Peter Tessier: Jets Defense Predictions Taking a look at the Jets defense what it might be like this coming season.

Fist it good

I think the big thing here is that we no longer need guys like Buff to play 28-30 minutes a game. We have a much more balanced D and this year I don't think anyone of them will be playing more than 25 minutes a game. The bonus of this is that the energy levels will be much higher overall which will show real benefits in the later half of games, on back to backs , and as the season wears on. If all of them stay healthy this could be a real bonus come playoff time ( yes ...Playoffs !) .

As for the PP. I think Morrissey is really capable of taking a step up here. He's very good a moving the puck, finding the lanes, and has a good shot. I think it will be Myers that will see reduced ice time on the PP .

I know that the Jets were the 2nd most injured team in the NHL last year and had the worst schedule of anyone. It cost them a lot of points. However, the other real reason they didn't make the playoffs was their anemic penalty killing unit and so so PP. If they can improve those specialty teams even 20% this season then they will finish in the top three in the Central division. We now have the talent to get to the dance. Maurice and staff's number one priority is spent a ton of time getting those specialty teams to a much higher level. The rest will be gravy.

I'd like to point out real quick that the Jets brutal schedule in the early going meant an easier schedule in the back half of the season. Injuries aren't an excuse when the coaches don't play the guys they should.
Enstrom goes down while Morrissey keeps getting better? Better move Chairot to the top pair, Stuart on the PK, and maybe JoMo gets 30 seconds of PP time.
Power play can't seem to score and you've got Dano and Petan needing more minutes? Lowry on the PP.
It won't matter who we have on hand if the guys behind the bench continue to fail strategy wise and make horrible lineup decisions.

I go with the 44-8, 39-33, DK-57 pairings.

5 on 5
Morrissey-Trouba=23minutes
Enstrom-Byfuglien=21 minutes
Kulikov-Myers=16 minutes

PP minutes, in order of appearance/frequency
Trouba
Byfuglien
Morrissey

PK minutes, same order
Morrissey-Trouba
Enstrom
Myers
Byfuglien

What about either Tucker Poolman or Sami Niku showing up to camp and beating out Nogier for that 7th spot?

What about either Tucker Poolman or Sami Niku showing up to camp and beating out Nogier for that 7th spot?
- Rossco311

Wouldn't they have to beat out Nogier and Chiarot? I think Niku will need time with the Moose to get used to NA ice and Poolman will need to learn the pro game and make sure he get's comfortable after having double shoulder surgery. I'd be surprised if it didn't take him at least a quarter of the season to not be thinking about his shoulders and trying to protect himself instead of just playing.

Keep Myers and Kulikov away from eachother.

Both are good puck carriers who need a stay at home along side of them

Unless you want to play a 9mil 3rd pairing 15 minutes a night, seems like a good idea to split them up.

The defensive pairings:

Morrissey-Trouba
Kulikov-Byfuglien
Enstrom-Myers

Much depends on Trouba's status. If he re-signs, then Myers may need to be moved.

What about either Tucker Poolman or Sami Niku showing up to camp and beating out Nogier for that 7th spot?
- Rossco311

That's a good point. Poolman is 24 so he could but she ready for pro grind after 4 years of college? Hopefully but he likely needs time on Moose.

Yeah the double shoulder surgery for Poolman definitely has to factor into it, I wasn't thinking of how he might play with that on his mind, hopefully it won't limit him too much.

I was thinking Niku having played in Liiga for a couple years might be able to adapt relatively quickly, already used to playing against men.

It's probable that at the beginning of the season Nogier/Chiarot would edge these guys out based on their age/experience, but I'd be happy to accept a surprise

The bottom line for me is that it's nice to have some prospects to talk about on the D side, Jets are developing some great depth!

That's a good point. Poolman is 24 so he could but she ready for pro grind after 4 years of college? Hopefully but he likely needs time on Moose.
- Peter.Tessier

Mcjags reminded me about the double shoulder surgery for Poolman as well, it's possible that would limit him somewhat in the early going. At only 20 years old I suppose Niku would be best suited to the Moose as well, learn the pro game and not destroy his confidence.

I think if either guy establishes as a quality defender and anyone on the Jets starting D falters we could see a call up.