Player Discussion: Alex Iafallo

[Mooche]

Iafallo wants to stay in River City

Alex Iafallo understands what unrestricted free agency could mean for him. At the same time, what Iafallo learned from his first dalliance with the collectively bargained right is that once you find a...

www.winnipegfreepress.com

Iafallo’s camp was in touch with the Jets during the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off and the two sides continue to work on a deal that would extend his time with the organization that acquired him in the blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Kings in the summer of 2023.

AI has been a solid soldier for this group since stepping in after the PLD deal. Really cool how he has embraced Winnipeg in his time here since leaving LA. Big outdoors guy and that appears to have been a huge feather in the cap for the org.

Obviously, it's going to come down to AAV with Iafallo here; but, if it is a choice of Iafallo/Appleton, there's really no question in my mind which route the team should go.

Chibrikov is likely knocking on the door for a spot next season, so it'll likely be a case of one of or the other with Apples/AI, since both are set to hit UFA.

 

[Buffdog]

Iafallo wants to stay in River City

Alex Iafallo understands what unrestricted free agency could mean for him. At the same time, what Iafallo learned from his first dalliance with the collectively bargained right is that once you find a...

www.winnipegfreepress.com

AI has been a solid soldier for this group since stepping in after the PLD deal. Really cool how he has embraced Winnipeg in his time here since leaving LA. Big outdoors guy and that appears to have been a huge feather in the cap for the org.

Obviously, it's going to come down to AAV with Iafallo here, but if it comes down to signing Iafallo/Appleton, there's really no question in my mind which route the team should go.

Chibrikov is likely knocking on the door for a spot next season, so it'll likely be a case of one of or the other with Apples/AI, since both are set to hit UFA.

Being so outdoorsy, I wondered if AI would want to stick around

 

[DRW204]

The fact Iafallo wants to be back, and Dillon really wanted to be back.... These are great looks for the org. along with the fact that guys like nino, demelo, namestnikov were traded for and re-signed prior to ufa... All produce good will for the team.

However at some point the Jets will sort of need to figure out their fwd prospects a bit before they sit forever and become reminiscent of Heinola's career so far.

If AI extends, and assuming (big assumption ofc) ehlers re-signs, the top 9 is pretty much set for next year at least. Vilardi and Perfetti are both RFA and under team control.

Then who knows what happens thereafter with KC and Lowry, but feel like those are TNSE guys and will be signed. I hate projecting to far out, but it doesn't seem like there's enough potential spots open.

 

[surixon]

I'd rather pay to keep him then Appleton. He's a more versatile player.

 

[Mooche]

The fact Iafallo wants to be back, and Dillon really wanted to be back.... These are great looks for the org. along with the fact that guys like nino, demelo, namestnikov were traded for and re-signed prior to ufa... All produce good will for the team.

However at some point the Jets will sort of need to figure out their fwd prospects a bit before they sit forever and become reminiscent of Heinola's career so far.

If AI extends, and assuming (big assumption ofc) ehlers re-signs, the top 9 is pretty much set for next year at least. Then who knows what happens thereafter.

Love the first part of your post. It's a really good point and it just adds credence to the sentiment that when players get to Winnipeg, they tend to really enjoy their time here and are more than willing to stay.

As far as the forward group, I think that's a great dilemma for this team. A lot of the spots are going to be filled regardless. The top six especially. That said, the Jets really only have arguably two forward prospects in the immediate/near future ready to make the jump in Lambert/Chib.

 

[Mad Dog Tannen]

I’d love to keep him. Just not anywhere near 4m. 2.5?

 

[Whileee]

I think that if the Jets re-sign Iafallo, they will also likely be trying to sign Appleton. Those seem to be "Arniel guys".

The issue is that it probably means that they aren't expecting to re-sign Ehlers. There would be both a crowded roster and probably a real cap crunch. Let's assume that the Jets can re-sign Appleton and Iafallo for about $7-8M (combined). That would make it very difficult to fit Ehlers in at around $8-8.5M.

They could just barely make it under the cap next season, with Ehlers and Vilardi at around $8M each and Appleton and Iafallo for a combined $7M.

They might need to trade Schenn in the off-season and replace with Miller and/or Salomonsson to create a bit of cap space.

Here's an illustration of a roster that would fit next year's cap... Rising cap and Schenn moving on for Salmonsson would probably accommodate re-signing Connor and Perfetti in 2026.

 

[Flair Hay]

I think that if the Jets re-sign Iafallo, they will also likely be trying to sign Appleton. Those seem to be "Arniel guys".

The issue is that it probably means that they aren't expecting to re-sign Ehlers. There would be both a crowded roster and probably a real cap crunch. Let's assume that the Jets can re-sign Appleton and Iafallo for about $7-8M (combined). That would make it very difficult to fit Ehlers in at around $8-8.5M.

They could just barely make it under the cap next season, with Ehlers and Vilardi at around $8M each and Appleton and Iafallo for a combined $7M.

They might need to trade Schenn in the off-season and replace with Miller and/or Salomonsson to create a bit of cap space.

Ehlers is definitely the domino here.

I think everyone agrees the signals indicate that Pionk deal will likely get done with a bit of a raise.

If Ehlers is extended we will have to prioritize which bottom six guy(s) to keep.

If Ehlers isnt extended before July 1, I'd expect the Jets to go hard to bring back all three of Appleton, Tanev and Iafallo in that $3-4M AAV range

More on topic, it's awesome Iafallo is wanting to re-up here. Really versatile glue guy every contending team needs. I hope we can get him locked up.

 

[Whileee]

Ehlers is definitely the domino here.

I think everyone agrees the signals indicate that Pionk deal will likely get done with a bit of a raise.

If Ehlers is extended we will have to prioritize which bottom six guy(s) to keep.

If Ehlers isnt extended before July 1, I'd expect the Jets to go hard to bring back all three of Appleton, Tanev and Iafallo in that $3-4M AAV range

That's a lot of non-productive energy at F. The Jets would have to be taking a big gamble that Lambert and/or Chibrikov can add secondary offense. Right now, Ehlers is basically carrying the offense beyond the top line. He's also a key on the PP.

 

[DRW204]

this was essentially what i was getting at. I can't see Lambert being preferable 4th line option. Lowry & Connor i think high % they are re-signed, so the top-9 is occupied for the next 3+ years. there's 5 Fwd prospects Lambert, Chibrikov, Lucius, Barlow, and Yaeger. Not all are going to fit if below happens.

I think that if the Jets re-sign Iafallo, they will also likely be trying to sign Appleton. Those seem to be "Arniel guys".

The issue is that it probably means that they aren't expecting to re-sign Ehlers. There would be both a crowded roster and probably a real cap crunch. Let's assume that the Jets can re-sign Appleton and Iafallo for about $7-8M (combined). That would make it very difficult to fit Ehlers in at around $8-8.5M.

They could just barely make it under the cap next season, with Ehlers and Vilardi at around $8M each and Appleton and Iafallo for a combined $7M.

They might need to trade Schenn in the off-season and replace with Miller and/or Salomonsson to create a bit of cap space.

Here's an illustration of a roster that would fit next year's cap... Rising cap and Schenn moving on for Salmonsson would probably accommodate re-signing Connor and Perfetti in 2026.
View attachment 992082

 

[surixon]

I think that if the Jets re-sign Iafallo, they will also likely be trying to sign Appleton. Those seem to be "Arniel guys".

The issue is that it probably means that they aren't expecting to re-sign Ehlers. There would be both a crowded roster and probably a real cap crunch. Let's assume that the Jets can re-sign Appleton and Iafallo for about $7-8M (combined). That would make it very difficult to fit Ehlers in at around $8-8.5M.

They could just barely make it under the cap next season, with Ehlers and Vilardi at around $8M each and Appleton and Iafallo for a combined $7M.

They might need to trade Schenn in the off-season and replace with Miller and/or Salomonsson to create a bit of cap space.

Here's an illustration of a roster that would fit next year's cap... Rising cap and Schenn moving on for Salmonsson would probably accommodate re-signing Connor and Perfetti in 2026.
View attachment 992082

I wonder if the change in Lambert's usage on the Moose is not in direct response to the Ehlers situation. He went from playing the center ice position exclusively to playing the wing position exclusively around January/February. I wonder if the org tried to ink Fly then and was rebuffed so they started transitioning Lambert to fill Ehlers wing role on the team.

 

[jokesondee]

I really want him to stick around but it wont happen unless he wants to be here and signs a team friendly contract. He would for sure get offered more from another team as a FA.

 

[jungles]

This is why I hate no trade clauses. Iafallo is exactly the kind of guy you would assume would want out of here as fast as possible based on his love of the ocean, but lo and behold he wants to stay. Maybe no trade clauses should be limited to contracts only with significant term left. I would bet there are more than a few trades we have lost out on where a guy would have shown up and said, "you know what? I can make this work...", but because of this no trade nonsense we never get that chance.

 

[DRW204]

This is why I hate no trade clauses. Iafallo is exactly the kind of guy you would assume would want out of here as fast as possible based on his love of the ocean, but lo and behold he wants to stay. Maybe no trade clauses should be limited to contracts only with significant term left. I would bet there are more than a few trades we have lost out on where a guy would have shown up and said, "you know what? I can make this work...", but because of this no trade nonsense we never get that chance.

well i think assuming shit is the problem. he loves more than just the ocean.

 

[Flair Hay]

That's a lot of non-productive energy at F. The Jets would have to be taking a big gamble that Lambert and/or Chibrikov can add secondary offense. Right now, Ehlers is basically carrying the offense beyond the top line. He's also a key on the PP.

I don't want him to leave at all either, it would leave a huge hole.

But if he does... I'd guess the Jets let Lambert/Chibrikov get a crack at sheltered top six line and solidify that bottom six as best they can.

Looking at the cap, if we do bring back both Ehlers and Pionk, we basically need to let all 3 of Appleton, Tanev and Iafallo go. Space would be tight but 2-3 mil to work with.

If Ehlers leaves, we could bring back all 3 energy/PK guys and still have a war chest of deadline cap space. And the room to take on 5 mil or so if we did want to make a significant trade for a high salary player.

 

[Buffdog]

I wonder if the change in Lambert's usage on the Moose is not in direct response to the Ehlers situation. He went from playing the center ice position exclusively to playing the wing position exclusively around January/February. I wonder if the org tried to ink Fly then and was rebuffed so they started transitioning Lambert to fill Ehlers wing role on the team.

I've thought that too

Re-upping Names sort of feeds that idea also. The term matches almost perfectly to when Yager might be ready to slot in at 2C

 

[Whileee]

I don't want him to leave at all either, it would leave a huge hole.

But if he does... I'd guess the Jets let Lambert/Chibrikov get a crack at sheltered top six line and solidify that bottom six as best they can.

Looking at the cap, if we do bring back both Ehlers and Pionk, we basically need to let all 3 of Appleton, Tanev and Iafallo go. Space would be tight but 2-3 mil to work with.

If Ehlers leaves, we could bring back all 3 energy/PK guys and still have a war chest of deadline cap space. And the room to take on 5 mil or so if we did want to make a significant trade for a high salary player.

If Ehlers leaves and the Jets just have one consistent scoring line and a bunch of energy forwards I'm not sure the Jets will be in the position to load up at the deadline.

I think it's easy to underestimate Ehlers' importance in creating secondary offense with Namestnikov's line. Without that, I think the Jets fall short in a lot more games.

 

[Mooche]

Not to go too far off the rails on an AI discussion post, but I think based on the points raised, it fits the bill....

I think the philosophical approach of how the org wants to construct lines is going to play a big part ahead here, too.

If the Jets want to play effectively a top six/bottom six for the foreseeable future - it will make spots limited for skill positions and essentially a lot of the top prospects (notably wingers) therefore expendable.

Maybe the course changes based on players who can contribute at the coaches' disposal in the future; however, barring a shift to more of a top 9, shutdown/match-up line approach, it's going to be hard to fit a lot of talent in the line-up.

One thing is for sure, if the Jets bring back a lot of forward pieces in FA, I hope they utilize certain prospects, who become much more expendable, as currency. The team has shown a tendency to let prospects ripen to the point of spoiling. It's going to be vital if they dedicate their window for the next few years to turn the prospects into pieces that help the team compete instead of freezing them out entirely.

All good problems to have, especially on a current number one team in the league, but something to consider looking ahead. Going to be very interesting the approach Chevy and co take when it comes to pieces like Iafallo as it'll definitely pave the course for the future of the team.

 

[Buffdog]

Not to go too far off the rails on an AI discussion post, but I think based on the points raised, it fits the bill....

I think the philosophical approach of how the org wants to construct lines is going to play a big part ahead here, too.

If the Jets want to play effectively a top six/bottom six for the foreseeable future - it will make spots limited for skill positions and essentially a lot of the top prospects (notably wingers) therefore expendable.

Maybe the course changes based on players who can contribute at the coaches' disposal in the future; however, barring a shift to more of a top 9, shutdown/match-up line approach, it's going to be hard to fit a lot of talent in the line-up.

One thing is for sure, if the Jets bring back a lot of forward pieces in FA, I hope they utilize certain prospects, who become much more expendable, as currency. The team has shown a tendency to let prospects ripen to the point of spoiling. It's going to be vital if they dedicate their window for the next few years to turn the prospects into pieces that help the team compete instead of freezing them out entirely.

All good problems to have, especially on a current number one team in the league, but something to consider looking ahead. Going to be very interesting the approach Chevy and co take when it comes to pieces like Iafallo as it'll definitely pave the course for the future of the team.

Great post, and I agree

The issue we can run i to when we retain aging wingers and use our young wingers as trade bait is that at some point, the aging wingers will drop off and need to be replaced

The timing of the pipeline becomes important here because the reality is that we won't be able to replace guys like Ehlers and Connor (when it becomes time) with like-skilled guys. Just by the nature of the way the core is constructed now with those wingers plus schief and helle, we likely aren't drafting below 20OA for the next few seasons... so if deal away guys like Chib, Barlow, etc, where are we getting replacements for the aging wingers from?

 

[surixon]

Not to go too far off the rails on an AI discussion post, but I think based on the points raised, it fits the bill....

I think the philosophical approach of how the org wants to construct lines is going to play a big part ahead here, too.

If the Jets want to play effectively a top six/bottom six for the foreseeable future - it will make spots limited for skill positions and essentially a lot of the top prospects (notably wingers) therefore expendable.

Maybe the course changes based on players who can contribute at the coaches' disposal in the future; however, barring a shift to more of a top 9, shutdown/match-up line approach, it's going to be hard to fit a lot of talent in the line-up.

One thing is for sure, if the Jets bring back a lot of forward pieces in FA, I hope they utilize certain prospects, who become much more expendable, as currency. The team has shown a tendency to let prospects ripen to the point of spoiling. It's going to be vital if they dedicate their window for the next few years to turn the prospects into pieces that help the team compete instead of freezing them out entirely.

All good problems to have, especially on a current number one team in the league, but something to consider looking ahead. Going to be very interesting the approach Chevy and co take when it comes to pieces like Iafallo as it'll definitely pave the course for the future of the team.

Fantastic point. You either make room or you move them while the value is still high imo. For instance a third year in the AHL for Lambert and/or Chibrikov isn't going to do much for them and will likely start the timer on their value declining around the league ala Ville.

If need be do what they did with McGroarty and move them for an equivalent prospect that is a year or two behind in development.

 

[Flair Hay]

If Ehlers leaves and the Jets just have one consistent scoring line and a bunch of energy forwards I'm not sure the Jets will be in the position to load up at the deadline.

I think it's easy to underestimate Ehlers' importance in creating secondary offense with Namestnikov's line. Without that, I think the Jets fall short in a lot more games.

Preaching to the choir @Whileee , but we will see how things go with re-signing him.