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 is no doubt that the Winnipeg Jets top six forwards are as good a six as you can get in the NHL but something is missing. The top six of Kane, Blake Wheeler, Bryan Little, Andrew Ladd, Mark Scheifele and now Mathieu Perreault comprise what is a very young nucleus of offensive talent that is coming into their own. Kane missed some time due to injury while Wheeler and Little enjoyed career years.  Can those two carry that effort forward to this year?  They most certainly can.  Ladd had his steady 54-point season and is valuable as the Captain.  Gone is elder statesman Olli Jokinen and in comes Perreault via free agency. Perreault just needs the opportunity to showcase his talents and might get that here in Winnipeg after a year in Anaheim where he enjoyed a career high of 43 points.  Scheifele was picking up steam before leaving with an injury.  Expect the talented fist round draft pick to regain that form and build upon it over the course of a full season. PROSPECTS The Jets possess a nice little stable of prospects starting with offensive defenseman Josh Morrissey, but they seem to be a few years from making an impact on the big club. Morrissey is a slick, puck-handling defenseman who sees the ice well and will one day run the Winnipeg power play.  We already have mentioned Hutchinson in goal but 21-year old Connor Hellebuyck is rated higher according to HockeysFuture.com. He is currently playing at U-mass where he has posted incredible numbers but may be a few years away.  At forward, there is Nicolas Petan at center and 2014 NHL Entry Draft 1st round selection Nikolaj Ehlers. Both will take time to develop in the minors. Overall Fantasy Outlook As much as the fans have been longing for some playoff action now that they have an NHL team again, they just might have to wait another season unless Pavelec plays like he has never played before. And by that I mean "lights out".  Evander Kane needs to raise his game to the next level, worthy of the fourth overall selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.  If those two can come together for the Jets, they may be contending for a spot in the playoffs come late March, early April.  Some worthy fantasy options on this team, and one day they will click nicely.