Team: 2020-21 Winnipeg Jets

Initial Creation Date: Nov. 11, 2020

Published: Nov. 11, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

On the Laine line situation:
Laine will play on the second line with Stastny for 2020-21 because
a) they have proven chemistry with Ehlers and
b) On the first line, Laine's production will ncrease by an amount that would command a raise we can't handle without losing other key players when we re-sign him, which is especially important because we'll already be losing players to the expansion draft. By keeping Laine on the second line this season, Jets get a full season of Laine-Stastny-Ehlers chemistry and can then sign him to a "team-friendlier" contract with term where he can play on the first line to maximize his prime years.

On the Defense situation:
I believe one of Samberg or Heinola is going to make it on the roster and I'd give the edge to Samberg because of his size and more experience playing American hockey. Heinola can then get more seasoning in the AHL (if there's a season, if not then he's already making good progress in Europe still).
Chevy will need to make up for the weak right side with a trade. Sbisa is essentially a body for blocking shots and throwing hits. This Severson trade is, like the name says, only hopeful. Chevy likes bringing hometown/Midwest players that fit with the team. We might have to give up more to get someone like Severson, but New Jersey isn't close to contending yet. The main piece is the first round pick to help with the rebuild and they also get a serviceable RD and a motivated NHL-ready Forward who can play with their abundance of Centers.

On the rest of the line combinations:
CSW + LSE have guaranteed production and chemistry for one of the best top 6 in the league.
CLP play a hard checking, defensively responsible game that allows our top 2 lines to matchup against weaker lines.
Although I loved the 2015 line, Roslovic isn't cracking our top 6 this season and will be given his shot elsewhere. Apples and Harkins keep their chemistry while Thompson's veteran presence and defensive ability can bring stability to the line.
I'm hoping PoMo gives the fourth line more time overall. Also, with this assortment of players, all of our wingers can play up and down the lineup for balanced scoring.

TL;DR:
-Laine stays on second line, we sign him for a fair price given his skill for term.
-The Defense as is needs support to bring this team to true contender, which is why Chevy will make a trade still
-Our forwards in general are set to be productive and we have flexibility

Would love to know your thoughts!