NHL analyst Bryan Hayes opines Jets have better shot than Maple Leafs at ending Canada's longstanding Cup drought

NHL analyst Bryan Hayes believes the Winnipeg Jets have a better chance than the Toronto Maple Leafs to end Canada’s Stanley Cup drought. The Jets have been impressive this season, leading the Central Division with a 31-12-3 record and 65 points.

Speaking on "OverDrive" on Thursday, Hayes praised Winnipeg's consistency this season, calling it a juggernaut.

"I'm not giving them the benefit of the doubt. I would not put the Leafs ahead of either Edmonton or Winnipeg, I wouldn't because of their history," Hayes said (7:04). "I'd have to consider their history. And yes, Winnipeg, you have to consider their history. But this year, they've been better than Toronto.

"They've been the best team consistently all year. Winnipeg has been a juggernaut. Facts, I mean, based on points, based on just everything, top to bottom."

Hayes also praised Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who has been outstanding this season and leads the NHL on all fronts. He has a 28-6-2 record, a 1.97 GAA, a .929 SV% and six shutouts.

"Hellebuyck has been the most dominant player in the league," Hayes said. "Separate conversation with Hart and all that kind of stuff, but in terms of an impact you can have on a game, Connor Hellebuyck is No. 1."

Hayes ranked Winnipeg second among Canadian teams, behind the Edmonton Oilers, with the Leafs in third place.

"Winnipeg, I think would be number two, though I'd probably go Edmonton one, Winnipeg two Toronto three," Hayes said. "Question is, who would be number four? Because I can't say Vancouver right now."

The Winnipeg Jets average 3.57 goals per game and allow just 2.39, ranking second in the NHL. Mark Scheifele (27 goals) and Kyle Connor (60 points) have led the offense, supported by strong defense from Josh Morrissey (35 assists).

In comparison, the Leafs lead the Atlantic Division with a 28-16-2 record and 58 points. They average 3.04 goals per game but allow 2.85. Their power play ranks 18th in the league, though Mitch Marner (48 assists, 62 points) and William Nylander (26 goals) have been standout performers. Hayes also pointed to Toronto’s playoff history as a concern.

The last time a Canadian team won the Stanley Cup was over 30 years ago in 1993 when the Montreal Canadiens defeated the LA Kings 4-1 in overtime.

Winnipeg Jets beat Seattle Kraken with Connor Hellebuyck in net

The Winnipeg Jets beat the Seattle Kraken 2-1 at Canada Life Centre on Thursday. Matty Beniers scored first for Seattle in the first period, redirecting Kaapo Kakko’s backhand pass over Connor Hellebuyck’s leg.

Mark Scheifele tied it 1-1 in the second period, scoring on a rebound from Kyle Connor’s shot during a power play.

Dylan DeMelo sealed the win late in the third, scoring with 27 seconds left on a wrist shot through traffic. Connor Hellebuyck made 17 saves for the win.