Using Perfetti as the reason why he doesn't trust Jets management and coaches to do what's right with his development is a bit weak IMO.
The Jets rolled into the playoffs with Connor, Ehlers, Nino, and Gus on LW and Vilardi, Tofolli, Appleton, and Iafallo on RW. Perfetti wasn't going to play on the 4th line, and really only could bump Gus who was seen as a strong defensive player, and decent PK'er option.
The AJF decision in game 4 was the only mis-step lineup wise and I'm sure Bones and Arniel recognize that and if they could have a mulligan on that decision, they would have gotten Cole in a game earlier. That said, its one game.
I see Cole having a big year this year cementing his spot in the top 6 and in the playoff lineup. That's a pretty good development path to me.
Given how shitty we played in the playoffs there were plenty of missteps.
I think Bones f***ed it up on a number of fronts. Needed to get his vet Toffoli back into the top 6 despite the KC Perfetti Monohan line sparking the team out of its late season loosing skid. So had to bench a player playing very good hockey and producing. Also needed to get Mark happy by bumping KC back up even though KC was having a lot of success on line two.
As such we went into the playoffs with a liability first line and a second line that couldn't keep up with the avs. Politics and biases ruled the day and we got caved in for it.
But yes I fully expect Cole to have a massive year and emerge as one of our best forwards and being rewarded for it accordingly.
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