I did mention that I feel they will protect Demelo for how much they value him AS WELL as for the optics. But that is a good point. I would counter by identifying that nobody questions the Jets commitment to drafting and development, but as far as being a draw to decent free agents, the Jets certainly don't help themselves by exposing the rare notable UFA's that do sign with them. Ultimately, it probably doesn't make too big a difference on that front, though. Winnipeg will likely always be on teams "no thank you" lists.

In short, either player would be tough to lose and the Jets will likely expose the player they feel Seattle will have less interest in. Lots of talk that Francis will like his d-men in this ED, though . . .
- Quillanrocks

In the back of my mind I keep thinking that there is no reason for Seattle to draft the Winnipeg Jets fourth best defenseman. How good could that be? It keeps coming back to Copp or Appleton

Why not show some loyalty to Stanley, why not show some loyalty to the guys they drafted and held their rights for years?
- JetFuel

Because loyalty doesn’t win. Talent does.
Dylan DeMelo has far more talent than Logan Stanley, and would be instantly claimed by Seattle. Stanley, however, is in no danger, as Seattle would see a lot more value in Appleton or even a UFA Perreault.

In the back of my mind I keep thinking that there is no reason for Seattle to draft the Winnipeg Jets fourth best defenseman. How good could that be? It keeps coming back to Copp or Appleton
- 2.0

It would have to be Appleton.
The only way I can see Copp exposed is if the Jets are sure he doesn’t want to be a Jet going forward (which is very possible. They’ve d*cked him around a lot). Otherwise you’re just giving up your 2nd best centreman for no reason at all

Because loyalty doesn’t win. Talent does.
Dylan DeMelo has far more talent than Logan Stanley, and would be instantly claimed by Seattle. Stanley, however, is in no danger, as Seattle would see a lot more value in Appleton or even a UFA Perreault.
- Rexypoo

Demelo currently has more talent than Stanley. Stanley has a higher ceiling than Demelo. I think he will be the Jets anchor on the blue line in two years.

In reality the Jets should trade Morrissey for Seth Jones and give Hamilton a 7 year 63 million dollar contract.

The Jets should start the year with Jones, Hamilton and Pionk on the right side with rookies Stanley, Heinola and Samberg on the left side. Even if Jones leaves at season end, we still would have plenty of cap flexibility and hopefully internal development to withstand that loss.

Demelo currently has more talent than Stanley. Stanley has a higher ceiling than Demelo. I think he will be the Jets anchor on the blue line in two years.
- TheUltimateJet

Stanley is a 6/7 defenceman at 23. If we’re saying he’s a late bloomer, even by two years, his ceiling is likely 4/5 if his skating ability sees major improvement.

Dylan DeMelo is, and will remain, a 2/3 defenceman at the NHL level for the duration of his contract.

In reality the Jets should trade Morrissey for Seth Jones and give Hamilton a 7 year 63 million dollar contract.

The Jets should start the year with Jones, Hamilton and Pionk on the right side with rookies Stanley, Heinola and Samberg on the left side. Even if Jones leaves at season end, we still would have plenty of cap flexibility and hopefully internal development to withstand that loss.
- TheUltimateJet

https://twitter.com/jfres.../1405998912058581000?s=21

I’m just going to leave this here. I honestly wouldn’t trade Wheeler for Seth Jones, knowing the contract he’s gonna get for being a bottom pairing defenceman.

Don’t see us losing a defenceman. I figure that there will be many defencemen available for Seattle to choose from and most are better than either Stanley or Demelo.

Stanley is a 6/7 defenceman at 23. If we’re saying he’s a late bloomer, even by two years, his ceiling is likely 4/5 if his skating ability sees major improvement.

Dylan DeMelo is, and will remain, a 2/3 defenceman at the NHL level for the duration of his contract.
- Rexypoo

Chara was also considered a 6/7 defenseman at 23 and was a throw in for the Islanders during the Yashin trade.

Chara was also considered a 6/7 defenseman at 23 and was a throw in for the Islanders during the Yashin trade.
- TheUltimateJet

Zdeno Chara was averaging just over 22 minutes per game at 22.

It would have to be Appleton.
The only way I can see Copp exposed is if the Jets are sure he doesn’t want to be a Jet going forward (which is very possible. They’ve d*cked him around a lot). Otherwise you’re just giving up your 2nd best centreman for no reason at all
- Rexypoo

Copp isn't a 2C, nor a top 6 talent.

In the back of my mind I keep thinking that there is no reason for Seattle to draft the Winnipeg Jets fourth best defenseman. How good could that be? It keeps coming back to Copp or Appleton
- 2.0

Really they should just let Seattle have Copp and save themselves from overpaying Copp, can plant whoever on Lowry's wing and they'll do the same as Copp does and the Jets are thin at RW now, would rather keep Appleton.

Copp isn't a 2C, nor a top 6 talent.
- JetFuel

The results strongly disagree

Zdeno Chara was averaging just over 22 minutes per game at 22.
- Rexypoo

At 21, he averaged less than 19 minutes/game. That was his rookie season. That defense also had nobodies and he was their 6/7 defenseman. Much like Stanley.

At 21, he averaged less than 19 minutes/game. That was his rookie season. That defense also had nobodies and he was their 6/7 defenseman. Much like Stanley.
- TheUltimateJet

He was playing 18:54.
For reference, Logan Stanley averaged 13:13. Pionk was just UNDER 22, while DeMelo was just under 17. JoMo was 23 and a half. Poolman was at 18:18.
That’s also of playing time for a rookie 6/7 guy.

He was playing 18:54.
For reference, Logan Stanley averaged 13:13. Pionk was just UNDER 22, while DeMelo was just under 17. JoMo was 23 and a half. Poolman was at 18:18.
That’s also of playing time for a rookie 6/7 guy.
- Rexypoo

What about Bortman?

He was playing 18:54.
For reference, Logan Stanley averaged 13:13. Pionk was just UNDER 22, while DeMelo was just under 17. JoMo was 23 and a half. Poolman was at 18:18.
That’s also of playing time for a rookie 6/7 guy.
- Rexypoo

Speaking of JoMo. I'm pretty sure when he was 22 you were probably telling everyone how great he was going to be, 3 years later and he hasn't hit that peak again.

Point being nobody knows how good Stanley can be. I do know a year ago he was looking like a bust and when given an opportunity this season he proved he could play at the NHL level.

What about Bortman?
- JetFuel

20:54.
Which is a goddamned travesty.
I hate this team.

Speaking of JoMo. I'm pretty sure when he was 22 you were probably telling everyone how great he was going to be, 3 years later and he hasn't hit that peak again.

Point being nobody knows how good Stanley can be. I do know a year ago he was looking like a bust and when given an opportunity this season he proved he could play at the NHL level.
- BWJumper

I don’t think anyone expected Morrissey to completely crater once Byfuglien and Trouba were out of the picture. A fall off, yes. But going from one of the best rising young defencemen in the league to buyout fodder is staggering.

He went from dropping the best WAR on our blueline in 18-19 to being the worst defensive defenceman in the NHL this year.

The results strongly disagree
- Rexypoo

One season. Now I know he slides up in the lineup when the Jets need him to, but a top six staple he is not. Said it before . . . if he remains unsigned in the next 2-3 weeks --- and worse, if they seem far apart and don't feel confident Winnipeg is in Copp's long-term plans --- then Winnipeg does themselves a huge disservice if they don't explore trading him for assets now and protecting Appleton.

Chara was also considered a 6/7 defenseman at 23 and was a throw in for the Islanders during the Yashin trade.
- TheUltimateJet

How is Sam Morin working out in Philly? I am not debating what Stanley will be one way or the other, but there are a lot more Sam Morin’s that nobody ever hears from than Chara’s. Chara is the exception to the rule, not the rule.

Tax rates for NHL players by city:
The top tax rates are all Canadian cities…
For example on a $5,000,000 salary the highest is Montreal @52.8%, Ottawa & Toronto @52.7%, Vancouver @53.6%,
Winnipeg comes in just under @49.8% and Calgary & Edmonton @47.3%…
The lowest rates are Dallas, Florida, Vegas, Nashville, Tampa & SEATTLE! @36.2%

Huge difference when taking about million dollar salary.

How is Sam Morin working out in Philly? I am not debating what Stanley will be one way or the other, but there are a lot more Sam Morin’s that nobody ever hears from than Chara’s. Chara is the exception to the rule, not the rule.
- Ross77

This^

Since the year 2000, only one player of Stanley’s size and junior level production has been drafted and played more than 100 games in the NHL.

Tyler Myers. Whomst is arguably a bottom 10 player in the league.

One season. Now I know he slides up in the lineup when the Jets need him to, but a top six staple he is not. Said it before . . . if he remains unsigned in the next 2-3 weeks --- and worse, if they seem far apart and don't feel confident Winnipeg is in Copp's long-term plans --- then Winnipeg does themselves a huge disservice if they don't explore trading him for assets now and protecting Appleton.
- Quillanrocks

The best move to make is to just leave Copp exposed and let Seattle take him. I'm highly skeptical that he can repeat what he did this season in a normal year and next season looks like it'll be back to normal. Just avoid the overpay and let Seattle take him, can park anyone on Lowry's left wing to waste time.

Tax rates for NHL players by city:
The top tax rates are all Canadian cities…
For example on a $5,000,000 salary the highest is Montreal @52.8%, Ottawa & Toronto @52.7%, Vancouver @53.6%,
Winnipeg comes in just under @49.8% and Calgary & Edmonton @47.3%…
The lowest rates are Dallas, Florida, Vegas, Nashville, Tampa & SEATTLE! @36.2%

Huge difference when taking about million dollar salary.
- Tommycasino

Isn't the California tax rate quite high?

It's strange how the Panthers haven't been able to use the state tax rate to their advantage like the Lightning obviously have.