Anthony Travalgia: Nikolaj Ehlers giving Jets more than offensive production

Always felt Ehlers had Kariya/Bure potential. It’s really showing now. I truly believe he will score 50 one year!

My response to Ross's legitimate questions from the last thread ( since we now have a new one and I posted late)

So I just had some time to read through the posts as I've been so busy with work and conference calls that I had to tape the game and finally just finished watching it.

Lots of Demelo haters on here as well as Morrissey. When I watch games I love to isolate players during shifts and watch the five-man unit as a whole to see the positioning. It obviously a trait that comes from my coaching days. I also love to "tivo " back on dangerous plays or goals and see who was at fault. Because I have a lot of respect for Ross's opinion I have paid a lot of extra attention to isolating Morrissey when he is on the ice over the past 12-15 games.

I don't spend a lot of time on stats and deeper analytics because they are very biased. DeMelo for the most part this season has been playing against opponents' second and third lines. Morrissey is always put on the ice where possible against the top lines and also in the defensive zone faceoffs. Furthermore, he is played very often on the unit with Scheif and Wheeler. You'll notice on both Leaf goals tonight it was likey Scheif that was a step or two behind his check which led to the goal. Morrissey was defending in the corner on the first one..not his fault at all. Often it's Wheeler missing his check. The stats don't show any of this.

Stanley has played well but his plus 12 came in a sheltered role with forwards who are good defensively. Demelo has also had that benefit a lot. Tonight he played a sheltered role with Heinola in much the same way as with Stanley. Morrissey almost never gets that benefit. He gets the tough minutes...all 20-24 minutes of them. Morrissey is back there controlling the play. Pionk the same. They are the two quarterbacks for this team. The Jets would be lost without these two players. I think Heinola ( who was sheltered tonight) will also be quarterbacking the same way in another year or two.

Everyone should take the time to always notice what opponent's lines are on the ice when each pairing is out there and the situation they start in. Also take note of which Jet forwards are on that unit. It's a big part of the overall story. To answer your question Ross. I am very much an "eye test" guy and I see nothing at all wrong with Morrissey's game based on the very tough role he is given. Same with Pionk. They are clearly the two best Jets D in my mind.

Always felt Ehlers had Kariya/Bure potential. It’s really showing now. I truly believe he will score 50 one year!
- TheUltimateJet

While being a pass-first kinda player. He is lethal, and with a surrounding core that is inked to very friendly deals. Love watching him.

Couple takaways from lastnight:
Demelo did not deserve that penalty on Hyman that gave the leafs a 5 on 3.

Dubois was an absolute animal in the Jets defensive zone, and was the reason Scheifele had such a clean breakaway

Hymans gutless slew-foot on Forbort, followed by his slash to Pionks face should be addressed interneally (Stanley).

Hutch.... Poor Hutch. Gets burried by Rittich and Campbell, never to see the NHL in a leafs Jersey again. Leafs need Anderson back or they are in trouble.

TSN broadcast claimed that too many PP's was Toronto's downfall and killed the leafs momentum???? Haha

The Leafs sure look lost without Matthews in the lineup. I guess Nylander was also not playing but I think Matthews is the engine that drives that team.

Nice close to an awesome road trip by the Jets. I'm not sure why everyone is one here bashing all the various Jets when they are playing quite well and the D has been improving tremendously vs earlier in the season. Maurice is playing the long game and it's working so far.

While being a pass-first kinda player. He is lethal, and with a surrounding core that is inked to very friendly deals. Love watching him.

Couple takaways from lastnight:
Demelo did not deserve that penalty on Hyman that gave the leafs a 5 on 3.

Dubois was an absolute animal in the Jets defensive zone, and was the reason Scheifele had such a clean breakaway

Hymans gutless slew-foot on Forbort, followed by his slash to Pionks face should be addressed interneally (Stanley).

Hutch.... Poor Hutch. Gets burried by Rittich and Campbell, never to see the NHL in a leafs Jersey again. Leafs need Anderson back or they are in trouble.

TSN broadcast claimed that too many PP's was Toronto's downfall and killed the leafs momentum???? Haha
- bikeguy99

I thought it was a slewfoot too but looked at in slow-mo a few times and Hyman's leg was in front of Forborts - that part was just good net battle unfortunately resulting in Forbort injury (?). A few seconds earlier Hyman took Pionk out aggressively and could have been called for interference or roughing (good on refs for letting it go), pionk came back with a pretty good slash and Hyman came back with the $5000 wood-chop. I would have him on my team in an instant - one guy forced the attention of two jets and didn't have the puck. Ref could have called Pionk for 2 and double-minor or major to Hyman but I like the 2 minute minor and 5k as a compromise. That was the first sign of aggression in the North this year.

The Leafs sure look lost without Matthews in the lineup. I guess Nylander was also not playing but I think Matthews is the engine that drives that team.

Nice close to an awesome road trip by the Jets. I'm not sure why everyone is one here bashing all the various Jets when they are playing quite well and the D has been improving tremendously vs earlier in the season. Maurice is playing the long game and it's working so far.
- jetsnation

What did Poolman have - 9 or 10 hits? He was a beast! Has really played well lately, not just last night.

Nice if he stays healthy and continues to play at this level - and then we re-sign him AFTER the Expansion Draft.

Jets dmen total ice time from last night:

Forbort- 23:34 EV-19:41 / PP-:04 / SH- 3:49
Pionk- 23:07 EV-19:47 / PP-2:22/SH- :58
Morrissey- 20:22 EV-16:01/PP-2:01/SH- 2:20
Poolman- 19:26 EV-16:16/PP-0:00/SH- 3:10
DeMelo- 19:04 EV- 15:43/PP-0:00/SH- 3:21
Heinola- 12:34 EV- 12:34/PP-0:00/SH- 0:00

I thought it was a slewfoot too but looked at in slow-mo a few times and Hyman's leg was in front of Forborts - that part was just good net battle unfortunately resulting in Forbort injury (?). A few seconds earlier Hyman took Pionk out aggressively and could have been called for interference or roughing (good on refs for letting it go), pionk came back with a pretty good slash and Hyman came back with the $5000 wood-chop. I would have him on my team in an instant - one guy forced the attention of two jets and didn't have the puck. Ref could have called Pionk for 2 and double-minor or major to Hyman but I like the 2 minute minor and 5k as a compromise. That was the first sign of aggression in the North this year.
- 2.0

I only saw one replay, and thought it was a slew foot. Regardless the leagues decision, I was hoping for an instant reply from the Jets players. Whether you target Hyman, or take a few runs at Marner, make them know you wont stand for that kind of play. It was a missed opportunity. Oh Well.

What did Poolman have - 9 or 10 hits? He was a beast! Has really played well lately, not just last night.

Nice if he stays healthy and continues to play at this level - and then we re-sign him AFTER the Expansion Draft.
- grahamzky

Poolman has been solid. He was fantastic on the PK lastnight, especially the 5 on 3.

Lowry..... Ugh. Too much term in my opinion. I'd sooner keep Stats 1-2 years, and hope on Perfetti to continue to develop, with Dubois always being an option down the middle. Lowry wasn't really a long term option in my opinion, and would be best used as a 4th line centre who is a tough wiener. I know he has been putting up some decent offense, but he also played a bunch with Appleton and Copp who were the drivers of that offense.

The Lowry signing is a good one. I wish the Jets did a handshake deal until after expansion. I think barring a trade, we will lose Appleton to Seattle as we will protect Copp as our 7th forward who is an RFA. Other teams will have better defenseman available.
The Jets game was exciting. I'm a little disappointed that the Canadian media and the league pretty much ignored the Ehlers highlight reel goal with his solo effort stripping Marner and scoring that amazing goal. The league also adjusted the schedule in Toronto's favour moving next week's Jets vs Leafs to the end of the season so the Leafs can play the Canucks. This will give the Leafs a chance to get both Nylander and Matthews before playing again.

Adjectives that describe Adam Lowry. Overplayed, overhyped and now overpaid. This just guarantees that Chevy is giving up that first rounder to Seattle.

Adjectives that describe Adam Lowry. Overplayed, overhyped and now overpaid. This just guarantees that Chevy is giving up that first rounder to Seattle.
- TheUltimateJet

It's the term I don't like. 5 years is a long time for 3/4 line guy. I would have much preferred 3 years.

The Lowry signing is a good one. I wish the Jets did a handshake deal until after expansion. I think barring a trade, we will lose Appleton to Seattle as we will protect Copp as our 7th forward who is an RFA. Other teams will have better defenseman available.
The Jets game was exciting. I'm a little disappointed that the Canadian media and the league pretty much ignored the Ehlers highlight reel goal with his solo effort stripping Marner and scoring that amazing goal. The league also adjusted the schedule in Toronto's favour moving next week's Jets vs Leafs to the end of the season so the Leafs can play the Canucks. This will give the Leafs a chance to get both Nylander and Matthews before playing again.
- Napolean-Mennonite

Kind of surprised the Jets re-upped Lowry now. He must have said "I'll sign right for five years at $3.25 (?), but can't guarantee that after if not now".

I guess Seattle's pick right now would be between Appleton, Berdin, Harkins and Niku? Am I missing anyone significant? I'm a big Harkins fan! Wish he played more!

Unless, of course, deals are made between now and the draft. So, can anyone tell me, are teams allowed to trade between bow and the Expansion Draft?

Kind of surprised the Jets re-upped Lowry now. He must have said "I'll sign right for five years at $3.25 (?), but can't guarantee that after if not now".

I guess Seattle's pick right now would be between Appleton, Berdin, Harkins and Niku? Am I missing anyone significant? I'm a big Harkins fan! Wish he played more!

Unless, of course, deals are made between now and the draft. So, can anyone tell me, are teams allowed to trade between bow and the Expansion Draft?
- grahamzky

Yes they can make trades after the season is done.

Adjectives that describe Adam Lowry. Overplayed, overhyped and now overpaid. This just guarantees that Chevy is giving up that first rounder to Seattle.
- TheUltimateJet

I think it’s fine. Would have been better to be three years but this is the nature of the beast. I won’t be to worried about the money even in its last two years, he can be moved to wing for those. It’s a better deal than little and wheelers.

Chevy knows what players and agents are thinking. We all heard Copp’s last arbitration went horrible (like any players/teams arbitration) I have t wonder if Copp is in the Trouba train, trying to get to UFA status as quickly as possible and he will be asking for far too much?? I’m just guessing but if the abets and Copp are not on the same page this summer, I’d expect a trade before expansion. Maybe someone gives us a third for him?
Before Rexy gets mad, I’m not advocating to trade him, I’m speculating that Chevy already knows he doesn’t want to be here.

My response to Ross's legitimate questions from the last thread ( since we now have a new one and I posted late)

So I just had some time to read through the posts as I've been so busy with work and conference calls that I had to tape the game and finally just finished watching it.

Lots of Demelo haters on here as well as Morrissey. When I watch games I love to isolate players during shifts and watch the five-man unit as a whole to see the positioning. It obviously a trait that comes from my coaching days. I also love to "tivo " back on dangerous plays or goals and see who was at fault. Because I have a lot of respect for Ross's opinion I have paid a lot of extra attention to isolating Morrissey when he is on the ice over the past 12-15 games.

I don't spend a lot of time on stats and deeper analytics because they are very biased. DeMelo for the most part this season has been playing against opponents' second and third lines. Morrissey is always put on the ice where possible against the top lines and also in the defensive zone faceoffs. Furthermore, he is played very often on the unit with Scheif and Wheeler. You'll notice on both Leaf goals tonight it was likey Scheif that was a step or two behind his check which led to the goal. Morrissey was defending in the corner on the first one..not his fault at all. Often it's Wheeler missing his check. The stats don't show any of this.

Stanley has played well but his plus 12 came in a sheltered role with forwards who are good defensively. Demelo has also had that benefit a lot. Tonight he played a sheltered role with Heinola in much the same way as with Stanley. Morrissey almost never gets that benefit. He gets the tough minutes...all 20-24 minutes of them. Morrissey is back there controlling the play. Pionk the same. They are the two quarterbacks for this team. The Jets would be lost without these two players. I think Heinola ( who was sheltered tonight) will also be quarterbacking the same way in another year or two.

Everyone should take the time to always notice what opponent's lines are on the ice when each pairing is out there and the situation they start in. Also take note of which Jet forwards are on that unit. It's a big part of the overall story. To answer your question Ross. I am very much an "eye test" guy and I see nothing at all wrong with Morrissey's game based on the very tough role he is given. Same with Pionk. They are clearly the two best Jets D in my mind.
- jetsnation

I disagree but still respect all opinions.

Kind of surprised the Jets re-upped Lowry now. He must have said "I'll sign right for five years at $3.25 (?), but can't guarantee that after if not now".

I guess Seattle's pick right now would be between Appleton, Berdin, Harkins and Niku? Am I missing anyone significant? I'm a big Harkins fan! Wish he played more!

Unless, of course, deals are made between now and the draft. So, can anyone tell me, are teams allowed to trade between bow and the Expansion Draft?
- grahamzky

I think you can narrow it down to Appleton, and whichever of Demelo or Stanley is not protected. Just those two.

I think you can narrow it down to Appleton, and whichever of Demelo or Stanley is not protected. Just those two.
- Ross77

Yea, I'm thinking you are probably right. At 23 with lots of upside (IMO), Harkins might factor in as well, or maybe just because I love the way that guy plays.

Also think you are right about Copp, he may very well be playing the Trouba game - but hope not, he's developed into quite the player for us.

Yes they can make trades after the season is done.
- TheUltimateJet

Good, thanks!

Don't even know the exact date of Draft, but at least it gives us some time to move some pieces around. What you see now may be very different on draft day.

Can't see the Jets just letting the Krakens just taking a Appleton, Harkins, Stanley/DeMelo for nothing. The cupboard will be bare minimum on draft day.

Maybe throw in a 2nd or CBS's 3rd for the Krakens to take Niku? Or is a deal already in place? If they re-sign Poolman then we'll know there is.

Kind of surprised the Jets re-upped Lowry now. He must have said "I'll sign right for five years at $3.25 (?), but can't guarantee that after if not now".

I guess Seattle's pick right now would be between Appleton, Berdin, Harkins and Niku? Am I missing anyone significant? I'm a big Harkins fan! Wish he played more!

Unless, of course, deals are made between now and the draft. So, can anyone tell me, are teams allowed to trade between bow and the Expansion Draft?
- grahamzky

I don't think it's Lowry was a case of sign me now or take your chances. I think the Jets mgmt didn't want to toy with letting him reach UFA status and then having some team come in and make a ridiculous offer that Lowry could not refuse such as what happened with Tanev and Myers.

BTW...Lowry signing put me one up on my predictions and also puts Apples in play to Seattle which will make me two up.

BTW....when one listens to the Lowry interview it's once again the same theme you hear over and over from the Jets core. Stong organization from top to bottom, well run, well-coached, solid guys as teammates, tight group, strong focus on winning, etc. It's certainly not in any way, shape or form, the sh#t show that some posters/trolls on here would like you to believe.

Certainly, there are a few players who move on because they have girlfriends in NYC , wanted to play for hometown Columbus, or have Hollywood stars in their eyes. At the end of the day though most of these guys really want to stay with this organization.

I was so happy he pressured Marner into losing control of the puck, an exciting goal.

Definatley Ehlers has emerged out of Laines shadow.

Yea, I'm thinking you are probably right. At 23 with lots of upside (IMO), Harkins might factor in as well, or maybe just because I love the way that guy plays.

Also think you are right about Copp, he may very well be playing the Trouba game - but hope not, he's developed into quite the player for us.
- grahamzky

Harkins is from the Vancouver area so maybe they see that as close to a home town kid?

Good, thanks!

Don't even know the exact date of Draft, but at least it gives us some time to move some pieces around. What you see now may be very different on draft day.

Can't see the Jets just letting the Krakens just taking a Appleton, Harkins, Stanley/DeMelo for nothing. The cupboard will be bare minimum on draft day.

Maybe throw in a 2nd or CBS's 3rd for the Krakens to take Niku? Or is a deal already in place? If they re-sign Poolman then we'll know there is.
- grahamzky

I wouldn’t trade kraken anything. Let them take whoever they want. Anyone we lose can be replaced.
Gustafson
Vesalainen
Heinola
Samberg
Perfetti
Are all coming
Plus there are so many good guys available for league minimum every year if you can find the right one. I have to admit Lewis and Thompson have far exceeded my pre season expectations but let me add, I’m mot in a hurry to resign them lol