Peter Tessier: Balancing Act- the forwards. First look at who the Jets will balance the roster with so many players signed and so few spots available.

The one thing to remember is that both Dano and Copp can be sent down without going thru waivers. So they will have to seriously outplay or show more versatility than the likes of Burmistrov, Thorburn, Howden, Mathias and Armia. If they don't show that they deserve to stay more than the others mentioned, it's easier to send them to the Moose for the time being rather than lose someone for nothing.

Might wanna throw Connor into the mix. I'd say he's at least 50-50 to make the team out of training camp.

Unless your using some form of new math. I count 20 players on your list not 18. Nor surprisingly did you include Connor. The NHL allows for 23 man active rosters not 22 & most carry the limit unless cap issues force them to do otherwise.

The business side of hockey is always in play until injuries or trades come into play. Players that have waiver rights will stay with the big club unless Winnipeg wants to lose said player on waivers. That for me means Armia sticks. I don't know what that means for Lipon who now has waiver rights.

Capfriendly currently shows 15 forwards & of the 1's shown on the roster the only 1's waiver eligible are Ehlers who's a lock to stay, Copp & Laine. I don't see Dano on the opening night roster as his waiver eligible baring injuries between now & the drop of the puck. Copp may have to go down to get roster compliant initially & laine will be given every opportunity to stick but if not ready see's no more than 9 games.

My opening night roster.

Ehler's, Scheifele, Wheeler.
Perreault, Little, Stafford.
Laine, Burmistrov, Armia.
Matthias, Lowry, Thorburn.
Spare. Peluso.

Move the wingers around as you wish.

This something I read somewhere else:

Laine-Scheifele-Wheeler
Connor-Little-Ehlers
Stafford-Perreault-Dano
Matthais-Lowry-Armia
Burmistrov-Thorburn

That gives Laine and Connor the best chance to excel as they'll have the best linemates (Ehlers also prefers RW). This is of course assuming Connor is ready, and does unfortunately see Copp get sent down (Lowry is on a one way or else he'd be sent down instead), and Petan not making it. That said, I expect both Copp and Petan to see NHL time this year with Stafford (and maybe Thorburn?) gone at the deadline.
Stafford is on his off wing as Dano has shown himself to be WAAAY better as a RW than anywhere else, whereas Stafford can play both wings and won't be here by years end anyway.

Ehlers Scheifele Wheeler
Laine Little Stafford
Perreault Matthias Armia
Howden Lowry Burmi

Extras - Lipon Thorburn

Connor starts with Moose, unless a forward or two gets traded for some D depth between now and the season opener.

Where do you Jets fans see the Trouba situation going? Is there a good chance he is moved or is he going no where? And if he might go, what would the Jets be looking for?

Where do you Jets fans see the Trouba situation going? Is there a good chance he is moved or is he going no where? And if he might go, what would the Jets be looking for?
- beaumatters

Well he is an rfa so he's either got to sign in Winnipeg for a bridge deal or a long term deal. I'm starting to believe he's thinking about his long term career and wants to be the man in Winnipeg. He doesn't seem to want to play on the left side where the team needs him and if he wants the big minutes. If I was a betting man I'd say he signs a bridge deal and the kid shows us he deserves a big payday.

If he was to go somewhere I actually think that Edmonton is a good place for him where he will definitely get top 4 minutes on the right side where the team is weak. As for what Edmonton would be willing to send back in a package I'm not sure. Right now a team would have to bet on him being a future star which we haven't quite seen from him yet. Personally I'd love to see a trouba for pulujurvi deal, I'm sure Edmonton fans would disagree. I see it working well for both sides though, Jesse and patrik can play together. With that being said our front end is a logjam right now and we should probably get a young lhd back.

Peter where does Connor fall into your article, Likelies or Questions?

Where do you Jets fans see the Trouba situation going? Is there a good chance he is moved or is he going no where? And if he might go, what would the Jets be looking for?
- beaumatters

If he were to get traded, the return would have to include a D, preferably a LHD, someone who is under team control for minimum 4-5 years.

Well he is an rfa so he's either got to sign in Winnipeg for a bridge deal or a long term deal. I'm starting to believe he's thinking about his long term career and wants to be the man in Winnipeg. He doesn't seem to want to play on the left side where the team needs him and if he wants the big minutes. If I was a betting man I'd say he signs a bridge deal and the kid shows us he deserves a big payday.

If he was to go somewhere I actually think that Edmonton is a good place for him where he will definitely get top 4 minutes on the right side where the team is weak. As for what Edmonton would be willing to send back in a package I'm not sure. Right now a team would have to bet on him being a future star which we haven't quite seen from him yet. Personally I'd love to see a trouba for pulujurvi deal, I'm sure Edmonton fans would disagree. I see it working well for both sides though, Jesse and patrik can play together. With that being said our front end is a logjam right now and we should probably get a young lhd back.
- JetsAvs

Hey thanks, very informative. I am an Edmonton fan and Pulujurvi would be a tough sell as the Oilers right side is not vey deep, he adds size to the top 6 (we need that) and is a play maker / scorer. Jesse and Patrik in Winnipeg would be scary though and even bring back Nilsson and Hedberg memories. Thanks for your insight.

If he were to get traded, the return would have to include a D, preferably a LHD, someone who is under team control for minimum 4-5 years.
- mcjags

Thanks. Only guys we have like that are Sekera (NTC & older player so I doubt the Jets would be interested), Klefbom (I can't see Edmonton moving him), so that would leave Nurse on an ELC. (again, tough guy to move from an Oiler stand point and Oilers would have to sweeten the pot) Interesting. Thanks for your opinion.

The forward question for the Jets is nice..... nice to have depth and very nice to think a 3rd line and maybe even 4th line can be rellavant.

I struggle with my line-up but I know I want Connor and Armia in the top 9.

Jets really need to look at finding a LHD and Anaheim is getting very eager to move Fowler. Would be a great additon and could team with Trouba.

C - Schiefele, Little, Perreault, Lowry
RW - Wheeler, Armia, Stafford, Thorburn
LW - Ehlers, Laine, Dano, Matthias

Spares - Burmistrov, Howden

Here's why I did not put Connor or Roslovic in the list.

How well are they going to have to play to unseat some one? The answer is as good as a 1st or second line player and then they have to be able to hold their own in the league with no pro experience. That's not an easy task and we saw what happened with Nic Petan last year as he wowed in camp but could not handle the game.

With Connor I have concerns about his size and readiness the skill is there but is he 'ready'? I'd prefer him to lear the 200 foot game in the AHL and I think that goes the same with Roslovic. There's no shame in that but honestly- how much risk do you expect Chevy to take with waivers and burying salary in the AHL?

Not that much.

The Moose could be fun to watch this season.
Petan, Kosmachuk, DeLeo, Copp, Connor, Lemieux, Roslovic, Lipon, Tanev...

Here is how I see the lines playing out for the Jets this year:

Ehlers-Scheifele-Wheeler
Laine-Little-Armia
Perreault-Burmistrov-Stafford
Matthias-Lowry-Dano

I know people on this board have been knocking Burmistrov, but I really think he is going to turn some major heads this year. you can keep this post and repost it when the season is over.

I also think that Connor and Roslovic would be served well to play at least one year in the A. The Jets will be marginally better this year and will be awesome come the 2017-18 season.

As much as some people want Connor to make the team this year, I don't think it happens. He's still on the small side, and there are too many guys who want spots this year. Same could be said about Roslovic.

I think Mathias makes the team almost 100%. Howden is probably 50/50 at this point, but both of those guys seem to really want to play here. I don't think they would have signed in Winnipeg if there was a good chance they'd be stuck with the Moose.

I think Stafford gets moved, maybe sooner than later. I also think that a handful of these prospects get moved, possibly...there are just so many fringe players right now. Burmi / Thorburn also come to mind.

I also think Armia is overrated, and should be traded while his value is still high. Same goes for Copp. I know a lot of Jets fans are really high on Copp, but whatever.

Apparently I think a lot. Or, at least I like to think so.

Here is how I see the lines playing out for the Jets this year:

Ehlers-Scheifele-Wheeler
Laine-Little-Armia
Perreault-Burmistrov-Stafford
Matthias-Lowry-Dano

I know people on this board have been knocking Burmistrov, but I really think he is going to turn some major heads this year. you can keep this post and repost it when the season is over.

I also think that Connor and Roslovic would be served well to play at least one year in the A. The Jets will be marginally better this year and will be awesome come the 2017-18 season.
- TheUltimateJet

answer me this;

if you have Burmi "turning major heads" this year you are obviously suggesting he will be greatly improved? I think most fans expect Ehlers and Sheif to be better and continue growing. I think it's also safe to say most NHL experts expect Laine to step in and make a difference. Now, if Lowry, Armia, Thorburn, Dano and who ever else do not show there worth or improvement I think 100% they will be put on waivers or sent down and swapped out for Petan, Lemieux, Connor, howden, again whoever. so with all this being said, how will we only be marginally better?

Jets fans expect the d to be solid, we have guys like Morrisey, Kitchten, Melchiori pushing. Jets fan hope and expect Helly to grab the number one spot and be better so again? how can we only be marginally better?

so unless Wheeler, Little, Perrault, Buff, Myers and Enstrom all fall off a cliff and nose dive. I'm expecting this team to be significantly better!!!

answer me this;

if you have Burmi "turning major heads" this year you are obviously suggesting he will be greatly improved? I think most fans expect Ehlers and Sheif to be better and continue growing. I think it's also safe to say most NHL experts expect Laine to step in and make a difference. Now, if Lowry, Armia, Thorburn, Dano and who ever else do not show there worth or improvement I think 100% they will be put on waivers or sent down and swapped out for Petan, Lemieux, Connor, howden, again whoever. so with all this being said, how will we only be marginally better?

Jets fans expect the d to be solid, we have guys like Morrisey, Kitchten, Melchiori pushing. Jets fan hope and expect Helly to grab the number one spot and be better so again? how can we only be marginally better?

so unless Wheeler, Little, Perrault, Buff, Myers and Enstrom all fall off a cliff and nose dive. I'm expecting this team to be significantly better!!!
- Ross77

I think Burmistrov improved significantly as last season progressed. He played his best once he was put back at centre. I think the Jets will be marginally better due to goaltending. We are going to have no choice but to play Pavelec. Once he is gone, then I see the team improving. I think Hellebuyck and Comrie will split equal time in the minors and there is no way the Jets would risk losing Hutchison to waivers with the pending expansion draft on the horizon.

I think Burmistrov improved significantly as last season progressed. He played his best once he was put back at centre. I think the Jets will be marginally better due to goaltending. We are going to have no choice but to play Pavelec. Once he is gone, then I see the team improving. I think Hellebuyck and Comrie will split equal time in the minors and there is no way the Jets would risk losing Hutchison to waivers with the pending expansion draft on the horizon.
- TheUltimateJet

i dont undestand the have to play Pav argument? i agree we will not put hutch on waivers because we need a goalie to expose to expansion but Pav can absolutely be put on waivers and when he clears be sent down!!! no excuses!! if Helly is the best goalie play him.

I think Burmistrov improved significantly as last season progressed. He played his best once he was put back at centre. I think the Jets will be marginally better due to goaltending. We are going to have no choice but to play Pavelec. Once he is gone, then I see the team improving. I think Hellebuyck and Comrie will split equal time in the minors and there is no way the Jets would risk losing Hutchison to waivers with the pending expansion draft on the horizon.
- TheUltimateJet

and i diagree about Burmi, he will not be better. I would actually prefer giving Dano a chance at center!! he was drafted as a center but has never been given the chance after being drafted. Dano played center in the world Championships and played well!! he was good at faceoffs to. I see more potential with Dano than Burmi so I'd spend the time seeing what he can do there first.

and i diagree about Burmi, he will not be better. I would actually prefer giving Dano a chance at center!! he was drafted as a center but has never been given the chance after being drafted. Dano played center in the world Championships and played well!! he was good at faceoffs to. I see more potential with Dano than Burmi so I'd spend the time seeing what he can do there first.
- Ross77

I do know that last year when Burmistrov was paired with Perreault and Dano, the trio was extremely tough to play against. Could make for one of the toughest third lines in the league.

and i diagree about Burmi, he will not be better. I would actually prefer giving Dano a chance at center!! he was drafted as a center but has never been given the chance after being drafted. Dano played center in the world Championships and played well!! he was good at faceoffs to. I see more potential with Dano than Burmi so I'd spend the time seeing what he can do there first.
- Ross77

I'm one of the few people who still like Burmi. He gets chances and can control play (to a limited extent), but just has no finish. He's a good option depending on what kind of role he's expected to play...and who knows, once a player starts finding the back of the net, sometimes that confidence comes back and it just keeps happening. He has a lot more skill than some players, which you can't always teach....

I think that he'll get a chance again this year, and if there are no clear signs of improvement, he's gone. There are a lot of other teams who would probably be willing to give him a shot, especially if the asking price is low.