The Winnipeg Jets are destined for an offseason of tough decisions, with many of the core players on expiring deals, including Pierre-Luc Dubois, Mark Scheifele, and Blake Wheeler. As reported by Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast today, the Jets could be looking to aggressively retool their core.
According to Friedman, the Jets could retool the core and potentially remain competitive for years with a trade for Timo Meier. With Pierre-Luc Dubois destined for Montreal in free agency, Scheifele potentially leaving Winnipeg, and Wheeler aging, the Jets could rebuild with Timo Meier, Josh Morissey, and Kyle Connor.
In the immediate future, that trade would greatly improve Winnipeg, and that addition to a talented roster in a weak division could propel a long playoff run. However, if it became a long term plan, it would be contingent on Meier's interest in staying in Winnipeg.
Not only that, but Meier is still a Restricted Free Agent at the end of this season. The Jets will have power over him, but it's possible that he wouldn't have interest in signing long term.
One thing is for sure - expect the Winnipeg Jets to make massive roster changes in the coming year. It's never likely that an organization ponders change like this, and instead decides to double down on the old guard and retain the veteran UFAs. Big changes are coming for Winnipeg.
