Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on which Central Division team has had the worst off-season to date.
Todd Cordell
The Winnipeg Jets.
Though I do like what the Jets did with the draft pick (selected Ville Heinola), I don't think a mid-to-late 1st rounder and Neal Pionk is an adequate return for Jacob Trouba.
He is a mobile, physical defenseman who just put up 50 points the only season he's ever had the luxury of extended time on PP1. At just 25, he is in the prime of his career.
Pionk, who soon turns 24, posted absolutely horrendous on-ice numbers across the board last season for the Rangers. Everyone knows their defense was a disaster. Out-playing other defenders on the team should have been a low bar to clear, and yet Pionk ranked 7/8 in xGF% and 8/8 in GF%. Again, I like Heinola but a ~35% lottery ticket and a depth guy for a top-3 defenseman is not good.
I think Tyler Myers and Ben Chiarot are both overrated, and overpaid, but losing established NHLers for nothing – after taking a big defensive hit in the Trouba trade – only makes matters worse.
The Jets want to contend sooner than later and their current defensive depth chart now looks like this (these are not projected pairings):
Josh Morrissey - Dustin Byfuglien
Dmitry Kulikov - Neal Pionk
Nathan Beaulieu - Sami Niku
Extras: Tucker Poolman, Anthony Bitetto
I like Niku and believe he could be good sooner than later. Even if that's the case, that'd only give the Jets three good defensemen and one of them turns 35 next season.
As currently constructed, I don't like the Jets' chances of finally getting over the hump in 2019-20.
Peter Tessier
This is probably a tie between the Jets and the Wild. The Jets have lost Trouba, Myers, and Tanev while adding Pionk and retaining Nathan Beaulieu on the blue line. They added Mark Letestu Anthony Bitetto as well for depth. They have yet to sign Connor and or Laine either so this has been a flat or downward trajectory when it comes to the roster.
The only team this close to the Jets is the Wild who seem to be drifting to doing something that resembles nothing. The Wild have added Zuccarello and Hartman but what else? Status quo as the crickets chirp.
The Jets had to shed salary for the cap but the Wild had to do what? It's an unknown as to what they are aiming for thus it seems without direction you likely end up nowhere so they take the win for worst offseason in the Central.
Recent posts
Which Pacific Division team has had the worst off-season?
Which Metro Division team has had the worst off-season?
Which Atlantic Division team has had the worst off-season?
Which Central Division team has had the best off-season?
Which Pacific Division team has had the best off-season?
Which Metro Division team has had the best off-season?
Which Atlantic Division team has had the best off-season?
On the Tyson Barrie / Nazem Kadri trade
On the Phil Kessel trade
Join the Discussion:
»