So after 4 games what do we know about the Winnipeg Jets as a team and what can we predict for the rest of camp before the season opens?

First, I think it's safe to saw the Byfuglien issue is far from clear. He's here, he's around town as evidenced via social media and he's not in camp. The suspension is nothing more than procedure for the team but it leaves a bit of an issue in that should Laine and Connor not be signed by the opening night the Jets are not Cap compliant to the floor. That could be trouble.

Basically the Jets are going to have to know what Byfuglien's future is for him and the team at some point and right now I don't think this is about wanting to retire but perhaps it's more about 'maybe I should retire'.

Second, Ville Heinola is impressing. He's impressing so much that normally skeptical Jets Twitter and cautious media are actually taking notice. In fact he might be the second best D so far this camp after Morrissey. He's moved the puck well, his reads have been solid and he's had only one glaring error which happened last night vs Calgary. He's been the PP and not looked out of place. It's safe to assume that he will get time once the regular season starts and it would be surprising if he did not get 8-9 games before a decision is made. However a word of caution, this scenario is a lot like Mark Scheifele in 2011 where the kid had caught lightning in a bottle but once the games became tighter and the competition tougher Scheifele faded. The tools there there but no need to rush Heinola. (Please come back Buff)

Third, Logan Stanley is not having a good camp. Sure the TSN guys will speak his praises and Maurice has not been harsh on him publicly but the tall D has had his challenges and last night against Calgary they were almost too obvious not to notice. He's not reading plays well and when he finally does his skating his far from sufficient enough to correct the poor read. When he can use his reach it helps but he's not looking nearly close enough to be a regular NHL player.

Fourth, Michael Spacek is finally making things interesting. He's progressed along his career with some praise but this is his first camp where he's showing he could belong. That's not saying he's been bad but he's been here before and this time more people are noticing him.

Fifth, Luoto is going to give Maurice some reason to consider him. It might not be for the right place but he's doing enough to give the coach a reason to keep him around after the next round of cuts.

Sixth, Lowry and Copp if kept together could be even better with another player not named Tanev. In fact Andrew Copp after his ordeal with arbitration (thanks for the article Murat) seems to be a very driven player. That's a good thing and perhaps he's earned the right to try and be used a bit more in areas that he has not been traditionally used. With Laine and Connor still out his usage might be out of necessity too but that's okay he appears ready for more workload.

Seventh, Tucker Poolman is slowly earning the coach and fan's trust. Poolman is not without warts in his game but compared to some other options those warts are manageable and he appears to be improving as camp goes son. Poolman does not have to be Myers, or Trouba, all he had to do is be dependable and smart with his play.

Eighth, Niku is going to be a pillar on the blue line whether Buff is back or not. He's been good when playing and it's not unreasonable to expect him to be relied upon for a bigger workload and more responsibility when the season starts. Many fans' large adult son has arrived.

Ninth, Gustafsson should get a shot come opening night not because two player are missing but because he's shown enough to earn a shot. It might not be for long but what do you think lines will be? They have to be balanced and without Laine and Connor the Jets will be without a second line threat of past magnitude so perhaps playing the smart guy and giving him the right assignments will be the best solution to an unfortunate problem.

Tenth, there seems to be no solution to the Laine and Connor impasses. Not a word from anyone and that says one of two things. They are close or very far off. Some think the Bufff situation with the cap might be of help but I'm sure the Jets would rather have Buff back than cap space right now. I'd be surprised if some movement has not been made by mid-point the week of September 30th.

Finally

Wheeler, who seems to be doing his best Bradley Cooper impression, has been noticeable quiet since the flurry of media coverage at the opening of camp. Is this a change for the captain trying to set an example of getting to work no matter what the situation is? Wheeler used to be one of those guys who held out based on principal at the start of his career. Now he leads a team missing two of it's stars due to contracts and one due to other reasons after losing 3 key players from the previous two season in Trouba, Myers and Tanev. If he truly is a grinder by nature and now has an entirely different roster to lead he might have to adapt too and it appears some humility has come for him, or at least perspective.

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