Perfetti Is Giving the Jets a Reason to Rethink Last Season

Sometimes a young player doesn't need to reinvent himself. He just needs a little puck luck, a little confidence, and an opportunity to show what he's capable of. Cole Perfetti appears to be getting all three in Winnipeg, and the early results are encouraging.

Perfetti Is Becoming One of the Jets' Most Productive Players.

Perfetti has scored six goals in his first 14 games, making him one of the Winnipeg Jets' most productive offensive players early this season. He's also getting an opportunity alongside Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor on the top lineside. That's great company, and he’s making the most of it.

What's interesting is that this emergence shouldn't be entirely surprising. Perfetti has always had offensive instincts and the ability to create chances. Last season, his point totals didn't fully reflect how much offence he generated. He had stretches when the opportunities were there, but the finishing wasn't.

That can be frustrating for a young player. You can make the right reads, find open ice and create opportunities, but if the puck doesn't go in, the outside assessment doesn't always reflect what you're doing well.

Perhaps Things Are Beginning to Change for Perfetti.

Playing with Scheifele and Connor gives Perfetti an opportunity to work alongside two established offensive players. But playing with those two comes with responsibility, too. He still has to recognize opportunities, get himself into the right positions and make plays at the speed of the NHL. He isn't simply along for the ride.

For Winnipeg, that's an important development. A team doesn't build its future by finding another superstar alone. It also needs young players who can grow into dependable offensive contributors and make the existing talent around them more effective.

I'm not suggesting 14 games settle the question of just how good Perfetti will become. There will be stretches when the goals dry up, opponents pay closer attention, and he has to find another way to contribute. That's part of the process.

Perfetti Is Giving the Jets Reason to Be Optimistic.

But there's something satisfying about watching a young player get rewarded for skills that were there all along. Perfetti isn't necessarily a different player this season. We're just seeing more of what he can do.

And that's encouraging news for Jets fans. Sometimes the player you're hoping will take the next step is already closer than you think.