Getting turfed after such an amazing season the year prior stings, but Wheels and Buff have done so much for this team and are still elite, they deserve a chance to rebound.

To address a point raised by Ultimate in response to my comments I can agree about our goalie and defense coaches. No one has ever improved under Wade and our team defense is likely the number one reason we aren't watching Buff put Kane through the boards right now. Which also means I agree with Rexy, last year's Jets would be facing Boston in the final. We need to get back all we can for Trouba (only because he doesn't want to be here, a shame), and tweak the current roster with a #2 center being top priority. Also think Mo gets at least one last season to demonstrate he's been paying attention and can guide this team back to the top. We go a 3rd or so into the season looking like the post All Star game Jets a change needs to happen. This team is too talented to continue to underachieve.

I think 5.5 for Myers is way too much, to me he is worth at most, 3 years at 4.5 per, at most! there have been reports ( rumours ) teams will offer 6x6. This is his last contract and as he should, take the most for his future and family

Centers around the league get paid a lot, I'm not as worried about little's deal as I will be about Wheelers in 2 years, honestly. Look at Little this way, he is an underpaid but underperforming 2nd line center and he is a slightly over paid but over performing 3rd line center.
- Ross77

I would be comfortable with Myers getting a 5x5. I see him as a desirable #2 RD for many teams, likely still improving, potential to transition to more lock-down d (a work in progress), there are combinations he works well with, veteran on a young team, plays with heart. Calder trophy is distant past now, Norris potential is off the table. 5x5 is significant term and dollar but won't be an albatross as there is demand for his services.

sarcasm noted, we (most of us) will not drag this tidbit up when you run for political office. Good luck to the Honorable Rexypoo, MP from charleswood.
- 2.0

I... you... stop that

Are you sure you are not speaking about Byfuglien?
- TheUltimateJet

Yes.
Byfuglien is coming off a short season, not a bad season. He was actually excellent when he wasn’t in.
He’s not showing any signs of decline yet, and 17/18 was a career high for him overall.
His deal is also never going to be immovable

There needs to be a sarcasm font
- Rexypoo

Yes, everyone, Rexy was being scarcastic. Now, let's move on.............

I would be comfortable with Myers getting a 5x5. I see him as a desirable #2 RD for many teams, likely still improving, potential to transition to more lock-down d (a work in progress), there are combinations he works well with, veteran on a young team, plays with heart. Calder trophy is distant past now, Norris potential is off the table. 5x5 is significant term and dollar but won't be an albatross as there is demand for his services.
- 2.0

I am not sure we will have a chance at 5 x 5 or even 3 for 5. EK says that teams are lining up for a bidding war on Myers.

My own personal thoughts are Myers is gonzo, so with that, we have under contract for D next year:
Morrisey, Buf, Trouba, Niku, Kuli, Poolman, Nogier, Stanley. We assume that Trouba will be gone as well so lets look at the pairing:

Moorisey, Buf
Kulikov, ?
Niku, Poolman

Nogier, Stanely, Samberg is going back to NCAA this year so he is out of the picture. How does that D group look??

Yes.
Byfuglien is coming off a short season, not a bad season. He was actually excellent when he wasn’t in.
He’s not showing any signs of decline yet, and 17/18 was a career high for him overall.
His deal is also never going to be immovable
- Rexypoo

I wouldn't think of dealing Buf, not yet anyways. We need him in the lineup, period. And, his play was great before he suffered the first ankle injury.

If the plan is to have Niku playing the right side then don't bother signing Myers. Everybody knows that Maurice won't give Niku playing time if he has other options, so force his hand.

If the plan is to have Niku playing the right side then don't bother signing Myers. Everybody knows that Maurice won't give Niku playing time if he has other options, so force his hand.
- BWJumper

I don't think you will have to worry about signing Myers. Some team is going overpay and over term him, but I doubt it will be Chevy.

I am not sure we will have a chance at 5 x 5 or even 3 for 5. EK says that teams are lining up for a bidding war on Myers.

My own personal thoughts are Myers is gonzo, so with that, we have under contract for D next year:
Morrisey, Buf, Trouba, Niku, Kuli, Poolman, Nogier, Stanley. We assume that Trouba will be gone as well so lets look at the pairing:

Moorisey, Buf
Kulikov, ?
Niku, Poolman

Nogier, Stanely, Samberg is going back to NCAA this year so he is out of the picture. How does that D group look??
- CharlieDog

If Trouba goes the return should bring back either an NHL ready #2C (or 1b option), if not a centre then a replacement dman - either younger RFA, or, aging veteran with a grade A prospect.

If we get a centre then we can look for d at the deadline and try to find an internal option.

If we get a d then we keep looking for that #2C.

Back to my fave topic - Laine.

I imagine it would be difficult (and therefore affect point production) to be his linemates.
He has a helluva time getting the puck out of his end.
If he does get the puck, he often loses it before he crosses the opposing team's blue line.
He loses most puck battles.
He is 2 steps slower than most every other Jet forward.

Therefore, why would we expect anyone to excel in the #2 center spot ?

BUT......he does have a great shot !

Getting turfed after such an amazing season the year prior stings, but Wheels and Buff have done so much for this team and are still elite, they deserve a chance to rebound.

To address a point raised by Ultimate in response to my comments I can agree about our goalie and defense coaches. No one has ever improved under Wade and our team defense is likely the number one reason we aren't watching Buff put Kane through the boards right now. Which also means I agree with Rexy, last year's Jets would be facing Boston in the final. We need to get back all we can for Trouba (only because he doesn't want to be here, a shame), and tweak the current roster with a #2 center being top priority. Also think Mo gets at least one last season to demonstrate he's been paying attention and can guide this team back to the top. We go a 3rd or so into the season looking like the post All Star game Jets a change needs to happen. This team is too talented to continue to underachieve.
- MikeDedly

Agree

Back to my fave topic - Laine.

I imagine it would be difficult (and therefore affect point production) to be his linemates.
He has a helluva time getting the puck out of his end.
If he does get the puck, he often loses it before he crosses the opposing team's blue line.
He loses most puck battles.
He is 2 steps slower than most every other Jet forward.

Therefore, why would we expect anyone to excel in the #2 center spot ?

BUT......he does have a great shot !
- bennythehat

How do you feel about Connor? I ask because all anylitics show Laine is better than Connor at getting the puck out of our zone.

How do you feel about Connor? I ask because all anylitics show Laine is better than Connor at getting the puck out of our zone.
- Ross77

Connor does struggle in that regard also....however, he is a much better skater, puck carrier, and works harder than Laine.

Connor would also have a lot more goals, if our power play was geared to feeding him for shots.

Connor does struggle in that regard also....however, he is a much better skater, puck carrier, and works harder than Laine.

Connor would also have a lot more goals, if our power play was geared to feeding him for shots.
- bennythehat

Laine worked harder than anyone after he was put on the top line, and then through our short playoff run.

Also, you’ve basically just pointed out the entirety of our powerplay issues. At least 4 players can fill Connor’s spot on unit 1 effectively, but Connor is the only player who can do Laine’s job on unit 2, although I’d love to see Vesalainen there.

Imagine a mirrored/flipped version of our #1 unit with the following players:
Wheeler=Ehlers
Scheifele=Connor
Laine=Vesalainen
Perreault=Roslovic
Byfuglien=Niku

I am not sure we will have a chance at 5 x 5 or even 3 for 5. EK says that teams are lining up for a bidding war on Myers.

My own personal thoughts are Myers is gonzo, so with that, we have under contract for D next year:
Morrisey, Buf, Trouba, Niku, Kuli, Poolman, Nogier, Stanley. We assume that Trouba will be gone as well so lets look at the pairing:

Moorisey, Buf
Kulikov, ?
Niku, Poolman

Nogier, Stanely, Samberg is going back to NCAA this year so he is out of the picture. How does that D group look??
- CharlieDog

Could see the Jets offering Myers 5.5-6 for four years. The Jets like Myers, and Myers likes the Jets, and the way he was treated when he had his personal problems.
In 4 years Niku, with added 20 lbs of muscle should be ready to step in as one of the top dogs, replacing Myers at that time.
Hate to see the Jets lose 2 of the 3 (or all 3) RH d-men.
Do you, or anyone else know how long Samberg (drafted 2017) is under Jet control?

If Trouba goes the return should bring back either an NHL ready #2C (or 1b option), if not a centre then a replacement dman - either younger RFA, or, aging veteran with a grade A prospect.

If we get a centre then we can look for d at the deadline and try to find an internal option.

If we get a d then we keep looking for that #2C.
- 2.0

Hopefully, as you suggest, it is either a #2 C or a younger RFA d-man (and a draft choice) - not the aging veteran.
If we don't upgrade our "D" with Trouba, and possibly Myers leaving, then we may be sellers at the deadline.

Laine worked harder than anyone after he was put on the top line, and then through our short playoff run.

Also, you’ve basically just pointed out the entirety of our powerplay issues. At least 4 players can fill Connor’s spot on unit 1 effectively, but Connor is the only player who can do Laine’s job on unit 2, although I’d love to see Vesalainen there.

Imagine a mirrored/flipped version of our #1 unit with the following players:
Wheeler=Ehlers
Scheifele=Connor
Laine=Vesalainen
Perreault=Roslovic
Byfuglien=Niku
- Rexypoo

Love the idea, but not Perreault=Little?......

How do you feel about Connor? I ask because all anylitics show Laine is better than Connor at getting the puck out of our zone.
- Ross77

Serious question- do the stats reflect that Connor is often first to exit the zone with speed stretching the team as potential for long clearing pass? Or that he often dishes to Scheifle allowing him to complete the exit?