You have to believe that everybody who is already here, contributing to success ,will remain here after the deadline.
The Jets are operating different than some teams who are managing Cap Space with musical LTIR (To, Vcr, Sea, give Vegas time too). They have Cap space with which they are expanding the roster, as a result of injury. Sitting at about $3 million now with Ehlers and Samberg out, and players getting opportunity to contribute. That allows them to carry an extra forward and defenseman beyond the 23 player limit.
Of all the big names thrown out there, Bowem Byram is probably the player who would allow Chevy to keep that Cap structure, using existing Cap space, maybe knocks one d-man out of the loop. At the bottom end of the defense that would be Coghlan.
Maybe there isn't a big deal to be made. Seems like Lambert and Salomonsson could be better served in their development with the Jets than with the Moose. But if this is seen by Chevy as the best chance he has with this group, which has a lot of vets who may move on, cashing out on team success, there may be more imperative to add at what are seen as the Jets weakest positions, which isn't clear right now. Maybe the weakest position is a PKing winger, and the solution is Joel Armia. Or if you want to add toughness to the lineup with Stanley not in it, Brandon Tanev. Maybe it's defense. Maybe it's center. Maybe this isn't a playoff built team, plain and simple, which is tough for any GM to admit, when they play well during the regular season.
Rangers and Canucks are probably the next teams to make moves, with a lot more desperatioan in their positions.
Still waiting to see who becomes available in March when the playoff picture is maybe a little clearer.
