Anthony Travalgia: On Marko Dano, Sami Niku and Cole Perfetti Quick updates on Marko Dano, Sami Niku and Cole Perfetti.

Anthony Travalgia: On Marko Dano, Sami Niku and Cole Perfetti
Quick updates on Marko Dano, Sami Niku and Cole Perfetti.
- Anthony.Travalgia

It's time to just throw Niku in the mix with a decent D partner and see how he does. He's been to sheltered, or given very weak pairings. If the kid can do half as well as he did in the AHL, he'll be fine.

Perfetti will be a 1/2 C for Canada U20. Looking forward to seeing what he can do on this stage. Christmas can't come soon enough.

It's time to just throw Niku in the mix with a decent D partner and see how he does. He's been to sheltered, or given very weak pairings. If the kid can do half as well as he did in the AHL, he'll be fine.

Perfetti will be a 1/2 C for Canada U20. Looking forward to seeing what he can do on this stage. Christmas can't come soon enough.
- bikeguy99

"Goal" Perfetti signed!! Hopefully a franchise player in the future!

Always felt bad for the Dano. Feel like his development got screwed up somewhere along the line

There is no doubt with Niku that the talent is there. He simply needs to bulk up or some teams will throw him around like a rag doll. I'm sure the directive sent his way is exactly that. Major weight lifting program along with adding at least 10 pounds. He easily has the skills to be a good NHL defenseman.

I actually see Niku as a potential solution to our power play problems. Wheeler setting up Laine and Scheif worked best when Byfuglien had a bomb from the point and had the ability to move players out of position to cover him. Buff was also dynamic in his ability to move from d to behind the net. The Jets power play was completely static with no foot movement and one pass that didn't go tape to tape, was quickly sent down the ice.

While Niku doesn't have the size, he is rather dynamic in how he circles east/west, north/south when he has the puck and even circles around behind the net. His constant shifting movement and smooth skating, creates holes and opportunities. He may not have a bomb of a shot but he's incredibly accurate at finding the net or someone's stick. I will take accuracy over power. That's much more effective than seeing what the Jets have had on the point the last couple of seasons who seem to be only able to hammer a shot into he shin pads of the covering player.

@bikeguy,

sadly I think Perfetti will be on the Wing for Team Canada

There is no doubt with Niku that the talent is there. He simply needs to bulk up or some teams will throw him around like a rag doll. I'm sure the directive sent his way is exactly that. Major weight lifting program along with adding at least 10 pounds. He easily has the skills to be a good NHL defenseman.
- jetsnation

Agree with that. Skill but not enough muscle to win battles.

Scary thought is we trade him, be bulks up and becomes a star player in a different jersey. But it could happen if his head is screwed on right.

@bikeguy,

sadly I think Perfetti will be on the Wing for Team Canada
- Ross77

Maybe be on wing. But while centre would certainly be preferable, just hope he makes the team this year, and continues his development.

Problem is guys like Dach, with NHL experience, are rumored to be coming back for the Juniors!

Maybe be on wing. But while centre would certainly be preferable, just hope he makes the team this year, and continues his development.

Problem is guys like Dach, with NHL experience, are rumored to be coming back for the Juniors!
- grahamzky

yup, agree, there will be a few centers on the wing

I actually see Niku as a potential solution to our power play problems. Wheeler setting up Laine and Scheif worked best when Byfuglien had a bomb from the point and had the ability to move players out of position to cover him. Buff was also dynamic in his ability to move from d to behind the net. The Jets power play was completely static with no foot movement and one pass that didn't go tape to tape, was quickly sent down the ice.

While Niku doesn't have the size, he is rather dynamic in how he circles east/west, north/south when he has the puck and even circles around behind the net. His constant shifting movement and smooth skating, creates holes and opportunities. He may not have a bomb of a shot but he's incredibly accurate at finding the net or someone's stick. I will take accuracy over power. That's much more effective than seeing what the Jets have had on the point the last couple of seasons who seem to be only able to hammer a shot into he shin pads of the covering player.
- Napolean-Mennonite

Yes. Agree. Sergei Gonchar comes to mind here. Maybe OEL. Lots of comparisons actually. May not be this year though.

Yes. Agree. Sergei Gonchar comes to mind here. Maybe OEL. Lots of comparisons actually. May not be this year though.
- jetsnation

At 24, it better be soon. He’s approaching the peak age. Now is the time to drop him in the deep end and see if he swims

@bikeguy,

sadly I think Perfetti will be on the Wing for Team Canada
- Ross77

Hopefully Maurice does not see this. He might start getting some wacky ideas!

In my opinion, Maurice is the only coach that believes in developing his centres on the wing.

At 24, it better be soon. He’s approaching the peak age. Now is the time to drop him in the deep end and see if he swims
- Rexypoo

Agree to agree. It's basically now or never for Sammy with the Jets.

Will be interesting to see in camp (if we even have one) if he has put on some muscle during the off-season.

Hopefully Maurice does not see this. He might start getting some wacky ideas!

In my opinion, Maurice is the only coach that believes in developing his centres on the wing.
- TheUltimateJet

Oh there's been lots of centres over the years that started on the wing. Even just a year or so ago, as one example, Sebastien Aho was listed as a C/W.

Years ago, Red Kelly made the jump from defense, of all places, to centre. Stanley Cup winner. So starting on wing is not a complete abnormality.

Gets some games in, gain NHL experience, grow stringer and ta, da - your ready for the middle.

Of course, if you're Connor McDavid, Austin Matthews, or the like, this is not always necessary.

@bikeguy,

sadly I think Perfetti will be on the Wing for Team Canada
- Ross77

Really? I thought he has to be a top 2 C on this team. He was the highest drafted Canadian Centre..... I have a hard time seeing them do that with him. 111 OHL points as a C, and 12 points in 5 games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. I have a hard time seeing him in any other position unless the NHL releases some 19 year old sophomores.

Agree with that. Skill but not enough muscle to win battles.

Scary thought is we trade him, be bulks up and becomes a star player in a different jersey. But it could happen if his head is screwed on right.
- grahamzky

I think he is more NHL ready this season. The NHL certainly isn't getting bigger/tougher which does benefit the less physical guys like Niku. I am expecting him to start in a sheltered role again, but if a spot opens up and he gets a good opportunity, I wouldn't be surprised to see him become a full time top 4D

I think he is more NHL ready this season. The NHL certainly isn't getting bigger/tougher which does benefit the less physical guys like Niku. I am expecting him to start in a sheltered role again, but if a spot opens up and he gets a good opportunity, I wouldn't be surprised to see him become a full time top 4D
- bikeguy99

Man, sure hope you're right!

Oh there's been lots of centres over the years that started on the wing. Even just a year or so ago, as one example, Sebastien Aho was listed as a C/W.

Years ago, Red Kelly made the jump from defense, of all places, to centre. Stanley Cup winner. So starting on wing is not a complete abnormality.

Gets some games in, gain NHL experience, grow stringer and ta, da - your ready for the middle.

Of course, if you're Connor McDavid, Austin Matthews, or the like, this is not always necessary.
- grahamzky

From my perspective that's great for Aho that his coach had enough confidence in him to eventually move him from the wing to Center. Unfortunately our coach has had 0 confidence in the guys that were slated to become centres and kept them all on the wing. He would rather move a 34 year old Wheeler to Center before moving any of the prospects.