It seemed almost comical once Darren Dreger tweeted out the number. He had of course tweeted out that there was traction between the Jets and Laine before hearing the number. But the final number of two years with an AAV of 6.75 million (6 mill year one and 7.5 two) almost seemed silly and frankly it is.
Why go through the charade to arrive a common sense. Why use brinksmanship to get to a place that could have been arrived at ages ago? What purpose did this exercise by both sides prove? The funny thing about it all was as the news was breaking Jets owner Mark Chapman was the guest at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce luncheon and was able to talk about the events of the day. It was almost too scripted and perhaps that should be curious to some, perhaps not.
There was no commentary from Finnish sources, in actuality there was very little that came from the side stoking fires of discontent. It was the same news. But where does the contract value stand and what does it mean for the Jets and of course Laine?
Laine is assured of a guaranteed payment after this deal with a qualifying offer based on the final year's rate of 7.5 million, but what are the Jets assured of? Laine's agent Mike Liut had an interesting way of summarizing the negotiations:
One more from Laine's agent, Mike Liut, on talks with the #NHLJets: “We had some complaints about the year. They had some complaints about the year. We were trying to get on the same page. The contract we settled on was a strong step in that direction.…
— Paul Friesen (@friesensunmedia) September 27, 2019
Perhaps counseling is in order?
Read between the lines and I understand it like this: both sides respected the other's issues but at the end of the day the market set value and the Jets had to overpay and that's the way it's going to be. Laine is not Brayden Point, he's not Matthew Tkachuk and apparently he's not Mitch Marner (LOL) but he is talented and he could be a generational talent when it comes to shooting. Goals get paid in the NHL and this league is a long ways off from changing that valuation. Liut knew that and his comments suggest that the Jets moved away from their position to address the complaints- money talks.
With Byfuglien out and Kyle Connor left sitting in Ann Arbor waiting the Jets have flexibility and even with Byfuglien on the books the cap space is there to sign Connor but this one is tricky too no? Connor has been good but not generational potential and certainly not when away from Scheifele and Wheeler. The Jets should bridge him too if he wants a payday and that bridge will probably be in the 6 million dollar range it should be a bit lower but that's not how these things work.
The good news for the Jets and their fans is the biggest draw on the team is coming back and expected to be in Winnipeg on Monday. Now the proof will be in what is seen- is Laine coming with a bit of a chip on his shoulder and showing that he is motivated to prove the naysayers wrong? That's probably what the Jets are hoping and betting on, it will be curious to hear the young Finn explain what he's betting on.
The Jets have assigned five players to the Moose, two defense and three forwards. Heading down are:
D Logan Stanley D Cameron Schilling (waivers) F Andrei Chibisov F Michael Spacek F Kistrian Vesalainen
The surprising name is Vesalainen but not because of how he played but because of how he didn't play. Five games, 0 points and compared to Luoto he has looked slower and disengaged. After coming back from Europe to play some playoff hockey with the Moose Vesalainen appeared ready to make a move this fall but that has not happened, not even close really. He needs time and this year he needs it in the AHL with a similar system and using the resources here for development.
Logan Stanley again failed to make an impression, well that might not be true as one was made but not a positive one. The big defender struggled with reads and positioning in his preseason games and while is size allows from some compensation it's not enough. His skating also requires work too and even with a defense that has been gutted he's too much of a risk to carry right now. The problem is there seems to be no change in his issues, they are the same ones that were identified at the draft and that they still exist in almost the same capacity now is 'concerning'.
This is the remaining roster before final cuts:
TRAINING CAMP: Make that 16 forwards on the #NHLJets training camp roster! pic.twitter.com/W6AeyUFoDs
— Winnipeg Jets PR (@WpgJetsPR) September 27, 2019
The forwards seem like an obvious choice on who fills out the roster but what combinations will be dictated by the contract status of Connor and how Maurice chooses to fill holes. The defense is another story. It seems obvious that Niku will be on the team once he's healthy but what about Heinola? The rookie Finn has turned heads with his smart play and now the real test begins, can he keep up this level of play as the opposition rosters become more like regular season NHL ones?
His ability to make smart, quick passes to help start the transition game are something that was missing from the Jets last year with the departure of Toby Enstrom. Whether you liked Enstrom or not, his style of play was helpful and productive and it was missed. With Heinola and Niku it could be back but is Heinola ready and how many games in the regular season will he be given to prove he can stay?
Everything gets a bit more serious now and interest kicks in with Laine returning. One more piece to deal with and what's there now for the Jets is likely their regular season reality until a trade is made, oh and Buff. Are you buying or selling on this team?