We finally reach the best division in hockey. This is the best “loser” in the sport, and from where Im standing they only lost this division because of who else is here – St. Louis, Dallas, Chicago, Nashville, Minnesota and Colorado. I feel if the Jets had stayed in the East this team would be a crusher. They may not have made the ECF, the Pens and Lightning are talented, but the first round? Certainly.

What the Jets could potentially do this offseason is unfair. The division is only getting tougher and every single team needs to keep up with what the rest are doing. The Jets could set the pace this summer.

1. Second Overall

The Jets were the second lottery team and ended up with the number two, which they will almost certainly use on Patrick Laine, who despite a small sample of play (he has only become attractive in the last three months), has the talent and personality to be one of the best wings to enter the league in a long time.

Drafting Laine not only lets the Jets get in born, already there depth, depth that comes with existant chemistry, but also a true first liner for not only now but the future. This is a team preparing to be good for a long time, and Laine will help with that.

2. Goaltending

Im fairly sure Ive said this about every team so far (wait, nope. Didnt say this about Edmonton. Im fine, get to keep saying it, and I stand by Cambot). Goaltending needs to change for a team to get better.

This is especially true for the Jets, because though it seems they have decided Ondrej Pavelec is the long term decision, I feel like this is a mistake. To me, Pavelec has never proven capable of being a franchise net minder, which is what the Jets desperately need.

If they want to be successful, they need someone in net they can trust. The defense is there, but the goalie is not. And, once again, this is a fixable problem this summer with how big the markets will be.

I honestly have no more priorities for this team. They can do a few things – defensive help, trading some fourth liners who arent fourth liners (Marko Dano) – but I dont prioritize those as priorities.

The Jets are going to be a great, contending team soon, and it just really sucks to be a fan in the Central Division.