The Winnipeg Jets feature an extremely deep prospect pool which is stocked in all positions. With the Jets already having plenty of success at the NHL level, these fantastic prospects are sure to bring Winnipeg their first ever playoff win and perhaps their first Stanley Cup as well.
Having gone through the Jets’ top prospects ranked 10 through six, we count down to the team’s top prospect
This ranking features two potential starting goaltenders, along with a possible first-line center and top 2 defenceman.
Check out the Winnipeg Jets prospects ranked 10 to 6.
5: Eric Comrie
Eric Comrie is one of two incredible goaltending prospects for the Winnipeg Jets. He will likely split AHL time in 2015-16
Eric Comrie was a 2nd round pick, 59th overall, in 2013. The 19-year-old goaltender has progressed very well since his draft day. He uses his six foot 1 frame to cut down angles and is an extremely athletic goalie. He remains calm in the net and has adapted solid rebound control. In three AHL games this year, Comrie registered a .920 SV%, proving he will be ready to make his professional jump for the 2015-16 season. Has all the makings of a potential NHL starting goalie.
4: Nicolas Petan
Nicolas Petan may not be developing as well as the Winnipeg Jets had hoped when they selected him 43rd overall in 2013. In his fourth full WHL season this year, Petan saw his goal total drop from 35 to 15 and his point total from 113 to 89. His NHL future is up in the air, and his 5-foot-9, 175 pound figure may have a big part of his failures, although he actually plays a very physical game. His playmaking is fantastic, but he needs to get stronger.
3: Connor Hellebuyck
Connor Hellebuyck has had success in every league he’s played in, starting in the NAHL, then the NCAA and now, the AHL. He was the 130th overall pick by Winnipeg in 2012. In 58 games with the AHL’s St. John’s Ice Caps this year, he posted a 2.58 GAA and a .921 SV%. Hellebuyck is an athletic goaltender with good lateral movement. He is very solid positionally and uses his 6 foot 4 frame to his advantage. If he progresses at his current rate, it will only be a matter of time until he’s a starter in the NHL.
2: Josh Morrissey
Josh Morrissey’s Kelowna Rockets were WHL Champions and Memorial Cup Finalists this year, where he totaled 52 points in 60 games. Morrissey was the Jets 13th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. He is an elite offensive defenceman prospect who can be a power play quarterback. His transition game is phenomenal and his passing is quick and accurate. He’s also a great skater with high hockey sense, which allows him to see the game ahead of his opponents. Morrissey looks to be a lock as a top 2 defenceman in the NHL.
Josh Morrissey had an incredible year, leading the Kelowna Rockets to the Memorial Cup final.
1: Nikolaj Ehlers
Nikolaj Ehlers is an elite point producer who lit up the QMJHL this year with a total of 47 goals and 132 points in just 61 games with the Halifax Mooseheads. The ‘Dashing Dane’ has an unbelievable combination of explosive speed, quick hands, and a pinpoint accurate snap shot. At just 176 pounds, Ehlers is constantly working to get bigger and stronger, and he’ll need to if he wants to reach his maximum potential for the NHL. Ehlers is destined to be a top line winger for the Winnipeg Jets within the next three or four years.
There you have it, the Winnipeg Jets’ Top 10 Prospects. As you can see, it is a deep and talented pool, covering all positions. If even half of these kids turned into regular NHL players, the Jets will be a scary team to play in the near future. Along with these extremely promising prospects, the Jets will also have two 1st round picks, the 17th and 25th overall selections, in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. To already have a realistic potential first line forward, first pairing defenceman and starting goaltender all coming up at the same time is very impressive and something you can build your future around. All reasons why I have already dubbed the Winnipeg Jets as the 2019-20 Stanley Cup Champions.
Make sure t check out the Winnipeg Jets top prospects ranked 10 through 6.