There's seven games left to play for the Jets this season and fans are looking beyond the final games now. There's speculation, hope and wonder about what might come next year and what the biggest changes may be. Those hopes were amplified by the season of top Jets prospect Kyle Connor, one that just finnished as his Michigan Wolverines were just eliminated from the NCAA hockey finals by rival UND.
In some ways it was one Jets prospect Tucker Poolman, taking out another in Connor so it was a win-win for fans as they hoped for the best for their prospects. That being said with Connor now finished his rookie season, one where he tied Jack Eichel's points as a rookie-the highest mark since Paul Kariya in 92-93, could he join fellow alumni in Trouba and Copp on the Jets this season?
Connor would immediately burn a year off his entry level deal as it was presented by TSN's Bob MacKenzie on Saturday night but that would mean he wouldn't enjoy the signing bonus and prorated pro-contract to finish the season.
Even head coach Paul Maurice said that he saw bringing in Connor to play a top 6 role last week during his coach's summit on TSN 1290. In Elliotte Friedman's 30 thoughts we learned that one pro-scout joking answered that is obvious Connor was ready for the NHL. Right now the Jets have 7 games to find out if he is.
Connor has a big decision to make as if he signs the NCAA is done for him. There's no going back but is there anything left for him to prove there? That's doubtful and if anything he needs to play against the speed and tenacity of professionals not amateurs. Looking at future team mate Nik Ehlers would be a good thing for Connor to do as the young forward has held his own for most of the season while having more ups than downs.
The Jets are in their self-designed transition period, one that the coach understands and the fans are beginning to accept. 6 pro games for Connor before prospects camp in the summer would not hurt and it might even give him some understanding of what he has to do in the off-season. Hello Bio-Steel.
The issue here is the Jets should be enticing him as the money does not matter to the team now with the lowest payroll in the league. Use those savings for some good is what most fans are hoping for and after the rough ride this year it might be a nice bit of good will for those hoping for a brighter future. We'll likely know soon this week if this is to happen.
As for the game tonight it's far more important for the Jets to loose than it is to win and challenge the Flyers with another match-up between 2011 consecutive draft picks Sean Couturier and Mark Schiefele. After that is there any intrigue? The debate continues though as to who was a better pick and what most should consider is there is no wrong answer here.
For the Jets they probably need Schiefele's style more than they need Couturier's tenacity. That might be for now and it might be for longer too but the two seem to have homes that value and support them. Is that so bad?
The Jets have inched up to 6th from the bottom so here's an updated draft simulator.
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