To make the next step, what do we need?

[Flair Hay]

To me the biggest step we can take is to get a second center who you can trust as a high IQ tough matchups, shut down role that has top six skill.

It really tough to find. But it's the one gateway we have to easing the burden on Scheifele and Lowry lines, while getting more out of Ehlers.

I had really wanted Ryan O'Reilly for this reason - not sure what other options there are for this role around the league. It's a rare skill set.

Our team is right there. We were able to hang with Dallas and even carry more of the play, they just had one or two more offensive weapons, an X factor in Rantanen and a lot more experience. And we still were with them every step of the series.

 

[Whileee]

I think the off-season hinges on Ehlers, and perhaps Vilardi. If Vilardi wants to stay longer term, then I think the Jets will prioritize him (not necessarily what I would do).

If they re-sign Ehlers and Vilardi (along with Samberg), they won't have the cap space for a big UFA splash for a 2C like Nelson, Duchene, or even Bennett. Actually, I could see the Leafs using Marner's cap space to put a big offer on the table for Bennett.

If Ehlers is gone, then I could see the Jets looking at Duchene or Nelson as a 2C, even if they need to overpay somewhat. Either would add speed to the middle 6, which would be needed without Ehlers.

If Vilardi decides against a long-term commitment, I think the Jets will trade him now. They are pretty clear that they don't want to go back to a situation with players that don't want to be here. A Vilardi trade could perhaps help to fill a 2C or maybe a top 4 D slot (with DeMelo looking more like a 3rd pair D this year).

 

[Adam da bomb]

There seems to be a lot that can be done. Ultimately, the league doesn’t want us to win see game 3 and I’m thrilled with how it went. I think with a few more bounces, we could have taken Edmonton and matched well against Florida.
All the teams are great and only 1 can win.

 

[PaulPooley]

I think the off-season hinges on Ehlers, and perhaps Vilardi. If Vilardi wants to stay longer term, then I think the Jets will prioritize him (not necessarily what I would do).

If they re-sign Ehlers and Vilardi (along with Samberg), they won't have the cap space for a big UFA splash for a 2C like Nelson, Duchene, or even Bennett. Actually, I could see the Leafs using Marner's cap space to put a big offer on the table for Bennett.

If Ehlers is gone, then I could see the Jets looking at Duchene or Nelson as a 2C, even if they need to overpay somewhat. Either would add speed to the middle 6, which would be needed without Ehlers.

If Vilardi decides against a long-term commitment, I think the Jets will trade him now. They are pretty clear that they don't want to go back to a situation with players that don't want to be here. A Vilardi trade could perhaps help to fill a 2C or maybe a top 4 D slot (with DeMelo looking more like a 3rd pair D this year).

Did Vilardi ever indicate at any point that he wasn’t interested in staying?

 

[surixon]

I think the off-season hinges on Ehlers, and perhaps Vilardi. If Vilardi wants to stay longer term, then I think the Jets will prioritize him (not necessarily what I would do).

If they re-sign Ehlers and Vilardi (along with Samberg), they won't have the cap space for a big UFA splash for a 2C like Nelson, Duchene, or even Bennett. Actually, I could see the Leafs using Marner's cap space to put a big offer on the table for Bennett.

If Ehlers is gone, then I could see the Jets looking at Duchene or Nelson as a 2C, even if they need to overpay somewhat. Either would add speed to the middle 6, which would be needed without Ehlers.

If Vilardi decides against a long-term commitment, I think the Jets will trade him now. They are pretty clear that they don't want to go back to a situation with players that don't want to be here. A Vilardi trade could perhaps help to fill a 2C or maybe a top 4 D slot (with DeMelo looking more like a 3rd pair D this year).

Vilardi is the real wildcard here. I'm sure he loves his role here, but what does his partner want. There have been rumors that she isn't happy here. I guess we shall see what unfolds in the coming months.

 

[Whileee]

Vilardi is the real wildcard here. I'm sure he loves his role here, but what does his partner want. There have been rumors that she isn't happy here. I guess we shall see what unfolds in the coming months.

To be honest, I think the Jets might be stronger if they re-sign Ehlers and trade Vilardi to fill a need at 2C or top-4 D.

If Vilardi doesn't want to stay long-term, I expect the Jets to trade him now, rather than go through the same drama they had with Trouba and PLD.

 

[Whileee]

Did Vilardi ever indicate at any point that he wasn’t interested in staying?

Not that I've seen, but his interviews are always kind of reserved. Might be his personality.

 

[surixon]

To be honest, I think the Jets might be stronger if they re-sign Ehlers and trade Vilardi to fill a need at 2C or top-4 D.

If Vilardi doesn't want to stay long-term, I expect the Jets to trade him now, rather than go through the same drama they had with Trouba and PLD.

That is assuming Ehlers wants to stay. I really have no idea if he does or not.

 

[kylbaz]

Didn't Chevy hint that we tried for Nelson and he didn't want to come here? Or am I mixing him up?
I could see Vilardi wanting out. He loved it in LA and it's a big change.

 

[Mud Turtle]

I wish we would have given Barron a few games at 2C to see what he can do with more talented wingers.
He’s fast, strong and wins tough battles. We just need to find out if he can score surrounded by talent.
I know it may be a hot take but there’s a lot to like there. But you need to give guys a chance at least to see what they can do with it.

 

[surixon]

I wish we would have given Barron a few games at 2C to see what he can do with more talented wingers.
He’s fast, strong and wins tough battles. We just need to find out if he can score surrounded by talent.
I know it may be a hot take but there’s a lot to like there. But you need to give guys a chance at least to see what they can do with it.

His biggest problem in terms of playing with skilled players is he has tunnel vision. He likes to do things on his own. Most of his highlight plays are all individual in nature. You need read the game well and work well off of skilled players to play with skilled players.

 

[Board Bard]

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

In the NHL, the only issue bigger than having a sieve goalie is not having a team at all. If Helly needs a game off -- and clearly he did on several occasions -- then you give him the game off whether he wants it or not. He's a grown man, he can take it. And if he can't, then at that point you know definitively that you need a new goalie.

 

[tbcwpg]

Is it talent or the ability and want to step up. We arguably had the strongest four lines in hockey. It just seems other teams take it to the next level in the playoffs and ours just stayed the same.

I don't think it's about a desire to want to step up. They're just limited at their offensive abilities. The team is built in a very specific way - top line scores, 2nd line tries to take advantage of matchups, 3rd line is the checking line, 4th is the energy types. Tanev is fine at an energy role but he can't score. The 3rd line can't score much. Until the second half of this season, Ehlers was the only player on the 2nd line doing anything. It works during the season but in the playoffs it's way too tight and rigid to make up for the scoring if the top guys can't produce.

Vilardi is the real wildcard here. I'm sure he loves his role here, but what does his partner want. There have been rumors that she isn't happy here. I guess we shall see what unfolds in the coming months.

I don't think she's unhappy here, she's involved in Jets WAG stuff and is friends with other wags. Its just a shock going from Orange County to Winnipeg especially in winter.

Didn't Chevy hint that we tried for Nelson and he didn't want to come here? Or am I mixing him up?
I could see Vilardi wanting out. He loved it in LA and it's a big change.

Yes the reports were Chevy was very competitive for Nelson but he preferred Colorado.

 

[Daximus]

His biggest problem in terms of playing with skilled players is he has tunnel vision. He likes to do things on his own. Most of his highlight plays are all individual in nature. You need read the game well and work well off of skilled players to play with skilled players.

I still think it would be worth a shot but that ship has likely sailed as I think the Jets will pivot to a younger in house solution to the 2C problem. I expect Lambert gets a real long look next preseason to take the role.

 

[voyageur]

There seems to be a lot that can be done. Ultimately, the league doesn’t want us to win see game 3 and I’m thrilled with how it went. I think with a few more bounces, we could have taken Edmonton and matched well against Florida.
All the teams are great and only 1 can win.

With the exception of Carolina, who had the easiest path out of their division, the other 3 teams all loaded up at the deadline. Carolina kind of did, but ended up with Stankoven and picks for Rantanen. Florida now has to sign Bennett and Ekblad in the offseason. Dallas is going to lose some players. They are stuck with Seguin's contract unless they LTIR him, which is more than any player on the Jets makes, they have short term deals on Harley and Robertson to renew or move on from after next season. And no draft picks to make significant improvements with for the next 2 years.

Edmonton went all in at the deadline again. But next year is possibly the last year for Mc David in West, which would really open things up.

If you are Chevy you're not panicking. Make good hockey trades, draft well, and build chemistry. Only way Jets can stay near the top. And of course, stay healthy.

 

[surixon]

I still think it would be worth a shot but that ship has likely sailed as I think the Jets will pivot to a younger in house solution to the 2C problem. I expect Lambert gets a real long look next preseason to take the role.

They converted him to a full time winger on the Moose the last 20 or so games. If he's given a push it seems it will be at wing for next year.

I honestly have no clue what they are thinking as they appear to have given up on Brad at C and who knows what their thoughts are on Cole there as he did play some C last year when Namestnikov was injured.

Yager is atleast a year probably 2 away.

 

[Whileee]

Lots of uncertainties looking ahead.

Which vets are least likely to return?

My guesses: Appleton (UFA), Tanev (UFA), Schenn (trade).

 

[DRW204]

the UFA list at C is:
Tavares, Giroux, Nelson, Gourde, Granlund, Dvorak, Bennett, Duchene, and a whole lotta meh or worse.

who of the group would you pay a UFA style contract to?

 

[VictoriaJetsFan]

I think Helle's battling through playoff challenges was fantastic for him and he is over that mental hump. Would prefer a solid backup but we have needs in other areas.

I think we need a strong number 2 centre. So many have been tried, so few have worked. The last time we had a deep centre group was 2018. Miss Bryan Little so much.

IT would also set up Ehlers and Perdetti for further success. Maybe convince Ehlers to stay. That line isn't being maximized to its potential.

One guy I wondered about was Dylan Larkin, as he had choice words for the yzerplan at the end of the year. Is he tired of losing?

Does he have any relationship with Kyle Conner or Helle?

Another team I would approach is Tampa Bay. There re-tool isn't working, they keep getting smashed by Florida.

Would Braydon Point be interested in a change?

How about Anthony Cirelli?

Do they have the competitive fire left to win another cup?

If Ehlers does not re-sign the second line meeds major change. I think we need a big fish here, not a 40 point guy.

Toews can be signed for 40 points and his face off ability. If you do that do you part with Baron or Iafallo?

One of them would be an attractive part of a package.

 

[DRW204]

I think Helle's battling through playoff challenges was fantastic for him and he is over that mental hump. Would prefer a solid backup but we have needs in other areas.

I think we need a strong number 2 centre. So many have been tried, so few have worked. The last time we had a deep centre group was 2018. Miss Bryan Little so much.

IT would also set up Ehlers and Perdetti for further success. Maybe convince Ehlers to stay. That line isn't being maximized to its potential.

One guy I wondered about was Dylan Larkin, as he had choice words for the yzerplan at the end of the year. Is he tired of losing?

Does he have any relationship with Kyle Conner or Helle?

Another team I would approach is Tampa Bay. There re-tool isn't working, they keep getting smashed by Florida.

Would Braydon Point be interested in a change?

How about Anthony Cirelli?

Do they have the competitive fire left to win another cup?

If Ehlers does not re-sign the second line meeds major change. I think we need a big fish here, not a 40 point guy.

Toews can be signed for 40 points and his face off ability. If you do that do you part with Baron or Iafallo?

One of them would be an attractive part of a package.

Little scored 43 pts in 82 gp that year you referenced, and they still went out and got an upgrade in Stastny. Following year was similar, and they got Hayes. Namestnikov is 37 and 38 in 78 gp. there's barely any difference there.

i think lot of the trade targets you referenced from Detroit or TBL are a bit far-fetched IMO.

i do agree, if Ehlers dips, they need another top-end producer, unless they split Connor and Scheifele which i don't think anyone can confidently predict happening. They probably still need another higher end producer if Ehlers does stay i think.

It'd also have to likely come via trade as well which obviously has a) it's own challenges b/c of NTC/NMC and b) need to part with a pretty note-worthy or valuable piece.

 

[VictoriaJetsFan]

Little scored 43 pts in 82 gp that year you referenced, and they still went out and got an upgrade in Stastny. Following year was similar, and they got Hayes. Namestnikov is 37 and 38 in 78 gp. there's barely any difference there.

i think lot of the trade targets you referenced from Detroit or TBL are a bit far-fetched IMO.

i do agree, if Ehlers dips, they need another top-end producer, unless they split Connor and Scheifele which i don't think anyone can confidently predict happening. They probably still need another higher end producer if Ehlers does stay i think.

It'd also have to likely come via trade as well which obviously has a) it's own challenges b/c of NTC/NMC and b) need to part with a pretty note-worthy or valuable piece.

Well Little was the fourth line centre in the Nashville series whereas Namestnikov was the second liner.

I think your comparison is out of context.

I don't think another 40 point centre is going to cut it, I think a big name will be neccessary when we are in the third round next year going up against Draisaitl or McDavid. Larkin is appealing because he has the speed to keep up.

 

[DRW204]

Well Little was the fourth line centre in the Nashville series whereas Namestnikov was the second liner.

I think your comparison is out of context.

I don't think another 40 point centre is going to cut it, I think a big name will be neccessary when we are in the third round next year going up against Draisaitl or McDavid. Larkin is appealing because he has the speed to keep up.

namesntnikov got demoted as well once monahan came which was feb 2024 which would have been the 38 pt year. still not much different. this year namesntikov took a step back overall for sure. but regardless they need better than both of what they got out of namesnikov or little at 2c. the fact they're both getting demoted as we mentioned i think shows the Jets are looking for outside help.

 

[VictoriaJetsFan]

namesntnikov got demoted as well once monahan came which was feb 2024 which would have been the 38 pt year. still not much different. this year namesntikov took a step back overall for sure. but regardless they need better than both of what they got out of namesnikov or little. the fact they're both getting demoted as we mentioned i think shows the Jets are looking for outside help.

I think Namestnikov is a great depth piece and can fill in anywhere with injuries, want to keep him. Just lower down the line up.

 

[VictoriaJetsFan]

If Valarie signs elsewhere or wants out he would be ideal for a second line centre trade. If you could re-sign Ehlers let Lambert and Chibrikov fill in the right side, Lambert will have an easier adjustment playing wing. If they don't work, it's still so much easier getting a winger than a centre down the road.

 

[VictoriaJetsFan]

the UFA list at C is:
Tavares, Giroux, Nelson, Gourde, Granlund, Dvorak, Bennett, Duchene, and a whole lotta meh or worse.

who of the group would you pay a UFA style contract to?

Granlund looks pretty darn good.