If we re-sign Ehlers, I can see Lambert getting some play with Nino and Lowry, and depending on how his camp goes and how he does to start the season, he could make it a full time gig.Where/when do ppl see the Jets fwd prospects coming in realistically over the next few years? Barring injuries ofc to any of the current NHL players.
Lucius (who knows if he ever plays)
Chibrikov
Lambert
Yaeger
Barlow
Next year, I don't know if there's a full time role at top6 Wing... Vilardi is a RFA I think he'll get a 5+ year deal. Think the Jets will extend Perfetti a year early (5+ years) , and I am leaning toward Ehlers (5+ years) being re-signed at this present time. So essentially the entire top 6 wings are back. If Ehlers is not back, I don't think it's out of the realm of possibilities Jets don't find a replacement NHL quality top 6 winger as they'll have ample cap space.
Then KC the following year I beleive the Jets sign. So entire top 6 Wing accounted for in the next 5+ year range.
Scheifele as 1C, no one is displacing him. Think they still go with Namestnikov next year at the minimum. So possibly 2C in a couple years (Yaeger or Lambert).
Possibly a spot next to Lowry? I think the Jets will re-sign 1 or 2 of Tanev, Iafallo and Appleton and have them with Nino/Ehlers and Lowry.
I don't really see the Jets 4th line a good spot for those prospects. Would like to hear from those who actually follow them who have the versatility to play and flourish beyond a top 6 role... I think Chibrikov does hb Lambert? Barlow?
Given the contracts signing I see 1 top 6 spot open in the near future. Idk which of these prospects have the versatility to play with Lowry and his line's identity, or if that's necessarily the best spot for them.
Chib would be a good fit there, but Lambert gives them the flexibility to move him up and down, depending where they need him. It depends on how the org sees Lambert, and the others, fitting in and how far along they see their development.Idk about Lambert with Lowry. Chibrikov seems better suited and stylistically for that role.
Do you think they extend one of Iafallo, Tanev or Appleton? If so, they may be vying over that spot next to Lowry and Nino.
It will be interesting. If Ehlers were signed, though I think that's just hope on the part of the faithful now, similar to Trouba situation, analytically charming, the bottom lines are going to be a flux.If we re-sign Ehlers, I can see Lambert getting some play with Nino and Lowry, and depending on how his camp goes and how he does to start the season, he could make it a full time gig.
If we don’t resign Ehlers, I see Lambert getting a look at the 2RW slot, but Chevy likely brings in a more experienced player to fill that spot longer term.
Ultimately, everything for next season heavily depends on how this team performs in the upcoming playoffs…if it’s another disappointing early exit, I expect some changes in the top 6 and beyond, possibly opening options for the youth to prove themselves and move up…but if they go deep and put up a fight, then it’s more likely Chevy does minor tweaks around the edges and in the areas he sees as weak in the playoffs…either way I expect Lambert gets the best chance to move up if he’s not moved to address a need in the offseason first.
Chib and maybe Salo will likely be close behind, with Barlow and Yager a year away
Lucius is a special situation with his health and how the org sees his durability
Yeah this is a really good summary. Ford does fit that 4th line energy role like a glove. I cant imagine we don't bring back at least 2 of Iafallo, Appleton and Tanev if Ehlers leaves.It will be interesting. If Ehlers were signed, though I think that's just hope on the part of the faithful now, similar to Trouba situation, analytically charming, the bottom lines are going to be a flux.
Given that Iafallo also re-signing could knock any PP opportunities out of the lineup for young players (who gets demoted?), it's hard to see where any young scorer fits.
Arniel considered Chibrikov for bottom 6 but didn't give him any opportunity. I think if you are matching up Lowry with league's best players you want guys who don't make coverage mistakes. That's a hard role for Lambert or Chibrikov to step into.
Arniel did give Parker Ford a bottom 6 opportunity and he played over Lambert in the 4th line role in a winning streak that carried to the 4 Nations. Lambo got the last game, and was definitely not as effective in the crash and bang Arniel was looking for. And Ford scored more goals than Chibrikov or Lambert on the Moose.
He's looking like he could be available for Rd. 1 of the playoffs, so that could be telling on how Arniel sees Lambert and Ford.
Given the lack of RH shots at forward (with Vilardi, Kupari out), I think there's an opportunity for Ford to carve out a 4th line role. Killing penalties. That will be the guy that likely replaces Appleton if Appleton goes.
I don't think Arniel deviates too much from his game plan next season. Might not have the personnel he did this year though.
However if you had told me at the beginning of the season the Jets would lose Toffoli and Monahan, then lose Dillon and Schmidt and replace them with Fleury and Heinola, while promoting Samberg, Stanley and Miller and have Comrie replace Brossoit, only to be 1st in the league 8 games from the finish line I wouldn't have believed you.
I can't see Ehlers re-signing if that's where he fits. Give him $10 mill + to play alongside Pettersson, Celebrini or Horvat and that's probably a better fit for his skillset.If Ehlers extends, maybe Arniel keeps him with Lowry and Nino and Lambert slides in with Names and Perfetti on a super sheltered skilled 3rd line?
The guy has been traded 3 times already in 2 seasons ... there has to be a red flag there. He starts off really good and then falls off and is benched then traded.I’m going to try to keep an eye on Kuzmenko tonight. He’s a UFA at season’s end. Maybe the Jets would be interested in signing him.
Very good points on Ehlers resigning.It will be interesting. If Ehlers were signed, though I think that's just hope on the part of the faithful now, similar to Trouba situation, analytically charming, the bottom lines are going to be a flux.
Given that Iafallo also re-signing could knock any PP opportunities out of the lineup for young players (who gets demoted?), it's hard to see where any young scorer fits.
Arniel considered Chibrikov for bottom 6 but didn't give him any opportunity. I think if you are matching up Lowry with league's best players you want guys who don't make coverage mistakes. That's a hard role for Lambert or Chibrikov to step into.
Arniel did give Parker Ford a bottom 6 opportunity and he played over Lambert in the 4th line role in a winning streak that carried to the 4 Nations. Lambo got the last game, and was definitely not as effective in the crash and bang Arniel was looking for. And Ford scored more goals than Chibrikov or Lambert on the Moose.
He's looking like he could be available for Rd. 1 of the playoffs, so that could be telling on how Arniel sees Lambert and Ford.
Given the lack of RH shots at forward (with Vilardi, Kupari out), I think there's an opportunity for Ford to carve out a 4th line role. Killing penalties. That will be the guy that likely replaces Appleton if Appleton goes.
I don't think Arniel deviates too much from his game plan next season. Might not have the personnel he did this year though.
However if you had told me at the beginning of the season the Jets would lose Toffoli and Monahan, then lose Dillon and Schmidt and replace them with Fleury and Heinola, while promoting Samberg, Stanley and Miller and have Comrie replace Brossoit, only to be 1st in the league 8 games from the finish line I wouldn't have believed you.
Everyone is talking about Connor and how he is going to get between 10-12 million.Very good points on Ehlers resigning.
If Chevy thinks his rookies can step in ... I don't see Chevy offering Ehlers a contract. Don't get me wrong Ehlers's speed and talent can't be replaced but eventually you have to play your rookies or you lose them. Just look at Dillon ... he wanted to stay but the Jets knew Samberg was ready to move into a top 4 D role and they were right.
Also Chevy will probably only sign one of these UFAs ... Iafallo, Appleton or Tanev.
While its easy for us to discuss who to pay and who to let go ... no one is talking about Connor or Perfetti because they have one more year but the moves Chevy makes this summer effects those two next year.
I think Yager will need some time in the AHL for no other reason than he needs to fill out physically... especially to play C effectively at the NHL levelI can't see Ehlers re-signing if that's where he fits. Give him $10 mill + to play alongside Pettersson, Celebrini or Horvat and that's probably a better fit for his skillset.
The guy I wonder about is Yager. How long does it take him? For me he makes a 4th line player like Kupari expendable. Because he'll take the d-zone draws. And kill penalties.
I could see something like
Connor- Scheif-Vilardi
Perfetti-Yager-Iafallo (able to play in either end of the rink)
Barron-Lowry-Appleton (hard shut down minutes)
Nino-Namestnikov-Chibrikov/Lambert (sheltered o-zone starts)
You are absolutely right ... the 2nd line's play will drop off but in order to become good and get that experience you have to play. Just look at Samberg and Perfetti once they got that experience and learned how to play the game ... it became easy for them. Now they look like they are rounding out to becoming star players for the Jets. Not every rookie is a McDavid that can step in and make a difference right off the bat.If Ehlers leaves, I'm worried that the Jets will go from having a 2a/2b line situation to a 3a/3b situation.
I think there's often too much optimism around rookies making a big impact, unless they are real stars. Even top AHL prospects like Stankoven and Bourque translated into 40- and 30-point forwards as rookies. That's a big drop from a consistent 60-70 point F like Ehlers, especially considering Ehlers' most consistent linemates and usage.
I don't see one post about people worried about him leaving after next year and they shouldn't be.Everyone is talking about Connor and how he is going to get between 10-12 million.
Difference is, I think Connor isn't leaving. They are going to pay him whatever he is worth and then call it a day. Ehlers is more controversial after all he is scoring like a 1st liner, but, there is no 1st line roles available so he will never get the money or position.I don't see one post about people worried about him leaving after next year and they shouldn't be.
I don't even know why they are talking about Ehlers anyways.
Jets are pushing for 1st place with 8 games to go with playoffs right around the corner ... enjoy it worry about Ehlers after winning the Cup I say.
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I'm hoping that he is our Wyatt Johnston impact 1st rd pick, in replacing Mc Groarty. I think that is the Jets only hope of closing the gap talent wise on Dallas. Salomonsson being a top 4 pedigree defenseman is the other. But I agree to play center in the NHL comes with some patience in the process.I think Yager will need some time in the AHL for no other reason than he needs to fill out physically... especially to play C effectively at the NHL level
Ehlers is averaging 16:00 a game this season, which is where he says he's happyDifference is, I think Connor isn't leaving. They are going to pay him whatever he is worth and then call it a day. Ehlers is more controversial after all he is scoring like a 1st liner, but, there is no 1st line roles available so he will never get the money or position.
To invest in him the same way would be seen as a waste he only plays 14 minutes a game, therefore, not as much bang for the buck.
Both will have a tough time making it. Chib wasn't scoring much in the AHL but does have a good shot and tenacity. Could see him as a bottom six on the right team.I think you are very very wrong.
Chibrikov could have played this year. I don't know if Lamberts going to be able to translate his game to the NHL.
The feather in Nikitas cap is he is extremely versatile.
Ya, both would need to make a big step and I hope they do. Lambert being a potential 2C would be great.This is interesting, definitely the opposite of what I would think. To me Lambert is flashier and more dynamic where Chibrikov is more adept at playing in the short areas and along the boards. I saw a more assertive player at the NHL level.
Both have NHL level passing and shot
I can see Lambert's forechecking being a great asset at NHL level. And we know he has the skill to finish plays. I just think he will need time to learn how to adapt his game to playoff style hockey. That stuff can take years.
Everyone sees these guys differently though, it's all good
For sure. I think Lambi could replace Names. He has more speed and finish.If you don't make the NHL by the 3rd year of your ELC the road usually opens up elsewhere. I'm hoping Namestnikov can help him grow into a pro, if not he's a much more valuable asset than a Lucius or Vesalainen.
Samberg was much closer to impact player when he joined the Jets, and then had two full seasons on the 3rd pair before breaking out as a star this season.You are absolutely right ... the 2nd line's play will drop off but in order to become good and get that experience you have to play. Just look at Samberg and Perfetti once they got that experience and learned how to play the game ... it became easy for them. Now they look like they are rounding out to becoming star players for the Jets. Not every rookie is a McDavid that can step in and make a difference right off the bat.