To make the next step, what do we need?

[GaryPoppins]

It’ll be tough but this is what I’d like to see:

- Somehow get Dobson out of NY to anchor with Morrissey. We need more offence and size from the back end and this playoffs showcased that.
- Added LHD defensive help. Stanley is not the answer and this needs to end.
- Spend the assets to finally acquire a 2C/1B. Scheifele isn’t getting any younger and while Names did admirably, we could use some more offence generated from that line. This would let us shift Names to 3C/4C and being more offensive depth throughout the lineup
- Re-sign Ehlers
- Move on from Appleton
- Graduate Chibrikov to take Appletons spot
- Graduate Lambert
- Let Yager dominate the AHL unless he knocks down the door at camp.

 

[WolfHouse]

I really don't think it's about rest for helle, it seems like it has all to do with what's in between his ears, as soon as the playoffs started his game fell off a cliff, as we finally got over the round 1 hump he seemed to start turning a corner in the dallas series

But i think changing up his routine is important... and having a legit option to give helle a game off in the playoffs is important too

 

[gojetsgo]

But i think changing up his routine is important... and having a legit option to give helle a game off in the playoffs is important too

no, he just needs to get out of his head and plays like he does in the regular season, if he needs a game off then we have bigger issues

 

[HPsauce]

Toews took 2 years away from hockey due to long COVID and some sort of an inflammatory disease. He's done all sorts of healing during that time away. Apparently he's in good shape, and ready to play.

I would be extremely surprised if a player of his caliber is instantly a 4th line C all the sudden.

Multi cup winner, Gold medal winner, etc. he's been an elite two way player his entire career and not only that .. he is extremely passionate and driven to win. Captain Serious so to speak

He's a better 2C than Vald

 

[ocdaddy]

A 2C. Ehlers is bailing. Someone to center Fets.
Based on none available at the TD, I'm not holding my breath.

 

[RabidOne]

We can still hope that Ehlers does sign with us. I believe the Jets will definitely make him a fair offer.

I would personally love to see this team add Johnny Toews. I believe he is ready to go and wants to compete. He would be a very good 2nd C and likely still has a lot of good years left.

I believe Solomonsson will be getting a fair look next season.

I would love to see Toews with the Jets. But a 37 year old who hasnt played hockey in years is not going to be able to play at 2C level.

 

[voyageur]

It’ll be tough but this is what I’d like to see:

- Somehow get Dobson out of NY to anchor with Morrissey. We need more offence and size from the back end and this playoffs showcased that.
- Added LHD defensive help. Stanley is not the answer and this needs to end.
- Spend the assets to finally acquire a 2C/1B. Scheifele isn’t getting any younger and while Names did admirably, we could use some more offence generated from that line. This would let us shift Names to 3C/4C and being more offensive depth throughout the lineup
- Re-sign Ehlers
- Move on from Appleton
- Graduate Chibrikov to take Appletons spot
- Graduate Lambert
- Let Yager dominate the AHL unless he knocks down the door at camp.

I honestly don't think you'll ever see Chibrikov in a position where he's matched up defensively against the league's best players. Lowry is such a defensive ace, Chibrikov is still not a defensively sound player.

Instead of spending all the assets, I might try

Connor-Scheif-Vilardi (arbitration)

Ehlers-Lowry-Iafallo (that's a plus line in hard matchups, if Ehlers is a team player he'd sacrifice scoring for winning, but also get more chances to fly the gaps with good defensive players)

Perfetti-Namestnikov-Chibrikov (secondary scoring)

Nino-Barron-RH shot (Kupari or Ford, maybe even Appleton)

Same defense but Fleury-Schenn ahead of Stanley-Miller.

Heinola demoted to the Moose, to have a quality LD to play with Salomonsson.

Gustafsson demoted to the Moose. To help Wagner develop on the defensive side.

Draft a Center.

Adjust at the deadline.

I agree give Yager the development year.

 

[sipowicz]

I honestly don't think you'll ever see Chibrikov in a position where he's matched up defensively against the league's best players. Lowry is such a defensive ace, Chibrikov is still not a defensively sound player.

Instead of spending all the assets, I might try

Connor-Scheif-Vilardi (arbitration)

Ehlers-Lowry-Iafallo (that's a plus line in hard matchups, if Ehlers is a team player he'd sacrifice scoring for winning, but also get more chances to fly the gaps with good defensive players)

Perfetti-Namestnikov-Chibrikov (secondary scoring)

Nino-Barron-RH shot (Kupari or Ford, maybe even Appleton)

Same defense but Fleury-Schenn ahead of Stanley-Miller.

Heinola demoted to the Moose, to have a quality LD to play with Salomonsson.

Gustafsson demoted to the Moose. To help Wagner develop on the defensive side.

Draft a Center.

Adjust at the deadline.

I agree give Yager the development year.

No Appleton! No!

 

[tbcwpg]

Just look at Florida. How many different players have a goal in the playoffs for them? Matthew Tkachuk got no goals in this series against the Leafs, and Barkov didn't score after Game 3. But look at the names on the scoresheet in games 5 and 7 for them: Kulikov, Mikkola, Greer, Boqvist. Even tonight some guy named Gadjovich scored in game 7.

It's not just depth but depth that can score goals. Right now I don't trust 7 or 8 of the forwards at any given time to score, and in the playoffs, the D was contributing very little offence.

 

[WolfHouse]

no, he just needs to get out of his head and plays like he does in the regular season, if he needs a game off then we have bigger issues

Glad you have the answer...