The Winnipeg Jets took a massive step forward last season. They are only beginning to pay the price for it.



Whether it was at even strength or on special teams, defensively or in goal, nearly every aspect of the Jets performance in 2017-18 was an improved version of the team that preceded it. The on-ice results were terrific; Kevin Cheveldayoff’s club finished second in the regular season and made it as far as the Western Conference Finals.



Blake Wheeler finished ninth in scoring with 91 points; Mark Scheifele, who had been close behind him until mid-season injury trouble, finished at a point per game. Connor Hellebuyck was a revelation in goal, three Jets were finalists for end-of-season awards, Josh Morrissey emerged as a top pairing defender, and Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor combined for 75 goals.



The summertime symptom of all of that success was pain.



Winnipeg signed new RFA deals with all of Hellebuyck, Jacob Trouba, Adam Lowry, Brandon...