Anyone here think that Niku still makes the team after last nights game ? He still needs a lot of work defensively. Not a chance he makes the opening night roster. Who said he is already a top-four defenseman ?

Anyone here think that Niku still makes the team after last nights game ? He still needs a lot of work defensively. Not a chance he makes the opening night roster. Who said he is already a top-four defenseman ?
- jetsnation

I still think he should, but Maurice will never allow it.
If Niku, Myers, Morrow, Kulikov, and Chiarot are all wildly inconsistent defensively (this seems to be the case), the only plan is to pick the best offensive/play driving option. That option is Sami Niku.

So last night our prospect laden (lot's of Minnesotans but not all of them) Jets hung with a Wild team that looked almost like opening night roster ... nice one

Niku needs to go to Moose ... love him in the O zone not so much in our end ... look forward to him getting coached-up

Appleton needs to go back to Moose ... I thought there was a fair bit of running around last night

Believe I posted earlier 1,2,4 lines were set and the open roster spot was 3RW ... well, I'm gonna revise - - - 1 & 4 are set, middle 6 TBD, and there is one wing roster spot open for a prospect

2.0 thoughts -

Dano didn't have the kind of game he hoped for last night, played with similar quality linemates as Lemieux. Lemieux was better. This is more confirmation that Lemieux is the guy. The wildcard is Petan and his exceptional passing skills.

Niku will benefit from a short stint with the Moose. I think most fans saw the need for better defensive play from him on the winning wrap-around goal (Granlund?). He was lost. For him to become what most believe he can be he needs to put in the reps to develop better defensive instincts. This is best done while playing in the shelter of the Moose.

Broissoit was very good. Confidence and composure will come with time. He is close to being a very good NHL goaltender.

Buff - two years ago we talked a lot more about good Buff and bad Buff. 2017/18 was probably his best year all around. I think his consistency is still improving and he is in for another excellent year. It's good Buff all the time now.

On aging and 'the cliff' - I don't think it's always (or even usually) a physical decline that causes play of older to drop off steeply. I think it's more about everything else such as: Is the player still having fun? Do they still love hockey enough to suffer for it? Is the fire still there? Buff and Wheeler can play until late thirties.

keeping it in the family - Jets definitely have a pattern of targeting players with pedigree: Lowry, Tanev, Dano, Reichel, Lemieux, Stasny, Comrie (who have I missed?) Family support structures and adaptability to professional game are intangibles that are made more predictable when there is already success nearby.

Before I start complaining, I’m gonna start with the players that have impressed me:

The good:
-C.J. Suess, J.C. Lipon, Kristian Riechel, Cam Schilling, and even Brendan Lemieux all had better showings than I expected. Good stuff.
-Logan Stanley. Still not close, but has made fittingly massive strides across the board.
-Niku is your new god, bow before him and his ludicrous vision. Defence is still... an adventure, but the rest is pure prime-Toby.
-Vesalainen. Still runs himself out of room, but that will fade with small ice experience. He’s gonna be great.
-Dano. Still cannot play LW. Still being forced on to bad lines as an excuse to sit him. Still awesome on the right side, and carried AHLers to moderate success at his proper position.
-Broissoit. Still looks shaky to me, but he’s the Poolman to Hellebuyck’s Trouba. So far, so decent.

The bad:
-Kulikov has a TON of rust. He’s been bad.
-Chiarot needs to be waived immediately.
-Trouba and Poolman have also looked bizarrely bad. Trouba turned it around, so that’s fine. I doubt it’s an issue in real games, but it’s worth noting.
-Nogier and Appleton. Lost in the speed.
-Myers. Do I even need to explain this? I don’t have the stats for last game, but he finished the Calgary game at 8 shots for and 25 against with him on the ice. Ass on the left. Keep him on his proper side, shelter him ALOT, and you’ve got a 3rd/4th line killer.

The undecided:
-Petan. Deserves to be an NHLer, but seems to be a square peg in a round hole here.
-Vesalainen. Good enough to make it, too good to be a 4th liner.
-Morrow. Goes from looking good to being a tire fire on a shiftly basis.
-Lemieux. He’s *looked* good to me at times, but the more I watch, the more I see his lazy side. He’s constantly out of position, engages late, and generally seems uninvolved unless the puck is on his stick. He’s a talented player held back by a Stuart sense of hockey IQ.
-Wheeler. Well, he sure kicked me in the Richard after I said his contract sucks. God, I love this man. Huge concern still, but I forget about it when I see him play.
-Roslovic. Excellent winger, terrible centre. Whomever said I jumped the gun declaring Roslovic the 2C was right.

Let me know if I’ve omitted anyone.

Lemieux is just the dumb version of Tanev, who himself is the dumb version of Reider, who himself is the dumb version of Grabner (minus goals), who himself is the dumb version of Cogliano, who himself is the dumb version of Niederreiter
- Rexypoo

and Niederieter is the dumb version of Evander who is the dumb version of Hainsey who is the dumb version of Telegin and none are as smart as Rexy..

and Niederieter is the dumb version of Evander who is the dumb version of Hainsey who is the dumb version of Telegin and none are as smart as Rexy..
- bennythehat

El Niño is absolutely a better player than Kane... you sorta had a stroke or something

Morrow-Myers is a ton of fun. For New Jersey, that is...

Quick game summary. Vesalainen had the strongest game of any of the candidates . for the one open position on RW. He was good on both sides of the ice. I'd rank Lemieux's game next. Skylar had another goal but overall I have not been that impressed with him. Seems good on deflections but not too much else. I didn't see Dano win one single battle on the boards all game. He gets tossed around like a rag doll . Size is a problem for him. Maurice has given him every chance possible and yet he just isn't strong enough or big enough. Cost us one goal on a lost board battle. If it wasn't for the waivers situation he definitely has not shown enough in 5 pre-season games to make this team. I feel really sorry for Petan. Dano's left the door wide open for Petan but his father's untimely death may have cost him a spot at a critical time in his career. Funeral was Tuesday. I assume maybe Morrissey might have been there. Maybe a few others.

Niku had a very good game defensively. Some nifty moves back there as well. The waivers thing doesn't help his chances though. A little more refining in the AHL may be all he needs, similar to Connor. Myers game was also near flawless. Very strong game. So much better back on the right side. Can't say the same for Trouba. He was very shaky most of the night. Not Morrissey best game either. I liked Poolman's game tonight as well.

Finally, I think that the Perreault Little Laine line might just stick for a while. They had some good chemistry tonight. Laine a strong game. Perreault a nifty goal . The TLC line did not play tonight and its very clear to see that they were dearly missed. The score would more likely have been reversed if they played.

Quick game summary. Vesalainen had the strongest game of any of the candidates . for the one open position on RW. He was good on both sides of the ice. I'd rank Lemieux's game next. Skylar had another goal but overall I have not been that impressed with him. Seems good on deflections but not too much else. I didn't see Dano win one single battle on the boards all game. He gets tossed around like a rag doll . Size is a problem for him. Maurice has given him every chance possible and yet he just isn't strong enough or big enough. Cost us one goal on a lost board battle. If it wasn't for the waivers situation he definitely has not shown enough in 5 pre-season games to make this team. I feel really sorry for Petan. Dano's left the door wide open for Petan but his father's untimely death may have cost him a spot at a critical time in his career. Funeral was Tuesday. I assume maybe Morrissey might have been there. Maybe a few others.

Niku had a very good game defensively. Some nifty moves back there as well. The waivers thing doesn't help his chances though. A little more refining in the AHL may be all he needs, similar to Connor. Myers game was also near flawless. Very strong game. So much better back on the right side. Can't say the same for Trouba. He was very shaky most of the night. Not Morrissey best game either. I liked Poolman's game tonight as well.

Finally, I think that the Perreault Little Laine line might just stick for a while. They had some good chemistry tonight. Laine a strong game. Perreault a nifty goal . The TLC line did not play tonight and its very clear to see that they were dearly missed. The score would more likely have been reversed if they played.
- jetsnation

Perrault's goal was FILTHY!!!! And maybe he could be a solid Ehlers replacement. Would be nice to see Ehlers in a more selfish role, rather than drawing defenders while seeking Laine. That 6 yr at 6M per was an absolute steal. He is one creative bugger out there.

El Niño is absolutely a better player than Kane... you sorta had a stroke or something
- Rexypoo

I don't know Rexy, Kane has 4 seasons of better goal totals with fewer games played, much faster, fights and hits to boot. I get he is a POS in terms of attitude and dedication to the game, but is Nino ABSOLUTELY better than Kane? I'd say no, but two very different styles of play.

I don't know Rexy, Kane has 4 seasons of better goal totals with fewer games played, much faster, fights and hits to boot. I get he is a POS in terms of attitude and dedication to the game, but is Nino ABSOLUTELY better than Kane? I'd say no, but two very different styles of play.
- bikeguy99

True. Kane is the better goal scorer, by far. Nino, however, is the better play maker, play driver, and is an elite tier defensive winger

I see some minor trades happening in the next few days......

Dano ?
Chiarot ?

I see some minor trades happening in the next few days......

Dano ?
Chiarot ?
- bennythehat

Neither.

Dano has earned his spot in camp. Expect a Lemieux demotion.

Chiarot is Maurice’s favourite toy. He’ll never be moved until Maurice is fired.

I see some minor trades happening in the next few days......

Dano ?
Chiarot ?
- bennythehat

I would expect some trade. Not sure who but everyone who has to pass through waivers wont make the team . We may not get much for any of them but something has to give. Any one of Chariot, Petan, Dano, and Morrow are possibilities. None has shown anything of substance in camp so all are vulnerable. Petan may gt placed on the bereavement list.

Neither.

Dano has earned his spot in camp. Expect a Lemieux demotion.

Chiarot is Maurice’s favourite toy. He’ll never be moved until Maurice is fired.
- Rexypoo

Dano earned diddly. 13th forward at best. Chiarot can play either side (although not at a high level, I admit).

Dano earned diddly. 13th forward at best. Chiarot can play either side (although not at a high level, I admit).
- bennythehat

Dano was solid all preseason. He keeps the puck moving the right way, hits hard, and has vision everyone else in the bottom 6 lacks (Perreault aside).

Chiarot can’t even play the left side at a passable level, let alone the right. The guy is Moose bound the second Niku comes back

Brossoit is the backup goalie … really no surprise there

Poolman, Chariot, Stanley, and Morrow are the bubble D men … Stanley will be moved to Moose in short order (i.e. before he plays 10 games w Jets if he even plays 1) - Poolman to follow … I predict either Morrow or Chariot start at LHD – the other one takes a seat in the presser …. we’re starting to get into waiver issues once one of these guys is sent down

There are 16 forwards listed … ya start 12 and have 1 or 2 in the presser … bubble forwards include Petan, Dano, Vesalainen, Lemieux, and Spacek … so, at the least, 2 of these guys get sent down before their 10 games is played … Spacek for sure joins the Moose even though he’s the only right hand shot (harking back to my point that the only forward position up for grabs is 3rd line RW) … although PoMo is playing guys (like Ehlers) on the off-wing … I think Jets want Vesalainen to start and flourish cause they can play him 3 seasons on ELC – but he’s gotta produce … the other 3 are RFA’s at the end of this season

So – while it may take 2, 5 or 10 games to flush out – I think this is the starting roster:


Connor-Sheifs-Wheels
Vesalainen-Little-Laine
Perrault-Roslovich-Ehlers
Copp-Lowry-Tanev

Morrissey-Troubs
Morrow-Byf
Kuli-Myers

Helle
(Brossoit)

I'll add that we have a #1 line, a shut-down line, and two lines that are interchangeable

Brossoit is the backup goalie … really no surprise there

Poolman, Chariot, Stanley, and Morrow are the bubble D men … Stanley will be moved to Moose in short order (i.e. before he plays 10 games w Jets if he even plays 1) - Poolman to follow … I predict either Morrow or Chariot start at LHD – the other one takes a seat in the presser …. we’re starting to get into waiver issues once one of these guys is sent down

There are 16 forwards listed … ya start 12 and have 1 or 2 in the presser … bubble forwards include Petan, Dano, Vesalainen, Lemieux, and Spacek … so, at the least, 2 of these guys get sent down before their 10 games is played … Spacek for sure joins the Moose even though he’s the only right hand shot (harking back to my point that the only forward position up for grabs is 3rd line RW) … although PoMo is playing guys (like Ehlers) on the off-wing … I think Jets want Vesalainen to start and flourish cause they can play him 3 seasons on ELC – but he’s gotta produce … the other 3 are RFA’s at the end of this season

So – while it may take 2, 5 or 10 games to flush out – I think this is the starting roster:


Connor-Sheifs-Wheels
Vesalainen-Little-Laine
Perrault-Roslovich-Ehlers
Copp-Lowry-Tanev

Morrissey-Troubs
Morrow-Byf
Kuli-Myers

Helle
(Brossoit)
- CorydonKeith

Two more cuts to come ( Spacek and Stanley injured but those are automatics to be on Moose). It's really down to Vesalainen vs Lemieux on the forwards. Both are waiver exempt. . One or the other. Niku was obviously going to AHL . He does needs seasoning. Certainly not a top four by any means. One day though. Poolman had a decent camp but might be a victim of the numbers game until injuries happen.

My prediction: Lemieux and Poolman are the victims unless Morrow gets traded. Lemieux had a much better camp than Dano though and I thought Poolman had a better camp than Morrow.

Petan is the wild card here. If he were to show up in a few days it might cloud things. I can't remember if he is still waiver exempt. He has a two -way contract so maybe so.


Connor-Sheifs-Wheels
Perreault-Little-Laine
Vesalainen-Roslovic-Ehlers
Copp-Lowry-Tanev

Morrissey-Troubs
Chariot- Buff
Kuli-Myers

Helle
(Brossoit)

Dano, Morrow

Brossoit is the backup goalie … really no surprise there

Poolman, Chariot, Stanley, and Morrow are the bubble D men … Stanley will be moved to Moose in short order (i.e. before he plays 10 games w Jets if he even plays 1) - Poolman to follow … I predict either Morrow or Chariot start at LHD – the other one takes a seat in the presser …. we’re starting to get into waiver issues once one of these guys is sent down

There are 16 forwards listed … ya start 12 and have 1 or 2 in the presser … bubble forwards include Petan, Dano, Vesalainen, Lemieux, and Spacek … so, at the least, 2 of these guys get sent down before their 10 games is played … Spacek for sure joins the Moose even though he’s the only right hand shot (harking back to my point that the only forward position up for grabs is 3rd line RW) … although PoMo is playing guys (like Ehlers) on the off-wing … I think Jets want Vesalainen to start and flourish cause they can play him 3 seasons on ELC – but he’s gotta produce … the other 3 are RFA’s at the end of this season

So – while it may take 2, 5 or 10 games to flush out – I think this is the starting roster:


Connor-Sheifs-Wheels
Vesalainen-Little-Laine
Perrault-Roslovich-Ehlers
Copp-Lowry-Tanev

Morrissey-Troubs
Morrow-Byf
Kuli-Myers

Helle
(Brossoit)
- CorydonKeith

Seth Griffith makes it before Spacek.

Two more cuts to come ( Spacek and Stanley injured but those are automatics to be on Moose). It's really down to Vesalainen vs Lemieux on the forwards. Both are waiver exempt. . One or the other. Niku was obviously going to AHL . He does needs seasoning. Certainly not a top four by any means. One day though. Poolman had a decent camp but might be a victim of the numbers game until injuries happen.

My prediction: Lemieux and Poolman are the victims unless Morrow gets traded. Lemieux had a much better camp than Dano though and I thought Poolman had a better camp than Morrow.

Petan is the wild card here. If he were to show up in a few days it might cloud things. I can't remember if he is still waiver exempt. He has a two -way contract so maybe so.


Connor-Sheifs-Wheels
Perreault-Little-Laine
Vesalainen-Roslovic-Ehlers
Copp-Lowry-Tanev

Morrissey-Troubs
Chariot- Buff
Kuli-Myers

Helle
(Brossoit)

Dano, Morrow
- jetsnation

Petan is NOT waiver exempt anymore. He’s staying.

Spacek and Stanley are injured. They’ll be sent down soon.

Lemieux hasn’t been very good, so he’s gone.

Poolman doesn’t need to clear waivers, so he’s gone, despite being better than Morrow, Chiarot, and Myers.

Petan is NOT waiver exempt anymore. He’s staying.

Spacek and Stanley are injured. They’ll be sent down soon.

Lemieux hasn’t been very good, so he’s gone.

Poolman doesn’t need to clear waivers, so he’s gone, despite being better than Morrow, Chiarot, and Myers.
- Rexypoo

Pretty much what I just said but without the blatant bias.

I think when Petan comes back he will be given every chance to play left wing with ros and ehlers.
It really doesn’t make a lot of sense to keep Vesalainen when his play won’t exceed the others enough yet and I think with all our contract issues it’s more important to wait till next year for his here year deal to start. I think he will get some games in but won’t hit ten.

Pretty much what I just said but without the blatant bias.
- jetsnation

I know. I do my best to filter out your obvious hard on for hitty, Maurice project players