Looking ahead for the Jets: Tough decisions loom on D

As each NHL team is eliminated from playoff contention -- either mathematically or by losing in the postseason -- we'll take a look at why its quest for the Stanley Cup fell short in 2018-19, along with three keys to its offseason and a way-too-early prediction for what next season will hold.

What went wrong

The Winnipeg Jets never hit their stride in 2018-19. Yes, they piled up wins, finishing one point behind the Nashville Predators for the top place in the Central Division. However, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck took a step back from last season, the Jets were without two of their top defensemen (Dustin Byfuglien and Josh Morrissey) for extended periods, and sniper Patrik Laine slumped (by his standards) after chasing Alex Ovechkin for the goal-scoring title in 2017-18.

Everything that went smoothly in their 2017-18 breakout season seemed to go awry this time. At the 2018 trade deadline, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff added Paul Stastny to cement the No. 2 center role, and the move paid off with a trip to the Western Conference finals. In 2019, Cheveldayoff again addressed that deficiency by trading for Kevin Hayes of the Rangers. It didn't work out quite as well, with Hayes being demoted off that line during the playoffs.

The Jets blew some late leads in the playoffs, but mainly, ran into one of the league's hottest second-half teams in the St. Louis Blues, and could not match their intensity -- or win at home, despite incredible fan support and the Whiteout crowds. That led to an early exit and plenty of inward reflection; how could a team built to win now not even get past the first round?

Keys to the offseason

Pay Kyle Connor, Patrik Laine. The Jets knew this day was coming, but Connor and Laine are due for new contracts, and both are going to cost big dollars. (Brandon Tanev needs a new deal too, but shouldn't be as expensive.)

Laine's agent, Mike Liut, has a history of waiting until the end of entry-level deals to finalize an extension (Vladimir Tarasenko and Leon Draisaitl are recent examples), so the fact this was not done earlier is not a surprise. Yes, Laine did himself no favors with a streaky season, but his production in the playoffs (three goals in six games) helped, and the Jets know they'll need to pay the 21-year-old elite dollars. Connor should be a bit more straightforward of a negotiation, but the Jets may have to go long on term to keep the average annual value manageable.

Cement the depth at center. It's becoming an expensive habit to pay for a second-line center at the trade deadline. The Jets gave up a first-round pick, a fourth-round pick and prospect Erik Foley for Stastny in 2018; though they had a shot at keeping Stastny in free agency, he opted for the Vegas Golden Knights.

In 2019, Winnipeg gave the New York Rangers a first-round pick, a conditional fourth-round pick and young forward Brendan Lemieux for Hayes. It seems all but certain Hayes will test the free-agent market and a return to Winnipeg seems unlikely. The Jets need to find a long-term solution to their center depth issue, because they can't afford to keep spending like this.

Make tough decisions on D. The Jacob Trouba saga will come to a head ... maybe. After a tenure filled by trade rumors, contract stalemates and arbitration, he's a restricted free agent again. Can the Jets finally strike a long-term deal with the talented young defenseman? It seems unlikely. Do they part ways? That seems more probable. Or they can go the arbitration route, hoping for another short-term solution.

In a thin free-agent market for defenders, pending unrestricted free agent Tyler Myers will likely test the market -- and find out he can earn a lot more than what the Jets are able to spend.

Impact prospects for 2019-20

Kristian Vesalainen, LW, age 19: The Jets have continually done a good job of drafting and developing. It's a huge reason the team continues to have a high level of success (at least in the regular season).

Vesalainen is the next man up in this system. He spent some time in the AHL before opting to return home to Finland to play for Jokerit, where he had 17 points in 31 games. His 0.55 points per game was the highest among under-20 players in the KHL. Vesalianen is a smart, versatile winger who has a big, 6-foot-4, 200-plus pound frame. He should immediately contend for a roster spot.

Tucker Poolman, D, age 25: A big, right-handed shooting defenseman, Poolman last appeared in 24 games with the Jets in 2017-18. He spent most of this season in the AHL, however. His production was fair, but he's a quality two-way defenseman who moves well especially for a 6-foot-4, 216-pound rearguard. Given the potential for turnover on Winnipeg's blue line this offseason, Poolman is an especially cheap option with a cap hit of just $775,000 per season for 2019-20 and 2020-21. After honing his game with the Manitoba Moose, he should be able to make the jump next season.

Realistic expectation for 2019-20

We know the Jets' window is open now because they're soon going to enter a salary-cap bind. They can't afford to keep all of their young star players, and will likely have to make difficult decisions. That said, they'll be able to keep most of the cast together; and as noted, that cast is talented.

The Jets should be a Cup contender again next season, but the pressure to win is palpable, and one more disappointing postseason could lead to seismic changes.