of the game and it paid dividends as it led to the Jets scoring the second-most power play goals at 63 as well as tying the Stars and Golden Knights for the 5th-fewest power play goals allowed at 41 on the season.
These areas of Winnipeg's game showcased players like Alex Iafallo and team captain Adam Lowry with their importance in the lineup as the two led the team in shorthanded minutes. Just behind them was Morgan Barron and Kyle Connor, who are both expected to step back into a PK roles next season but just behind them in minutes is Rasmus Kupari, who is no longer with the team.
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Forward Mason Appleton also won’t be on the penalty kill this upcoming season as he left to the Motor City for the Detroit Red Wings in free agency this past summer. Appleton, Kupari, deadline acquisition Brandon Tanev gone and Lowry being sidelined due to injury leaves Winnipeg without four of their top eight forward penalty killers last season, which could cause concern as special teams are quietly one of the most important aspects of the NHL.
Winnipeg’s depth will be tested as without any further injuries their new forward pairings on the penalty kill appear to feature Alex Iafallo and Morgan Barron as the top duo, followed by Vladislav Namestnikov and Kyle Connor.
This setup could prove effective in a new way, especially for Namestnikov, who will be looking to make an impact in a more limited role after likely losing his spot as the second-line centre to newcomer Jonathan Toews.
It could lead to the Jets holding their footing for the time being on special teams but if injuries start to pile up and they may need to start exploring other options like Tanner Pearson or Cole Koepke.
Pearson played very few special teams minutes last year but Koepke was used on the kill at times with the Bruins and could step into a role if need be.
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The penalty kill could become a point of focus for Scott Arniel and the rest of the coaching staff as they should be relatively okay with their power play unit. After losing Nikolaj Ehlers to free agency, youngster Cole Perfetti is expected to step right into the role and could produce similar numbers.
A Perfetti breakout is expected this upcoming season, mainly due to a subtle upgrade with his new linemates in Toews and Gustav Nyquist. The two should also see time together on the team's second power play unit and improve numbers in that area as well.
With little concern on the ability to score goals, defending the opposition's man advantage will be put to the test and if not properly managed, could leak in more goals in key moments. It'll be a pending issue to look out for heading into the early part of the season.
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