That forward group isn't good enough to contend with and it's unlikely the D is good enough either, it's at least passable though.

The Jets need more substantial changes if they want to get back to being a contender, management likely doesn't see that though.

DeMelo is way better then giordano

For 21-22, I would rate them both about equally. After next year, DeMelo>Gio. Gio is higher risk of declining, but he’s still a very good #4 D man and, similar to Suter, he works very hard to keep in shape and his skills sharp.

The advantages of this trade are getting one year of Gio and protecting both Stanley and Appleton. So looking at the trade as Demelo vs Gio isn’t really accurate. Sea might get Demelo for free. I don’t like the 3rd D pairing, Poolman isn’t my first choice to help break Heinola into the league.

Prefetti won’t make the team on the 4th line, so replace him with a vet who can forecheck relentlessly.

I also think the RFA for Pionk is much too low, and Copp a bit too low.

What I like about this roster - it would compete for a playoff spot in 21-22. It gives time for Heinola to get more development, either on the 3rd pair or in the AHL as the top D.

This bridges the gap to 22-23, when Prefetti and two of Stanley, Heinola, Samberg should be on the left side of the NHL roster.

It protects Appleton.

Gio and Stastny are both great leaders! These are the type of players I want Vesi, Prefetti, Heinola, etc learning from.

What I don’t like: this roster isn’t competing for the cup. There is some risk that 2 key vets (Gio and Stastny) will see their play drop off significantly.

With the contracts for Pionk and Copp being on the low side, I’m not sure the Jets can afford Larsson and Stastny. Take either of those players off this roster and we’re one injury away from competing for Bedard.