So Toews playing for the Jets…good or bad idea? Might provide some leadership and intensity during the playoffs, but probably can only play 4th line minutes due to his age. Would be popular with fans but not sure if it helps ticket sales.
For me this is what the Jets need.
You look at the loss last night . What stands out. 2 SH Goals Against. Lost special teams lost the game.
Kind of like the playoffs where the PK was a disappointment.
At least last year the Jets had a 2C who could kill penalties. Not well when it mattered, but also centered PP1.
Now there is a desire for a 2C who adds offense, people are suggesting PP1 centers but any PP time logically takes Ehlers off the top PP. Is that what people really want? Or do they want an offensive juggernaut for coaches whose identity for this team is defense?
Toews even as a 4C, if he has the PK skills, supplants Barron off the top unit, wins more draws than Lowry and that means more clean starts on the PK.
Knock Barron down a spot with AI and keep Namestnikov and Connor as your potential scoring unit on the PK at the end of either a tired 1st unit or a 2nd unit PP.
I'd be happy with that. Improved defense in areas that matter.
Even as a 4C you could spread it out if you break up Ehlers-Perfetti.
Something like
KC-Scheif-Volare
Ehlers-Namestnikov-Iafallo (Ehlers likes playing with the good skating Names, Iafallo and Namestnikov are neighbours, and you have a digger, net front presence to counterbalance Ehlers game)
Nino-Lowry-Apples (still the defensive catalysts)
Barron-Toews-Perfetti (Maybe Toews has an influence on Perfetti offensively, as a leader)
That's 4 lines that can play. Iafallo and Nino are interchangeable. Maybe Nino and Barron too.
To me though Stan is struggling on the PK, Fleury is good at it but not great 5 on 5, and Heinola is too soft, so that 3LD that can play up the lineup is a need.
Injuries and where the Jets are in the standings at the beginning of March could be factors on how Chevy moves when he has the opportunity to.