Jacob Billington: Winnipeg Jets Prospect Update; Rashevsky, Lambert, Lucius

You forgot to mention Kristian Vesalainen. Seems like he is having some success in SM-liiga.

You forgot to mention Kristian Vesalainen. Seems like he is having some success in SM-liiga.
- TheUltimateJet

I will be posting a few more over the coming weeks. Wanted to break it up, talk about them individually in groups, then close to the end of the year I will be doing one full prospect update

Lucius is glass and shows the risk of drafting injured players (see Nolan Patrick). Although Lucius at least likes hockey lol

He’s turning 20 and has had 3 season ending surgeries in 3 years, or close to it.

I’d suggest his trade value is almost none at this point.

Still have high hopes for him but the chances of him being a 50+ game player is very slim

Lucius is glass and shows the risk of drafting injured players (see Nolan Patrick). Although Lucius at least likes hockey lol

He’s turning 20 and has had 3 season ending surgeries in 3 years, or close to it.

I’d suggest his trade value is almost none at this point.

Still have high hopes for him but the chances of him being a 50+ game player is very slim
- jjonah

I would give him a pass if he got injured in the AHL. If the injury happened in the WHL where theoretically he should be bigger and stronger than most of the other players mostly due to his age, then there is definitely major reason for concern.

He’s had 3 major injuries in 3 years in 3 leagues

USNDT
COLLEGE
WESTERN

2020-2023 he’s averaged 18 games a year

You forgot to mention Kristian Vesalainen. Seems like he is having some success in SM-liiga.
- TheUltimateJet

-Lambert's stock is falling.
-Lucius done for the year and injured yet again.
-McGroarty playing okay.
-Rashevsky signed in Russia for two more seasons.
-Jets other forward prospects are pretty meh.
-Vesalainen having a good season.

Ouch, looks like Vesalainen is their top forward prospect now.. 😆

Chevy was in attendance to watch Sam Jose game!!!
This is encouraging news!!!
Common on down Timo Mier

-Lambert's stock is falling.
-Lucius done for the year and injured yet again.
-McGroarty playing okay.
-Rashevsky signed in Russia for two more seasons.
-Jets other forward prospects are pretty meh.
-Vesalainen having a good season.

Ouch, looks like Vesalainen is their top forward prospect now.. 😆
- JetFuel

Lambert is playing very well, stock is on the way up!!

Lambert is playing very well, stock is on the way up!!
- Ross77

Exactly!

Lambert, Samberg and 2023 1st for Meier at 8 year x $8-$8.5

Would be a great deal with our current team, age, goaltending etc

Lambert is playing very well, stock is on the way up!!
- Ross77

He's 19 years old and like Lucius was demoted from the Moose to the WHL. I just don't have the same optimism as some of my fellow Jets fans about these picks. I would trade this player as well for this year.

He's 19 years old and like Lucius was demoted from the Moose to the WHL. I just don't have the same optimism as some of my fellow Jets fans about these picks. I would trade this player as well for this year.
- TheUltimateJet

I think throwing in the towel on Lucius because of another injury is quite shortsighted. He will bulk up and come back strong. The talent is there, he just needs to get the carcass in better shape to prevent more injuries.

You don’t have to throw in the towel. You wouldn’t get a 3rd rd pick for him.

Jets have no choice but to hope that exactly what happens.

Yes it still can. But at his age he’s had major works done already.

Lambert, Samberg and 2023 1st for Meier at 8 year x $8-$8.5

Would be a great deal with our current team, age, goaltending etc
- jjonah

This is essentially what the Rangers gave up today to get Tarasenko. Jjonah, you have read the market well.

Chevy was in attendance to watch Sam Jose game!!!
This is encouraging news!!!
Common on down Timo Mier
- Ross77

Don't think Chevy was watching San Jose to see what Timo Meier can do. He already knows Timo is a hell of a player.

S-o-o-o, what was Chevy at the game for? Probably
A - to double check on Eric Karlson's play at this stage of season (but NMC)
B - Meet with Sharks to hammer out a potential deal for Meier
or C - get Sharks permission to meet Heier and/or his agent to
see if a contract extension could be worked out

- Probably there because of B and C

We all pretty well know the Jets could use - another top6/9 forward; an upgrade on the RS of our blue-line abd hopefully a big, tough experienced d-mam for the playoff run.
Lots out there - F - T. Meier, R. O'Reilly, P. Buchnevich, I. Barbashev, J. Toews, M. Domi, L. Crouse, B. Boeser, C. Garland, N. Bjugstad, T. Konecny (not likely), S. Laughton, N. Rithie, N. Neitereitter, N. Acciara, and M, Branlund.

D - E. Karlsson NTC), J. Chychrun, +V. Gavriskov, M. Eklund, R. Gudas (maybe), J. Klingberg, J. Edmundson and L. Schenn.

But which ones?

Be happy if we could nab T. Meier, (failing that Buchnevich) J. Chychrun and one of L. Schenn/J. Edmundson! But lots of choices! But let's remember that probably 15 other teams after many of these players. Doesn't make it easy!

But who do we give up to get those players I mentioned in last post?

Of course it all depends the quality of the player coming this way. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.

I think a lot depends on what the Jets feeling is about PLD. Do they think they can re-sign him long term this summer? Doubt the Jets would be able to afford all of PLD, Scheifele and, say, Meier next season. But indications are PLD wants to go to Montreal - can we get a 1st+ back for him when the Habs can get him free the following summer?

Really I think all options are open. I still believe that Chaz Lucius, despite his injuries, will be requested by teams. Besides Lucius, it would be nice to hang on to Elias Solomonson, R. McGroarty and our 2023 #1 drat choice. But who knows?

So Jet prospects like Heinola, Lambert, Chibrikov, the rights to Rachevsky and Vesalainen, current players N. Pionk, D. Samberg, L. Stanley, M. Barron, D. Gustafsson, M. Appleton - and #1 and #2 picks in the 2024 draft should all be out there.

The price for T. Meier? With an extension - Our 2024 1st (top 3 protected), V. Heinola, B. Lambert, M. Barron, and the rights to D. Rachevsky. Would that be enough? If not, add on!

But who do we give up to get those players I mentioned in last post?

Of course it all depends the quality of the player coming this way. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.

I think a lot depends on what the Jets feeling is about PLD. Do they think they can re-sign him long term this summer? Doubt the Jets would be able to afford all of PLD, Scheifele and, say, Meier next season. But indications are PLD wants to go to Montreal - can we get a 1st+ back for him when the Habs can get him free the following summer?

Really I think all options are open. I still believe that Chaz Lucius, despite his injuries, will be requested by teams. Besides Lucius, it would be nice to hang on to Elias Solomonson, R. McGroarty and our 2023 #1 drat choice. But who knows?

So Jet prospects like Heinola, Lambert, Chibrikov, the rights to Rachevsky and Vesalainen, current players N. Pionk, D. Samberg, L. Stanley, M. Barron, D. Gustafsson, M. Appleton - and #1 and #2 picks in the 2024 draft should all be out there.

The price for T. Meier? With an extension - Our 2024 1st (top 3 protected), V. Heinola, B. Lambert, M. Barron, and the rights to D. Rachevsky. Would that be enough? If not, add on!
- grahamzky

Meier has been my #1 since the first day we started talking about trades in December. That has not changed and only grown stronger. That being said there is no way that I would , or Chevy would, overpay by that much. A 1st round pick, a top prospect, and a player will get it done. Worst case is the Jets throw in an extra 3rd round pick.

So the prospect could be Lambert or McGroaty, the player could be one of ...Heinola, Stanley, or maybe Barron, possibly Appleton . However, I don't think Chevy gives up anymore unless he has had talks with SJ / Meier and a longer term contract is in the offing.

Meier has been #1 since the first day we started talking about trades in December. That has not changed and only grown stronger. That being said there is no way that I would , or Chevy would, overpay by that much. A 1st round pick, a top prospect, and a player will get it done. Worst case is the Jets throw in an extra 3rd round pick.

So the prospect could be Lambert or McGroaty, the player could be one of ...Heinola, Stanley, or maybe Barron, possibly Appleton . However, I don't think Chevy gives up anymore unless he has had talks with SJ / Meier and a longer term contract is in the offing.
- jetsnation

Yea like I said in post - with extension. Still too much?

The extension might have to be gentleman's agreement, not sure? But don't think so.

But who do we give up to get those players I mentioned in last post?

Of course it all depends the quality of the player coming this way. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.

I think a lot depends on what the Jets feeling is about PLD. Do they think they can re-sign him long term this summer? Doubt the Jets would be able to afford all of PLD, Scheifele and, say, Meier next season. But indications are PLD wants to go to Montreal - can we get a 1st+ back for him when the Habs can get him free the following summer?

Really I think all options are open. I still believe that Chaz Lucius, despite his injuries, will be requested by teams. Besides Lucius, it would be nice to hang on to Elias Solomonson, R. McGroarty and our 2023 #1 drat choice. But who knows?

So Jet prospects like Heinola, Lambert, Chibrikov, the rights to Rachevsky and Vesalainen, current players N. Pionk, D. Samberg, L. Stanley, M. Barron, D. Gustafsson, M. Appleton - and #1 and #2 picks in the 2024 draft should all be out there.

The price for T. Meier? With an extension - Our 2024 1st (top 3 protected), V. Heinola, B. Lambert, M. Barron, and the rights to D. Rachevsky. Would that be enough? If not, add on!
- grahamzky

I can’t stand Habs fans assuming they can get PLD for free in a year. Could it happen? Of course but it very rarely works out like that. I clearly remember Detroit fans saying the exact same thing about Trouba!! And guess what? That’s didn’t work out for them.
The Jets could easily trade PLD this summer to Anaheim or LA where PLD says, hey I kinda like Cali, think I’ll stay here.

Meier has been #1 since the first day we started talking about trades in December. That has not changed and only grown stronger. That being said there is no way that I would , or Chevy would, overpay by that much. A 1st round pick, a top prospect, and a player will get it done. Worst case is the Jets throw in an extra 3rd round pick.

So the prospect could be Lambert or McGroaty, the player could be one of ...Heinola, Stanley, or maybe Barron, possibly Appleton . However, I don't think Chevy gives up anymore unless he has had talks with SJ / Meier and a longer term contract is in the offing.
- jetsnation

Not sure why we are worried about an extension right away? He will be a RFA, yea with a massive qualifying offer but he can still be traded this summer to team
That can sign him long term or we keep him and trade him next deadline for the same value we gave up to get him. Win win

I can’t stand Habs fans assuming they can get PLD for free in a year. Could it happen? Of course but it very rarely works out like that. I clearly remember Detroit fans saying the exact same thing about Trouba!! And guess what? That’s didn’t work out for them.
The Jets could easily trade PLD this summer to Anaheim or LA where PLD says, hey I kinda like Cali, think I’ll stay here.
- Ross77

Yea you're right, it happens. Hopefully the Habs keep this in mind!

Me? I'd rather play in Montreal where the fans are passionate, where hockey is #1 and you're treated as a hero if you win. Others don't feel that way I realize.

Canada all the way for moi!

He's 19 years old and like Lucius was demoted from the Moose to the WHL. I just don't have the same optimism as some of my fellow Jets fans about these picks. I would trade this player as well for this year.
- TheUltimateJet

I feel pretty much the same, I'm still hopeful for Lucius but I think Lambert will be a bust.

I saw this comparison on another board which does make some sense :

July 7, 2022
"To Ottawa: Alex DeBrincat
To Chicago: 2022 1st Round Pick (No. 7 overall, Kevin Korchinski), 2022 2nd Round Pick (No. 39 overall, Paul Ludwinski), 2024 3rd Round Pick

DeBrincat is really the only recent comparable as someone with a looming, $9 million qualifying offer. Meier stands likely bring back less for a number of reasons: 1) DeBrincat had one year remaining on his contract that paid him a reasonable $6.4 million cap hit before expiration into that qualifying offer; 2) When the Blackhawks made the deal, it was hours before the first round and they knew exactly which pick they were getting at No. 7 overall. Almost any contending team that San Jose will be dealing with will be picking much later in the first round in June. Plus, DeBrincat is three years younger and his qualifying offer is $1 million less expensive."

So basically it suggests Meier is worth less than what happened in this trade. I'd beg to differ because I think Meier is the better player. Another factor that will affect Meier's value is demand . NYR were a favorite but now they grabbed Tarasenko, NYI were in the hunt and now they have Horvat. I'd now rule both these teams out. NJD are in the hunt for sure but they would also like to unite the three Hughes brothers. Its doable with the NJD cap space, but barely . Meier would fit nicely on the top line and there is a nice Swiss connection there., but I don't think NJD can be as competitive as Boston and Carolina who both have a lot of cap space to burn.

So bottom line the competition for Meier IMHO is the Bruins, the Hurricanes, and the Jets. All three should have enough ammo to get the deal done. The Jets one other ace up their sleeve is Ehlers b/c he remains VERY good friends Meier. Maybe enough so that Chevy might be able to entice Meier to sign long-term here once he has spent some time with Ehlers and the team. Its a nice gamble to take. I really do believe that we will see Meier in a Jets uniform and extremely disappointed if Chevy can't get this deal done because the assets are there in spades. Lets hope Chevy is flexible !

I'm going with a 2023 1st pick, Morgan Barron , and Ville Heinola as enough to get this trade done. It fills SJ's needs, yet doesn;t really hurt the Jets too badly.