Glad to have Harkins back. I liked everything I saw out of him last season. No idea what his ceiling is, but I’d venture a guess that he can be a solid 3rd liner. He won’t be in competition with Gustafsson after this season, Gus is on a tear over seas and has always had a higher ceiling than most people realize.
Harkins being another Perreault is a bit of a pipe dream as well, but I love the confidence!


As it stands right now, I’m gonna give the best possible lineup pitch, and the “Paul Maurice” lineup projection:

Ideal:
Copp-Scheifele-Laine
Connor-Stastny-Wheeler
Perreault-Lowry-Roslovic
Perrault-Harkins-Appleton
Thompson

Morrissey-DeMelo
Heinola-Pionk
Samberg-Poolman
Forbort-Beaulieu

Paul Maurice:
Connor-Scheifele-Wheeler
Ehlers-Stastny-Laine
Copp-Lowry-Perreault
Roslovic-Thompson-Appleton
Harkins

Morrissey-DeMelo
Forbort-Pionk
Beaulieu-Poolman
Sbisa
- Rexypoo

How is Ehlers not in your ideal lineup? In my opinion that's a major miss!

How is Ehlers not in your ideal lineup? In my opinion that's a major miss!
- TheUltimateJet

DAMMIT ALL I KNEW I MISSED SOMETHING

*edit* I have changed it

DAMMIT ALL I KNEW I MISSED SOMETHING

*edit* I have changed it
- Rexypoo

In my opinion I don't think that Ehlers and Connor should be apart. I think they have dynamic duo written all over them.

I read it differently, I hear the likelihood of him playing again is still slim to none but who knows maybe he pulls a Justin Williams and decides to come back a month before playoffs to make a quick million?
- Ross77

Thank you for providing clarification on this.

In my opinion I don't think that Ehlers and Connor should be apart. I think they have dynamic duo written all over them.
- TheUltimateJet

They’re not suuuper compatible. Ehlers plays at a considerably higher pace than Connor does.

Then again, Connor really struggles in transition, and Ehlers draws a ton of defensive attention. I think you’ve got me on board. Ehlers being an unpredictable transition god might force Connor into playing at the speed he should be with his skating, while also allowing him to hide in the reeds and find open ice.
I’m on board. Put Copp or Stastny between them for the defensive support/playmaking ability, and they’ll wreck shop

They’re not suuuper compatible. Ehlers plays at a considerably higher pace than Connor does.

Then again, Connor really struggles in transition, and Ehlers draws a ton of defensive attention. I think you’ve got me on board. Ehlers being an unpredictable transition god might force Connor into playing at the speed he should be with his skating, while also allowing him to hide in the reeds and find open ice.
I’m on board. Put Copp or Stastny between them for the defensive support/playmaking ability, and they’ll wreck shop
- Rexypoo

I would much rather experiment with Harkins or Roslovic to see whether I can catch lightning in a bottle. Just my opinion.

I would much rather experiment with Harkins or Roslovic to see whether I can catch lightning in a bottle. Just my opinion.
- TheUltimateJet

As the C? I’m not sure that can work. You’re putting way too much pressure on Ehlers if he’s carrying both linemates.

If we’re going Connor-Stastny-Ehlers, you’ve got Scheifele and Copp to expirement wingers with

As the C? I’m not sure that can work. You’re putting way too much pressure on Ehlers if he’s carrying both linemates.

If we’re going Connor-Stastny-Ehlers, you’ve got Scheifele and Copp to expirement wingers with
- Rexypoo

Well Rexy in this case we have different opinions.

anyone else catch Todd Woodcroft's interview on 1290?

most interesting part; how many meetings Maurice and Wheeler have behind closed doors, just the two of them where no other players or coaches are allowed in. He tried to paint it like its a great thing and that he has never seen as close a relationship between a captain and coach.

I don't see it that way at all!!! I see it as confirmation, Wheeler coaches this team!! and it doesn't matter if Ehlers is the far superior choice right on top PP, he wont get it until Wheeler decides to step down to 2nd PP. If Wheeler wants to continue playing with Shief, well that's where he'll be.

like it or not we are tied to the Coaching duo of Wheels and Pomo
- Ross77

You aren't wrong. I do believe that several jets have closed door conversations with Pomo somewhat regularly. Most coaches hold private meetings with their stars/leaders to get their take on improvements and overall morale in the locker room. If Ehlers can become a little more efficient with all the space he magically creates every shift, he could leave Maurice no choice. Big Ehlers fan, but the kid needs to make Wheeler a much more obvious 2nd choice then it is at the moment.

Players talk with GM's, Coaches, Scouts one-on-one quite often. While the potential for toxic bias is absolutely there, they are the guys who are in the thick of everything, and most capable of helping the team.

I would much rather experiment with Harkins or Roslovic to see whether I can catch lightning in a bottle. Just my opinion.
- TheUltimateJet

Ras was great as a Moose. His speed and vision in his limited role have impressed me plenty. I don't see why Ras hasn't been given the opportunity. From what I have seen I think he would be a very solid 3C

Ras was great as a Moose. His speed and vision in his limited role have impressed me plenty. I don't see why Ras hasn't been given the opportunity. From what I have seen I think he would be a very solid 3C
- bikeguy99

Two more years for Sammy. Wonder if he will be dealt or will this be the year he emerges as a WJ NHL d-man?

The kid has the tools, just needs opportunity to knock, and then prove himself. It's now or never as a Jet for Sammy. Injuries will happen.

Ras was great as a Moose. His speed and vision in his limited role have impressed me plenty. I don't see why Ras hasn't been given the opportunity. From what I have seen I think he would be a very solid 3C
- bikeguy99

"Ras" ??

Ras was great as a Moose. His speed and vision in his limited role have impressed me plenty. I don't see why Ras hasn't been given the opportunity. From what I have seen I think he would be a very solid 3C
- bikeguy99

In my opinion the Jets should try and take advantage of the Stastny signing. The best way to take advantage from my perspective would be to experiment having either Roslovic or Harkins play the second line role, considering if they fail or struggle the team could move Stastny Up in the lineup. Ideally Stastny starts as the the team #3 center with one of the younger guys getting an opportunity to prove their worth.

That's just how I would do it.

In my opinion the Jets should try and take advantage of the Stastny signing. The best way to take advantage from my perspective would be to experiment having either Roslovic or Harkins play the second line role, considering if they fail or struggle the team could move Stastny Up in the lineup. Ideally Stastny starts as the the team #3 center with one of the younger guys getting an opportunity to prove their worth.

That's just how I would do it.
- TheUltimateJet

Seriously? Taking our $6.5 MM player who proved to be a great fit with Laine and Ehlers and move him to a lower minutes third line. Go smoke some more weed and come up with something better than this lunacy.

Seriously? Taking our $6.5 MM player who proved to be a great fit with Laine and Ehlers and move him to a lower minutes third line. Go smoke some more weed and come up with something better than this lunacy.
- jetsnation

It's really sad that you are unable to discuss the merits of any idea without hurling insults. You must be a very angry person and I feel sorry for you.

Seriously? Taking our $6.5 MM player who proved to be a great fit with Laine and Ehlers and move him to a lower minutes third line. Go smoke some more weed and come up with something better than this lunacy.
- jetsnation

From my perspective, the last I checked the Jets claim they are a "draft & develop" franchise. Who cares how much Stastny makes? He is essentially a one year rental. In that time I don't see what would cause the Jets invest any energy in him, while they have younger players that need that development time.

As I said, he provides younger players with insulation. Also he has aged two more years and there is no guarantee he will continue to have the same chemistry with players he had limited time with in 2018. And, by the time he plays with them again, it might be in all actuality be 3 years since he played with them.

Again just my opinion.

Seriously? Taking our $6.5 MM player who proved to be a great fit with Laine and Ehlers and move him to a lower minutes third line. Go smoke some more weed and come up with something better than this lunacy.
- jetsnation

It's debatable that your statement is even true.

Laine and Ehlers were on hot streaks for the 6 games before Stastny came (Laine 6g 5a, Ehlers 4g 4a). Stayed hot for the following 6 with Stastny (Laine 10g 1a, Ehlers 2g 3a). Then didn't do much for the last 13 games of the regular season they were together. (Laine 3g 3a, Ehlers 2g 5a)

From my perspective, the last I checked the Jets claim they are a "draft & develop" franchise. Who cares how much Stastny makes? He is essentially a one year rental. In that time I don't see what would cause the Jets invest any energy in him, while they have younger players that need that development time.

As I said, he provides younger players with insulation. Also he has aged two more years and there is no guarantee he will continue to have the same chemistry with players he had limited time with in 2018. And, by the time he plays with them again, it might be in all actuality be 3 years since he played with them.

Again just my opinion.
- TheUltimateJet

My feeling is that they didn't bring Stastny in to play third line centre.

Laine, if he is still here, would have a sheeskabob fit if he doesn't play with Mark or Paul. Happy face or pouty face?

Now if someone gets injured, and another player jumps in and shows that the team is better with him at that spot, then we're better off.

It's really sad that you are unable to discuss the merits of any idea without hurling insults. You must be a very angry person and I feel sorry for you.
- TheUltimateJet

I don’t think he understands that Paul Stastny is 34, and coming off a bad year. All the numbers say he should rebound pretty well, but you never know at his age. Just look at Jamie Benn’s fall

Ras was great as a Moose. His speed and vision in his limited role have impressed me plenty. I don't see why Ras hasn't been given the opportunity. From what I have seen I think he would be a very solid 3C
- bikeguy99

I’m not against trying out any number of youngins at 2C, but Copp should get the first 3 opportunities before anyone else.
Then Roslovic. As much as I like him, and would like to see him get the chance in the middle... historically, every time he’s played center (barring the 2015 line) has seen his game completely fall apart

I don’t think he understands that Paul Stastny is 34, and coming off a bad year. All the numbers say he should rebound pretty well, but you never know at his age. Just look at Jamie Benn’s fall
- Rexypoo

Age 35 by the time the season starts, and in my opinion his analytics inflated last year by playing with Stone for 40% of his ice time.
Now he's back in Maurice's great system.

From my perspective, the last I checked the Jets claim they are a "draft & develop" franchise. Who cares how much Stastny makes? He is essentially a one year rental. In that time I don't see what would cause the Jets invest any energy in him, while they have younger players that need that development time.

As I said, he provides younger players with insulation. Also he has aged two more years and there is no guarantee he will continue to have the same chemistry with players he had limited time with in 2018. And, by the time he plays with them again, it might be in all actuality be 3 years since he played with them.

Again just my opinion.
- TheUltimateJet

The Jets were are a draft and develop team that trades for 6/7 d-men and 4th/5th line forwards that will play ahead of any draft and develop kids. Maurice will find a way of justifying playing these pickups ahead of deserving young kids. They're never ready.

It's debatable that your statement is even true.

Laine and Ehlers were on hot streaks for the 6 games before Stastny came (Laine 6g 5a, Ehlers 4g 4a). Stayed hot for the following 6 with Stastny (Laine 10g 1a, Ehlers 2g 3a). Then didn't do much for the last 13 games of the regular season they were together. (Laine 3g 3a, Ehlers 2g 5a)
- BWJumper

nailed it. I am keeping my expectations for Stasny low, I think he will help the PP some.

It's debatable that your statement is even true.

Laine and Ehlers were on hot streaks for the 6 games before Stastny came (Laine 6g 5a, Ehlers 4g 4a). Stayed hot for the following 6 with Stastny (Laine 10g 1a, Ehlers 2g 3a). Then didn't do much for the last 13 games of the regular season they were together. (Laine 3g 3a, Ehlers 2g 5a)
- BWJumper

I thought that Stastny did his best work on the power play when he was with us.
I was not overly impressed by the Laine/Stastny/Ehlers line....
But that's just my opinion....

The Jets were are a draft and develop team that trades for 6/7 d-men and 4th/5th line forwards that will play ahead of any draft and develop kids. Maurice will find a way of justifying playing these pickups ahead of deserving young kids. They're never ready.
- islansjet

From my perspective, this is a great point!