You know things are getting strange in Winnipeg when the coach has to cryptically suggest changes are happening/coming and dangles out Byfuglien is moving up to forward. That's what happened yesterday as we finally have a new talking point- desperation moves.
Noel dropped the news that Byfuglien is moving up to forward for the game Saturday against Columbus. Funny how this happened last year during a 4 game losing streak and to start the 3rd period Byfuglien lined up on right wing against the Islanders- the results were- minimal.
Is it a coach searching or a coach teaching a lesson in a strange way?
I tend to look at it as a bit of both. Noel needs options, something to shake things up and he has no ability to control who is on his roster but he can address where his players play. It's rolling the dice and sending two messages: I'm out of options with what I have and you need to see the game from a different perspective.
It's the latter one that grabs the attention more. Byfuglien needs a kick in the backside, 'WAKE UP!' and stop screwing around. Noel can't send him up to the #pressboxclub with regulars like Ellerby and Peluso but he can send him to play top 6 forward duty as a punishment. Really.
That's what this has come to. Noel has to move him from defense to forward in an attempt shake him out of his slumber and let him 'see the game' from a different angle. The one where forwards think 'what the hell are you doing back there?' seems to be the choice for Noel.
More Trade Thoughts
Is Chevy's phone ringing a lot lately? Probably and this must be a new and somewhat trying experience for him as seasoned vultures circle around him looking to take his prized assets. He probably feels a lot like Woody from Cheers as Henri, the Frenchman, tries to take his girlfriend.
"I'm going to steal your players Chevy"
I couldn't find the clip but for those who do not remember Henri here's an introduction video:
Perhaps a deal can be made closer to the deadline when the rival GM is far more desperate but now seems like a bad time. Chevy is in the big leagues with guys who are veteran pros at the game- look at the mess Feaster got himself into last year. Take your phone and hide Chevy and don't let Henri near your players...yet.
Good news in this shake up is I would assume Ellerby draws back in but that means more Stuart and while a great guy- he's been a bigger mess in his own zone than Byfuglien. Right now the Jets need to hold onto what's good and get rid of what's bad.