Jets' Playoff Push vs. Prospect Prioritization

0:00It's March 12 for the NHL. Let's get into it. The Winnipeg Jets sit just five points out of a Western conference wildcard spot with 19 games left in the season. They're close enough to make a playoff push, but that could clash with their plan to re-tool for the future instead of a full rebuild. Sticking in the middle might mean missing high draft picks need different long-term success. Stars Mark Scheifelay and Kyle Conner have kept them competitive with Scheifelay on pace for 100 points and chasing a franchise record. But the team relies too heavily on that top line for scoring, and over the last 20 games, they've been outscored at even strength. Coach Scott Arneal rotates wingers like Gabriel Valardi and Alex Iafalo up top, but holds back on giving more ice time to emerging death players such. As Cole Profetti and Morgan Barron, fans and the core group hate the idea of missing playoffs entirely, yet a deep run as a wildcard would drop their draft spot. Special teams add to the woes as the power play ranks 23rd in the league and as dipped since the Olympic break. Meanwhile,

1:05Goli Conner Hellibuk is heating up after knee surgery with a 0.115 save percentage lately that could be the spark they needed. Tough matchups loom might the Colorado Avalanche, testing if they chase the postseason or prioritize prospects. It's a delicate call for the front office as the schedule winds down. This episode is brought to you in partnership with our sponsor. A pillow that sounds as good as it feels, built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, soleypillow.com.