Yes, the Jets have been on a downward slide regarding their drafting and developing the last few years but 10? 8,9 and 10 years ago the Jets were in their hay day drafting Ehlers, Connor and Laine in successive years.
There were some inside issues how Laine was dealt with for sure (rumours of issues with Wheeler for example) but let's not pretend Laine was not part of the problem.
I dont get your issues with Heinola. He has progressed very well and had made the team last year but broke his ankle. Recovery was slow and the team had replacements in place during a great season. They made room for him to win a spot this season.
Good post. Thanks.
Yeah, you're probably right regarding the most things.
And yes, Heinola has been very unlucky with injuries but that's the only thing I won't fully agree with you on. I don't think the Jets have handled him in the best way. I mean there was some rumors that he wished for a trade? And he seems to be a pretty chill dude and patient if you ask me.
I mean lucky or not, he did produce 5 points in 8 games for the Jets 19/20. Then he struggled a bit yes, but he did produce and had a good overall game for Lukko the season after and his production considering the type of play you see in Liiga is quite good for a D.
So no, I don't think Jets have ever shown him and gave him the confidence that he's the guy and that they will or actually gave him a honest chance that he fully deserved considering his talent. No matter the circumstances back then. Because the Jets chose him and not the other way around. And he was never at the (lower) same level as other Finnish prospects at D like Honkas, Heimosalmi etc. He was
the guy followed by Niemelä.
And also... Let's compare Laine and Heinola to a great prospect like Jiricek for the BJ. He has already shown he's unhappy and wanted a trade if I stand correct? Personally I think he's a great offensive minded D and that he shouldn't be molded to become something else. This was always his strengths. I actually love his strengths and he's not Finnish. My point? He hasn't shown anything at the NHL level yet and he demands the franchise to give him better and more opportunities. The comparison then? Laine did produce and did it in a historically good manner in his first year. Attitude, cocky, whatever, whatever... He showed up.
I mean has any other prospect form Europe in a long time produced like Laine in his first year? Or had that insane PP- scoring ability? I will always stand behind him regarding the Wheeler dilemma. Not because he's Finnish like a lot of sect like fans seem to believe. Rather because of the reason he actually was it, the guy and elite star a franchise should treat somewhat extra, give him some more attention and so on if he needs and wants it. Wheeler was always a nobody in comparison. Also, imagine being so much older and a captain and behave in a bad way against your biggest upcoming star? I mean if anything he's the smallest person in the room of them all. And it's not like Wheeler earned his way to behave like that after his career and the fact he struggled for a long time. I mean if Ovechkin did the same thing, fine another story because of his status and achievements. And I do believe Laine would've reacted different and perhaps got inspired, but Wheeler? 12 years older but a mindset like a kid. If anything, he was even more unprofessional than Laine considering his age, merits and captaincy. But I don't remember he got the same shitstorm as Laine? Telling?
I mean imagine if Bedard or say Michkov starts to complain about something in their franchises? I promise you that the leaders if they are competent will have their minds as their biggest interest and act accordingly. And if not? I'm pretty sure fans and others will start complaining.
Kane for the Blackhawks back in the day is another example. Very special and controversial in some ways but he was a star and produced.
Last but not least, it's not like Jets are one of the biggest franchises with a winning history? And it's not like Manitoba, just like Ohio, are one the most famous or attractive places for the majority of people who come from elsewhere.
But the thing I know Laine enjoyed with the Jets and will enjoy with the Canadiens? Passionated fans. I believe he is a character who wants things to matter and be dead serious. I'm sure he thrives with and under pressure. And let's not pretend that anything matters in Ohio.
Oh, and I remember Laine has said how he learned to shoot and that his dad was big part of that. So no wonder that hockey became difficult and if he had issues and got depressed, He's a human and his biggest strength in hockey was something he associated with his dad. (
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This thread is about Lambert so I'm going to bake him in some kind of a way and that is that so far? He's also shown that he's sensitive with his surroundings. Perhaps not as big of a personality and attitude as Laine but it's not only a good thing. How? I don't think Laine doubts himself as much as Lambert does at the same age. I can be wrong but that's the impression I've got so far. And therefor I won't only "Blame" the Jets if he doesn't pan out. Heinola is a different story for me because he has and always had his strengths. I mean if you wanted to draft a big defensive minded guy then do so. Clubs do have an option to freely pick amongst prospects. And that's why I think they've made him a disfavor so far.
