Player Discussion: Cole Perfetti 10th OA pick

[EpicGingy]

The game is already changing.

90+ p in 2 years max.

His IQ is off the charts, he has the hands, lateral movement, shot, and passing ability to do whatever he wants. Forward skating is the only thing holding him "back" and that's because it's not elite. He's much faster now than his draft year, just has to keep working at it.

He doesn't need to be Ehlers or Connor in skating.

I think they were making a tongue in cheek comment about the statement being 65-75 points per game, as opposed to a 65-75 point season.

 

[MardyBum]

I think they were making a tongue in cheek comment about the statement being 65-75 points per game, as opposed to a 65-75 point season.

Oh, 60 points per game it is then

 

[voyageur]

Yea my wording wasn't ideal. I was trying to say if we get Trotz then all bets are off meaning he will do things his way which I am fine with.

However, if we get a coach like Monty I would like to see three balanced scoring lines and a 4th line anchored by Lowry that gets more 5v5 usage than our 4th line under Maurice. Each scoring line would have a solid pair and a role player. Less minutes for the top guys for sure because I want to see everyone back under 20 so they can pick up the pace to execute the new system that will surely be more skewed towards shot suppression and being harder to play against.

Well we definitely have a fundamentally different approach.

I think if you put Perfetti at centre, you're asking the Scheif to take more faceoffs in the d-zone, because we're going into next season so far with 2 guys above 50% on the draw, Lowry and Scheif. And only one RH centre.

I still see his best spot as with Connor-Dubois. It worked well last season, relatively well at least, in terms of underlying stats. It's building off something that worked, and building up confidence for the young player.

If it works well, I think the fundamental change would be moving Perfetti on to the top PP, over Wheeler. Ballsy but let's say Perfetti is a shiftier passer, and a better skater, so I think that opens up some options.

I think 4 line hockey works, but my approach is different.

I'm looking at probably

Connor-Dubois-Perfetti (with a 60% OZ to DZ start ratio)

Ehlers-Scheifele-Wheeler (this is a line that I would also like to see neutral zone out, which might increase their scoring potential and +/-).

then

?-Lowry-Appleton. Copp on that line made it such an effective line, with everyone on it scoring near .5 PPG in 2021. Losing a RW in Appleton had a negative effective on Lowry's game, that none of Vesalainen, Harkins, Poganski or Reichel could replace. Lowry's game looked better once the Apple tree came back.
Personally I'd like a quality top 6ish forward in that spot, someone who can play up the lineup (Copp/Stastny). But I'm also intrigued by a guy like Harkins being a good fit, because having speed generated on the wing, is something that worked for Lowry (Calgary series). Harkins and Apples have shown chemistry, but I think I would prefer more talent, which isn't easy as Cap calculation without moving anyone leaves the Jets in a tight spot. And then you have Trotz making a lot, if he comes here, and what's the fulcrum for True North's budget? Does it affect payroll, because the Jets before last season always had some manoeuvrability in their Cap management?

Barron-Gustafsson-? I think these are two real strong defensive players potentially that may earn some playing time from a head coach in defensive zone scenarios. There's still some RH depth missing, and I think this is a good landing spot for a veteran centre/RW. I had a guy like Derek Stepan, who Arniel coached in NY, and another Minnesota guy, as a good candidate. Looking at fundamentals, another RHC who takes draws takes pressure off Scheif, and if they can kill penalties that's a role the Jets will be looking at help with, as I think fundamentals again, having a RH centre doesn't pigeon hole a team into having their centres being forced into weak side draws, and you can't understate faceoffs on the PK as an area that is important for killing time, with intital possession. With Stastny I think he was veteran enough to win faceoffs anywhere, so if he came back that's one less area to consider.

Then you are left with those murky players Harkins, Toninato, Svetchnikov (who is in my opinion worth keeping around for offensive depth), Reichel fighting in TC. Barron probably has to make an impression to stay up, as he is waiver eligible, but he's probably feeling pretty good after the AHL playoffs.

But I look at last year, and Gustafsson did everything to win a TC spot, but because of Cap issues which forced a 22 player roster, and only one other player who could be demoted without waivers, Vesalainen, winning an opening spot, he was forced to play in the A.

I think the Jets need to take a good look at Gustafsson as a 4c before we look at Perfetti as a 3c, because there will only be one guy with a solid defensive record, if Perfetti moves into the middle, up the middle. God help us if he gets injured.

I also like the idea of part of the Jets identity being having the biggest centres in the Conference, if a coach wants to lean on their opposition a bit more, and it facilitates having a smaller defense, if the puck support is good.

That's my thoughts.

PS Edit: I agree about ice time distribution, I think that is a key factor in fatigue.

 

[ps241]

Well we definitely have a fundamentally different approach.

I think if you put Perfetti at centre, you're asking the Scheif to take more faceoffs in the d-zone, because we're going into next season so far with 2 guys above 50% on the draw, Lowry and Scheif. And only one RH centre.

I still see his best spot as with Connor-Dubois. It worked well last season, relatively well at least, in terms of underlying stats. It's building off something that worked, and building up confidence for the young player.

If it works well, I think the fundamental change would be moving Perfetti on to the top PP, over Wheeler. Ballsy but let's say Perfetti is a shiftier passer, and a better skater, so I think that opens up some options.

I think 4 line hockey works, but my approach is different.

I'm looking at probably

Connor-Dubois-Perfetti (with a 60% OZ to DZ start ratio)

Ehlers-Scheifele-Wheeler (this is a line that I would also like to see neutral zone out, which might increase their scoring potential and +/-).

then

?-Lowry-Appleton. Copp on that line made it such an effective line, with everyone on it scoring near .5 PPG in 2021. Losing a RW in Appleton had a negative effective on Lowry's game, that none of Vesalainen, Harkins, Poganski or Reichel could replace. Lowry's game looked better once the Apple tree came back.
Personally I'd like a quality top 6ish forward in that spot, someone who can play up the lineup (Copp/Stastny). But I'm also intrigued by a guy like Harkins being a good fit, because having speed generated on the wing, is something that worked for Lowry (Calgary series). Harkins and Apples have shown chemistry, but I think I would prefer more talent, which isn't easy as Cap calculation without moving anyone leaves the Jets in a tight spot. And then you have Trotz making a lot, if he comes here, and what's the fulcrum for True North's budget? Does it affect payroll, because the Jets before last season always had some manoeuvrability in their Cap management?

Barron-Gustafsson-? I think these are two real strong defensive players potentially that may earn some playing time from a head coach in defensive zone scenarios. There's still some RH depth missing, and I think this is a good landing spot for a veteran centre/RW. I had a guy like Derek Stepan, who Arniel coached in NY, and another Minnesota guy, as a good candidate. Looking at fundamentals, another RHC who takes draws takes pressure off Scheif, and if they can kill penalties that's a role the Jets will be looking at help with, as I think fundamentals again, having a RH centre doesn't pigeon hole a team into having their centres being forced into weak side draws, and you can't understate faceoffs on the PK as an area that is important for killing time, with intital possession. With Stastny I think he was veteran enough to win faceoffs anywhere, so if he came back that's one less area to consider.

Then you are left with those murky players Harkins, Toninato, Svetchnikov (who is in my opinion worth keeping around for offensive depth), Reichel fighting in TC. Barron probably has to make an impression to stay up, as he is waiver eligible, but he's probably feeling pretty good after the AHL playoffs.

But I look at last year, and Gustafsson did everything to win a TC spot, but because of Cap issues which forced a 22 player roster, and only one other player who could be demoted without waivers, Vesalainen, winning an opening spot, he was forced to play in the A.

I think the Jets need to take a good look at Gustafsson as a 4c before we look at Perfetti as a 3c, because there will only be one guy with a solid defensive record, if Perfetti moves into the middle, up the middle. God help us if he gets injured.

I also like the idea of part of the Jets identity being having the biggest centres in the Conference, if a coach wants to lean on their opposition a bit more, and it facilitates having a smaller defense, if the puck support is good.

That's my thoughts.

PS Edit: I agree about ice time distribution, I think that is a key factor in fatigue.

So a few thoughts.

First off is with it without Trotz. If we do get him at a higher price our playoff revenue will cover off his salary difference so he will pay GM for himself and more.

Also with a Trotz I don’t really care how he configures the lines. He has earned the right to do it his way. That being said he will need to ice 4 solid defensive lines that buy in. He will shuffel the deck until he gets that result.

Without Trotz I don’t want to stack my scoring on two lines. I think that leads this group to bad defensive habits and long shifts. I’m not sold that the 4th line you are noodling around gets much ice time. To me it’s more of the same thing we have been doing that has us as a bubble playoff team at best.

Like you said we have different approaches. Either way we need a coach that can break our team out of their funk. We were way too fun and easy to play against the last 3 seasons.

 

[Nickel eye Heel hers]

I think the Jets have to throw Perfetti into the fire this year and see if he can play C on the 2nd line.
It may be a rough season for the Jets with the possibility of having to trade a couple top 6 players. There's no harm in seeing if Perfetti can play C at the NHL level.

 

[bumblebeeman]

I think the Jets have to throw Perfetti into the fire this year and see if he can play C on the 2nd line.
It may be a rough season for the Jets with the possibility of having to trade a couple top 6 players. There's no harm in seeing if Perfetti can play C at the NHL level.

What about Scheifele and Dubois?

 

[Nickel eye Heel hers]

What about Scheifele and Dubois?

I'd trade Scheifele now, Wheeler as well if the rumors are true that he may not be opposed to a trade, Cap retained in a wheeler trade to make it work. I think the Jets need to rip the band aide off with some of these players. Perhaps the Jets can get assets back that will make it a retool and not a rebuild.

Dubois I keep until his last year of RFA and trade at the deadline for a 1ST and a B+ prospect or more if he's determined to try free agency.
I understand when Dubois leaves we're without a 1 C but it sounds like he's leaving one way or another anyways. Scheifele contract ends in 2 years as well and he isn't playing a 200 ft game.

 

[gojetsgo]

 

[surixon]

Not at all surprising. I figured he'd be told to focus on training as he likely has a big role.on the Jets waiting for him.

I'm a bit surprised with Lucious but maybe his recovery time was long from the injury.

 

[Guardian17]

That really sucks.

I was hoping he would play.

 

[Bob E]

I guess we’ll just have to watch whoever we draft tomorrow at the WJC.

 

[MardyBum]

Hoping for a healthy season for young Simba.

 

[Mud Turtle]

Hoping for a healthy season for young Simba.

I think he’s going to have a fantastic year if he stays healthy.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he puts up a 60 point season if he plays all 82 games. I’d love to see him feeding Kyle Connor all season long.

 

[Jetabre]

Minimum 50 points over 82. Time to shine Perfetti.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

Hoping for a healthy season for young Simba.

Nice reminder.

 

[NA Hockey]

Every point was primary and every assist was a great play. No freebies or gimmes, very impressive.

 

[Boonk]

God these two AHL seasons did wonders for him. You don't get this kind of development at his age in the OHL.

 

[ps241]

Easily the smartest forward on our team since Kyle Wellwood. A dual threat that can both pass and shoot is always so much more dangerous. He‘s only played 67 professional games since he was drafted which isn’t ideal for development but thankfully its really his body and skating that needed developing. Mark Scheifele got 34 points in 63 games in his draft + 3 season that Cole is going into. I think Perfetti will be as productive as his coach and the system lets him be this year. He is a rookie and we are playing to win with a defense first coach so my expectations are modest short term. I just want him to be healthy and continue to develop.

 

[TommyKillian]

Every point was primary and every assist was a great play. No freebies or gimmes, very impressive.

I know it's the trite comparison to make given Kucherov's superstar status, but I do see a little bit of Kucherov in Perfetti's game. The way they both time everything is what makes them so hard to defend. Players are always biting on small fakes or delays, and then Kucherov and Perfetti have the skill level to make a high-end play when the fakes or delays don't work. Neither are burners or rely on consistently overwhelming players with their skill (though they are both capable of that too) and they use their minds more than anything. I don't think Perfetti will ever score goals like Kucherov but there appear to be some similarities in how they think the game and make plays. I could see Perfetti pushing 90 points a couple times in his career.

 

[Joe Hallenback]

There was a stretch of games were Perfetti was absolutely robbed of 12 to 15 points because of the LACK of finish from Connor and PLD. That is saying something. Kid is going to be a real big producer

 

[GumbyCan2]

Oh great! "Up to the organization", eh. They've got this kid locked-in mesmorized, controlled. Next they will suggest he sits in the PrBx for start of the season and watches from above how lazy and "me-1st centric" his "mentor" Scheifele has become!

Pretty much said it's Chevy's call as to whether he goes or not. It will be interesting to see what the orgs plan is with him this summer.

 

[surixon]

I know it's the trite comparison to make given Kucherov's superstar status, but I do see a little bit of Kucherov in Perfetti's game. The way they both time everything is what makes them so hard to defend. Players are always biting on small fakes or delays, and then Kucherov and Perfetti have the skill level to make a high-end play when the fakes or delays don't work. Neither are burners or rely on consistently overwhelming players with their skill (though they are both capable of that too) and they use their minds more than anything. I don't think Perfetti will ever score goals like Kucherov but there appear to be some similarities in how they think the game and make plays. I could see Perfetti pushing 90 points a couple times in his career.

Kucherov is the player his junior coaching directly compared him to. I also see similarities in how they approach the game. Hopefully Cole develops into a star player for us, we definitely need a true star.

Oh great! "Up to the organization", eh. They've got this kid locked-in mesmorized, controlled. Next they will suggest he sits in the PrBx for start of the season and watches from above how lazy and "me-1st centric" his "mentor" Scheifele has become!

A couple of players have already been knocked out of the tournament with injuries. I'm quite ok with him not going and schooling some kids for two weeks while risking injury. As Chevy stated he's being expected to play a larger role this year on the Jets.

 

[GumbyCan2]

I'd trade Scheifele now, Wheeler as well if the rumors are true that he may not be opposed to a trade, Cap retained in a wheeler trade to make it work. I think the Jets need to rip the band aide off with some of these players. Perhaps the Jets can get assets back that will make it a retool and not a rebuild.

Dubois I keep until his last year of RFA and trade at the deadline for a 1ST and a B+ prospect or more if he's determined to try free agency.
I understand when Dubois leaves we're without a 1 C but it sounds like he's leaving one way or another anyways. Scheifele contract ends in 2 years as well and he isn't playing a 200 ft game.

Chaz "the Dazzling" Lucious will be ready in 2 years plus a few other ufa options or trade bait players could be available by then. Also, Gus & Perfetti could be/ should be solid center players by then, too.
Maybe McD will want out of Edmonton by then and we can trade Hellebuyck and Heinola and a draft pick for him? Doesn't hurt anyone to dream as long as you don't wake up during it!

 

[GumbyCan2]

Easily the smartest forward on our team since Kyle Wellwood. A dual threat that can both pass and shoot is always so much more dangerous. He‘s only played 67 professional games since he was drafted which isn’t ideal for development but thankfully its really his body and skating that needed developing. Mark Scheifele got 34 points in 63 games in his draft + 3 season that Cole is going into. I think Perfetti will be as productive as his coach and the system lets him be this year. He is a rookie and we are playing to win with a defense first coach so my expectations are modest short term. I just want him to be healthy and continue to develop.

Maybe with coaching actually knows how to teach and get results out of solid defenders, and the whole unit of each line, and a top-notch goalie playing to his potential again, Cole can play to his strengths and abilities more so...growing in his role and icetime and valu able minutes. With Stastny not returning and a possible ( hopeful) moving on from Captain Wheelies, the timing could prove prudent for Cole's rise quicker but steadily. Team improvement is the ultimate goal along with the youngsters rise to higher production.

 

[ps241]

Maybe with coaching actually knows how to teach and get results out of solid defenders, and the whole unit of each line, and a top-notch goalie playing to his potential again, Cole can play to his strengths and abilities more so...growing in his role and icetime and valu able minutes. With Stastny not returning and a possible ( hopeful) moving on from Captain Wheelies, the timing could prove prudent for Cole's rise quicker but steadily. Team improvement is the ultimate goal along with the youngsters rise to higher production.

Cole has his entire career ahead of him so he doesn’t need to concur Rome in a day. Team success is the key. That being said he is a sneaky good defender who anticipates well and can jump routes to force turn overs. I don’t think he will fall into Rick’s dog house from what I have seen.