Last year was probably as far away from what every fan and the coaching staff expected as you can get. Evander Kane getting injured and then trade rumors didn't help matters. Ondrej Pavelec had his worse career performance since his early days in Atlanta, posting .901 SP and a 3.01 GAA. Two big reasons why the Jets failed to qualify for the playoffs for 7 seasons as franchises of Winnipeg and Atlanta.  The only player left from that playoff team is Center Jim Slater. The team's roster doesn't have much in the way of players with playoff experience.  Perhaps that is something the coaching staff needs to take a look at. GOALIES We all know the importance of steady goaltending when it comes to the emotional stability of a team. Pavelec hasn't been that rock in net for the Jets as he has some up and down seasons so far in his young career.  In fact, it has been more down than up especially when his metrics are usually below average.  It has been said that Pavs has been working hard in the off-season.  I wonder if Michael Hutchinson put a scare into him with his amazing 3-game audition at the end of the season. All Hutchinson did was post a 2-1-0 record with a .943 SP and 1.64 GAA.  Now, no one should expect those types of numbers again, especially since that is all of his NHL experience, but he is 24 years old and will get a chance to steal the starting job since Pavelec has been anything but that solid starter every playoff team needs in the crease. Keep an eye on this situation in camp and the start of the season.  With Pavelec, the team is going to have to support him night-in and night-out, but with Hutchinson in net, he may be able to steal a few games and the offense won't have to be constantly counted on to bail Pavelec out.. DEFENSE There is no lack of blue line talent with this crew. Led by Dustin Byfuglien, who may or may not be a RW this season, the jets have a plethora of offensive-minded d-men patrolling the back end. Buff brings the grit along with the capability to score 20 goals. Then there is Tobias Enstrom, who should respond from a down year. The talented Swede only scored 30 points, his lowest total ever.  Then there are the two youngsters, Zach Bogosian and Jacob Trouba, who were 1st round draft picks, selected 3rd and 9th overall respectively. Both can score, but with Buff and Enstrom ahead of them, expect only secondary scoring.  Paul Postma and Grant Clitsome are your stay-at-home defensemen, so no fantasy value there. FORWARDS There...

Clitsome was one of the Jets better defensemen when he was in the lineup this season. He registered 12 points (2G / 10A) with a minus-5 rating in 32 games. Look for Clitsome in 2014-15.

Clitsome has missed the Blue Jackets first two games with a lower body injury, but seems likely to play tonight vs. Anaheim.

Winnipeg has yet to announce who will come out of the lineup, but it is likely Paul Postma. Clitsome had four goals and 12 assists in 44 games last season.

Clitsome did not skate this morning but still remains an option for Sunday's game.

Clitsome was expected to start the season on the Jets top-pair with Dustin Byfuglien, but this IR stint will delay that. Playing with Byuglien should help Clitsome's fantasy value. Buff loves to fire the puck, which creates a lot of assist opportunities for his D-partner.

CHICAGO HOLDS ON TO NICK LEDDY: Young, offensive defenseman Nick Leddy and the Chicago Blackhawks agree to a two-year extension. I really like this guy, so I will have much more to say tomorrow morning. Stay tuned.. BRIERE STOCK RISES: With Vincent Lecavalier off the free-agent market after signing with the Flyers, recently-bought out Daniel Briere has become a hot commodity amongst teams coveting a second-line center. After the season that UFA Mike Ribeiro had with Washington (13G/36A in 48 games), he may be too expensive to sign for most teams. Considering Briere is coming off a "down" season with 16 points in 34 games and has been plagued by injuries in recent years, he represents a much more cost-effective option for teams looking for complimentary scoring depth up the middle. According to Pierre Lebrun from ESPN.com, several clubs, including Montreal, Buffalo, and the New York Islanders have expressed serious interest in signing Briere. All injury issues aside, a healthy Briere could be a shot in the arm for scoring-deficient teams. In 2010-11, he scored 34 goals and collected 68 points for Philly, so the man can still get it done. If the talented pivot lands on the team that could use a power-play boost, he is worth taking a flier on in the late rounds of your fantasy drafts. PASCAL REMAINS A PEN: Pascal Dupuis has signed a 4-year deal to remain a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Dupuis seems to be a perfect fit playing alongside superstar Sidney Crosby.   He has especially shown his worth to the club during the past two seasons.  In 2011-2012, PD scored a career-high 25-34-59 points in 82 games. He followed that up with a 20-18-38 points in 48 games during the lockout-shortened season.  A good deal for both parties.  Dupuis remains a quality fantasy depth forward.  KOMISAREK & GILL COMPLIANCE BUYOUTS:  The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Nashville Predators exercised compliance buyouts on defensemen Mike Komisarek and Hal Gill, respectively.  Komisarek had a disappointing four seasons in TO while Gill supplemented the already deep Predator defensive corps.  Both held minimal fantasy value. HABS & RANGERS SWAP FORWARDS:   The Montreal Canadiens traded Forward Danny Kristo to the New York Rangers for Forward Christian Thomas (son of former NHLer Steve Thomas).  Both may see limited action, if any, and should not be fantasy relevant in the upcoming season.  Thomas seems to hold more offensive promise as his numbers in the OHL playing with the Oshawa ...

Look for Clitsome to play tonight. He scored two assists in 10 games with the Jets.

Clitsome draws out for tonight's game. He has four goals and 16 points in 60 games.

Clitsome draws back into the lineup for tonight's game. He has two assists in six games with the Jets.