Remember when the hockey world was proclaiming the Winnipeg Jets had taken that proverbial next step and were morphing into a power in the NHL’s Western Conference? When it seemed like they could run with anyone in the league’s toughest neighbourhood, the Central Division?
Back then, we were all fascinated by the contributions of the kids. The goaltending was as steady as a metronome. Head coach Paul Maurice was rolling four lines and his defensive blueprint, while still a work in progress, was being hailed as the rock-solid foundation for the juggernaut being meticulously pieced together by general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and company.