Hunter368
RIP lomiller1, see you in the next life buddy.
- Nov 8, 2011
- 27,076
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Okay... but the counter argument to that is, if this team is so far away from being a contender this season, why waste reps on bad vets that both won’t be here long term AND aren’t getting any better? If this is the rebuilding or retooling year that so many people are preaching about, maybe giving reps to the guy who they hope will be a long term contributor for this team is the logical call. It’s not like they’d be rushing him at this point. This is his fourth or fifth pro season.
Normally I don’t disagree that some time in the AHL is needed for a lot of guys. The point that I try to make is that Connor and Niku are currently the same age. Connor went through this three seasons ago at age 20. Niku wasn’t ready then but he’s had two-plus dominant AHL seasons since. To me there really isn’t any reason for him to not be with the main club right now. He’d both be an upgrade to our current defensive lineup and in theory is also a long term middle pairing guy for this team. That’s the upside. Downside is keeping him in the AHL over inferior players, stagnating his development and alienating a guy who should be a major piece of our team going forward.It's a bit early to throw in the towel on the season right now. We should know a lot more about the direction the team is going by the end of November. The team has been pretty poor and is still within that 4 point playoff gap that is the benchmark at US Thanksgiving.
Starting in the AHL and then coming up to the NHL and sticking mid-season isn't an unusual path for an NHL prospect. Connor did it with this team.
Normally I don’t disagree that some time in the AHL is needed for a lot of guys. The point that I try to make is that Connor and Niku are currently the same age. Connor went through this three seasons ago at age 20. Niku wasn’t ready then but he’s had two-plus dominant AHL seasons since. To me there really isn’t any reason for him to not be with the main club right now. He’d both be an upgrade to our current defensive lineup and in theory is also a long term middle pairing guy for this team. That’s the upside. Downside is keeping him in the AHL over inferior players, stagnating his development and alienating a guy who should be a major piece of our team going forward.
I don't think Niku has Maurice`s confidence on the defensive side of the game, so I guess he'll have to improve there, before Maurice plays him ? I wonder why the Jet's aren't playing him.
In his pregame interview yesterday Maurice gushed about "Tony"(Bitteto)....how hard it was to sit a guy that has played so well and that "Tony" is and I quote "so important to the team". Niku isn't getting called up over Bitteto ever with Maurice.Why hasn't he been called up yet?? Should be healthy now from his preseason injury?
Don't understand why Bitetto plays and Niku is in AHL.
Bitetto is considerably better than Beaulieu and Sbisa (for now) in my opinion. But I agree he should be in the lineup.Why hasn't he been called up yet?? Should be healthy now from his preseason injury?
Don't understand why Bitetto plays and Niku is in AHL.
why are so many interested in his stats. that's not what the jets would be interested in if they decide to call him up. can he play defence is the only thing that matters. the only way I see this guy playing this year is because of injuries.View attachment 275133
8 points in 7 games. We need this guy on the Jets. C'mon management, this isn't a tea party featuring the politics of mincing courtiers' etiquette, manage this.
Why is that not a good way to measure his defensive impact?why are so many interested in his stats. that's not what the jets would be interested in if they decide to call him up. can he play defence is the only thing that matters. the only way I see this guy playing this year is because of injuries.
I don't quite know what to think about Niku's ability to play in the NHL. We never had a real long look at him. If he does however, I do not believe his future is with the Winnipeg Jets.
I think we all agree Ville is looking like a strong contender to make the team next year. With that being said, I suggest we will not see a long term defensive roster with Josh, Pionk, Ville and Niku. That foursome simply does not have enough size and bite in their game to bring long term success over the course of a season or the playoffs.
This is my opinion of course, but I also believe it is the opinion of our coach. Hence Bitetto.
Come on.Why is that not a good way to measure his defensive impact?
It's a bit early to throw in the towel on the season right now. We should know a lot more about the direction the team is going by the end of November. The team has been pretty poor and is still within that 4 point playoff gap that is the benchmark at US Thanksgiving.
Starting in the AHL and then coming up to the NHL and sticking mid-season isn't an unusual path for an NHL prospect. Connor did it with this team.
Come on.
What come on? Tell me how a defenseman scoring points doesn’t indicate his team has the puck most of the time he’s on the ice. You can continue to look at defensive play with tunnel vision but there are lots of ways to look at impact for a defenseman.Come on.