Armchair GM

[Al Camino]

Fire: Chevy, Zinger. Then fire the entire coaching staff.

Hire: A president of Hockey Ops. He’s the only guy that gets to talk to the owner.
GM and AGM
New coach and staff
**None of these should have had any previous experience with TSNE. TSNE experience should disqualify them immediately.

Keep/Re-sign: Svechnikov, Stastny.

Play: Gustaffson, Heinola and Samberg regularly. Perfetti eventually moves to center. If he needs to start with the third line minutes that fine.

Trade: Lowry too much term and dollars for the production from a 29 year old.
Scheifele clearly something is wrong with him.
Stanley he’s just not good at hockey despite being 19.5 hands tall
Dillon because he still has some value.

You’re probably stuck with Wheeler and Schmidt because of their contracts. Hopefully Pionk bounces back. Who knows maybe without Scheifele, Wheeler gets made and demands a trade. Of course what you have to take back or give up for that contract might not be worth it. That said a grumpy Wheeler might need to go regardless.

Last would be this team plays with a TOP 9 philosophy.

 

[Ossific]

I don't have time for the specifics so sorry if this doesn't make sense, but:

Julien and his coaching staff

KFC PLD Ehlers
F.Forsberg* Perfetti (try at C) Svech
Sanford Lowry Wheeler
Gus/Harkins/Toninato Bowers* Appleton

JoMo Girard*
Samberg Pionk
Heinola DeMelo
Kov/Gawanke

Helle
Wedgewood*

Scheifele traded for Girard, Bowers + Picks/prospects
Forsberg is going to resign in Nashville, but this is Armchair GM - so we get him as a UFA!
Wedgewood signed as a UFA

Schmidt traded for picks
Stanley traded for picks/prospects
DD traded for picks
Let Stastny and Brooks walk

 

[bumblebeeman]

1. Get all new coaches
2. Trade Schmidt for a pick
3. Re-sign Stastny
4. Sign a good middle 6 forward like Reilly Smith or Burakovsky or Vatrano, depending on cap space and interest

Ehlers - Scheif - Wheeler
Connor - Dubois - Svech
Perfetti - Stastny - Reilly Smith
Gustaffson - Lowry - Appleton/Harkins

Morrissey - Demelo
Dillon/Samberg - Pionk
Dillon/Samberg - Heinola
Stanley

 

[snowkiddin]

I don't have time for the specifics so sorry if this doesn't make sense, but:

Julien and his coaching staff

KFC PLD Ehlers
Perfetti P.Forsberg* Svech
Sanford Lowry Wheeler
Gus/Harkins/Toninato Bowers* Appleton

JoMo Girard*
Samberg Pionk
Heinola DeMelo
Kov/Gawanke

Helle
Wedgewood*

Scheifele traded for Girard, Bowers + Picks/prospects
Forsberg is going to resign in Nashville, but this is Armchair GM - so we get him as a UFA!
Wedgewood signed as a UFA

Schmidt traded for picks
Stanley traded for picks/prospects
DD traded for picks
Let Stastny and Brooks walk

I think you're asking a lot for Peter Forsberg to come out of retirement, but I guess this is armchair GM.

If he could be our 2C at 48 years of age, that would be something special

 

[WolfHouse]

I think you're asking a lot for Peter Forsberg to come out of retirement, but I guess this is armchair GM.

If he could be our 2C at 48 years of age, that would be something special

Maybe on a line with Laurie Boschman

 

[Huffer]

These are always hard threads because in reality if the Jets were going to make significant changes it would require multiple moves. And sometimes you don't know what move you might need to make at move 4 until you do moves 1-3. Things can be fluid.

For instance, let's say the Jets do decide to actually trade Scheifele and or Wheeler. That means that they'll also need to add to the roster. But they won't know what kind of players they'll need until they make those trades and see what comes back in the deals.

 

[Big Carl]

Suprised no one has thought of trading for Laurent Brossoit. Solid back-up for our net. With their cap situation, I would think Vegas is looking to get rid of some of their contracts.

Also I would pay Buff 5 mil in signing bonus to come back and literally sit his ass in front of our net. Doesn't even need to stand, just give him a lawn chair. Make teams second guess getting close to our net.

 

[surixon]

Filip Forsberg would actually be a great add if we could snag him as a FA. He's the type of physical goal scoring RW we would be looking for.

 

[cbcwpg]

Honestly evaluate all the coaches, but Fire this guy 100% without exception...





Hire this guy.

He can hire his assistants.

 

[Ossific]

I think you're asking a lot for Peter Forsberg to come out of retirement, but I guess this is armchair GM.

If he could be our 2C at 48 years of age, that would be something special

Good old Filip spelled with an F. I even knew this and still put a P

 

[Jack7222]

Players don’t control what line they play on, coaches do blame PMO, Blake did what he was asked. Zero evidence of what your suggesting.

When you have a coach who's afraid to reduce the role of a player, I think some of that is on the player.

Do you guys really think Wheeler's super high TOI and never having his spot altered on PP1 have nothing to do with Wheeler's wishes?

 

[WolfHouse]

When you have a coach who's afraid to reduce the role of a player, I think some of that is on the player.

Do you guys really think Wheeler's super high TOI and never having his spot altered on PP1 have nothing to do with Wheeler's wishes?

Always been a bit of chatter about Mo, Wheeler, Chipman fraternity... then again, there's always chatter in Winnipeg haha

 

[voyageur]

Armchair GMs will always find it easier to take apart a team than build one. I don't know any of the players on a personal level, I've met some, but I believe Chevy when he says the team cares about each other more than I believe some of the other Chevy talk.

I don't think this is the year to tear the team apart.

I'd keep Dave Lowry as part of the Jets family, as an assistant. I believe he can help the special teams, and he can communicate with his players. I'd keep Wade Flaherty as well, but I'd look at changing the coaching staff. 11 years of Charlie Huddy is longevity. If Maurice can move on, I think Huddy won't be far behind. Kompon should be given the chance to be closer to his family. Which I think would open up some systematic changes to the coaching, and PP.

Personnel wise Dubois re-signing is the priority. That's not something that can wait until training camp or I think it starts off on the wrong foot.

I think communication with Mark Scheifele would be a priority to see where his head is at. If it's somewhere else then Chevy has to make a tough decision on his first ever draft pick as GM.

I'd make room for an ELC defenseman to win a spot out of training camp. Much of Copp's salary will be invested in Dubois's raise. So the movement of say Dillon's contract gives some more flexible trade options.

Also opens up bringing Stastny back. I think if he was given a 2 year deal that would be a hard one to turn down. And I think Stastny could play at a high level until 38. To me it's like it's like investing in a Patrice Bergeron.

I'd probably trade Vesalainen for RH forward depth or prospect, even a draft pick. I'm not sure he doesn't go back to Finland if he gets a 2 way contract, but that's speculation. I don't think he's played well enough to get a 1 way contract.

Gustafsson contract should be easy. I think he's earned the 1 way.

I think Svetchnikov should get a QO, and at least $1 million for his contribution this year.

Appleton probably gets more for being a special teams player.

I'd give Harkins one more year to compete as a 4th line player. There's some talent to work with. Though I'd wouldn't be adverse to moving him for a RH C/RW, maybe a Morgan Geekie.

Kovacevic gets a 2 way contract, and a chance to compete for a roster spot in training camp.

I'd re-sign Comrie to a modest raise. I think he played well enough to get another chance.

Something like

Connor-Dubois-Wheeler
Ehlers-Stastny-Scheifele
Barron-Lowry-Appleton
Perfetti-Gustafsson-Svetchnikov
Harkins, Toninato

Perfetti can move up the lineup. 1st injury replacement for the top 6. Takes Copp's PP time. I'd be gradual with his development. After this season I think having a 4th line that can score, and not get scored on, would help the Jets become a better 4 line team.

Morrissey-De Melo
Samberg-Pionk
Stanley-Schmidt
Kovacevic

Heinola as #8. I'd like his chances more if Schmidt is moved, instead of Dillon, as the PK personnel becomes an issue, but I see virtually no chance of Schmidt being traded again, that salary is going to be something the Jets would have to eat part of to move.

Maybe bring in a Madison Bowey to compete in TC, for RD depth.

Other than Reichel and Eyssimont, unless Torgersson surprises in his first year, I don't see a lot of callup potential. Maybe Lucius signs late season.

I think this team would come in around the $80 million mark, which leaves some room to manoeuvre.






I'd be looking at what happens in the Central, I think there's a chance Forsberg signs somewhere else than Nashville, Minnesota is paying a lot for Suter and Parise next season. So they won't be able to make a lot of moves. Dallas probably loses Klingberg. I'm not expecting a massive rise out of Chicago and Arizona.

I think if Morrissey keeps improving, which he has, the Jets lack of a true #1 defenseman won't loom so large. Pionk probably isn't a true #2, but he's shown potential, and I think there is something good that could come of a full season of Samberg- Pionk, knock on wood. I don't think Ville the kid is ready to be a #3, that's why I'd keep Schmidt around. When I look at the young players who are competing for spots beyong Samberg, in Stanley, Heinola, Kovacevic, and Chisholm I have a hard time seeing how Dillon complements them. The more mobile this defense becomes, I think there is enough talent to be an efficient puck moving team, with a different coaching style. If Perfetti is ready to make a full time jump, and some of the young players have an impact, which wasn't so much the case this year, the Jets have some players on board who can get them back to the playoffs. Might just take a new coach and a season to regroup. I'd give the core one more season to compete.

 

[Jet]

You are hired as the Jets' GM as soon as this season's Stanley cup is awarded.
What are you going to do to help improve the Jets.
Here's me as the GM...

Re-sign PLD to a 6 to 8 year deal around 7.75m per year.

All coaches are fired including video and goalie coaches.
Hire Julien as HC with a 3 year deal and a club option for the 4th.
Julien picks his assistants.

Re-sign Stastny for a 2 x 2.5m deal.

Retain 2m of Wheeler's contract and trade him.
Let the players vote on the new captain and assistants.
I'd hope for a C for Stastny and As to Morrissey and Lowry.

Trade Dillon, Gawanke, 2022 1st rounder and a 4th rounder for Konecny.

Trade Schmidt for whatever I can get for him.

Re-sign Comrie for about 850k for another season.

Offer Sanford 2 x 2.25m.

Re-sign Svech for 2 or 3 years.

Re-sign Apples for 3 years. (3 x 1.5m?)

Re-sign Gus, Kovs and Hark to 2 year deals.

Our top 6 would be Konecny, PLD, KC, Scheif, Ehlers and Perfetti.

Bottom 6 would be Lowry, Stastny, Svech, Apples, Barron, Hark, and Gus. I'd be looking for a good vet for the bottom 6 like Perron for example.

Our D would consist of JMo, Samberg, Heinola, Stanimal, DD, Pionk, Chisholm and Kovs.
I'd look really hard at improving our right side of the D and moving DD down to play with Heinola and trading Pionk in a deal for someone to play with Morrissey.


KC PLD Konecny
Perfetti Scheif Ehlers
Barron Stastny Svech
Gus/Hark Lowry Apples

JMo DD
Samberg Pionk
Heinola Kovs
Chisholm/Stanley

Helle Comrie (Julien played Thomas 57 games during the regular season the year the Bruins won the cup...just saying)

Pretty much in agreement but I think Schiefele needs to go too.

 

[surixon]

Armchair GMs will always find it easier to take apart a team than build one. I don't know any of the players on a personal level, I've met some, but I believe Chevy when he says the team cares about each other more than I believe some of the other Chevy talk.

I don't think this is the year to tear the team apart.

I'd keep Dave Lowry as part of the Jets family, as an assistant. I believe he can help the special teams, and he can communicate with his players. I'd keep Wade Flaherty as well, but I'd look at changing the coaching staff. 11 years of Charlie Huddy is longevity. If Maurice can move on, I think Huddy won't be far behind. Kompon should be given the chance to be closer to his family. Which I think would open up some systematic changes to the coaching, and PP.

Personnel wise Dubois re-signing is the priority. That's not something that can wait until training camp or I think it starts off on the wrong foot.

I think communication with Mark Scheifele would be a priority to see where his head is at. If it's somewhere else then Chevy has to make a tough decision on his first ever draft pick as GM.

I'd make room for an ELC defenseman to win a spot out of training camp. Much of Copp's salary will be invested in Dubois's raise. So the movement of say Dillon's contract gives some more flexible trade options.

Also opens up bringing Stastny back. I think if he was given a 2 year deal that would be a hard one to turn down. And I think Stastny could play at a high level until 38. To me it's like it's like investing in a Patrice Bergeron.

I'd probably trade Vesalainen for RH forward depth or prospect, even a draft pick. I'm not sure he doesn't go back to Finland if he gets a 2 way contract, but that's speculation. I don't think he's played well enough to get a 1 way contract.

Gustafsson contract should be easy. I think he's earned the 1 way.

I think Svetchnikov should get a QO, and at least $1 million for his contribution this year.

Appleton probably gets more for being a special teams player.

I'd give Harkins one more year to compete as a 4th line player. There's some talent to work with. Though I'd wouldn't be adverse to moving him for a RH C/RW, maybe a Morgan Geekie.

Kovacevic gets a 2 way contract, and a chance to compete for a roster spot in training camp.

I'd re-sign Comrie to a modest raise. I think he played well enough to get another chance.

Something like

Connor-Dubois-Wheeler
Ehlers-Stastny-Scheifele
Barron-Lowry-Appleton
Perfetti-Gustafsson-Svetchnikov
Harkins, Toninato

Perfetti can move up the lineup. 1st injury replacement for the top 6. Takes Copp's PP time. I'd be gradual with his development. After this season I think having a 4th line that can score, and not get scored on, would help the Jets become a better 4 line team.

Morrissey-De Melo
Samberg-Pionk
Stanley-Schmidt
Kovacevic

Heinola as #8. I'd like his chances more if Schmidt is moved, instead of Dillon, as the PK personnel becomes an issue, but I see virtually no chance of Schmidt being traded again, that salary is going to be something the Jets would have to eat part of to move.

Maybe bring in a Madison Bowey to compete in TC, for RD depth.

Other than Reichel and Eyssimont, unless Torgersson surprises in his first year, I don't see a lot of callup potential. Maybe Lucius signs late season.

I think this team would come in around the $80 million mark, which leaves some room to manoeuvre.






I'd be looking at what happens in the Central, I think there's a chance Forsberg signs somewhere else than Nashville, Minnesota is paying a lot for Suter and Parise next season. So they won't be able to make a lot of moves. Dallas probably loses Klingberg. I'm not expecting a massive rise out of Chicago and Arizona.

I think if Morrissey keeps improving, which he has, the Jets lack of a true #1 defenseman won't loom so large. Pionk probably isn't a true #2, but he's shown potential, and I think there is something good that could come of a full season of Samberg- Pionk, knock on wood. I don't think Ville the kid is ready to be a #3, that's why I'd keep Schmidt around. When I look at the young players who are competing for spots beyong Samberg, in Stanley, Heinola, Kovacevic, and Chisholm I have a hard time seeing how Dillon complements them. The more mobile this defense becomes, I think there is enough talent to be an efficient puck moving team, with a different coaching style. If Perfetti is ready to make a full time jump, and some of the young players have an impact, which wasn't so much the case this year, the Jets have some players on board who can get them back to the playoffs. Might just take a new coach and a season to regroup. I'd give the core one more season to compete.

I don't think that top 9 is good enough. We can't afford to wait half the year again for Wheeler ro get his game up to speed like each of the past two seasons. He will be yet another year older next year as well.

I like Stastny but he just had his best year in the last 3 years and even then he's only pacing 50 points. How likely is he to actually replicate this past year at age 37? Also 50 points isn't good enough for a 2C if your expecting to contend. I think you need him as your 3C and to push Lowry down a spot.

Also haven't seen enough from Lowry and Appelton to say they will produce enough to be a viable third line.

 

[Hunter368]

When you have a coach who's afraid to reduce the role of a player, I think some of that is on the player.

Do you guys really think Wheeler's super high TOI and never having his spot altered on PP1 have nothing to do with Wheeler's wishes?

TBH its silly to even think it IMO.......but think what you like. Thinking that falls into the category of Bigfoot, Lock Ness Monster etc. Show us one single example with proof where a player has dictated the terms of his usage on the ice to the coach & GM. Fair to say I've been watching hockey more then a big chunk of HFB and I don't remember a single time in NHL history anything like that has happened. Wayne or Mario maybe? Wheeler is no Wayne or Mario.

Its more likely fans don't understand or agree with why PMO played Wheeler as much as he did and in the presence of no information or facts as to why make up things to fit their agenda or just b/c they can't fathom why he did it.

To be clear I'm in complete agree with the point Wheeler IMO was played too much, in too high of positions, etc over the last 2-3 years.........but I leave at that b/c I don't have the facts or reasoning why PMO did it and I don't get into making silly ideas up as to why. I just say, I don't agree with the coach usage of Wheeler, the coach failed to have the team produce like it should and I'm glad he's gone.

 

[voyageur]

I don't think that top 9 is good enough. We can't afford to wait half the year again for Wheeler ro get his game up to speed like each of the past two seasons. He will be yet another year older next year as well.

I like Stastny but he just had his best year in the last 3 years and even then he's only pacing 50 points. How likely is he to actually replicate this past year at age 37? Also 50 points isn't good enough for a 2C if your expecting to contend. I think you need him as your 3C and to push Lowry down a spot.

Also haven't seen enough from Lowry and Appelton to say they will produce enough to be a viable third line.

I don't know man. I look at the totals for the Wild and Stars #2 centres, and they are both playoff teams. Lowry is going to be the go to defensive centre on the Jets, that's a given. Structure is important. It's Scheifele's lacksidaisical d-zone coverage that has hurt more than anything. I think transitioning the Scheif into a winger who could be an 80 point winger, like a Forsberg, could change the whole dynamic of this team. But there's always different ways of seeing a problem. I'd say this team has the potential to be a top 10 PP team, which is more goals. Becoming a top 10 PK team is probably the ticket to the playoffs.

I do realize that Wheeler and Stastny are old, so the guarantees aren't there. I'd like to have the old horses there to mentor the young players coming up the ranks, when it is time for a rebuild. I don't think you can find a better value for Stastny's output. If you pay more for potential on the market, the money has to come from somewhere in the Cap structure. Given that Copp's salary goes to Dubois, where does the money come from?

 

[surixon]

I don't know man. I look at the totals for the Wild and Stars #2 centres, and they are both playoff teams. Lowry is going to be the go to defensive centre on the Jets, that's a given. Structure is important. It's Scheifele's lacksidaisical d-zone coverage that has hurt more than anything. I think transitioning the Scheif into a winger who could be an 80 point winger, like a Forsberg, could change the whole dynamic of this team. But there's always different ways of seeing a problem. I'd say this team has the potential to be a top 10 PP team, which is more goals. Becoming a top 10 PK team is probably the ticket to the playoffs.

I do realize that Wheeler and Stastny are old, so the guarantees aren't there. I'd like to have the old horses there to mentor the young players coming up the ranks, when it is time for a rebuild. I don't think you can find a better value for Stastny's output. If you pay more for potential on the market, the money has to come from somewhere in the Cap structure. Given that Copp's salary goes to Dubois, where does the money come from?

I don't have any issue with bringing Paul back. I just think that asking him to be a good 2C and produce enough at his age might be asking a bit much. It's why I see him more as a 3C that can chip in 40 points. Which is what he's been as a player the two prior years before this one.

Wheeler I just don't see on a first line any longer and I don't like the fit with Scheifele at this point either which makes slotting him tough.

Definitely a lot of ways you can go but I really hope whoever is coaching takes a more modern approach. Our insistence on doing things the same way the last three years habits born really any success so might as well change it up and adopt what most other teams are adopting.

It's hard to justify using a defensive center that doesn't contribute offense and gets outscored like Lowry has the last 3 years. He's a 45 GF% over that period. Maybe a new coach fixes this but he is the worst among all our regulars over that interval.

Edit: I'd hope neither the Stars or the Wild are the base model we should be striving for. Dallas is barely a playoff team. The Wild are having a great year but I'd rather not strive for them either. Look at the point totals of all the contending teams top 2 centers and it paints a pretty clear picture.

 

[Jack7222]

TBH its silly to even think it IMO.......but think what you like. Thinking that falls into the category of Bigfoot, Lock Ness Monster etc. Show us one single example with proof where a player has dictated the terms of his usage on the ice to the coach & GM. Fair to say I've been watching hockey more then a big chunk of HFB and I don't remember a single time in NHL history anything like that has happened. Wayne or Mario maybe? Wheeler is no Wayne or Mario.

Its more likely fans don't understand or agree with why PMO played Wheeler as much as he did and in the presence of no information or facts as to why make up things to fit their agenda or just b/c they can't fathom why he did it.

To be clear I'm in complete agree with the point Wheeler IMO was played too much, in too high of positions, etc over the last 2-3 years.........but I leave at that b/c I don't have the facts or reasoning why PMO did it and I don't get into making silly ideas up as to why. I just say, I don't agree with the coach usage of Wheeler, the coach failed to have the team produce like it should and I'm glad he's gone.

I think we have some crossed wires here. "Dictating his usage" is hyperbole IMO. The post I initially disagreed with suggested that "There has never been anything to suggest [Wheeler] won't take on whatever role he is asked to take on" and I have some doubts about that. But I can also imagine lots of shades of gray between "not wanting to take a reduced role" and "100% dictating his usage" (though I do have a very active imagination).

My take is that Wheeler's wishes, PoMo's wishes, Chipman's wishes and perhaps also Chevy's wishes were probably somewhat aligned. I very much doubt that Wheeler is just this "aw shucks" dude who's just doing what he's told by playing high TOI; I think it's probable that he himself believes he should play as much as possible, and that he sees himself as a solution to what's ailing the Jets rather than a cause of it. Not suggesting that's a bad thing (players probably should feel that way) but it may mean friction in the case of trying to get someone to accept a reduced role.

I also think it's totally wishful thinking to place all of the problematic behaviour and usage at the feet of the coach who's no longer here; I believe some of what was wrong has crept into our culture and that culture was and probably still is in some ways supported by Wheeler.

At a minimum we know that Paul Maurice overplayed Wheeler and Wheeler 100% supported Maurice, so I don't see how feeling that Wheeler is implicated and partially responsible for how he's been used is some kind of "Lock Ness Monster Bigfoot" theory or some ridiculous crazy unfounded speculation.

If we roll out next season and Wheeler is happily playing 3rd line minutes I'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[surixon]

I think we have some crossed wires here. "Dictating his usage" is hyperbole IMO. The post I initially disagreed with suggested that "There has never been anything to suggest [Wheeler] won't take on whatever role he is asked to take on" and I have some doubts about that. But I can also imagine lots of shades of gray between "not wanting to take a reduced role" and "100% dictating his usage" (though I do have a very active imagination).

My take is that Wheeler's wishes, PoMo's wishes, Chipman's wishes and perhaps also Chevy's wishes were probably somewhat aligned. I very much doubt that Wheeler is just this "aw shucks" dude who's just doing what he's told by playing high TOI; I think it's probable that he himself believes he should play as much as possible, and that he sees himself as a solution to what's ailing the Jets rather than a cause of it. Not suggesting that's a bad thing (players probably should feel that way) but it may mean friction in the case of trying to get someone to accept a reduced role.

I also think it's totally wishful thinking to place all of the problematic behaviour and usage at the feet of the coach who's no longer here; I believe some of what was wrong has crept into our culture and that culture was and probably still is in some ways supported by Wheeler.

At a minimum we know that Paul Maurice overplayed Wheeler and Wheeler 100% supported Maurice, so I don't see how feeling that Wheeler is implicated and partially responsible for how he's been used is some kind of "Lock Ness Monster Bigfoot" theory or some ridiculous crazy unfounded speculation.

If we roll out next season and Wheeler is happily playing 3rd line minutes I'll be pleasantly surprised.

I agree with this. While it's obvious the coach has the final call we constantly hear that players pressure the coach for more ice time and specific roles etc. Given all the ice time Mark and Blake get do you honestly think they aren't providing input into what they feel they should be getting.

 

[Hunter368]

When you have a coach who's afraid to reduce the role of a player, I think some of that is on the player.

Do you guys really think Wheeler's super high TOI and never having his spot altered on PP1 have nothing to do with Wheeler's wishes?

I think we have some crossed wires here. "Dictating his usage" is hyperbole IMO. The post I initially disagreed with suggested that "There has never been anything to suggest [Wheeler] won't take on whatever role he is asked to take on" and I have some misgivings about that. But I can imagine lots of shades of gray between "not wanting to take a reduced role" and "100% dictating his usage" (though I do have a very active imagination).

My take is that Wheeler's wishes, PoMo's wishes, Chipman's wishes and perhaps also Chevy's wishes were probably somewhat aligned. I very much doubt that Wheeler is just this "aw shucks" dude who's just doing what he's told by playing high TOI; I think it's probable that he himself believes he should play as much as possible, and that he sees himself as a solution to what's ailing the Jets rather than a cause of it.

I personally think it's totally wishful thinking to place all of the problematic behaviour and usage at the feet of the coach who's no longer here; I believe some of what was wrong has crept into our culture and that culture was and probably still is in some ways supported by Wheeler.

At a minimum we know that Paul Maurice overplayed Wheeler and Wheeler 100% supported Maurice, so I don't see how feeling that Wheeler is implicated and partially responsible for how he's been used is some kind of "Lock Ness Monster Bigfoot" theory or some ridiculous crazy unfounded speculation.

If we roll out next season and Wheeler is happily playing 3rd line minutes I'll be pleasantly surprised.

I quoted both your posts, the first one you said "the coach was afraid to reduce the role of a player" and then said his his high usage had to do with Wheelers wishes. Your saying the coach with over 1000 games played who has coached much better players then Blake, plus we've seen previous players come out and say how PMO was fair, but if you didn't follow his plan or live up to his expectations he wasn't afraid of letting you know.

Then in your second post you change your tone a bit and suggest a player might have a hard time realizing his ability to produce is declining as he ages......well TBH this is true with a big chunk of athletes not just Blake. Blake was fairly clear IMO without saying it directly I don't recall, he didn't love playing 2C but did it multi times when required due to injuries for the team.

Again we're on the same page regarding Blake is well past his prime and should take a reduced role (absolutely PMO over played him) hopefully starting next year if he's playing here.........I'm just saying why do fans get into making stuff up without any evidence, why can't we discuss facts, data......even opinions without making stuff up where there is zero evidence.

It's going to be a long summer, lots of frustrated posts I get that........

 

[Hunter368]

I agree with this. While it's obvious the coach has the final call we constantly hear that players pressure the coach for more ice time and specific roles etc. Given all the ice time Mark and Blake get do you honestly think they aren't providing input into what they feel they should be getting.

Of course, every player does on every single team........Jets aren't special that way. The issue is if the coach does whats not best for the team........which in this case I think we all agree he did. But thats not saying Blake forced the coach or PMO was afraid...........just PMO screwed up and Blake has a higher opinion of his ability at this stage of his career then is reality (like most aging players).

 

[surixon]

Of course, every player does on every single team........Jets aren't special that way. The issue is if the coach does whats not best for the team........which in this case I think we all agree he did. But thats not saying Blake forced the coach or PMO was afraid...........just PMO screwed up and Blake has a higher opinion of his ability at this stage of his career then is reality (like most aging players).

It seems our coaches haven't had a good handle players abilities either.

 

[Hunter368]

It seems our coaches haven't had a good handle players abilities either.

No disagreement from me, I've been saying fire PMO for a long time and take the rest of them with him. Backup the truck...I've hated Huddy as the D coach for since day one I've complained about him

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

Lots needs to be done but the first thing i would do is put a coach in place that is a bit of a hardass , it's time. Then i would really try and figure out what's going on with Scheifele, bring him into my office with video of his play this season and when i asked him what's going on and he says "nothing" i play the video and say "come on Mark how do you explain this" .

I'm really torn over what to do with Mark. I missed the last game, but the one before that he even played D. Is he coming around? Or was that a fluke? After a slow start, probably due to Covid, he has upped his game and is over a ppg. If not for the Covid he might very well be breaking 40 G for the first time in his career. The guy is an elite offensive player who showed early in his career that he can also play defence. He IS a 1C, in spite of his warts.

That means he is very valuable to keep. Go to work on whatever the problem has been. But it also means he would bring a big return. IF I could get the right return, I lean towards trading him. But that return might be elusive. If I can't get it, I am happy keeping him and hope the new coach can get him playing a better team game.