The biggest change I see in the Jets great play this year, all stems from the buyout of Wheeler ( trouble) and the trading off of the discontented Dubois. You can only win in the NHL right now, if all players are buying in and playing as a team -- which they are. You can see the body language on the ice is great now, and the players are playing with determination, and enthusiasm.
Players I really like that have been added, are Names, Iaffalo, and Villardi will add even more. Barron is playing good, and should be possibly moved up to the 2nd line. Appleton has played very well this year as well.
Also the top line with Scheifele, has taken a leadership role, and Scheifele has a "new attitude" which has also sparked Connor, who could have a career year.
If the Jets could add an impact defenseman on the right side, I think they could contend for the Stanley Cup. An impact defenseman would have to be a guy like Buff, or of similar quality, or like a Morrissey with some size and grit. We're very close right now to the old 2018 team.