Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is also a keen student of the game, and he says the signs are unmistakable.
The NHL, he says, is getting younger and faster and the Winnipeg Jets are a pretty good example of the trend.
"They're one of those teams we've really had to be ready for the last couple of years," said the 28-year-old born-and-raised Winnipegger.
"I think this year, especially, they've got some young talent that really seems to be coming together. Two guys like (Patrik) Laine, (Mark) Scheifele... go down the list. Their offensive guys, I think, are starting to put up numbers early in the season.