The winners of the goaltending duel eventually came out as being Nikolai Khabibulin and Ilya Bryzgalov. The Russian pair were both solid for the Coyotes and Bryzgalov (assuming we have Tippett coaching) will likely be the starter in this scenario...though if this team ever made the playoffs I think we know who to go with. Thanks to the 1000+ who voted, was pretty surprised by the numbers.
For the defense Tessier told me that I should use the old Jets history. I’m honestly not the most familiar with the Jets of old so if I don’t have some players I should; don’t hesitate to call my arse out. Just a heads up, this is a fan voted team, so I won’t be having a poll then ignoring the results to make my own squad, I’ll only set up the lines. The reason I want it like this is that the fans know their favourites.
Alright let’s pick the D
1. Keith Yandle – The Coyotes top defenseman for awhile may be young, but he should be in the running for the all-time squad. After a slow rookie year, Yandle has improved his game each year becoming more and more of a complete player. He has 43 goals and 223 points in 365 games for the Coyotes which was highlighted by a 59 point campaign in 2010-2011 which saw him come in third for defense scoring. The best part about Yandle however is that he’s always got it done in the playoffs.
2. Teppo Numminen – I feel a bit bad putting him on the list since he should be a lock. Numminen might be the best defender to ever play for Phoenix, he’s a legend that brought supreme consistency to the organization from his days in the Peg to his end in 2002 for the Yotes. He played for the franchise from 1988-2002 playing 1098 games and adding 534 points.
3. Fredrick Olausson – One of the better offensive defenders to grace the Jets, Olausson enjoyed 8 seasons and played 496 games with an impressive 335 points. He had several great years including four seasons with 12, 15, 16 and 20 goals. Defensively he could be erratic, but man could he move the puck.
4. Ed Jovanovski – Well I know three teams that will claim him as theirs, and perhaps rightfully so, JovoCop moved around in his career. He had some great years in Phoenix including 3 years with over 10 goals. He had his best statistical season here in 2007 where he garnered 51 points. While his offense was always nice he showed that he could play a mean solid game, by the end of his years with Phoenix his knees were looking shot and he was very slow, but remember him before age/injury caught up and you’ll find a great defender.
5. Adrian Aucoin – When he came to the team he was already old and on the downswing of his career, he used to be a lethal offensive defenseman, but he didn’t have it left in him. Yet Aucoin was able to re-invent himself into a hardnosed defensive defender in his remaining years and was heavily relied on by Tippett. He was (Until OEL) the anchor of the PK and was usually out for shutdown scenarios. He was a great warrior for the club and helped them make the playoffs all three years he played.
6. Oliver Ekman-Larsson – This is just a plug since he’s becoming a number one defenseman. OEL brings that fantastic two-way game that is just great to watch. His development has been nuts and he was the ice-time leader on a team that went to the WCF’s at 20. He probably doesn’t deserve it yet, but soon...soon.
7. Dave Babych – The second overall pick in the 1980 draft was an immediate impact player for the Jets. He had six great years in the high flying scoring era. His best year was his sophomore season potting 19 goals and 68 points. Only in his rookie year did he not score at least 50 points. He also led the team in scoring as the Jets won their first playoff round in franchise history in 1984-1985.
8. Randy Carlyle – Carlyle would end his career in Winnipeg and have some very good years. Though he never could recapture his Norris form of 1981 he was still a great defender. With 5 straight years over 40 points and years of 13, 16, 16, 15 goals he and Babych provided a powerful pair in the playoff run of 1984-85. The fiery tough-nosed defender showed he also had a great mind and became an assistant coach in 1995, currently he`s the Head Coach of the Leafs.
9. Phil Housley – Another guy almost every team will clamor for. One of the best American players of all time, Housley had a ridiculous three years for the Jets. He amassed a nasty 259 points in 232 games from 1990-1993. He had two seasons of 23 goals and one of 18 where he had 97 points his career high. He was an All-Star each season for the Jets and earned his only Norris nomination in 1992.
10. Zbynek Michalek – Z may never get recognized for his stabilizing skills, but he was a huge piece on the turnaround of the franchise. He acted as a top-pairing defender through some rough years. His penalty killing skills are top notch and his positioning fantastic. He even has a bit of offense in him. All around he`s a solid defensive defender, glad he`s back on the team. The undrafted Czech had his best year in 2005 with 9 goals and 24 points.
11. Dave Ellett – In 475 games Ellett posted 95 goals and 299 points including in the 1990 Smythe Division semi-final where he scored one of the most memorable goals in Jets history in second overtime against the Oilers putting them up 3-1 in the series. With the Jets he had 6 seasons of over 10 goals straight including a 22 goal year 1988.
12. Paul Bissonnette – Yes he`s actually a defenseman. Confused me too. Hell, did you know he was on the Gold winning U-18 team and CHL Top Prospects Game in 2002-2003? What the hell happened? Boobies...or twitter. Not sure which.
Remember to pick 6
Thanks for reading.
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I have an Aleksandr Barkov blog ready for Monday, showing how he might be the best Finnish forward since Teemu.
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