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Updated Jets Rumours and Wishlist |
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The Winnipeg Jets have needs, that much is sure. They must upgrade in some capacity between the pipes and they must add depth on defence and possible bottom forwards. As it stands this is what the roster looks like.
Laine, Scheifele, Wheeler
Perreault, Little, Ehlers
Matthias, Lowry, Armia
Petan, Copp, Dano
Morrissey Byfuglien
Enstrom Trouba
Chiarot Myers
Hellebuyck
Hutchinson
The question marks that come into play are that of Kyle Connor, Brandon Tanev, Mark Stuart, Jack Roslovic, and Paul Postma. There needs to be an extra forward and defence for the opening roster and it makes sense that if a contract between the Jets and Tanev becomes a reality that he is the guy or Kyle Connor, perhaps even Roslovic.
The defence situation gets a little murky as there is no evidence the Jets seem to be talking to Paul Postma. Given his usage and ice time over the years, and the recent desire across the league for RHD, I'm sure he sees an opportunity. Postma did play in 65 games last year which was his career high for GP. The thing about Postma is even though he played 65 games his ice time was very low. Like Nic Petan only Chris Thorburn had less minutes per game than Postma of players playing in over 50 games for the Jets.
Postma would be a great to keep but it seems unlikely and from the player's perspective I get it. He's 28 and this is likely his only time to cash in if he can. Some team will get a very good puck mover who with the right partner could see his sub-standard numbers in shot suppression and ice-time rise considerably.
The needs though are there and particularly on the left side for the defence corps. It's not hard to see as Mark Stuart, in the final year of his contract, is the lone option before looking to Melchiori or deeper. So who are the Jets looking at?
It's been reported that the Jets have reached out or shown interest in Kulikov from the Sabres. This seems to be the Stu.0 (Stu point O) move as the two players are so similar. The upside is Kulikov may be better at suppressing shots in his end and not at both ends like Stu.
In that end of the ice the Jets are believed to have reached out to goalies Steve Mason and Brian Elliot as well. Either would not be a bad option but Elliot clearly is the better of the two and the preferred option but at age 32 how long will he want on a deal and at how much? If we look at past history with the Jets and older UFA players Chevy has had an uncanny knack for getting two-year deals (Jokinen and Stafford) at semi-reasonable rates (4-4.5 million per year).
Before this past season Elliot has put up way higher than league average numbers but that was also in a situation that may have favoured goalies with Ken Hitchcock and the Blues. Does he still have that magic, or something close to it with Paul Maurice and Wade Flaherty guiding the ship? That's the gamble in any deal for Elliot, and of course price.
The other rumour that was bantered around on social media was the Jets being interested in Vanek and Hanzal. Like many scenarios at this time of year this one seems a bit goofy to say the least. Vanek is coming off a 6.5 million deal and 48 points at age 33, is he willing to sign in Winnipeg at a huge payout and to play 3rd line minutes with hopes of more? Would he be used at 2nd line RW and moving Ehlers back to LW and dropping Perreault?
What about Hanzal? A LW or Centre that will likely get a raise from his 3.1 million deal. He is a year older than Bryan Little and a bit better in some categories but does he upset the apple cart in terms of hierarchy? Would it mean the end of Little in Winnipeg, a player that has said he would sign an extension here? Adding Hanzal at no personnel expense would be an amazing depth move but what does that say to guys like Roslovic and with a draft and develop model do the Jets want to get too tied up in deals that could affect their process?
Defence Wishlist
There are a few names that might make sense and one that has not been mentioned much is Michael Del Zotto. A left shot UFA defenseman that compares nicely to a 3-6 type role or higher. Coming off a 3.8 million salary it would be pricey and the Jets have a LOT of money on the blue line so it's more of a hope than a possibility.
Brendan Smith has had his name mentioned by Jets fans. He's a 28 year old LHD who is excellent at shot suppression and not bad at shot generation but not much of a point generator. Is he some one who could fit with Myers on third pairing perhaps but is he cap friendly to the Jets coming off a 2.75 million deal?
Another name Jets fans have muttered is Patrick Wiercioch and perhaps coming out of the train wreck that is the Avalanche there is an affordable reclamation project for the Jets. At this point in his career he compares with a 3rd pairing player but is there more to him? Looking at his number with the Senators he seemed to be able to do what Del Zotto and Smith do but at a far cheaper price. Not a scorer but moves the puck well enough to get some decent assists and with a third pairing player isn't that the most you can ask for?
As for goalies, you can see above for wish list option in Elliot and Mason.
For forwards this is tricky because at what point do the Jets go all-in with their prospects and depth as opposed to adding role players/hole fillers? Chevy moved heaven and earth to keep Enstrom and Dano and with the under appreciated/used Petan is it not time to give these guys the ice time and roles to excel as opposed to minimal usage based on continual auditions?
We're only a few days away and things should be lively for the Jets, after all this is the summer of Chevy and he's got a contract extension to work for as well.
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • 
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