Below, I have listed off what I believe are the Jets best case scenario lines (plus extras) with their existing players. (In other words, all Jets playable players are all on the roster for the sake of this take.) All signs point to the Jets making the playoffs, and having a decent chance of making it fairly deep. With that said, this is not a cup winning lineup, in my opinion. Here are some of my takes on who is working, and who isn't working at the moment. I would love to here your thoughts! (Not just angry denials, haha.)
Take 1: Connor-Dubois-Ehlers: This is a fantastic line, and doesn't need to change.
Take 2: Perfetti-Sheifele-Wheeler: This line is really starting to look strong. With that said, I can see people's hesitation with Wheeler. I would love to see Baron-Lowry-Wheeler as a hard working, point producing 3rd line. I would argue we have not found a solid RW for that 3rd line, and Wheeler's work ethic and ability to put up points would be a welcomed addition.
Take 3: Baron is great. He is only going to get better. Probably not line 1 or 2 with our current roster, but a solid 3rd line winger that can fill in line 2 when injuries come up.
Take 4: When Mason Appleton is healthy, he needs to stay away from the 3rd line. I think he has not looked strong in most games with the Jets this season, and testing him on line 1/2 at the beginning of the season in Ehlers place showed that his upside is very low. I would love his play to prove me wrong.
Take 5: I think our entire 4th line (and 5th line how it is outlined below) are players that can contribute, but would be an easy switch at Trade Deadline. I would love to see a new take on our 4th line, possibly led by Gagner, as he has shown he is a solid pickup this season.
Take 6: Karson Kuhlman is not meant to be a Winnipeg Jet. He skates well, but has no finishing ability, and hasn't shown that he adds anything that this team is missing.
Take 7: Pionk. What is going on here? He has been a completely unreliable on both sides of the puck. His blue line passing on the power play are so incredibly slow, giving the other team so much time to reposition before a slapshot. I know he has so much upside, but we need more defensive predictability (in my opinion,) and he is too risky. I would be ready to see him in a trade.
Take 8: I would love to see more Heinola. I know the team is working to fit him in, but I hate how we are wasting another year of his ELC. We need a power QB on our PP2, and I strongly believe that Heinola is our man.
I'm starting to wonder if Dubois contract extension was because he wanted to see signs of life from the Jets before making the commitment to being there long term.
I'm starting to wonder if Dubois contract extension was because he wanted to see signs of life from the Jets before making the commitment to being there long term.
i honestly think he is going to be asking at leat 9mill on a long term deal if he is to stay
I'm starting to wonder if Dubois contract extension was because he wanted to see signs of life from the Jets before making the commitment to being there long term.
Quoting: jets12
i honestly think he is going to be asking at leat 9mill on a long term deal if he is to stay
Winnipeg has more than enough cap space to re-sign Dubois. My guess is that he comes in on a mid-term deal (3 or 4 years) at around $9m/year.
Winnipeg has more than enough cap space to re-sign Dubois. My guess is that he comes in on a mid-term deal (3 or 4 years) at around $9m/year.
He’s going to sign a deal that’s close to the term on Ehlers and KFCs deal. Like you said 3-4 years. Then re evaluate at that point.
As for the OP. I agree on everything you’ve said here. Pionk has been awful for 2 years now and only had 1 good career year which was in the all Canadian division against weaker teams that’s proving to be a flash in the pan. He 100% should be traded.
Team needs a top 6 rental forward for the playoff push! With the number of LHD the team has, it be great if we can move Schmidt for a RHD or a top 6 forward along with a prospect, but I highly doubt a team will pick up that salary. So I guess the best trade chip is Dillon and a prospect for a top 6 rental. Oh and a real back up rental goalie for a low pick and prospect maybe Manitoba boy like Remier
Also Stanley should be traded during the deadline. Sending him to the AHL wouldn't make sense, as he will easily get claimed. The team has succeeded without him, so it only makes sense to move on from him. I would love to see J Toews come to Winnipeg in a deal involving AJF.