By The Numbers: Winnipeg Jets best defenders on power play

As we prepare for the 2015-2016 season ahead of us, we will begin to analytical break down some aspects on the Jets and how to best optimize the roster.

We begin the series looking at the Jets performance in special teams situations, next up with defenders on the power play.

Here are all players to play at least 100 minutes on the power play with the Jets:

There are no surprises here; Dustin Byfuglien has dominated on the power play. In fact, Byfuglien is the 13th highest scoring defender per minute since the 2011-12 season.

On the opposite end, Zach Bogosian and Jacob Trouba were dead last in 101st and 102nd. 

Here are the underlying numbers for those currently on the Jets roster:

A team’s non-blocked shots per 60 minutes (or Fenwick: FF/60) has historically provided the strongest relationship with a team’s future goal scoring performance on the power play.

Not only does Big Buff provide the most points per minute, but the Winnipeg Jets are in a whole other tier on the power play in non-blocked shots (FF/60), scoring chances (SCF/60), and goals (GF/60) volume per minute.

Interestingly, Byfuglien actually produces less individual scoring chances relative to ice time (iSC/60) than Grant Clitsome or Jacob Trouba, suggesting that Byfuglien is helping create chances for his linemates exceptionally well.

While Toby Enstrom tends to receive a lot of flak for his power play due to being reluctant to shoot (as seen with his increadibly low iSC/60), the Jets still produce well with him on the ice and his numbers do not drop by much when isolating his minutes away from Byfuglien.

Zach Bogosian and Jacob Trouba are interesting cases. With both players on the ice the Jets have produced a tonne of non-blocked shot attempts, although both have struggled immensely to score.

There looks to be a shot quality issue with Bogosian, as neither the Jets nor Bogosian produce much. Trouba on the other hand produces a tonne of chances himself, so it may only be a matter of time until his scoring rates pick up.

Tyler Myers has not been a strong enough option for a primary power play unit, although the tanking Buffalo Sabres have not provided much support. Isolating Myers time on the Jets sees his scoring chance and goal rates increase, but his scoring and on-ice non-blocked shots go down.

The Jets own Grant Clitsome had been a suitable secondary power play producer, although his back injuries make it skeptical if he will ever return.

Paul Postma was an exceptional power play producer in both the WHL and the AHL. His scoring numbers have been great, but the underlying numbers are not as strong.

The Jets tend to play Mathieu Perreault on their top power play unit at the point with Byfuglien, which has been quite successful.

This means that the only two remaining power play positions for defenders is two for the secondary power play unit. The numbers suggest that Enstrom should be there, no questions asked.

The next option becomes a bit more difficult between Myers and Trouba. Trouba has struggled to score, but has been better at creating chances and his high shot volume may blend well with Enstrom. Myers on the other hand has scored more, but the underlying numbers suggest that it may be unsustainable.