Beleive it or not Jets fans this is what you signed up for. This is the team and process that you inherited as the Thrashers ceased to exist in name and location only- everything else that mattered on the ice came to Winnipeg and the process of cleaning up that mess is only part way completed.
This is your reality
Frankly we all should have been a little more prepared for what we see now, yours truly included. I've been critical, suggested changes, speculated on moves but nothing in the past is now gripping Winnipeg like the panic and frustration- it's a polar vortex of despair.
Despair also brings desperation and it is making even the most sane and pragmatic people come up with trade scenarios that seem illogical, if not plain stupid. Settle down folks, this ship was listing before and we all have to remember one key thing- it was being rebuilt from the bottom up, not top down.
Bottom up
Remember when the Thrashers prospect pool was void of anything? All of it either playing in Atlanta to soon and ill prepared for NHL realities or having no chance of getting to the NHL. That's the issue this ownership and management group is working to change and then improvement will come. Five year plan, 7 year, 10 year? Does it matter?
It's now about how they get that base set and moving. Forget about who the top line is, who is playing well, who is expendable- we're in this to see them grow from within and build a team that is as much a homegrown family as it is hockey players.
Blood is thicker than water.
The GM is from Saskatchewan, the owner, president and director or communications are all high school alumni. The medical services providers (as others) are even part of the network of friends and family all connected to TNSE leadership- it's nepotism at it's finest and that should explain how change will arrive, eventually. It will be home grown, part of the family and in the circle of trust.
So start trading already or fire some one!
Fans want it now, and they will make any drastic moves whether it be Noel, Buff, Wheeler, Ladd, Kane or all of the 3rd and 4th lines. Anything to get them off the carousel as I wrote yesterday. The pandemic is worse today and if you thought there was outrage over St. Louis not being on Team Canada then you've seen nothing.
Here's your hit list:
Byfuglien- could put a team over the top if paired and used right. Will still make same mistakes but could benefit from more intense leadership and coaching
Wheeler- all noise out of the east say Shero wants him and the remaining 5 years of 5.7 million would he be that accent piece that can fit with either Crosby or Malkin?
Ladd- a leader who doesn't lead. There's a reason other than cap space that he's not in Chicago anymore. Can he fit into another team with existing strong leadership after being captain in Winnipeg? Gritty left winger who can score, kill penalties and be an all around solid player on an affordable deal.
Kane- Oh you better be willing to pay. It's all about the money...
...err return on Kane.
He's got a great deal, young and about to enter the prime of his career. Imagine him with Kesler and just wipe the drool from your mouth. Everything (ridiculous rumours) point to the Canucks going after him but is he better suited to the East? Imagine Boston pulling the trigger and getting Kane to play with Iginla?
Enstrom- Not everyone thinks he would be shipped out but why not? If you are going to reset the core do it right. A puck moving D who has strong possession numbers but a bit undersized could be valuable to a team- he won't shut down anything but he can get you out of your zone fast.
Noel- can him and then what? Do you really want Pearn or Huddy steering this ship if only on a temporary basis? Why not wipe out the whole group after the season is over as the next coach is going to want to have some say in his assistants. Nice guys finish last and Noel has this group heading in that direction. Even when upset and mad he's just too nice for this bunch.
What's your reactionary move? What can you do to ensure that whatever move you make today helps this team in the future. Not a guess at picks or iffy prospects- real meaningful return. Chevy gambled on this core and group in the offseason with 3 huge deals totalling over 93 million combined plus another 6 million for Grant Clitsome to round up the commitment to 100 even give or take a few 100k.
It all sounded pretty good back in the summer after a shortened season that showed promise and progression from the 'almost there' stage to 'we're taking that next step' momentum. My how things change.
Trade everyone, fire some one.