Gearing Up for Another Run

Team: 2019-20 Winnipeg Jets

Initial Creation Date: May 16, 2019

Published: May 17, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

After a disappointing end to the season Winnipeg has their work cut out for them to retain some of the core players that had them challenging for the division title and brought them the the WCF the season prior. A number of expiring contracts means some tough decisions as to who is back and also offers the opportunity for some minor adjustments to ensure this team remains a contender over the next few years. Unfortunately, the Jets are also hamstrung my a number of NTC/NMC's which may limit their ability to move a few of their overpaid players out to make room for re-signings and prospect graduations.

RFA's
Connor signs for a long term deal at a similar cap % as Scheifele did (a little over 8%).
Laine bets on himself after a down year and goes for a shorter term bridge deal for a bit less of a % of the cap than his peers (about 7.75%). Winnipeg has the budget for a big raise as Laine's next renewal aligns with Perreault's deal ending.
Brossoit parlays his solid year as a backup into a two year deal at a little over double his salary from last year. Gives Winnipeg's goalies in the A time to continue to develop before seeing if they are NHL caliber. Could perhaps move him next offseason if it seems one of the other guys is ready to backup.
Copp takes a two year bridge deal at double last years salary. Can evaluate him versus Lowry in two years time as both would be up for renewal.
Beaulieu may be re-signed to an extension at near his current contract to provide a physical presence on the left side if they loose Chiarot.
Dano, Morrow, and Nogier are qualified/extended one year while the rest are let walk.

UFA's
Jets may be unable to afford to resign Hayes, and given that they played Little ahead of him in the playoffs they probably move on.
Myers has also priced himself out of WInnipeg, and the Jets have RD that can replace him (Trouba if not moved + Buff).
Tanev is another guy that's a good player, but that the Jets can replace internally and let him chase a bigger pay day elsewhere.
Chiarot could be back if Kulikov is moved, otherwise I think they can't afford to keep him as the #4/5.
All others are allowed to test FA.

With Trouba on the way out (I trade him this off season), and the Jets weakness on the left side, I think they will approach Jake Gardiner to join a team that can contend. Rather than him signing on a bottom feeder for more money he chooses the Jets for a little bit less than market value. I see him ending up around what Ryan Ellis signed for if he goes to a good team and closer to 7M if he chases the money.

Trades
Trouba's relationship with Winnipeg is tumultuous and they will have to really overpay him to get him to stay, or he will force arbitration and leave as a UFA next season. Trade him where he wants to go (Detroit) for a fair deal that works for both teams (keeping in mind the offer sheet compensation would be a first, second and third at a 5 x about 7.5M which is something I think Trouba would sign for).

I assumed that the NTC's on the higher priced players make it difficult for Winnipeg to make moves. I assume they are stuck with Little for sure due to the term left on his deal and the Jets again evaluate their #2 center slot at the trade deadline. I would look to shop Perreault to a team like Carolina or the NYI who looks like they could use some added depth on the wings. I think Montreal would look at Kulikov as they have been in the market for a LD. Perhaps NJD could also use him as their defense was a tire fire last year.

For deals I completed, the comments are in the individual trades. Winnipeg will need to move Perreault next off season for cap space.

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