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The Winnipeg Jets put forth a spirited fight, finishing four points out of a playoff spot in 2013, but there is still much room for improvement for a team that finished 23rd in goal differential. Off-Season Game Plan looks at what figures to be a very busy summer for GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, who has some top tier restricted free agents to address in addition to other holes in the Winnipeg lineup. In the history of this franchise, going back to Atlanta, they have made the playoffs just once in 13 seasons, so its understandable that a push for a playoff spot can generate excitement, but the Jets have lots of room to improve if they are going to be a legitimate playoff contender going forward. Not only does Cheveldayoff need to address contracts for restricted free agents Blake Wheeler, Bryan Little and Zach Bogosian, but Alexander Burmistrov has made it known that he would like to play elsewhere, so theres plenty to do before even considering the half dozen unrestricted free agents who could leave. What that means, though, is quite a bit of potential turnover and its more significant for the Jets because they could have their fourth line returning intact, so if they have to add four forwards thats going to be a challenge. Prospect Mark Scheifele can take one spot, but that would still leave potentially three openings. Filling a couple of holes on the blueline is more manageable, with prospects Jacob Trouba, Zach Redmond and Arturs Kulda perhaps closer to taking on NHL roles but, overall, this has the makings of a very busy summer in Winnipeg. The TSN.ca Rating is an efficiency rating based on per-game statistics including goals and assists -- weighted for strength (ie. power play, even, shorthanded) -- plus-minus, hits, blocked shots, giveaways, takeaways, penalty differential and faceoffs. (Stats are listed in this format: G-A-PTS, +/-, PIM, GP). Generally, a replacement-level player is around a 60, a top six forward and top four defenceman will be 70-plus, stars will be over 80 and MVP candidates could go over 90. Sidney Crosby finished at the top of the 2013 regular season ratings with a 93.65. Salary cap information all comes from the indispensable www.capgeek.com. GM/COACHKevin Cheveldayoff/Claude Noel Returning Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS +/- Cap Hit Andrew Ladd 79.73 48 18 28 46 +10 $4.4M Evander Kane 74.63 48 17 16 33 -3 $5.25M Olli Jokinen 59.74 45 7 7 14 -19 $4.5M James Wright 54.90 38 2 3 5 -5 $650K Chris Thorburn 53.13 42 2 2 4 -5 $867K Jim Slater 52.69 26 1 1 2 -3 $1.6M Free Agent Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS +/- Class 12-13 Cap Hit Blake Wheeler 77.07 48 19 22 41 -3 RFA $2.55M Bryan Little 68.69 48 7 25 32 +8 RFA $2.383M Nik Antropov 64.11 40 6 12 18 +6 UFA $4.063M Kyle Wellwood 60.95 39 6 9 15 0 UFA $1.6M Alexander Burmistrov 58.84 44 4 6 10 0 RFA $1.5M Antti Miettinen 57.75 22 3 2 5 -3 UFA $1.351M Eric Tangradi 54.83 41 1 3 4 -2 RFA $726K Mike Santorelli 52.77 34 2 2 4 -12 UFA $1.6M Jets Forwards Usage Chart from somekindofninja.com Ever-durable captain Andrew Ladd has missed one game in the last five seasons and is coming off the most productive offensive season of his career. His 0.96 points per game was easily a career-high and he played a strong puck possession game, as usual. Chris Kunitz was the only other left winger with at least 45 points and a double-digit plus rating. Production was down a little for 21-year-old Evander Kane, compared to 2011-2012, but he spent most of the season on Olli Jokinens wing and that wasnt bringing the best out of anyone. On the plus side, he played a career-high 20:27 per game and he has already scored 80 goals in his career. Since 2000, hes tied for 10th most goals through 21 years of age. 34-year-old Olli Jokinen, for all his flaws, had been a productive scorer for Calgary in the couple of seasons preceding his signing with the Jets as a free agent last summer, but he most definitely was not a productive scorer in 2013, as both his shots per game (1.89) and points per game (0.31) were his worst since 2000-2001. The Jets dont have a lot of forwards under contract but, under different circumstances, Jokinen could be an easy buy out. James Wright first made the league as a 19-year-old with the Tampa Bay Lightning and then spent the bulk of the next two seasons in the American Hockey League before he earned a spot on the Jets last season. Thus far, aside from being a young guy with good size, Wright hasnt done anything to dispel the notion that hes going to have to battle continuously to keep his spot. Chris Thorburns role decreased significantly, as he played a career-low 6:19 per game, after back-to-back seasons averaging more than ten minutes of time on ice per game. That actually suits his possession numbers better, and Thorburn is one of the Jets most active scrappers, with 48 over the last five regular seasons. Though he scored a career-high 13 goals and 21 points in 2011-2012, checking centre Jim Slater isnt expected to produce offensively, as hes started fewer than 30% of his shifts in the offensive zone over the past two seasons, but one goal and two points in 26 games isnt exactly the desired outcome either. Joining this franchise, first in Atlanta now Winnipeg, has been great for Blake Wheeler, the lanky right winger who has 105 points over the past two seasons, ranking fifth among right wingers. Even if there is some puck luck involved in those numbers, Wheeler is one of the Jets most effective forwards. A steady two-way player who gets the top-line centre role in Winnipeg by default, Bryan Little managed a career-best 0.67 points per game, which is okay, but its indicative of the Jets limitations that this is what they get from a their No. 1 centre, playing more than 20 minutes per game over the last two seasons. Among 37 forwards to play at least 2400 minutes over the last two seasons, Little ranks 36th with 78 points (Shane Doan, with 77, ranks 37th). 21-year-old Alexander Burmistrov has put up decent possession numbers in the past couple seasons, but his 10 points in 44 games last season was a career-low scoring rate and, amid some of that frustration, Burmistrov has asked to be moved. 24-year-old Eric Tangradi had been a perennial prospect, struggling to stick as a power forward in Pittsburgh, but did manage to hold a regular spot in Winnipegs lineup. His possession numbers were okay, in a limited role, but with two goals and nine points in 81 career games, hes on the roster bubble until he produces more. The Jets have holes to fill up front. They could use a couple of top six forwards and, potentially, a new third line if Burmistrov gets his wish to move on. On the free agent market, Winnipeg may not be in prime position to land top tier guys, but any of Brad Boyes, Viktor Stalberg, Bryan Bickell, Mason Raymond, Ruslan Fedotenko, Colby Armstrong, Chad LaRose or Blake Comeau could have some appeal and the Jets could probably use several. Returning Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS +/- Cap Hit Dustin Byfuglien 78.12 43 8 20 28 -1 $5.2M Tobias Enstrom 73.73 22 4 11 15 -8 $5.75M Mark Stuart 64.04 42 2 2 4 +5 $1.7M Free Agent Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS +/- Class 12-13 Cap Hit Grant Clitsome 70.03 44 4 12 16 +10 UFA $1.25M Zach Bogosian 67.24 33 5 9 14 -5 RFA $2.5M Ron Hainsey 65.51 47 0 13 13 -8 UFA $4.5M Paul Postma 64.29 34 4 5 9 -5 RFA $550K Jets Defence Usage Chart from somekindofninja.com For all the concerns about Dustin Byfuglien not being a completely well-rounded defenceman, its important to note that hes much more asset than liability. His possession numbers are good and he ranks second among all defencemen in goals (40) and points (134) over the last three seasons. Smooth skating Tobias Enstrom missed more than half of the 2013 season with injuries and his possession stats werent as strong as usual and while he can be be outmuscled by bigger forwards, 28-year-old Enstrom has been a consistent stabilizing presence throughout his career, playing an average of 23:29 per game. Mark Stuart plays a no-frills game. Hes steady and tough, plays under 17 minutes per game, but has scored more than 10 points just twice in his career, so there is no question where his focus lies. 22-year-old Zach Bogosian plays a rough and tumble game, but hes had difficulty staying healthy, missing 10 games or more in four of his five NHL seasons. When he does play, Bogosian logs 23 minutes a game, takes on tough assignments and contributes offensively. Due for a new contract, as a restricted free agent, this summer, Bogosian could be a long-term fixture on the Jets blueline or as a trade chip to help improve the Jets forwards. Paul Postma is still earning trust with his defensive game, as he played 15 minutes per game as a rookie last season, but hes a smart puck-moving defenceman who can work the power play. The ninth overall pick last summer, Jacob Trouba signed with the Jets after one year at the University of Michigan. Trouba is a physical presence who can also contribute offensively. He should be expected to step into a top four role immediately. With Ron Hainsey a free agent, there is an opening for Trouba. The Jets also have prospects Zach Redmond and Arturs Kulda ready to challenge for roles. Returning Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Cap Hit Ondrej Pavelec 64.51 44 21 20 3 2.80 .905 $3.9M Free Agent Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Class 12-13 Cap Hit Al Montoya 60.56 7 3 1 0 2.99 .899 UFA $601K The Jets made a significant commitment to Ondrej Pavelec, signing him through 2017 and, while hes shown flashes, consistency remains elusive. Over the last four seasons, Pavelecs .908 save percentage ranks 23rd out of 24 goalies to have played at least 150 games. If that financial commitment means the Jets are pressing forward with Pavelec as their starter, they still ought to find a quality backup, one that can at least challenge Pavelec for starts, if necessary. Free agents like Jose Theodore, Anton Khudobin, Ray Emery or Dan Ellis would likely be upgrades at a potentially reasonable price. Top Prospects Player Pos. Team/League Stats Jacob Trouba D Michigan (CCHA) 12-17-29, -9, 37 GP Mark Scheifele C Barrie (OHL) 39-40-79, +27, 45 GP Zach Redmond D St. Johns (AHL) 8-11-19, -3, 38 GP Adam Lowry C Swift Current (WHL) 45-43-88, +18, 72 GP Arturs Kulda D Novosibirsk Siber (KHL) 9-6-15, -3, 50 GP Connor Hellebuyck G UMass-Lowell (HE) 20-3-0, 1.37 GAA, .952 SV% Patrice Cormier C St. Johns (AHL) 7-4-11, -6, 35 GP Edward Pasquale G St. Johns (AHL) 15-23-4, 2.79 GAA, .907 SV% Carl Klingberg LW St. Johns (AHL) 11-12-23, -6, 66 GP Eric ODell C St. Johns (AHL) 29-26-55, +9, 59 GP A punishing hitter with a heavy shot, Jacob Trouba comes to Winnipeg with high expectations and hell have an opportunity to play a significant role right away. Mark Scheifele has played 11 games with the Jets over the last two seasons and he dominated the Ontario Hockey League this past season, scoring 120 points in 66 regular season and playoff games combined. He should be a regular for the Jets next season and perhaps this season will have given him the confidence to be a scorer when he makes the jump. Zach Redmond got into eight NHL games with the Jets, performing very well, before suffering a serious gash on his leg that caused him to miss a couple of months before getting into a couple AHL games at the end of the year. Hes a good puck-moving defenceman with size and mobility, so the 24-year-old should be ready for a role with Winnipeg next season. A lanky winger who showed nice improvement throughout his WHL career, with an offensvie breakthrough in 2013, Adam Lowry was a third-round pick in 2011 and saw some time in the AHL at the end of last season. Arturs Kulda turns 25 this summer and spent last season in the KHL. The Latvian played four seasons in the AHL, along with 15 NHL games, prior, so hes mature as prospects go, but he plays a rugged defensive game and is ready for a longer look with the Jets. Forecasting young goaltenders is a tricky business, but its impossible to ignore Connor Hellebuyck, a fifth-round pick in last summers draft, who just had an unbelievable freshman season for UMass-Lowell. At any level, a .952 save percentage is noteworthy and merits watching, especially since Hellebuyck also has a 6-foot-4 frame. Expectations have probably been unreasonably high for Patrice Cormier, who has two points in 40 NHL games and 49 points in 104 career AHL games, but the soon-to-be 23-year-old is an option as a checking centre because he has size, speed and plays aggressively. While Hellebuyck is more of a wildcard, Edward Pasquale is the safer option among Winnipegs goaltending prospects. He has a .907 save percentage in 105 AHL games, which hardly stands out, but hes the closest of Jets goaltending prospects to the NHL. It seems that Carl Klingberg took a step back in his second AHL season but, as a big forward who can skate and play the body, he still has a chance to reach the NHL if he performs better in 2013. Eric ODell scored nearly a point per game in his second AHL season, for a St. Johns team that wasnt full of scorers (no other Ice Caps player had more than 15 goals, ODell had 29). Some other recent draft picks, includnig Ivan Telegin, Scott Kosmachuk and Lukas Sutter could bear watching as well. DRAFT13th - Max Domi, Nikita Zadorov, Ryan Pulock FREE AGENCYAccording to www.capgeek.com, the Jets have approximately $31.9M committed to the 2013-2014 salary cap for 10 players. Check out my possible Jets lineup for next season on Cap Geek here. Needs: Two top six forwards, two top nine forwards, one top four defenceman, goaltender.What I said the Jets needed last year: Three top nine forwards, two defencemen, backup goaltender.They added: Olli Jokinen, James Wright, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Paul Postma, Al Montoya. TRADE MARKETAlexander Burmistrov, Zach Bogosian. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. Middlesex 381 (Fuller 93, Harris 78, Bailey 71, Gubbins 67, Allenby 4-67) and 302 for 8 (Simpson 79*, Gubbins 76, Groenewald 5-90) beat Somerset 236 and 348 for 6 (Trescothick 124, Trego 115*, Podmore 3-75) by two wicketsScorecard John Simpson celebrated his 28th birthday by blasting Middlesex to a sensational two-wicket Specsavers County Championship win against Somerset at Taunton after 96 runs had been needed off the final eight overs.An enthralling game seemed to be heading for a draw when Tim Groenewald took four wickets to help restrict the visitors to 185 for 5, chasing 302 to win.But Simpson, with 79 not out off 80 balls, including four sixes and five fours, and James Fuller produced a stand of 86 off less than eight overs. A Craig Overton over went for 23 and, although Fuller fell, Middlesex wrapped up victory with just two balls to spare.The winning hit was a six over fine leg by Simpson off Jim Allenby after eight had been needed from the final over. The Middlesex wicketkeeper, who had claimed nine catches in the match, threw both arms in the air in celebration.Nick Gubbins contributed 76 to the run chase and, although Groenewald finished with five for 90, Middlesex took 23 points to Somersets three after four exceptional days of Championship cricket.Simpson said: Im almost speechless. The feeling of elation when that ball went for six to win the game was unbelievable. Jim Allenby was swinging the ball into my pads, so I just went with the swing. At first I thought it was going to be a one bounce four, but the ball kept on travelling over deep backward-square.Credit the whole team because we never gave up trying to win. After a period of consolidation, James Fullers innings provided a real lift and I was able to finish things off.Im not sure how I am going to celebrate my birthday. We are staying down for the T20 game on Friday night and there is talk of golf in the morning. By then I will either be hungover or very tired.Set 302 to win from a minimum of 46 overs, the visitors made a promising start and were 108 for one in the 17th over when Overton took a stunning catch at third man to dismiss Dawid Malan.Gubbins and Malan hadd produced an array of attacking shots to add 76 for the second wicket.dddddddddddd Then Malan got a top edge off Groenewald and Overton made 30 yards running to his left before diving full length to hold the ball two-handed inches off the ground.Gubbins had faced 70 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes, when he miscued a back-foot forcing shot off Groenewald to Allenby at deepish extra-cover.When George Bailey was bowled by a perfect Groenewald inswinger for four it was 155 for 4 and Middlesex had to think twice about chasing a target of around seven an over.Allenby cemented Groenewalds good work with an economic spell from the River End, earning reward when pinning James Franklin lbw for 28.The departure of the skipper at 185 for 5 seemed to signal the end of Middlesex victory hopes. But Simpson and Fuller changed all that with an astonishing assault, Fuller hitting three sixes and two fours in his vital knock.Jack Leach struck twice in the closing overs to increase the tension, but it was Simpsons day.Earlier, the hosts had extended their second innings score from an overnight 348 for 6 to 446 for 9 declared, Peter Trego making 138, three short of his best score on his 200th first class appearance.Groenewald and Leach shared an unbroken tenth-wicket stand of 42, using up valuable time, but it still seemed a generous declaration by Chris Rogers against his old county in excellent batting conditions.In fact, it produced a wonderful finish and Championship cricket at its best.Somerset director of cricket Matthew Maynard said: I am proud of our players. It was a fantastic game of cricket and we have come up just a bit short. We took a gamble on using a green pitch, knowing we would be asked to bat first, and the lads gave everything. Losing Jamie Overton was a blow.Overton pulled out of the game midway through an over on the second day and will miss the Lions series against Sri Lanka next week. Somerset will investigate his lower back injury over the next few days but are hopeful there is no stress fracture. ' ' '