Reasons for the Jets Early Season Success Have Been Revealed

Through the first 11 games this season the Winnipeg Jets are third in the Central Division and securely in a playoff spot. They have rejuvenated their competitive window with some major moves. This offseason they re-signed stars Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck long term.

With these two getting a big pay day they were expected to be the biggest x-factors for the Jets this season. However, a few other players have made it known that they are ready to contribute in a major way. The Jets would not be having the success they are without 3 breakout players in particular.

The Jets have done well surrounding the core of Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Connor Hellebuyck, and Josh Morrissey with talent. The complimentary Players are finally starting to out-produce their projections and help the team stack up some wins.

The most surprising breakout has come from forward Mason Appleton. The 27-year-old was always considered a good defensive and big-bodied presence in the bottom six of the Jets. This season he has shown some offensive upside with 9 points in 11 games. He is doing this all while playing only around 15 minutes a night.

A much-awaited breakout has also occurred with highly talented Cole Perfetti. The 2020 first-round pick has had high expectations ever since he made his NHL debut. Last season Perfetti had a successful rookie campaign with 51 games played and 30 points.

This season he has built on that and now has 8 points in 11 games. This includes a current 3-game point streak. Perfetti is finally looking like the superstar center many were hoping for when he was drafted and fans all over are excited to see his growth.

Finally, we have Nino Niederreiter. Niederreiter has had an up-and-down NHL career. The former 5th overall pick has generally not been worth that pedigree. He has had a couple of seasons of high production but has generally just been a solid third-liner.

This season, however, Niederreiter is on pace for the best year of his career. With 9 points in 11 games, he is on pace to smash his best point total by 10. The 31-year-old finally seems to be blossoming in the Jets system and could be a massive contributor when the games become more important.