The Winnipeg Jets had the second-most goals and points last season. Their core is also extremely young, and they rushed past the team that beat them in the standings.
Nobody would blame you for picking the Winnipeg Jets to win the Stanley Cup. They are a very good team. It’s not a dark horse pick. It’s one of the best teams in the NHL.
That being said, I wouldn’t expect them to be the “expert’s pick” or to sit atop anyone’s power rankings. They’re not obviously the best team in the league, and major networks don’t care about them.