Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 
Forums :: Blog World :: Anthony Travalgia: After back-to-back losses, the Jets are not ready to panic
Author Message
Anthony Travalgia
Joined: 05.07.2019

Mar 21 @ 9:42 PM ET
Anthony Travalgia: After back-to-back losses, the Jets are not ready to panic After back-to-back regulation losses for the first time this season, the Jets are not ready to panic.
Kunit
Joined: 05.29.2014

Mar 22 @ 12:27 AM ET
Jets top line of stastny scheifele wheeler got taken to school by Edmonton’s top line... even though these 3 are Maurice’s favorites, they shouldn’t be the line that goes against other teams best on a nightly basis... at least not by choice.
Ross77
Joined: 11.21.2014

Mar 22 @ 9:17 AM ET
Huge problem is how close Maurice is to 26 and 55. He will never reduce their minutes when having a bad game, Wheeler can turn the puck over 1000 times on the pp and will continue to be first out on every pp. no matter how many times another teams top line dominates them they will always be given another chance and benifit of the doubt.
This is and will continue to cost us. 55&26 are co coaching this team right along side Maurice.
It’s a problem
Burnt_juice
Joined: 07.22.2018

Mar 22 @ 10:17 AM ET
Agree with both of the early posts. Maurice’s loyalty to Wheeler has become problematic. Usage and situations. I’m not a big advanced stats guy, but I’m sure their numbers are not great considering how many favourable starts they get. 55 has also been noticeable being too late on slot coverage. You catch him skating in at the end of the clip where opposition puts one home from the slot more often than I’d like to see. But that brings me to the defence...
There’s talk about Ekholm, and the ask being a first + 2 prospects. The Jets need someone to solidify the D. Morrissey is noticeably more anxious out there, and I think he’s feeling the pressure of a large contract and being thrust into a larger role than he’s ready for. Get him off the PP1!!! I’ll try to stay on topic here... Ekholm. What would it take to land him?

1st, Niku + 3rd?
2nd, Niku, Harkins?

Is there any way to get rid of something we may regret if DD’s play doesn’t improve...

Demelo + 3rd

Then there’s the more obvious that I wouldn’t want to see, but would certainly move the needle:

1st + Samberg + ?

Thoughts around the fan base?
grahamzky
Location: MB
Joined: 09.01.2008

Mar 22 @ 11:37 AM ET
Agree with both of the early posts. Maurice’s loyalty to Wheeler has become problematic. Usage and situations. I’m not a big advanced stats guy, but I’m sure their numbers are not great considering how many favourable starts they get. 55 has also been noticeable being too late on slot coverage. You catch him skating in at the end of the clip where opposition puts one home from the slot more often than I’d like to see. But that brings me to the defence...
There’s talk about Ekholm, and the ask being a first + 2 prospects. The Jets need someone to solidify the D. Morrissey is noticeably more anxious out there, and I think he’s feeling the pressure of a large contract and being thrust into a larger role than he’s ready for. Get him off the PP1!!! I’ll try to stay on topic here... Ekholm. What would it take to land him?

1st, Niku + 3rd?
2nd, Niku, Harkins?

Is there any way to get rid of something we may regret if DD’s play doesn’t improve...

Demelo + 3rd

Then there’s the more obvious that I wouldn’t want to see, but would certainly move the needle:

1st + Samberg + ?

Thoughts around the fan base?

- Burnt_juice


With the Seattle Expansion Draft on the horizon, it's a tough year to make a deal, or not make a deal. Do you send a sheet load of picks/prospects for a player and then lose a player you want to keep in the draft.

Having said that, yes I would do the deal you mentioned above, DeMelo and a 3rd (or even 2nd) for Ekholm. Still that leaves you Morrissey, Pionk, Stanley and Ekholm to protect, and you cab only protect three. And you are only guaranteed one more year of Ekholm.

Or maybe we could trade for a rental, maybe not the same quality, but would cost less and we wouldn't have to worry about him in the expansion draft. David Savard is a very steady, not flashy, d-man that might settle the D down. And better for our salary cap situation. But who knows if Savard is available?

Oleksiak (UFA) from Dallas played well in the playoffs last season. ??? Would he help? Many are saying Heinola is ready - is he the answer within our system??

Questions, my friends, questions!

I'm sure it's a tough decision for management - and let's hope we're buying, not selling, by April 12! Actually I think we need to trade - now - if we're going to make a move! and I think we should make a move!
Napolean-Mennonite
Location: MB
Joined: 01.30.2020

Mar 22 @ 11:39 AM ET

The problem with trading for Ekholm is that he's a left sided defenceman when we are short on the right side. We also will loose Stanley to expansion if we get Ekholm so it would make more sense to trade Stanley and lower the draft pick value in the trade. For me losing Stanley is a deal breaker as I don't want the Jets playing against Stanley when we are back in the Central next year.

The better solution is maybe going for Savard who is the right side. Perhaps giving Columbus back their 3rd round pick plus extra is enough. Then we can protect Stanley, Morrissey and Pionk in the expansion draft.

Also, if we are looking at getting a left sided defencemen, shouldn't we give Henoila a shot first? Morrissey's best game this year was when Morrissey played his off side paired with Heinola. We know at least for 1 game, that the 2 had chemistry and Heinola adds some offense to our defence that this team has lacked all season.
islansjet
Joined: 03.13.2017

Mar 22 @ 12:44 PM ET
I would like to see stubborn Maurice play Heinola and give Samberg a chance before they make trades. Any trade for a d-man may not make the Jets better due to Maurice's lack of any recognizable defensive system.
Burnt_juice
Joined: 07.22.2018

Mar 22 @ 1:05 PM ET
With the Seattle Expansion Draft on the horizon, it's a tough year to make a deal, or not make a deal. Do you send a sheet load of picks/prospects for a player and then lose a player you want to keep in the draft.

Having said that, yes I would do the deal you mentioned above, DeMelo and a 3rd (or even 2nd) for Ekholm. Still that leaves you Morrissey, Pionk, Stanley and Ekholm to protect, and you cab only protect three. And you are only guaranteed one more year of Ekholm.

Or maybe we could trade for a rental, maybe not the same quality, but would cost less and we wouldn't have to worry about him in the expansion draft. David Savard is a very steady, not flashy, d-man that might settle the D down. And better for our salary cap situation. But who knows if Savard is available?

Oleksiak (UFA) from Dallas played well in the playoffs last season. ??? Would he help? Many are saying Heinola is ready - is he the answer within our system??

Questions, my friends, questions!

I'm sure it's a tough decision for management - and let's hope we're buying, not selling, by April 12! Actually I think we need to trade - now - if we're going to make a move! and I think we should make a move!

- grahamzky


I feel they may leave Stastny exposed to entice Seattle to leave the D alone. I like his fit, but how long before his age catches up to him? As for the D with Ekholm in the fold... I think I’d consider leaving Morrissey exposed. They can make a deal with a pick so Seattle doesn’t touch him. Or they can roll the dice. I like him as a middle pairing D, but I honestly don’t know if Seattle will want to risk 8 years at 6+ for a D man who’s proving that there are better options out there for the price tag. He could very well grow into that contract and become a steal. But with the jets current D prospects I think I’d take the chance. For argument sake, we get Ekholm and lose Morrissey... still a better team next year with cap space to sign Ekholm again. One man’s opinion. I’d like to keep em both. But we need a better shot/finisher/puck mover on the top PP. heinola is that guy, but they’re seemingly trying to save the first year of his ELC. I think he gets the last 8-9 games of reg season, and (hopefully) playoffs. Then next year he’s in as a bottom pair to play the PP.
JetFuel
Joined: 10.08.2019

Mar 22 @ 1:22 PM ET
In the last four games the trio of 25-55-26 are a combined -22, I know many say +/- is an antiquated stat but I don't think it can be denied that a +/- that bad is pretty indicative of how they've looked, didn't think that line worked in the first game it was put together and still don't think it's working now, a shakeup is needed and the 3rd line is flat as well, not sure the 2nd line is doing all that well either besides Ehlers who's been carrying that line all season but maybe
81-13-27 just needs more time to build some chemistry, lines 1 and 3 definitely need a shakeup though.
bennythehat
Location: Winnipeg, MB
Joined: 03.23.2015

Mar 22 @ 4:09 PM ET
Whether he is right or wrong on any and all of his decisions, why do you so-called experts think that Maurice does not coach to win ? Same with Chevy.

They may not be as smart as some of you, and consequently they do make mistakes and bad decisions, but surely they are trying to win games and a Cup.







grahamzky
Location: MB
Joined: 09.01.2008

Mar 22 @ 4:09 PM ET
I feel they may leave Stastny exposed to entice Seattle to leave the D alone. I like his fit, but how long before his age catches up to him? As for the D with Ekholm in the fold... I think I’d consider leaving Morrissey exposed. They can make a deal with a pick so Seattle doesn’t touch him. Or they can roll the dice. I like him as a middle pairing D, but I honestly don’t know if Seattle will want to risk 8 years at 6+ for a D man who’s proving that there are better options out there for the price tag. He could very well grow into that contract and become a steal. But with the jets current D prospects I think I’d take the chance. For argument sake, we get Ekholm and lose Morrissey... still a better team next year with cap space to sign Ekholm again. One man’s opinion. I’d like to keep em both. But we need a better shot/finisher/puck mover on the top PP. heinola is that guy, but they’re seemingly trying to save the first year of his ELC. I think he gets the last 8-9 games of reg season, and (hopefully) playoffs. Then next year he’s in as a bottom pair to play the PP.
- Burnt_juice


1. Stastny is a UFA at season's end, unless resigned, so he will be available to all 32 teams, including the Jets and Seattle. UFA's are not protected in the draft.

2. I know Morrissey makes mistakes, and I know he takes huge flak, but the Jets would be totally lost without him. Lots of good d-men, make mistakes, especially playing huge minutes against the other team's top forwards. JM looks a lot better when the forwards back-check, funny how that works, eh?

3. Trade for Ekholm and lose Morrissey? Even if it made sense, your gambling that Ekholm resigns here after one year? If he doesn't, then you have neither. Doesn't make sense IMO!

4. Heinola is burning up one year of his ELC now whether it's with the Moose or Jets

5. Jets may very well stand pat but guys like Ekholm, the Sabres' Ristolainen and Oleksiak are options (as well as Heinola). The question is - does a deal makes them that much better better for the price they have to pay should they trade?
grahamzky
Location: MB
Joined: 09.01.2008

Mar 22 @ 4:12 PM ET
In the last four games the trio of 25-55-26 are a combined -22, I know many say +/- is an antiquated stat but I don't think it can be denied that a +/- that bad is pretty indicative of how they've looked, didn't think that line worked in the first game it was put together and still don't think it's working now, a shakeup is needed and the 3rd line is flat as well, not sure the 2nd line is doing all that well either besides Ehlers who's been carrying that line all season but maybe
81-13-27 just needs more time to build some chemistry, lines 1 and 3 definitely need a shakeup though.

- JetFuel



Scheifele definitely hasn't looked himself - both ways - lately. Took that shot off his foot a couple of games ago, can't help but wonder if it bothers his play? Hope that's the problem.

Wonder if we'll soon see - 81-55-26 re-united?
JetFuel
Joined: 10.08.2019

Mar 22 @ 6:05 PM ET
Whether he is right or wrong on any and all of his decisions, why do you so-called experts think that Maurice does not coach to win ? Same with Chevy.

They may not be as smart as some of you, and consequently they do make mistakes and bad decisions, but surely they are trying to win games and a Cup.

- bennythehat


Who said Maurice doesn't coach to win?

I'm not sure what Chevy's intentions are to be honest.
JetFuel
Joined: 10.08.2019

Mar 22 @ 6:14 PM ET
1. Stastny is a UFA at season's end, unless resigned, so he will be available to all 32 teams, including the Jets and Seattle. UFA's are not protected in the draft.

2. I know Morrissey makes mistakes, and I know he takes huge flak, but the Jets would be totally lost without him. Lots of good d-men, make mistakes, especially playing huge minutes against the other team's top forwards. JM looks a lot better when the forwards back-check, funny how that works, eh?

3. Trade for Ekholm and lose Morrissey? Even if it made sense, your gambling that Ekholm resigns here after one year? If he doesn't, then you have neither. Doesn't make sense IMO!

4. Heinola is burning up one year of his ELC now whether it's with the Moose or Jets

5. Jets may very well stand pat but guys like Ekholm, the Sabres' Ristolainen and Oleksiak are options (as well as Heinola). The question is - does a deal makes them that much better better for the price they have to pay should they trade?

- grahamzky


1) That's correct.

2) A lot of Morrissey's struggles are of his making though, can't fault his linemates all the time.

3) Ekholm is going to be 33 when he starts his next contract, not sure he'd be worth extending at that point.

4) No he is not, AHL games do not count against an ELC, NHL playoff games do though.

5) Depends on what the cost to acquire is, really think they should target some cheaper to acquire options for the defense, if they can get one or two dmen for 2nd or 3rd round picks fine but 1sts and A-prospects should be off limits, I like Ekholm but selling a bunch of good pieces for him doesn't seem like a good move for the Jets imo.
JetFuel
Joined: 10.08.2019

Mar 22 @ 6:30 PM ET
Scheifele definitely hasn't looked himself - both ways - lately. Took that shot off his foot a couple of games ago, can't help but wonder if it bothers his play? Hope that's the problem.

Wonder if we'll soon see - 81-55-26 re-united?

- grahamzky


Might be bothering 55 but that line hasn't worked at all really imo, think some shuffling of bodies is needed.

We probably will see ConScheifWheel reunited at some point but I'd really like to see Appleton get a look in the top six, wonder how 81-55-22
would do.
grahamzky
Location: MB
Joined: 09.01.2008

Mar 22 @ 8:34 PM ET
1) That's correct.

2) A lot of Morrissey's struggles are of his making though, can't fault his linemates all the time.

3) Ekholm is going to be 33 when he starts his next contract, not sure he'd be worth extending at that point.

4) No he is not, AHL games do not count against an ELC, NHL playoff games do though.

5) Depends on what the cost to acquire is, really think they should target some cheaper to acquire options for the defense, if they can get one or two dmen for 2nd or 3rd round picks fine but 1sts and A-prospects should be off limits, I like Ekholm but selling a bunch of good pieces for him doesn't seem like a good move for the Jets imo.

- JetFuel



2. Think a lot - not all - of Morrissey's problems come when the forwards don't come back as hard as they should. But every d-man could fall into that category. He's still a valuable member of team, and plays a ton of minutes against the other team's best

3. Yes, not sure Ekholm would be worth extending, but d-men live long NHL lives or, at least, some do. Maybe that's why we shouldn't trade for him?

4. Believe you are right, and I'm wrong, about Heinola but regular season and playoff games count against ELC's I believe

5. Agree with you about Ekholm. If they can get him for the right price (whatever that is) fine, but no 1st's or grade-A prospects. Maybe only get one more year from him. But probably some other team sells the farm for him.
Jetlag
Joined: 01.18.2021

Mar 22 @ 8:37 PM ET
I feel they may leave Stastny exposed to entice Seattle to leave the D alone. I like his fit, but how long before his age catches up to him? As for the D with Ekholm in the fold... I think I’d consider leaving Morrissey exposed. They can make a deal with a pick so Seattle doesn’t touch him. Or they can roll the dice. I like him as a middle pairing D, but I honestly don’t know if Seattle will want to risk 8 years at 6+ for a D man who’s proving that there are better options out there for the price tag. He could very well grow into that contract and become a steal. But with the jets current D prospects I think I’d take the chance. For argument sake, we get Ekholm and lose Morrissey... still a better team next year with cap space to sign Ekholm again. One man’s opinion. I’d like to keep em both. But we need a better shot/finisher/puck mover on the top PP. heinola is that guy, but they’re seemingly trying to save the first year of his ELC. I think he gets the last 8-9 games of reg season, and (hopefully) playoffs. Then next year he’s in as a bottom pair to play the PP.
- Burnt_juice

I probably wouldn’t have agreed with this at the start of the year. As it stands right now, I do exactly this if the price for Ekholm isn’t outrageous. Push Morrisey down to 2nd unit, where he should excel.
grahamzky
Location: MB
Joined: 09.01.2008

Mar 22 @ 9:44 PM ET
I probably wouldn’t have agreed with this at the start of the year. As it stands right now, I do exactly this if the price for Ekholm isn’t outrageous. Push Morrisey down to 2nd unit, where he should excel.
- Jetlag


I think the five most likely d-men to be brought in are: (in no particular order) are:

Ekholm - Nash; Savard - CBS; Oleksiak - Dall, or Ristalainen or Montour, Buffalo. Maybe Lindholm? That's six, isn't it?

Some would cost more than others, some fans wouldn't be in favor of. And there would be varied opinions how much they would help the team, if any.

Just my gut feeling!
TheUltimateJet
Winnipeg Jets
Joined: 07.16.2013

Mar 22 @ 10:21 PM ET
Might be bothering 55 but that line hasn't worked at all really imo, think some shuffling of bodies is needed.

We probably will see ConScheifWheel reunited at some point but I'd really like to see Appleton get a look in the top six, wonder how 81-55-22
would do.

- JetFuel



The line-up that makes the most logical sense is:

9-55-22
81-13-27
12-25-26
85-17-23

You essentially spread out scoring over three lines, with the fourth occasionally contributing. That way the Jets dictate the play as opposed to line matching.
Burnt_juice
Joined: 07.22.2018

Mar 22 @ 10:29 PM ET
I don’t have much to add, as I’ve said my piece. But just a note on Stastny... I’m not sure if timing is any different this year in terms of when Seattle selects their team vs Free Agency date. However, last time Vegas was given a trade-up in the first round as incentive to select Thorburn (who was UFA), then they elected NOT to sign him prior to free agency. So by not taking a decent player, and not having to commit to the lousy player... they moved up from #24 to #13. That’s from Vesalainen to Suzuki for those keeping track. So in Stastny’s case, Seattle could select him and sign him (or possibly trade his rights?) prior to the deadline. I could add in the obvious “or let him walk”, but there would be no point in selecting Stastny over the other options if they aren’t actually going to sign him. And the Jets wouldn’t add a sweetener to convince the Kraken.
grahamzky
Location: MB
Joined: 09.01.2008

Mar 23 @ 7:10 AM ET
I don’t have much to add, as I’ve said my piece. But just a note on Stastny... I’m not sure if timing is any different this year in terms of when Seattle selects their team vs Free Agency date. However, last time Vegas was given a trade-up in the first round as incentive to select Thorburn (who was UFA), then they elected NOT to sign him prior to free agency. So by not taking a decent player, and not having to commit to the lousy player... they moved up from #24 to #13. That’s from Vesalainen to Suzuki for those keeping track. So in Stastny’s case, Seattle could select him and sign him (or possibly trade his rights?) prior to the deadline. I could add in the obvious “or let him walk”, but there would be no point in selecting Stastny over the other options if they aren’t actually going to sign him. And the Jets wouldn’t add a sweetener to convince the Kraken.
- Burnt_juice


Yes they could select Stastny and let him walk, but not sure why they would select him at all. Paul could sign with any of the 32 teams on Free Agency days whether they select him or not.

Didn't see all the game last night but obviously we tightened up the defence. Good for them!

Hope for more of the same!
jetsnation
Location: Winnipeg, MB
Joined: 02.11.2015

Mar 23 @ 8:13 AM ET
1. Stastny is a UFA at season's end, unless resigned, so he will be available to all 32 teams, including the Jets and Seattle. UFA's are not protected in the draft.

2. I know Morrissey makes mistakes, and I know he takes huge flak, but the Jets would be totally lost without him. Lots of good d-men, make mistakes, especially playing huge minutes against the other team's top forwards. JM looks a lot better when the forwards back-check, funny how that works, eh?

3. Trade for Ekholm and lose Morrissey? Even if it made sense, your gambling that Ekholm resigns here after one year? If he doesn't, then you have neither. Doesn't make sense IMO!

4. Heinola is burning up one year of his ELC now whether it's with the Moose or Jets

5. Jets may very well stand pat but guys like Ekholm, the Sabres' Ristolainen and Oleksiak are options (as well as Heinola). The question is - does a deal makes them that much better better for the price they have to pay should they trade?

- grahamzky


Lots of great comments and discussions on here lately on a variety of relevant topics. Without Rexy here distracting everyone with his trollish posts with board has improved substantially.

Morrissey is a lot more important to the Jets D that is made out on here. He and Pionk are the two guys that anchor that defense and Morrissey does a ton of things right. I just wish Morrissey had a much better shot. He misses the net high right on about 90% of his shots. Its a real missing piece to the Jets PP. Buff we truly miss you in so many ways !

Ekholm is a very expensive proposition with a division rival. Not the greatest idea. Prefer to go outside the division before handing over something as important as a first pick. Savard or Ritso would be decent chioces.

Heinola doesn't burn up ELC if not playing in NHL
Napolean-Mennonite
Location: MB
Joined: 01.30.2020

Mar 23 @ 10:34 AM ET
Lots of great comments and discussions on here lately on a variety of relevant topics. Without Rexy here distracting everyone with his trollish posts with board has improved substantially.

Morrissey is a lot more important to the Jets D that is made out on here. He and Pionk are the two guys that anchor that defense and Morrissey does a ton of things right. I just wish Morrissey had a much better shot. He misses the net high right on about 90% of his shots. Its a real missing piece to the Jets PP. Buff we truly miss you in so many ways !

Ekholm is a very expensive proposition with a division rival. Not the greatest idea. Prefer to go outside the division before handing over something as important as a first pick. Savard or Ritso would be decent chioces.

Heinola doesn't burn up ELC if not playing in NHL

- jetsnation



If the Jets are to give up a 1st round pick, this is the year to do so. With no real way to assess talent, the odds to miss with your first rounders are a lot higher than normal. It's not uncommon to see kids at 16 projected to go in the 1st dropping to the 4th and 5th. Just look at Henri Nikkanen who was expected to be a mid round 1st that dropped several rounds in one season.

I think any defenseman we go for should be a right shot on an expiring contract to lower the cost of acquisition. The old Morrissey will come back if we get him a real top 4 pairing partner. Forbert looks decent with Pionk and Stanley is exceeding expectations and should be taking Beaulieu's job. Our left side is solid and Heinola is NHL ready and would be perfect for the power play unit. Samberg is almost NHL ready but needs a little more work. The left side is a side of strength and I would rather trade for weakness. Our right side has 2 bottom 6/8 guys and Pionk being a decent top 4. Demelo and Poolman are very average talents that would never be better than a bottom pairing on most contending teams.

jetsnation
Location: Winnipeg, MB
Joined: 02.11.2015

Mar 23 @ 11:49 AM ET
I think if the Jets can beat the Canucks again and take 2/3 from the Flames they would be pretty much locked in for a playoff spot. Beyond that, I'm not sure it really matters who they play in the first round.
jetsnation
Location: Winnipeg, MB
Joined: 02.11.2015

Mar 23 @ 11:49 AM ET
If the Jets are to give up a 1st round pick, this is the year to do so. With no real way to assess talent, the odds to miss with your first rounders are a lot higher than normal. It's not uncommon to see kids at 16 projected to go in the 1st dropping to the 4th and 5th. Just look at Henri Nikkanen who was expected to be a mid round 1st that dropped several rounds in one season.

I think any defenseman we go for should be a right shot on an expiring contract to lower the cost of acquisition. The old Morrissey will come back if we get him a real top 4 pairing partner. Forbert looks decent with Pionk and Stanley is exceeding expectations and should be taking Beaulieu's job. Our left side is solid and Heinola is NHL ready and would be perfect for the power play unit. Samberg is almost NHL ready but needs a little more work. The left side is a side of strength and I would rather trade for weakness. Our right side has 2 bottom 6/8 guys and Pionk being a decent top 4. Demelo and Poolman are very average talents that would never be better than a bottom pairing on most contending teams.

- Napolean-Mennonite


Some great comments here Napolean.
Page: 1, 2, 3, 4  Next