Jets definitely got weaker but I doubt they’ll fall to second last. HOWEVER it’s such an even division that it’s not outside the realm of possibility. I just hope you guessed wrong
I don't think the Jets necessarily got any weaker.
We lost:
Enstrom: Turning 34, in decline, will be replaced by Niku.
Stastny: While it is a significant loss, we had to free up cap space to sign players. I'd rather lock up Morrissey, Helle, Laine, and Wheeler than a 33 year old 2nd liner.
Joel Armia: this one hurt, as he had potential to break out to a top 6 position but failed. Regardless he was a reliable 3rd liner, that provided depth
Steve Mason: 30, no big loss, injured majority of year, and underachieved.
Michael Hutchinson: 28, this may hurt if Helle is overworked or injured, and Brossoit fails to improve.
We will gain (rookies):
Sami Niku: turning 22, and had a breakout year in the AHL.
Kristian Vesalainen: will probably make Jets lineup if he comes over from Finland
Mason Appleton: good change he gets called up for a bottom 6 role
Brendan Lemieux: excellent chance he may make bottom 6 on the roster
Players under 25 that will improve:
Jacob Trouba: 24, will be determined to have a career year to drive his value up, for the 2019 trade.
Nik Ehlers: 22, will only get better
Kyle Connor: turning 22, potential 40 goal scorer
Patrik Laine: 20, potential 50 goal scorer
Jack Roslovic: 21, going to have a breakout season
Nic Petan: 23, may ahve a breakout season
Players on the decline:
Blake Wheeler: 32, questionable whether he is regressing, but included him because of age.
Dustin Byfuglien: 33, had a great season, but age is catching up with him.
Bryan Little: turning 31, seems to have regressed the last couple of seasons
Mathieu Perreault: 30, past his prime, but still no signs of a decline
*note: I honestly believe Kulikov will not play over 30 games, and this could be his last season. The back injury he has is career threatening, which should give Niku a shot at #2 LHD.