Jets get Lafwhat happens next

I think little is headed for ltir, if laf appears, I think I would bargain shop for a rhd, so they have pionk, DeMelo, poolman, and enter name here, lhd morrissey, niku, and possibly another couple bargains to not rush heinola or samberg. I would be all right with a guy who could play Both sides and warrior beaulieu and dahlstrom. Then heinola or samberg midway through the year. As far as forwards go, I would stand pat and either put wheeler back to the middle if needed or hope that roslovic, copp, Gustafsson and or eakin can fill the role of 2c short term, til they trade laine for a large package next offseason after the expansion draft and possibly at the draft.

Let's assume Little ends up finishing his career on LTIR, thus freeing up his nigh-$5.3M hit for the Jets.

I think the Jets would be more inclined to bring Stastny back: Vegas is in a tight spot cap-wise and would look to unload him for a reasonable cost. Given that the three-year window Lafreniere is still really, really cost-effective, Winnipeg shouldn't hesitate to burn a few picks that line up in this window. I don't believe in trading any of Connor, Ehlers, or Laine year one: make the small, short-term upgrade in the meantime and allow your superior winger strength and Vezina-goaltending carry the day. Trading - for example - Laine should be for a premiere centerman, and there isn't a realistic one available on the near horizon. Better off keeping the potential 50-goal man and doing your diligence to find a fit.

Any upgrade at LD is going to be preceded by dumping Lowry and Perreault sans retention.

It's an absolute gamble, but Carolina might effectively give Gardiner to the Jets for free. Pairings would likely have to be shuffled a bit: I'd keep Pionk with Morrissey and run Gardiner alongside DeMelo. At a bit of a steeper price, maybe they part with the more expensive Skjei?

Zadorov is a poor-man's option in the top-four, maybe Graves would be the better target out of Colorado. The Bruins should be hesitant to trade Grzelcyk before the expansion draft, but I'd have to believe they'd have substantial interest in Veselainen.

Is there a reality where a 1st-and-3rd offersheet for Sergachev could be considered?