from Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet,

Even if the Jets weren’t dealing with the contract standoffs of Laine and Connor, there’s no denying it was a tough summer given the fact three big defenceman — Jacob Trouba, Tyler Myers and Ben Chiarot — left the team. Winnipeg, which made the 2018 Western Conference Final before losing in the first round of last year’s playoffs, has also seen rivals like the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars improve themselves, solidifying the Central’s reputation as the NHL’s ‘Division of Death.’ Morrissey believes all that has changed people’s perspective on a club that entered last year as a firm favourite in the West.

“We’re excited to try and prove some people wrong this year and not have as high expectations as we did last year. As much as most guys try to avoid reading the headlines, it’s impossible to avoid completely. As a young team, it’s kind of a good thing because it helps develop a bit of a chip on your shoulder. We are young, we’re getting better, but I think it’s a maturation process [that includes learning to stay even-keeled].

“Obviously it would be easy to look at [last April’s playoff loss to the St. Louis Blues] as a huge disappointment and for us players, it was a disappointment. At the same time, I think we’re really on our journey as a team. We’re a young group. I don’t know the numbers exactly, but I still think, in the playoffs we were one of the youngest teams out there and we’re going to potentially be even younger this year.

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