Reasons for optimism

Scheifele soaring: He has NHL career highs in assists and points in 80 games. Scheifele and Vilardi are signed through the 2030-31 season, and Connor through 2033-34, giving the Jets a few more seasons of that combination.

Hellebuyck rebound: The three-time Vezina Trophy winner (2020, ’24, ’25) voted as the best goalie in the NHL also won the Hart Trophy awarded to the League’s most valuable player last season. He’ll most likely revert to his usual performance next season.

Player growth: Elias Salomonsson, a 21-year-old defenseman, made his NHL debut Nov. 26 and is developing into a regular. The same goes for 22-year-old forward Brad Lambert (three goals, three assists in 23 games). Cole Koepke, a 27-year-old forward, has become a solid role player.