Speculation: Jets Free Agents

[Digital Kid]

Nicolaj Ehlers. Alex Iafallo. Mason Appleton. Vlad Namestikov. Neal Pionk.

Those are the major UFA players.

Is there *any* indication of negotiations, possible signings for any of them?

I like Appleton's development, but the other four are extremely important pieces.

With this season going so well, trading them for picks or other players seems inconceivable.

It would be horrible if all those guys left.

I would anticipate Namestikov would be the one most eager to return because his career has rebounded in WPG.

My guess is GM Cheveldayoff is keeping things very low key so as to not take away the focus the players have for the Central Division playoff seeding, but wow, this is one of the biggest all-or-nothing gambles possibly in a looong time.

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[Tasteless Beaver]

The Jets do everything very quietly, we won't hear much until deals are done. They are a deep team with lots in the pipeline, so that gives some flexibility on letting some of these guys walk if they want to play hardball. Everyone is replaceable except for Pionk, in my opinion, but with that said, Chevy is taking this lineup (and more) into the playoffs. We won't sell any of these as rentals.

Ehlers - his issue is that he's a playoff ghost. He'll never be a 1st liner in Winnipeg despite all the talent to do it, someone may pay him in UFA as such. I genuinely fear Montreal will overpay him massively, and that he'll go. We can hope that Lambert or Chibrikov can play the role.
Iafollo - I don't think he's worth $4m, but he fits the system well. May go UFA and loop back?
Appleton - likely gone, he's probably overpaid for his production and I don't think the team sees enough value. He wasn't good in Seattle, but carved out a good defensive role here. May find someone to pay him the same as he already makes?
Namestnikov - may want a pay bump due to being used as a productive 2C. He fits anywhere in the lineup and is good value, I think he signs again if his expectations are the same.
Pionk - has been a great fit since he was traded to Winnipeg. I don't see why he would want to leave, or why the team would let him walk. Most likely to get re-signed. DeMelo/Pionk/Salomonsson/Miller would be a good 1-4 lineup down the right next year.

 

[TheNumber4]

If I was WPG i'd be pretty nervous about that much potential turnover. But Chevy always surprises by doing a great job in a tough-to-GM market.

 

[Blitzkrug]

Ehlers is going to be the interesting one to watch because even with all the info/tape we have on him, I honestly couldn't tell you what he's actually worth as a UFA.

If I recall, the murmurs of him being unhappy started with feeling like he wasn't being given enough ice time last year. His ice time isn't up but his production is to the point he's on pace for a career best. He's also a fixture on the Jets top power play unit.

He's generally better at even strength.(54 of his 61 points last year came 5 on 5) But then he's also incredibly hot and cold to the point he's probably not a top line forward? Injuries are also a concern too. He's been in the league 9 seasons and has only played 82 games 3 times.

Is he worth more than he's making now? You could easily argue either. He's probably more of a complimentary player than driver so I'd be careful on the dollar amount

Winnipeg might be forced to choose between re-signing him or Connor given he's a UFA next summer. Don't envy Chevy at all in the coming months.