Update: Alexander Burmistrov has signed a two year deal with the Jets amounts not revealed but this appears to be a 'prove it to us' type of deal. Jets also came to terms with Halischuk and Pardy.
Youu want to read about yesterday's news you can check it out HERE.
As the Jets get set with 29 other teams to look at the potential UFA contracts there are a few things worth looking at as fans look to think about what 'could' happen today.
The line-up as it stand today for the forwards.
Ladd Little Wheeler Stafford Scheifele Ehlers?(Plays off side wing) Perreault Lowry ???? ???? Copp Thorburn
As it stands there is only two spots before press box bodies. That's the cold reality and it's uncertain that Copp is a sure thing at 4th line centre although it's unlikely that Slater comes back.
A moment on Slater. Since the Jets arrived from Atlanta no player has embraced the city like Jim Slater and he has my, and I'm sure many other Winnipeggers, utmost respect for his time here on and off the ice.
So if there are 2 or maybe three spots available where does Chevy look? Yesterday on TSN 1290 Gary Lawless said that he had been in touch with many agents and it appeared Chevy was talking to the reps for Tlusty and Stempniak. So known this let's pencil them in. Oh- talks with Halischuk's camp are also happening.
Ladd Little Wheeler Stafford, Scheifele, Ehlers Perreault Lowry Tlusty Stempniak Copp Thorburn
Doesn't leave much room for former Jet and number 8 overall pick form 2010 Alexander Burmistrov. The problem here is Burmistrov shoots left and plays centre or LW and that side is pretty crowded again and there's no indication he would want to do 4th line duty.
Could he come cheaper than Stempniak? Could he be better? That's a tough question to answer because it could be 'yes' and 'no'. Should the Jets bring Burmistrov back then something has to give down the middle or left side and with current deals that looks really unlikely.
Is there a a chance the young Russian could play the off-side? Certainly but the Jets had better do their homework to see if that's wise. What this situation does is present some opportunity for moves in a different direction. Think of it this way- if Chevy is looking to Tlusty and Stempniak he may have already made up his mind about Burmistrov and is moving in a different direction but that is just a guess.
Click the link above if you want to see some idea on who the Jets should target.
The wildcard in all of this is Nic Ehlers. It's completely unclear was to whether the Jets have slotted him in or not but we do know that the young Dane is not going back to Halifax. We'll have to wait for training camp to see how this plays out but unless something changes he's in the NHL or going to Europe for a year.
Rumours
Last night I had a message from some one who knows the Flyers well and said Hextall has an offer for either Buff or Engstrom on the table. The offer was unclear but it did involve Amac as the 'favour' in the deal with other pieces. A second source said they had heard of 'talks' between the club. So take that for what it's worth, wild speculation based on some iffy info. That's not a shot at the sources just a reality check on the evidence presented. I always like getting this info because that's the fun in all of this and let's just remember- it's supposed to be fun.
Defense
Paul Postma was qualified as an RFA and it's believed the Jets are looking to bring back Pardy too. so
Enstrom Myers Clitsome/Chairot Buff Stuart Trouba Postma Harrison Pardy
It's a crowded core and does it get a bit less crowded soon? Clitsome's health is certainly a wild card too but I'd hazard a guess that unless Buff gets moved nothing changes on that front.
Happy Canada Day to all and remember to love your great country!