2021 Off-season: State of the Jets

[TrueBlue4ever]

A thread to dissect the current state of the team, the upcoming expansion draft and possible player departures, and a discussion about where the team should focus heading into next season. Perhaps taking a few days to rationally process things and avoid knee jerk reactions would be in order - or not. 

[iHeart]

[TrueBlue4ever]

Long post, so read or don’t read, but I don’t need you telling me either way. You know what you get with me by now. 

So negatives first. A sweep at any time is disappointing and maddening, and for the 3rd post season in a row, when facing elimination the Jets have responded with their absolute worst game of the playoffs and looked very outmatched. Their defence has not recovered from the dismantling 2 seasons ago, and their highest paid defender continues to regress. Analytically (if you believe in that advanced stuff) the Jets are perpetually outplayed at 5 on 5 by the numbers. Their top scorers disappeared at various times down the stretch and their depth scoring did not show up. Teams figured out that an aggressive forecheck on the penalty kill could nullify the power play, and the Jets did not adjust. The Jets penalty kill was about shot blocking mainly, and when they decided to pressure the point other teams adjusted better than we did. Systems need to be looked at in my mind given these issues. Percentage points-wise, they did not improve on last year. 
 

The positives. Many experts had the team finishing out of the playoffs, as low as 6th. Just prior to the late season slump they were vying for top spot, so they exceeded expectations. Percentage points-wise, they did not regress from last year. For those of you who do not believe in analytics, the actual results were pretty good. We swept the Oilers and shut down the top 2 offensive players in the league, no small feat and worthy of a “successful” year designation to most outsiders. Offensively still strong and deep, with better bottom 6 scoring this season (contract years will do that). Goaltending still elite. 
 

As for individuals:

GM - Chevy still very good at drafting and getting players who sign to accept good contracts for salary cap purposes. He struggles with the quick fix to fill holes, impact free agents, and keeping some talent here. Not sure how much of the negatives are his fault or the reality of being Winnipeg, but it is his problem to deal with. But he is going nowhere so long as the ownership wants a steady ship rather than flash in the pan go for broke all or nothing style, and it seems like that is what we are going to be here in this market.

Coaching - I know many have been waiting years for Maurice to get turfed, but he showed coming out of the last month slump that he has not yet lost the room or can’t keep the team motivated, and he showed in the first round that he can still devise a game plan to thwart high powered opposition. On the downside he did not get the team to adapt well to adversity or forecheck pressure against a big heavy check team (same problem last year with Calgary and the year before with St. Louis). I am not on the fire PoMo bandwagon mainly because it is a knee jerk reaction to the losses and a change for change’s sake rarely works if the team has not bottomed out. Plus I see this as a personnel issue as much as anything. But I know all coaches have a shelf life and if he does not re-structure things or show tangible steps towards rectifying issues then he could be gone. For anyone who wants him tossed, might I suggest concrete names of replacements who would be a step up (an “lol, anyone” response is weak - be better). I will say that Gerard Gallant would be someone worth chasing for sure, and is one of those rare coaches you go out of your way to make room for right now (similar to Florida axing him to make way for Quenneville). Not sure if Vignault still has the mojo he did 7-10 years ago. Maybe a shake-up of assistants? Again, Charlie Huddy can only do so much with the defence he has been given. But special teams needs to evolve on both sides. 

DeMelo - looked much better in playoffs than regular season, but good enough not to be exposed to Seattle?

Poolman - if he is a 7th defenceman, that is OK. If asked to be top 4, management is not doing enough to get better players in

Pionk - great regular season, faded at times in the playoffs (maybe he and DeMelo switched bodies), but solid guy. Again, if top 4 D we are happy, but top 2 a stretch if he has to carry the team

Niku - seems destined to be a career minor leaguer at best right now

Copp - took a huge step forward in regular season, was invisible in the playoffs. That should prevent a Brandon Tanev-like overpay in his next contract. Don’t see him jumping into top 6 forward territory, wonder if there is any more or if this is his ceiling (cautiously pessimistic that he won’t do more)

Thompson - did what was expected of him, but completely replaceable with any random 4th line free agent pick-up 

Harkins - not sure why some felt he would be a difference maker if inserted into the line up for game 3 or 4 against the Habs. “Play the young guys” is not a viable strategy if they have shown nothing when given their opportunities (however limited -  at some point it is up to the player to make an impression, not just be handed a plum spot). Needs a Copp-style leap forward next season or the team should move on

Dubois - oh boy. Will reserve judgment on his playoffs until I hear the injury report  Write-off of a year after his turbulent tenure with Torts, can only pray what was lost can be recovered. There is talent there, right? Fix what is between the ears and we’ll see where he fits, but right now Chevy must be screaming at him “do you know what I gave up to get you here??????”

Heinola - another “play the young guy” favourite, and if he is ready, go for it, but the lat D man we rushed who showed early promise was Morrissey, the last one we patiently groomed was Stanley. Where do they each stand (adjusted for their respective natural talent levels) now? I know “patience” is a dirty word for fan bases, but the words “losing” and “bust” are Black Death  

Lowry - will never be top 6 scoring potential, but could be one of the best top 9 centres in the league. Happy to have him re-signed for sure.

Little - just watching the clock run out on his contract on LTIR and then awaiting the retirement 

Gustafsson - Nothing more than a Harkins with less years under his belt at this point. See me in 2 years for a fresh opinion

Toninato - COVID robbed us of seeing how he might be, good or bad. The game winner against the Oilers in game 1 might be enough to invite a further one year look

Appleton - mid season surge with Copp and Lowry surrounded by a bunch of meh. Could be another long term growth player who could outshine Roslovic’s potential, but if we lose a forward in the expansion draft it is most likely him, and I would not lose sleep over it  

Lewis - like Thompson with a pinch more offence. I like his game and you want character and experience like his, but one hopes we can find better/cheaper/younger for 4th line depth going forward  

Forbert - on shot blocking and toughness alone I really liked him, but he cannot reasonably be expected to log top 4 minutes. Find him a 5-6 spot and I am happy because it means our top end got better 

Stastny - putting sentimentality for 2018 away, he was.....OK, and I am sure he was playing pretty beat up all playoffs. But if his injuries are a byproduct of his age, then time to find a replacement, unless he wants to come back on the cheap.

Wheeler - no one can be a tougher critic on him than he is on hImself, and maybe that is a bit of the problem? You can see when he presses, and it can drag him down. And who knows how his locker-room leadership really translates?  Will be a lightning rod for the haters because of the C and no ring, but he stands in front of the media every day and speaks for the team, so I give him immense credit for that in this market. Contract isn’t an anchor yet, but I can see the boat preparing to dock. But as long as he blocks shots with his testicles and doesn’t miss a shift, he has a spot on my team any day.

Ehlers - If only we could clone this guy, or find him a magic line mate who could read his moves. More, please  

Legit question here - if by any chance we could get Laine back, would we take him? Serious answers only, and factor in everything including economics.

Broissoit - very serviceable back-up, but if Hellebuyck went down for any period could he really carry the mail? Keep him at the same price until Berdin is ready to make the jump (notice I did not say Comrie)

Hellebuyck - can we just jump to the 8 year extension now please? Or given his superstitious nature, a 4 year $37 million extension followed by a 3 year $37 million extension. Career Jet....make it so.

Benn - Thompson or Lewis in the shape of a defenceman. Thanks for your 2 months of able service. Good luck in your next gig.

Morrissey - oh boy, part 2. We need to find an elite defence partner for him so his contract can go back to looking really good instead of really troubling. He can be top 2 if protected by a strong partner, but does not appear to be the one to do the leading in a top 2 pairing. Do we open the vault for Seth Jones, and would that even be a good match?

Samberg - Heinola with an extra year and less promise. May need to push him into the lineup next year ahead of schedule, wish we had the luxury not to.

Scheifele - One hit has changed the trajectory of his career. Will he learn and rebound like Kucherov did after his suspension and be better and smarter, or will he become a Todd Bertuzzi and wilt? He seems to chafe at not being considered amongst the elite centres in the league, but it takes more than top 10 scoring to get that respect, and it must earned (will be tougher now than ever before). Will be fascinating and somewhat anxiety-inducing how he responds to all the press that came and will continue to come his way after “the incident”. But can a 10 year vet find the next level now, or have we seen his prime already?

Dano - who?

Stanley - a template for “let him over ripen in the minors”, even if he hadn’t really over ripened there. Makes the protected list on defence interesting (in one moment I think that if we protect DeMelo then Seattle may ignore Stanley anyway and take Appleton, whereas if we expose DeMelo he is gone for sure  Then I ponder it again and think the opposite, that Stanley would get snatched but DeMelo left alone). Given the state of the defence, hoping a forward gets plucked either way, but if I had to choose now I take the size, strength, and future of Stanley and all its growing pains over the present of DeMelo (hinges on a free agent defence signing or trade)

Seuss - another Harkins or another Appleton, needs more time on the minors (although his age is becoming a factor pushing him into career minor leaguer territory)

Connor - his scoring made Laine expendable, his contract could provide great value in future years, and yet something big missing here. Streaky like all goal scorers can be, but he needs to learn defence badly or he will cause this team headaches. But tons of potential and already shows top end talent, so I can be forgiving here, for now. Ask me again in another year.

Perrault - love that he just embraces whatever role he is given and puts his best forward, and he can adapt anywhere from top line to 4th line and offer scoring, grit, energy, or whatever you ask. Alas, eroding skill set would point him in the Lewis/Thompson “character veteran/glue guy” mold going forward. If he is prepared to take a large cut in pay to have a similar contract to theirs, he would be worth considering. But again, expendable at this stage if younger/cheaper/better is around.

Beaulieu - did not miss him when we was injured. Like Benn, emergency fill-in at best at this point.

Vesaleinen - his size and speed looked good in the playoffs in very limited viewings, but I think the club expects a ton more offence from him. His development decisions in where he wanted to play have hurt him, and with Laine gone is he more expendable? One of those “do we trade him now for more value than he is worth and look like geniuses, or does he blossom into what the hype hinted at and we get burned because we quit on him too soon?” types. Typically, if the talent does appear, it won’t happen here, so I’d be willing to listen to trade partners in the next year.

 

 

 

Edited June 8, 2021 by TrueBlue4ever

[Mark F]

1 hour ago, TrueBlue4ever said:

Morrissey - oh boy, part 2.

I thought morrisey was very good against the oilers. one of his goals where he sucked the defender into,moving was o.s. organised the rush, , moving puck,out, defending mcdavid... did great.

dont understand why the Jets cant score, going back to end of season losing streak. they have excellent goal scorers, who stopped scoring.

leading scorer v. habs was logan stanley. what the hell.

Perreault, looks to me like a guy trying hard, flailing around, getting nothing much done. his attempts to hit are comical. 

I thought copp looked very good for a while, then, nothing. 

* I know nothing, and have no clue how to improvemthings with the Jets.

defence went  from season ending awful, to (v oilers) excellent, the  back to, ok. at best. who knows why.

team was like a yoyo this last while. 

it is very difficult with team sports to say how much is coaching, and how much is player.

 

thanks appreciate your review.

 

 

 

Edited June 8, 2021 by Mark F

[TrueBlue4ever]

Morrissey definitely stepped up against the Oilers. Was more invisible against Montreal (who wasn’t other than Helle and maybe Lowry/Ehlers and two shifts of Stanley?). Perhaps losing DeMelo was the deciding factor (again, Morrissey’s partner  dictating how good he is, you’d hope it is the other way around for a #1 paid defenceman). And re:Perrault - sometimes those out to create chaos look chaotic. He is far from polished in that role, but he is one of a very few who could move from 4th to 1st line and in between and not look lost. I give him credit for that at least. Likely not back unless he signs a super low one year deal. 

Edited June 8, 2021 by TrueBlue4ever

[FrostyWinnipeg]

1 hour ago, TrueBlue4ever said:

Long post, so read or don’t read, but I don’t need you telling me either way. You know what you get with me by now.

I can't compete against this so.. ^ what he said!

 

Edited June 8, 2021 by FrostyWinnipeg

[Dr Zaius]

1 hour ago, TrueBlue4ever said:

 

Legit question here - if by any chance we could get Laine back, would we take him? Serious answers only, and factor in everything including economics.

 

Great post, great analysis. Thanks for the effort!

Long story short: God no. +/- is a garbage stat, but Laine had 10 goals and was a freaking -30. 

Did PLD struggle? Yup. Was he injured? Yup.
Did Laine play absolutely awful in CBJ? Yup. Was he injured? *probably* yup.

PLD struggled to find his foothold, but Laine and Dubois both scored ~.5ppg. 
Laine gets prime pp1 time where he's the focus, and Dubois gets 30 seconds of pp2 time. 
Dubois has provided sound defensive play since day 1 even though he's struggled to put up points.

Dubois is the youngest player on the roster, younger than Stanley. Dubois oozes #1 center potential with size, and that's not something that can be passed up in today's NHL.

Besides, for every goal Laine scored in playoffs the guy would have given up 2 and turned the puck over 10 times a game. Good riddance. 

[JCon]

Laine has an elite shot but he's not an elite player. He wants to be paid like an elite player and wants to be on the top line. That doesn't work out too well when you can't back up your play. 

[do or die]

Laine had a "players coach", with talent around him, in a crazed hockey market.    Ended up with Torts, not much around him in a different market.     Grass not always greener, on the other side....

[iHeart]

5 hours ago, TrueBlue4ever said:

Long post, so read or don’t read, but I don’t need you telling me either way. You know what you get with me by now. 

So negatives first. A sweep at any time is disappointing and maddening, and for the 3rd post season in a row, when facing elimination the Jets have responded with their absolute worst game of the playoffs and looked very outmatched. Their defence has not recovered from the dismantling 2 seasons ago, and their highest paid defender continues to regress. Analytically (if you believe in that advanced stuff) the Jets are perpetually outplayed at 5 on 5 by the numbers. Their top scorers disappeared at various times down the stretch and their depth scoring did not show up. Teams figured out that an aggressive forecheck on the penalty kill could nullify the power play, and the Jets did not adjust. The Jets penalty kill was about shot blocking mainly, and when they decided to pressure the point other teams adjusted better than we did. Systems need to be looked at in my mind given these issues. Percentage points-wise, they did not improve on last year. 
 

The positives. Many experts had the team finishing out of the playoffs, as low as 6th. Just prior to the late season slump they were vying for top spot, so they exceeded expectations. Percentage points-wise, they did not regress from last year. For those of you who do not believe in analytics, the actual results were pretty good. We swept the Oilers and shut down the top 2 offensive players in the league, no small feat and worthy of a “successful” year designation to most outsiders. Offensively still strong and deep, with better bottom 6 scoring this season (contract years will do that). Goaltending still elite. 
 

As for individuals:

GM - Chevy still very good at drafting and getting players who sign to accept good contracts for salary cap purposes. He struggles with the quick fix to fill holes, impact free agents, and keeping some talent here. Not sure how much of the negatives are his fault or the reality of being Winnipeg, but it is his problem to deal with. But he is going nowhere so long as the ownership wants a steady ship rather than flash in the pan go for broke all or nothing style, and it seems like that is what we are going to be here in this market.

Coaching - I know many have been waiting years for Maurice to get turfed, but he showed coming out of the last month slump that he has not yet lost the room or can’t keep the team motivated, and he showed in the first round that he can still devise a game plan to thwart high powered opposition. On the downside he did not get the team to adapt well to adversity or forecheck pressure against a big heavy check team (same problem last year with Calgary and the year before with St. Louis). I am not on the fire PoMo bandwagon mainly because it is a knee jerk reaction to the losses and a change for change’s sake rarely works if the team has not bottomed out. Plus I see this as a personnel issue as much as anything. But I know all coaches have a shelf life and if he does not re-structure things or show tangible steps towards rectifying issues then he could be gone. For anyone who wants him tossed, might I suggest concrete names of replacements who would be a step up (an “lol, anyone” response is weak - be better). I will say that Gerard Gallant would be someone worth chasing for sure, and is one of those rare coaches you go out of your way to make room for right now (similar to Florida axing him to make way for Quenneville). Not sure if Vignault still has the mojo he did 7-10 years ago. Maybe a shake-up of assistants? Again, Charlie Huddy can only do so much with the defence he has been given. But special teams needs to evolve on both sides. 

DeMelo - looked much better in playoffs than regular season, but good enough not to be exposed to Seattle?

Poolman - if he is a 7th defenceman, that is OK. If asked to be top 4, management is not doing enough to get better players in

Pionk - great regular season, faded at times in the playoffs (maybe he and DeMelo switched bodies), but solid guy. Again, if top 4 D we are happy, but top 2 a stretch if he has to carry the team

Niku - seems destined to be a career minor leaguer at best right now

Copp - took a huge step forward in regular season, was invisible in the playoffs. That should prevent a Brandon Tanev-like overpay in his next contract. Don’t see him jumping into top 6 forward territory, wonder if there is any more or if this is his ceiling (cautiously pessimistic that he won’t do more)

Thompson - did what was expected of him, but completely replaceable with any random 4th line free agent pick-up 

Harkins - not sure why some felt he would be a difference maker if inserted into the line up for game 3 or 4 against the Habs. “Play the young guys” is not a viable strategy if they have shown nothing when given their opportunities (however limited -  at some point it is up to the player to make an impression, not just be handed a plum spot). Needs a Copp-style leap forward next season or the team should move on

Dubois - oh boy. Will reserve judgment on his playoffs until I hear the injury report  Write-off of a year after his turbulent tenure with Torts, can only pray what was lost can be recovered. There is talent there, right? Fix what is between the ears and we’ll see where he fits, but right now Chevy must be screaming at him “do you know what I gave up to get you here??????”

Heinola - another “play the young guy” favourite, and if he is ready, go for it, but the lat D man we rushed who showed early promise was Morrissey, the last one we patiently groomed was Stanley. Where do they each stand (adjusted for their respective natural talent levels) now? I know “patience” is a dirty word for fan bases, but the words “losing” and “bust” are Black Death  

Lowry - will never be top 6 scoring potential, but could be one of the best top 9 centres in the league. Happy to have him re-signed for sure.

Little - just watching the clock run out on his contract on LTIR and then awaiting the retirement 

Gustafsson - Nothing more than a Harkins with less years under his belt at this point. See me in 2 years for a fresh opinion

Toninato - COVID robbed us of seeing how he might be, good or bad. The game winner against the Oilers in game 1 might be enough to invite a further one year look

Appleton - mid season surge with Copp and Lowry surrounded by a bunch of meh. Could be another long term growth player who could outshine Roslovic’s potential, but if we lose a forward in the expansion draft it is most likely him, and I would not lose sleep over it  

Lewis - like Thompson with a pinch more offence. I like his game and you want character and experience like his, but one hopes we can find better/cheaper/younger for 4th line depth going forward  

Forbert - on shot blocking and toughness alone I really liked him, but he cannot reasonably be expected to log top 4 minutes. Find him a 5-6 spot and I am happy because it means our top end got better 

Stastny - putting sentimentality for 2018 away, he was.....OK, and I am sure he was playing pretty beat up all playoffs. But if his injuries are a byproduct of his age, then time to find a replacement, unless he wants to come back on the cheap.

Wheeler - no one can be a tougher critic on him than he is on hImself, and maybe that is a bit of the problem? You can see when he presses, and it can drag him down. And who knows how his locker-room leadership really translates?  Will be a lightning rod for the haters because of the C and no ring, but he stands in front of the media every day and speaks for the team, so I give him immense credit for that in this market. Contract isn’t an anchor yet, but I can see the boat preparing to dock. But as long as he blocks shots with his testicles and doesn’t miss a shift, he has a spot on my team any day.

Ehlers - If only we could clone this guy, or find him a magic line mate who could read his moves. More, please  

Legit question here - if by any chance we could get Laine back, would we take him? Serious answers only, and factor in everything including economics.

Broissoit - very serviceable back-up, but if Hellebuyck went down for any period could he really carry the mail? Keep him at the same price until Berdin is ready to make the jump (notice I did not say Comrie)

Hellebuyck - can we just jump to the 8 year extension now please? Or given his superstitious nature, a 4 year $37 million extension followed by a 3 year $37 million extension. Career Jet....make it so.

Benn - Thompson or Lewis in the shape of a defenceman. Thanks for your 2 months of able service. Good luck in your next gig.

Morrissey - oh boy, part 2. We need to find an elite defence partner for him so his contract can go back to looking really good instead of really troubling. He can be top 2 if protected by a strong partner, but does not appear to be the one to do the leading in a top 2 pairing. Do we open the vault for Seth Jones, and would that even be a good match?

Samberg - Heinola with an extra year and less promise. May need to push him into the lineup next year ahead of schedule, wish we had the luxury not to.

Scheifele - One hit has changed the trajectory of his career. Will he learn and rebound like Kucherov did after his suspension and be better and smarter, or will he become a Todd Bertuzzi and wilt? He seems to chafe at not being considered amongst the elite centres in the league, but it takes more than top 10 scoring to get that respect, and it must earned (will be tougher now than ever before). Will be fascinating and somewhat anxiety-inducing how he responds to all the press that came and will continue to come his way after “the incident”. But can a 10 year vet find the next level now, or have we seen his prime already?

Dano - who?

Stanley - a template for “let him over ripen in the minors”, even if he hadn’t really over ripened there. Makes the protected list on defence interesting (in one moment I think that if we protect DeMelo then Seattle may ignore Stanley anyway and take Appleton, whereas if we expose DeMelo he is gone for sure  Then I ponder it again and think the opposite, that Stanley would get snatched but DeMelo left alone). Given the state of the defence, hoping a forward gets plucked either way, but if I had to choose now I take the size, strength, and future of Stanley and all its growing pains over the present of DeMelo (hinges on a free agent defence signing or trade)

Seuss - another Harkins or another Appleton, needs more time on the minors (although his age is becoming a factor pushing him into career minor leaguer territory)

Connor - his scoring made Laine expendable, his contract could provide great value in future years, and yet something big missing here. Streaky like all goal scorers can be, but he needs to learn defence badly or he will cause this team headaches. But tons of potential and already shows top end talent, so I can be forgiving here, for now. Ask me again in another year.

Perrault - love that he just embraces whatever role he is given and puts his best forward, and he can adapt anywhere from top line to 4th line and offer scoring, grit, energy, or whatever you ask. Alas, eroding skill set would point him in the Lewis/Thompson “character veteran/glue guy” mold going forward. If he is prepared to take a large cut in pay to have a similar contract to theirs, he would be worth considering. But again, expendable at this stage if younger/cheaper/better is around.

Beaulieu - did not miss him when we was injured. Like Benn, emergency fill-in at best at this point.

Vesaleinen - his size and speed looked good in the playoffs in very limited viewings, but I think the club expects a ton more offence from him. His development decisions in where he wanted to play have hurt him, and with Laine gone is he more expendable? One of those “do we trade him now for more value than he is worth and look like geniuses, or does he blossom into what the hype hinted at and we get burned because we quit on him too soon?” types. Typically, if the talent does appear, it won’t happen here, so I’d be willing to listen to trade partners in the next year.

 

 

 

 

Even if Maurice does get let go, who replaces him? Vincent? does Lowry's dad get a promotion?

There's no way Little's going to come back

I'm not going to lie Appleton has been the surprise of the season where the hell was he in the playoffs?

I'd hate to lose Stast again, he actually still has shown up (case in in point the broadcaster singing goal)

So can someone please tell me why Wheeler has played all season with injured ribs?

I think a bigger question would be...would Laine WANT to come back?

I'm surprised Brossy's going to be a UFA (details in a moment) I mean if we do lose him who would we get? is Carey Price's brother still with Vegas (or does he play a different position I can't remember)

I'm going to be pissed off with this ruling for a very long time(and even moreso at the fans that have been trolling FotWJ)...at least until there's serious reform in the NHLPA and Safety

Why do we keep picking Dano up off waivers even? but I might as well ask why do we keep picking up Comrie

Earlier in the season I had made a statement about how we need a player of Buff like stature and threat again (and by threats I mean the Tkachuk's and problem D Men on the other side) and I still stand by that statement about Logan Stanley

I'm kind of hoping that we DON'T lost Perreault in free agency since he's had his best season since the 14/15 season (he didn't really even get injured, and we know how prone he is to injuries most of the time), but let's face it, I would make a lousy GM since I like playing favourites

should we expose Beaulieu to Seattle?

I'm hoping Samberg will be ready to play next season

and those are my thoughts

and for those that need to double check

RFA: Copp, Pionk, Stanley

UFA: Stastny, Perreault, Thompson, Lewis, Toninato, Benn, Forbert, Poolman, Brossoit

Edited June 9, 2021 by iHeart

[BC_Blue_Bomber]

Great analysis TrueBlue4ever! Well thought out and definitely not too long. When there is well thought out information and reasoning provided, it is never too long.

The only thing I can add, is I am now on the remove Maurice bandwagon. I wasn't till this debacle of a showing with Montreal. You hit the nail right on the head - he is not able to adjust to a tight checking, block at the blue line, game style and I am surprised he didn't expect that style from Montreal. That is how they won against Toronto when they finally decided to take the games seriously. This is a disturbing trend that needs to be fixed and I think only a new coach can do that.

 

Edited June 9, 2021 by BC_Blue_Bomber

[do or die]

Wheeler keeps talking about the "process"
I for one, would like to learn more about it...

[TrueBlue4ever]

4 hours ago, Dr Zaius said:

Great post, great analysis. Thanks for the effort!

Long story short: God no. +/- is a garbage stat, but Laine had 10 goals and was a freaking -30. 

Did PLD struggle? Yup. Was he injured? Yup.
Did Laine play absolutely awful in CBJ? Yup. Was he injured? *probably* yup.

PLD struggled to find his foothold, but Laine and Dubois both scored ~.5ppg. 
Laine gets prime pp1 time where he's the focus, and Dubois gets 30 seconds of pp2 time. 
Dubois has provided sound defensive play since day 1 even though he's struggled to put up points.

Dubois is the youngest player on the roster, younger than Stanley. Dubois oozes #1 center potential with size, and that's not something that can be passed up in today's NHL.

Besides, for every goal Laine scored in playoffs the guy would have given up 2 and turned the puck over 10 times a game. Good riddance. 

Thanks Dr. for that reasoned analysis of Dubois. My brother from Toronto kept asking “wonder how they would have looked with Laine” and with Dubois struggling it was hard to answer. Forgot how young he still is, and this year was a tough one mentally no doubt. And yes Laine’s deficiencies are a big factor. The knee jerk reaction when we struggle to score is to look longingly his way. 

[TrueBlue4ever]

New York Post reporting that the Rangers are watching the Jets closely to see if Maurice gets fired, as they are ready to snap him up. Guess someone still thinks he is a good coach. 

[FrostyWinnipeg]

As Gallant not coaching any where yet I guess he's mulling the offers from CBJ, NYR, AC and SK.

[JCon]

Just now, FrostyWinnipeg said:

As Gallant not coaching any where yet I guess he's mulling the offers from CBJ, NYR, AC and SK.

I expect to see him in NY. 

[Mark F]

why do people think pierre luc dubois played injured?

is there anything from the team about this?

what basis is there, other that he played poorly. 

I dont mean " I can tell from the way he moves "  diagnoosis

[TrueBlue4ever]

1 hour ago, Mark F said:

why do people think pierre luc dubois played injured?

is there anything from the team about this?

what basis is there, other that he played poorly. 

I dont mean " I can tell from the way he moves "  diagnoosis

He was injured in the regular season shortly after completing quarantine, then was out for the first game of the playoffs, so we know he was hurt at some point. The speculation comes from how he played upon return, and if it was just bad play or that he was not fully healed. 

Edited June 9, 2021 by TrueBlue4ever

[Goalie]

4 hours ago, FrostyWinnipeg said:

As Gallant not coaching any where yet I guess he's mulling the offers from CBJ, NYR, AC and SK.

Ppl think gallant would be different than Maurice. Lol. 

 

Ask Cole perfetti at the WHC about Gallant who benched him eventho he was the only plus player on the team. 

 

I mean **** Gallant. 

[Goalie]

Just now, Goalie said:

Ppl think gallant would be different than Maurice. Lol. 

 

Ask Cole perfetti at the WHC about Gallant who benched him eventho he was the only plus player on the team. 

 

I mean **** Gallant. 

Poolman Forbort Benn and even Stanley. 

These guys minus big Stan's 1 period vs Montreal aren't good. Stan has some potential to be a good 3 LHD. Fact is we made the playoffs with Stanley Forbort poolman and Benn playing somewhat consistently. I'd say that's a reason to actually keep Maurice around. Do ppl realize how bad 1st pair Poolman and Forbort actually are? Can't clear the zone can't make a pass... Morrissey sucked? Well he didn't when he wasn't playing with Beaulieu or Poolman. Fix the D. Get 1 top 4 guy and give minutes to Heinola and Samberg.  There is nothing wrong with a D group consisting of Morrissey Pionk Demelo Stanley Samberg Heinola. I'd still go out and get a top 4 RHD to play with Josh or LHD to play with Pionk tho. Not both just 1 and give the kids their opportunity. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Goalie]

For as bad as that series against Montreal was... 3 of 4 losses were by 1 goal... 2?.nah empty netters don't count really. 

 

3 1 goal losses. 

Im guessing tho everyone had the Jets winning the cup at the start of the season tho? Cuz like it or not Nobody gave them a chance. Nobody. The fact they made round 2..  as far as Carolina the powerhouse got... Expectations were exceeded. By far. 

 

 

[JCon]

We're going to lose someone to the expansion draft and, without a trade or deal, that will likely be Stanley or Copp. I doubt they touch Appleton. 

Berdin? I doubt it with all the goalies that should be available. 

Oops, forgot about Niku. We'd be lucky if they took him, at this point. 

Edited June 9, 2021 by JCon

[FrostyWinnipeg]

6 minutes ago, JCon said:

We're going to lose someone to the expansion draft and, without a trade or deal, that will likely be Stanley or Copp. I doubt they touch Appleton.

Or they pull a sim deal as they did with Vegas.

 

[TrueBlue4ever]

24 minutes ago, JCon said:

We're going to lose someone to the expansion draft and, without a trade or deal, that will likely be Stanley or Copp. I doubt they touch Appleton. 

Berdin? I doubt it with all the goalies that should be available. 

Oops, forgot about Niku. We'd be lucky if they took him, at this point. 

I see Copp being protected. 
Wheeler (no trade), Scheifele, Connor, Ehlers, Dubois, Lowry and Copp up front, leaving Appleton exposed. Morrissey, Pionk, and one of DeMelo or Stanley on the back end. Plus one goalie (flip a coin, so long as it’s a two headed coin with Hellebuyck’s face on it). Berdin is exempt due to years played.

 

[JCon]

6 minutes ago, TrueBlue4ever said:

I see Copp being protected. 
Wheeler (no trade), Scheifele, Connor, Ehlers, Dubois, Lowry and Copp up front, leaving Appleton exposed. Morrissey, Pionk, and one of DeMelo or Stanley on the back end. Plus one goalie (flip a coin, so long as it’s a two headed coin with Hellebuyck’s face on it). Berdin is exempt due to years played.

 

We have to expose a goalie and Berdin fits. Unless they re-sign Brossoit or Comrie before the expansion draft, I think they have to expose Berdin.