After the game, a 3-2 loss to Edmonton, head coach Paul Maurice was asked about his roster and various players and possible cuts. While stating that there would be some cuts or 'reassignments' along with explaining that he is looking for some players to take that next step or enter the next phase of training camp he let something slip, and probably deliberately.
Maurice mentioned that he would have a roster with '4 players who weren't in the NHL last year'.
Boom
For any player in camp who thinks they have no shot, that quote should send a shockwave through the room. Having 4 spots open to players who were not in the NHL last year signifies a major shift, one that has been speculated all summer long, that the Jets are indeed very serious about injecting new blood from within and perhaps out of the organization.
Who might these players be?
One would certainly be Alex Burmistrov who has played in two preseason games already and has a one-way deal for two years. There is not a chance he clears waivers at his price should he not make the team at the start of the season but even that is unlikely.
Two names that pop out are Thomas Raffl and Joel Armia. Both of whom have been impressive in the two games they have played and have garnered some praise from Maurice, but can they last? Raffl is 29 years old and has played Europe through that time and has played on each side so far as well as different lines. He has skill, he has size and appears fit enough but the pace is only going to get faster and harder.
Armia appears to be making the adjustments that Maurice wants and learning the aspects of the Jets system. He has not dazzled but has looked more than competent in the two games he has played.
That covers 3 players and there's room for one more but there is more than one option. Nik Ehlers seems like a shoe-in for many but should he be handed a spot without proving he is ready? To date Maurice has not said much about when it's the right time to insert players but he clearly has a plan we're just not privy to it.
Andrew Copp is also an option and while he is a centre the Jets do not lack for options down the middle, but injuries and new tactics change things. Consider the idea of putting Little on the wing and moving Lowry. Now there is space for some one in the bottom six.
What about the defence? Could Jets fans see Morrissey on opening night and into the future? There's a chance but look at how much veteran experience lays within the Jets defence corps after the top 6? It's not the envy of the NHL but it is there for a reason, and Josh Morrissey has to understand he's likely to be part of that reserve before he becomes a regular.
Right now your guess on who these four players might be is as good as anyone's but did fans and pundits alike expect there to be this many spots available for newcomers to the organization, and the NHL?