TSN.ca

 

 

{eot

The Winnipeg Jets won 37 games last season, and the franchise hasn't won more than that since 2006-2007 in Atlanta, the last -- and only -- time that they have reached the playoffs.

 

Off-Season Game Plan looks at a Jets team that has an interesting core, a new coach and a problem between the pipes.

Many of Winnipeg's core players are in their twenties, in and around their prime years, so while that's reason for optimism, it's also reason for some urgency to take advantage of the kind of production being provided by the likes of Andew Ladd, Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien.

 

Byfuglien is an interesting case for the Jets, having shifted from defence to forward part way through last season. While Big Buff is an effective winger, his preference is to play defence, which might make him appealing as a trade candidate for other clubs that are willing to accomodate that desire.

 

But, if Byfuglien sticks around, the Jets have a quality group of forwards, with potential to be really good if Evander Kane and Mark Scheifele continue to develop. Their defence isn't as strong, overall, without Byfuglien, but Jacob Trouba's strong rookie season was encouraging. Basically, the Jets have a competitive group of skaters. Not great, necessarily, but competitive.

 

Then, it comes to goaltending, and that appears to be the area that needs fixing, only GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has backed Ondrej Pavelec as the team's starting goaltender going into next season. Maybe that's the stance that a GM has to take with a guy under contract for three more seasons, but his performance has been crippling to the Jets' playoff chances and if he starts 50-plus games again next season, that is a serious roll of the dice that the Jets are taking with a goaltender that has finished with a league average save percentage once in five NHL seasons.

 

The Jets did fare better under new head coach Paul Maurice, going 18-12-5 in the last 35 games, but that was largely due to favourable percentages and their possession stats only improved slightly over that span.

 

They are close enough to contend for a playoff spot next season, with a couple of savvy moves this summer and further development from young players, but if they don't do something to upgrade in goal, it may all for naught.

 

The TSN.ca Rating is an efficiency rating based on per-game statistics including goals and assists -- weighted for strength (ie. power play, even, shorthanded) -- Corsi, adjusted for zone starts, quality of competition and quality of teammates, hits, blocked shots, penalty differential and faceoffs. Generally, a replacement-level player is around a 60, a top six forward and top four defenceman will be around 70, stars will be over 80 and MVP candidates could go over 90. Sidney Crosby finished at the top of the 2013-2014 regular season ratings at 87.12.

 

Salary cap information all comes from the indispensable www.capgeek.com.

CF% = Corsi percentage (ie. percentage of 5-on-5 shot attempts), via www.extraskater.com.

GM/COACH
 

Kevin Cheveldayoff/Paul Maurice

Returning Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Cap Hit Dustin Byfuglien 77.01 78 20 36 56 50.4% $5.2M Blake Wheeler 75.85 82 28 41 69 49.9% $5.6M Evander Kane 74.81 63 19 22 41 51.5% $5.25M Bryan Little 74.61 82 23 41 64 52.9% $4.7M Andrew Ladd 73.59 78 23 31 54 52.9% $4.4M Mark Scheifele 66.91 63 13 21 34 48.6% $863K Jim Slater 57.45 27 1 1 2 49.6% $1.6M Eric Tangradi 57.40 55 3 3 6 53.8% $675K Anthony Peluso 54.84 53 2 3 5 45.6% $563K

Free Agent Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Class '13-'14 Cap Hit Michael Frolik 68.98 81 15 27 42 53.0% RFA $2.333M Olli Jokinen 64.17 82 18 25 43 49.2% UFA $4.5M Devin Setoguchi 63.46 75 11 16 27 48.8% UFA $3.0M Matt Halischuk 58.07 46 5 5 10 44.5% RFA $650K Chris Thorburn 57.18 55 2 9 11 43.3% UFA $867K James Wright 53.76 59 0 2 2 47.7% RFA $650K

Shifted to forward at the end of his run by since-departed coach Claude Noel, Dustin Byfuglien appears to be set for that spot again next season. That presumes that Byfuglien doesn't get moved in the summer, which is always a possibility, but also operates under the premise that the Jets are better with Byfuglien at forward. Byfuglien, individually, had a 51.7% Corsi percentage before he was moved to forward and 48.0% after.

 

That aside, in 32 games at (mostly) forward, Byfuglien had 10 goals, 12 assists and 102 shots on goal. On a per-game basis, those numbers would have placed him with pretty nice company last season. It's a little interesting that the bottom name on that list is Brent Burns, the Sharks' winger who also used to play defence.

 

Over the past three seasons, Blake Wheeler has 174 points, which ranks 22nd in the league over that span and last year's 50 even-strength points was tied for 13th in the league with David Krejci and Thomas Vanek. Wheelers is big and can move, which allows him to create mismatches depending on what gives him the advantage on a particular defender.

 

Evander Kane uses his terrific speed to generate shots at an elite level, but has been a relatively low-percentage finisher. Some of that is due to not getting first-unit power play time and, even at even-strength, could use better linemates to help him out. That doesn't absolve Kane of any responsibility for his production, which has dipped since scoring 30 goals in 74 games in 2011-2012, but there's still a lot to like about what he brings to the game.

 

After scoing 23 goals and a career-high 64 points, there is a case to be made for Bryan Little as an advanced stats All-Star as one of a handful of players to face top-tier competition, start more shifts in the defensive zone and still have a relative Corsi over plus-10 per 60 minutes. The common perception of Little might be that he's a good second-line centre but the 26-year-old is coming off a season in which he was a full-fledged No. 1 pivot.

 

Team captain Andrew Ladd has scored 98 goals over the past four seasons, ranking 24th in that span. He's a reliable two-way player that can be used in any situation and he is, averaging 19:46 per game in four seasons with the franchise.

 

Mark Scheifele had rounded into form, with 12 goals and 29 points in the last 39 games he played before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Considering that Scheifele managed five points in his first 24 games last season, and had his Corsi percentage rise from 46.7% to 49.7% over those splits, counts as positive indications that he could fulfill the second-line centre role going forward.

 

A sports hernia cost Jim Slater two-thirds of last season, and he's mustered a grand total of two goals and four points in 53 games over the past two seasons. While he's hit double-digits in goals three times in his career, Slater has also missed at least a dozen games in six of nine seasons, so it's getting difficult to count on him, even in a fourth-line role.

 

Though he has a paltry 15 points in 136 career games, big winge Eric Tangradi held his own in a depth role last season, putting up positive possession stats. As an inexpensive fourth-line option, the Jets could do worse.

 

Like most forwards that play less than six minutes per game, Anthony Peluso can't risk playing too many minutes, lest he be exposed. He's a scrapper who can handle the big boys, though, so as long as the Jets are going to leave a roster spot for that role, Peluso can fill it. At the same time, they could probably do without.

 

26-year-old Michael Frolik established that he hasn't completely forgotten how to create offence, scoring 42 points, his most since 2009-2010. He's still a low-percentage finisher, but a versatile forward who can play both ends of the rink.

 

A couple years removed from a career-best 28-point season, Matt Halischuk has been battling to keep a regular spot in the lineup and, last season, he was overrun in possession terms. He's a viable fourth-line forward, but also one that could quickly be replaced.

24-year-old James Wright has good size, but there isn't much else justifying his place on an NHL roster. Last season, he was one of eight forwards since 2000-2001 to play at least 500 minutes and not register a single goal.

 

The Jets have a solid core of forwards, but can use a couple of top-nine forwards to effectively take spots of unrestricted free agents Olli Jokinen and Devin Setoguchi. Given the free agent alternatives at centre, the Jets could be okay doing a short-term deal with Jokinen and then find a solid checking forward, like Blake Comeau, Jesse Winchester or Daniel Winnik could round out the group nicely.

Returning Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Cap Hit Jacob Trouba 71.45 65 10 19 29 49.0% $894K Grant Clitsome 67.12 32 2 10 12 51.7% $2.067M Tobias Enstrom 66.89 82 10 20 30 50.6% $5.75M Zach Bogosian 63.37 55 3 8 11 49.4% $5.143M Mark Stuart 61.70 69 2 11 13 47.6% $2.625M Paul Postma 58.59 20 1 2 3 47.4% $713K

Free Agent Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Class '13-'14 Cap Hit Adam Pardy 57.93 60 0 6 6 53.7% UFA $600K Keaton Ellerby 57.48 51 2 4 6 48.0% RFA $735K

 

One of the reasons that the Jets might have felt able to move Byfuglien to forward was the emergence of Jacob Trouba, who recovered from a neck injury and led the Jets in ice time following the Olympic break, averaging 23:33 per game. A 20-year-old who can skate, hit and contribute offensively, Trouba will have more responsibility heaped on him, but he has the makings of a No. 1 on the blueline.

 

Back surgery ended Grant Clitsome's season early, but he was logging nearly 20 minutes a night, with positive possession stats at the time of his injury. Clitsome can move the puck and play a solid game, though he's never played more than 63 games in an NHL season, so there's still some unknown regarding his performance over the course of a full season.

 

While Tobias Enstrom's offensive production dipped to a career-low 0.37 points per game last season, he still delivered relatively steady play while facing tough competition. He's small, but mobile and his ability to move the puck is important to the Jets' defence.

Zach Bogosian hasn't really made the mark that was expected when he was drafted third overall in 2008 and, on top of being bitten by the injury bug -- he's missed 70 games over the past four seasons -- Bogosian hasn't been able to successfully lock into a shutdown role. That's the objective, but there is still some unexplored potential in the 23-year-old's game.

 

A rugged veteran, Mark Stuart combined for 389 hits and blocked shots last season, ranking third among defencemen (behind Cody Franson and Radko Gudas), so there's no denying that he lays his body on the line. He also tends to spend more of his time in the Jets' end of the ice, though last season he was taking on tougher matchups, playing more minutes once Byfuglien moved up.

Paul Postma hasn't been able to hold down a regular spot in the lineup, playing 57 career games and while he has some puck skills and a big shot that suit him on the power play, Postma struggled at even-strength last season.

 

Between Postma, Keaton Ellerby and pending unrestricted free agent Adam Pardy, the Jets had a battle for playing time at the bottom of the defence depth chart. Ellerby could take on more minutes if Pardy departs, but that may just mean a more regular turn in the lineup.

 

The wildcard could be top prospect Joshua Morrissey, who is a fast-rising offensive defenceman. If he makes the club, that could raise the group's ceiling.

Returning Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Cap Hit Ondrej Pavelec 60.64 57 22 26 7 3.01 .901 $3.9M

Free Agent Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Class '13-'14 Cap Hit Al Montoya 68.70 28 13 8 3 2.30 .920 UFA $601K

 

Over the past three seasons, Ondrej Pavelec has cost the Jets approximately 45 goals compared to the league average, according to Hockey Reference's Goals Saved Above Average measure. It's one thing to be at the bottom of the league in save percentage and another to continually get played at a starter's workload. The Jets have invested money in Pavelec, but it's really had to rationalize him in a starter's role, especially if the team considers itself ready to contend for a playoff spot.

 

There may be challenges to getting rid of Pavelec, not least of which is that Cheveldayoff has said that Pavelec will be the No. 1 goalie next year, but he also may not be particularly appealing to other teams with the Jets paying half of his salary.

 

Given how much it has been a problem lately, though, the Jets have to investigate opportunities to upgrade their goaltending. A trade for Manitoba native James Reimer could work, or signing a free agent like Jonas Hiller, Brian Elliott, Ray Emery or Tomas Vokoun could be worthwhile.

Top Prospects Player Pos. Team/League Stats Joshua Morrissey D Prince Albert (WHL) 28-45-73, +6, 59 GP Nicolas Petan C Portland (WHL) 35-78-113, +47, 63 GP Adam Lowry LW St. John's (AHL) 17-16-33, -1, 64 GP Eric Comrie G Tri-City (WHL) 2.57 GAA, .925 SV%, 60 GP Scott Kosmachuk RW Guelph (OHL) 49-52-101, +52, 68 GP Andrew Copp C Michigan (Big 10) 15-14-29, +1, 33 GP Connor Hellebuyck G UMass-Lowell (HE) 1.79 GAA, .941 SV%, 29 GP J.C. Lipon RW St. John's (AHL) 9-32-41, even, 72 GP Brenden Kichton D St. John's (AHL) 10-38-48, +8, 76 GP Julian Melchiori D St. John's (AHL) 1-10-11, +19, 50 GP Eric O'Dell C St. John's (AHL)

17-25-42, +9, 42 GP

 

The 13th pick last summer, Joshua Morrissey had an outstanding year in Prince Albert. If the Jets are willing to live with the mistakes of a smart, teenaged offensive defenceman, then Morrissey (who has six points in eight AHL playoff games) could be a viable challenger for an NHL job as a 19-year-old.

 

An undersized playmaker, Nicolas Petan was a second-rond pick last summer and has been tearing up the WHL for the past couple seasons. Between regular season and playoffs, he's tallied 289 points (in 176 games) and while size may be an issue, the only way to find out if it's going to pose a problem is to wait and see how he does at the next level.

 

A 6-foot-5 winger-turned-centre, Adam Lowry completed his first pro season and is probably not far from challenging for a spot in Winnipeg. The third-round pick from 2011 picked up his play after Christmas, scoring 28 points in his last 43 regular-season games.

One of the game's better goaltending prospects, Eric Comrie was a second-round pick in 2013. He struggled in a couple of AHL games at season's end, but had a tremendous season in the WHL. He's also only 18-year-old, so it's going to take time before he's the answer to the Jets' goaltending questions.

 

Drafted in the third round in 2012, Scott Kosmachuk has improved steadily throughout his junior career and had a monster year with a powerhouse Guelph team in the OHL. He can make the jump to the AHL next season to see if his scoring will come to the pro game with him.

 

A solidly-built centre who was picked in the fourth round last year, Andrew Copp is making quick progress, coming off a strong sophomore season at Michigan while also putting up five points in five games at the World Juniors for Team USA.

 

There's not much more that Connor Hellebuyck can do in college to raise his profile. Through two years at UMass-Lowell, Hellebuyck has a .946 save percentage and a dozen shutouts. He's signed with the Jets and might be expected to start in the American Hockey League, but if he keep stopping pucks, there should be room for him.

 

An aggressive winger picked in the third roudn last summer, J.C. Lipon had a solid pro debut and wasn't shy about it, leading the Ice Caps in penalty minutes with 136.

 

Not the biggest blueliner on the block, Brenden Kichton was initially a fifth-round pick of the Islanders, was not signed, and then was drafted in the seventh-round by Winnipeg in 2013. A heady player who can quarterback a power play, Kichton ranked sixth among AHL defencemen in points as a rookie pro.

 

A third-round pick in 2010, Julian Melchiori is a big, stay-at-home defenceman who has missed time with injuries in each of his first two pro seasons.

 

Eric O'Dell turns 24 this summer, which puts him on the older side as a prospect but, in addition to scoring 97 points in 101 AHL games over the past two seasons, he also played 30 games for the Jets last season (3 G, 4 A, 51.0 CF%) so he's able to contribute now.

Jets advanced stats and player usage chart from Extra Skater

 

DRAFT
9th - Nick Ritchie, Nikolaj Ehlers, Jake Virtanen, Haydn Fleury

 

FREE AGENCY
According to www.capgeek.com, the Jets have approximately $49.9M committed to the 2013-2014 salary cap for 16 players.

Check out my possible Jets lineup for next season on Cap Geek here.

 

Needs: Two top nine forwards, one top four defenceman, goaltenders.

What I said the Jets needed last year: Two top six forwards, two top nine forwards, one top four defenceman, goaltender.

They added: Michael Frolik, Mark Scheifele, Devin Setoguchi, Jacob Trouba.

TRADE MARKET
Dustin Byfuglien, Evander Kane

 

especially when the top of this draft is 3 centres and a defenseman, all of which are valued much more highly than wingers who only score goals. 

 

 

Value is in the eye of the beholder.  The Jets have quite a few prospects at center and at D.  They have very little at left wing.  Kane does have more value to the Jets than he would to many other teams.

 

As for the trade being discussed, Tallon is basically saying he is open to ridiculous offers if someone wants to make one.  I doubt the Jets make a ridiculous offer.  From what I've seen, Chevy is sensible to a fault.  If this was a draft that included a once-in-a-generation player, then you make that ridiculous offer.  Get that next Crosby or Tavares.  For Ekblad?  No.

and that's why all the talk about the Jets making a trade for first overall is ridiculous. Hell the offer Vancouver apparently made is ridiculous and it still wasn't enough for Florida to move the pick. 

and that's why all the talk about the Jets making a trade for first overall is ridiculous. Hell the offer Vancouver apparently made is ridiculous and it still wasn't enough for Florida to move the pick. 

 

I'm wholeheartedly inclined to agree except

 

Jets pushing for #1 pick? I doubt they pull it off, what would it take?

@GareJoyceNHL: Hard push for #1 overall by Vancouver & Winnipeg. Most yrs I don't see it happening but think there's >50% chance it happens.

 

Winnipeg is such an unlikely choice for random made-up draft trade rumours that something like this showing up nudges me in the direction of the old smoke/fire adage.

 

But of course I don't twit or pay attention to who does, so for all I know this could be the handle of Gary Bettman.  Or my plumber.  Hi Randy.  He's reading this, right, that's how the internet works?

well Tallon did say that he only had one serious offer for the pick, I suspect that a lot of the talk about teams other than Vancouver is simply trying to generate more interest in it. 

and that's why all the talk about the Jets making a trade for first overall is ridiculous. Hell the offer Vancouver apparently made is ridiculous and it still wasn't enough for Florida to move the pick. 

Which Vancouver offer are you talking about? The only one I remember from this thread was Tanev + #6, which is only ridiculous for how short that would come up in getting them the pick.

Rumour is that Vancouver offered 6th overall, Shinkaruk and a roster player for the pick and Florida didn't take it. 

 

That one.

 

To offer that much to move up 5 spots there better be a pretty big prize at the end.  To me, Ekblad isn't that prize.  But the Nucks have different needs than the Jets.

 

Rumour is that Vancouver offered 6th overall, Shinkaruk and a roster player for the pick and Florida didn't take it. 

 

That one.

 

To offer that much to move up 5 spots there better be a pretty big prize at the end.  To me, Ekblad isn't that prize.  But the Nucks have different needs than the Jets.

 

That offer's a lot stronger. I think the issue with Eklad is that there isn't another dman in this draft who's nearly as good as him. That's why there might be a bidding war to get him.

The Canucks probably want Sam Reinhart, He's a local boy and fits the needs of their team. Nucks are going to be in rebuild mode shortly, if they aren't already, probably be trading Kesler (Anaheim). If you look at what the Canucks have in their system, It's not much really.. Horvat and That's it, Shinkaruk is over rated. It's basically Horvat and that's about it. If Vancouver trades up, It's for Reinhart. 

 

I think the Winnipeg offer is probably the "stronger' offer Tallon referred too. Not sure what they are offering, but i'd suspect it's better than the Canucks offer

 

If the Jets get the 1st?? 

 

Our D is pretty solid and has potential to be good moving forward. Bogo.Toby.Trouba. Morissey. I don't think they go D 

 

Centre? Scheif,Little? Is that a legit 1 2 or is it more so 2 3? Don't think we get that number 1 Centre this draft though

 

Left Wing. Ladd,Kane.  Could take Bennett if we had the 1st pick, not this year, needs to get stronger but in a couple years, he could make a very good 1st or even 2nd line LW or Centre for that matter, Think if Jets take him, he's playing the wing though

 

Right Wing? Not much depth there outside of Wheeler,Buff (who i think will be moved) and Frolik. No real RW's out there that could go 1st overall, so if they pick 1st, Doubt you see a right wing.. 

 

If the Jets stay at 9.. Kasperi Kapanen or Jake Virtanen (if they both fall, they might) would be good choices I  feel. 

 

Kapanens dad is Sami, PoMo was a fan of Sami, Kasperi is a good 2 way winger/Centre. Be a good fit i think. 

Vancouver definitely wants Reinhart if they move up. It seems like for some reason his value has fallen off in the eyes of everyone making the rankings but I can't for the life of me figure out why.... puts up good numbers offensively, has decent size at 6'1 180ish pounds and is apparently a very smart player... what's not to like about a prospect like that?

Did you listen to what Tallon said on TSN last night on their mock draft show? said he wants a good young player who can play and contribute for years to come and a draft pick. Straight from the horses mouth. I get it, you think Kane is the cats ass, he's the Jets best player so I don't blame you, but the Jets don't have a lot of talent, Kane isn't as good as you think. First overalls these days get you better players than Evander Kane, especially when the top of this draft is 3 centres and a defenseman, all of which are valued much more highly than wingers who only score goals.

Did he say a top ten draft pick? No he didn't. Use your head.

Smart move probably involves waiting until next trade deadline... even if Kane sucks, someone will still overpay

 

Chevy will make a move on draft day but it will be a Frolik-type deal... not sure who though

The Canucks probably want Sam Reinhart, He's a local boy and fits the needs of their team. Nucks are going to be in rebuild mode shortly, if they aren't already, probably be trading Kesler (Anaheim). If you look at what the Canucks have in their system, It's not much really.. Horvat and That's it, Shinkaruk is over rated. It's basically Horvat and that's about it. If Vancouver trades up, It's for Reinhart. 

 

I think the Winnipeg offer is probably the "stronger' offer Tallon referred too. Not sure what they are offering, but i'd suspect it's better than the Canucks offer

 

If the Jets get the 1st?? 

 

Our D is pretty solid and has potential to be good moving forward. Bogo.Toby.Trouba. Morissey. I don't think they go D 

 

Centre? Scheif,Little? Is that a legit 1 2 or is it more so 2 3? Don't think we get that number 1 Centre this draft though

 

Left Wing. Ladd,Kane.  Could take Bennett if we had the 1st pick, not this year, needs to get stronger but in a couple years, he could make a very good 1st or even 2nd line LW or Centre for that matter, Think if Jets take him, he's playing the wing though

 

Right Wing? Not much depth there outside of Wheeler,Buff (who i think will be moved) and Frolik. No real RW's out there that could go 1st overall, so if they pick 1st, Doubt you see a right wing.. 

 

If the Jets stay at 9.. Kasperi Kapanen or Jake Virtanen (if they both fall, they might) would be good choices I  feel. 

 

Kapanens dad is Sami, PoMo was a fan of Sami, Kasperi is a good 2 way winger/Centre. Be a good fit i think. 

 

The Jets still need help at every position.  It's just some spots are less desperate than others.  Right now they would be best served taking a forward.  Obviously.

 

If they trade Kane it very likely means they are picking up a LW in free agency.  Really, they would have to.  They already need another LW even if they don't trade him.  Trading Kane on it's own doesn't make much sense for their current roster, doing it as part of a larger strategy has some value to this club.

 

Ignoring needs, I like Draisaitl.

Kane just favourited a 'Kane to Flyers' tweet...  Winnipeg sports writers are running for their typewriters.

 

Would be awesome to see Couturier and Read as part of a package

im sort of intrigued by Dany Heatley.  I know that wont be the popular choice but...

 

In all likelyhood, Jets do nothing major.  If they do, I think its far more likely to be Buff who would fit in many teams better than he does Winnipeg.

B Schenn,Read,1st (17th overall) for Kane and Postma.  

See I'm not nearly sold enough on Schenn or Read to consider that (plus an obligatory **** Postma thrown in there)

Couturior would have to be involved I think.  I like Schenn but Im not there yet as far as him being a top six guy. 

 

For the draft, maybe Brendan Perlini?

Couturior would have to be involved I think.  I like Schenn but Im not there yet as far as him being a top six guy. 

 

For the draft, maybe Brendan Perlini?

If the jets wanted Couturier they would have taken him over Scheifele when they had the chance.

 

At 9, I'm thinking Nylander or Kapanen if they are still available. 

 

Couturior would have to be involved I think.  I like Schenn but Im not there yet as far as him being a top six guy. 

 

For the draft, maybe Brendan Perlini?

If the jets wanted Couturier they would have taken him over Scheifele when they had the chance.

 

At 9, I'm thinking Nylander or Kapanen if they are still available. 

 

Not really.  At the time they valued Scheif more.  Im sure they still do.  But I am also sure they'd want Couturier if making a blockbuster trade with the Flyers.

 

Apparently the Jets are one of several teams that have "reached out" to Paul Stastny.  That would be a heck of a free agent grab.  Made $6.6 million last season.

Eklund rumour:

 

On Dustin Byfuglien

Hearing the Flyers are going to make a huge push tomorrow and Byfuglien wants to move and be a defenseman...

 

***If there is any truth to Buff *wanting* to go to Philly, then I think this might happen.  He's been linked to the Flyers before.

 

What is the best get from the Flyer for Buff?

 

Also, apparently Jets talked to Jussi Jokinen today.  I'd love to have him here.  He can play either wing though is especially a LW and can play Centre.  I wonder if Jets see him as the answer at 3C.  Also, Mason Raymond wants 3X3.  I'd do that.

 

If those are the only two moves you make and your lineup looks like this, Im happy:

 

Kane-Scheif-Wheeler

Ladd-Little-Frolik

Raymond-Jussi-Buff

Halischuk-Slater-Peluso

 

Enstrom - Trouba

Clitsome - Bogo

Stuart - Redmond/Postma

Morrisey

Eklund rumour:

 

On Dustin Byfuglien

Hearing the Flyers are going to make a huge push tomorrow and Byfuglien wants to move and be a defenseman...

 

***If there is any truth to Buff *wanting* to go to Philly, then I think this might happen.  He's been linked to the Flyers before.

 

What is the best get from the Flyer for Buff?

 

Also, apparently Jets talked to Jussi Jokinen today.  I'd love to have him here.  He can play either wing though is especially a LW and can play Centre.  I wonder if Jets see him as the answer at 3C.  Also, Mason Raymond wants 3X3.  I'd do that.

 

If those are the only two moves you make and your lineup looks like this, Im happy:

 

Kane-Scheif-Wheeler

Ladd-Little-Frolik

Raymond-Jussi-Buff

Halischuk-Slater-Peluso

 

Enstrom - Trouba

Clitsome - Bogo

Stuart - Redmond/Postma

Morrisey

 

That gets you 3 pretty good lines.  Potentially 1 great line and 2 pretty good lines.  That would be enough to contend for 8th in the conference.

 

Not sure Buff, Jokinen Raymond screams obvious chemistry to me though.

Buff's the guy I'd much rather see in trade rumors, instead of Kane.

 

29 yrs old. Only signed for 1 more year after '14/15. Is he a D or a FW. Committment to fitness, questionable.

 

If Philly comes calling with a legit offer, Chevy better strongly consider.

Lots of chatter about Kane asking for a trade. Chevy was asked point blank today of Kane asked for a trade and r went out of his way to give every answer but yes or no. That usually means yes.

Lawless reports chatter about buff plus 9 overall for first overall.

I don't know... I'd be on the fence. We would need to be very active in free agency. I'd like to see something come back. If not a player maybe floridas second round pick?

Lawless reports chatter about buff plus 9 overall for first overall.

I don't know... I'd be on the fence. We would need to be very active in free agency. I'd like to see something come back. If not a player maybe floridas second round pick?

 

Everyday of the week for me, twice on fridays

 

Need to come to reality, let's look at what the Jets are doing, They are  building through the youth, Scheif,Trouba,Morissey,Bogo even. They aren't contenders, for gods sake they  finished like last in the division didn't they? And thats with Nashvilles goalie Rinne missing 3/4 of the season. The Jets aren't winning anything any time soon.We have had 3 seasons of the same thing, Scheif draft at 7, (That was Atlantas last season though), next year, Trouba at 9, Year after in a shortened season at that, Morissey at 13, if full season, bet it would have been around 7 or 9 i'll bet.. This year Pick 9. There is a theme there outside of the last draft. What it says is we aren't good enough, we ain't in the top 15, we really aren't even that close, we are in the bottom 10! Consistently in the bottom 10.

 

Buff isn't part of the young core, Wheeler Kane Ladd Little have all re-signed,  Bogo,Toby also. Buff has not. There is a reason for this, Buff doesn't want to play forward and here in Winnipeg that's what he will be asked to do, Since it's apparent he don't want to and wants to play D, and we don't need him, We have 2 RD in Trouba and Bogo and not point in  Buff on pair 3... He will be moved. Believe it.  When this team wins, it won't be soon, Let's maybe not have a pick in the TOP 10 in a non shortened season before we talk about even competing but when they do actually start competing for playoff spots instead of competiting for last in the division with a team whose best player was injured 3/4 of the season, Buff won't be on it. You move him now cuz he's probably at his highest value Now, He actually was probably after 2011 but... You trade him now cuz well, you just do. It's smart to trade guys who aren't part of your future sooner rather than later.. especially guys like Buff, Here the rumour is actually Buff to Philly... If that's the case, Pick 17 and B Schenn coming (just signed a 2 year deal) (buff has 2 left). 

 

Change is needed. The jets have shown that they aren't really that good when you take off the Jets goggles, yeah they are fun to watch, it's exciting for sure but you know what... pick 7, pick 9, pick 13 (shortened season) and pick 9 again. It tells us all we really need to know. The current group ain't getting it done.

 

You trade Buff for the future any day of the week because Buff isn't part of our future. He ain't going to be here till he retires. It's not happening. If it's to Florida, Hell... I take that deal and make my pick b4 florida can actually change their mind.. Steal. You could have a very good to excellent player in your system for the next 10 years at the least. Buf ain't gonna be here in 10, probably not even 10 months if the Jets are smart. Hopefully not even 10 more hours.