Biggest potential surprise
Gustav Nyquist had 75 points (23 goals, 52 assists) in 81 games with the Nashville Predators in 2023-24, and the Jets are hoping the 36-year-old forward can regain some of that scoring touch this season. Nyquist’s production dropped last season with 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 57 games with Nashville and seven points (two goals, five assists) in 22 games with the Minnesota Wild after being traded on March 1. Nyquist signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Jets on July 2, and has the potential to have another strong offensive season on a talented team.
Ready to contribute
After spending the majority of the past two seasons with Manitoba of the American Hockey League, forward Brad Lambert appears ready to make the jump to the NHL this season. The 21-year-old will inject youthful enthusiasm into a veteran lineup, and even if he doesn’t find himself on the Opening Day roster, will likely be the first to be called up at some point this season and have an opportunity to make an impact.
Fantasy sleeper with EDGE stats
Gustav Nyquist, F: The five-time 20-goal-scorer is two seasons removed from having 75 points (23 goals, 52 assists) and 24 power-play points with the Nashville Predators (2023-24). Nyquist could compete for a top-six role with the Jets this season after Ehlers signed with Carolina. Per NHL EDGE stats, Nyquist finished in the 90th percentile among forwards in offensive zone time percentage (43.6) last season and ranked in the 85th percentile at his position in high-danger goals (14) in 2023-24. — Chris Meaney
Projected lineup
Kyle Connor — Mark Scheifele — Gabriel Vilardi
Cole Perfetti — Jonathan Toews — Gustav Nyquist
Nino Niederreiter — Vladislav Namestnikov — Alex Iafallo
Tanner Pearson — Morgan Barron — Cole Koepke
Josh Morrissey — Dylan DeMelo
Logan Stanley — Neal Pionk
Hayden Fleury — Luke Schenn
Connor Hellebuyck
Eric Comrie