If we can keep it to 3 years or less, Craig Smith would be a perfect add on the right wing. Can play on any line

Illegal Curve ? They get their info the same way we do....too funny !
- bennythehat

That's probably why the show is so much fun to listen too. I love those guys

On signing Bobby Ryan and/or Kyle Turris.

Worst Case Scenario: one or both end up being terrible and as a result the Jets place both or one on waivers and they end up clearing and then end playing for the Manitobe Moose.

Best Case Scenarion: one or both come in highly motivated to prove they got game. Both put up 40-50 points and become valuable contributors for this team, while insulating younger players. Both come in at cheap cap hits and at the end of next year, one or both sign another 1-2 year extensions.
- TheUltimateJet

I’m not interested in Bobby Ryan. For me there is no upside with him as he would be taking the ice time of a young wing or like Harkins or Appleton to produce that 40 points a year. As for being used to insulate young players, which I have been an advocate of, we are almost past that stage. Our forwards have enough experienceTo figure things out for themselves from here on, and the only defenseman who really need insulating are Heinola, Niku and Samberg.

Turris might be worth a gamble but I would be pleasantly surprised - and unexpected- if he puts up Brian Little kind of numbers. Brian little produced at closer to .7 points a game and had long stretches at a point per game. I think we could do better in our search for a number 2c. I could take or leave Turris.

I’m not interested in Bobby Ryan. For me there is no upside with him as he would be taking the ice time of a young wing or like Harkins or Appleton to produce that 40 points a year. As for being used to insulate young players, which I have been an advocate of, we are almost past that stage. Our forwards have enough experienceTo figure things out for themselves from here on, and the only defenseman who really need insulating are Heinola, Niku and Samberg.

Turris might be worth a gamble but I would be pleasantly surprised - and unexpected- if he puts up Brian Little kind of numbers. Brian little produced at closer to .7 points a game and had long stretches at a point per game. I think we could do better in our search for a number 2c. I could take or leave Turris.
- 2.0

Well that 40 points on the third line will be more than any Winnipeg Jet on the third line has ever produced and give us a legitimate scoring threat deep in our lineup. Plus he would be really good in the room. Rather have him than Letestu, Bitteto or Hendricks. What could be more inspiring to teammates than a solid human perseverance story?

But, it's okay to agree to disagree.


Furthermore when did Bryan Little ever produce 1 ppg?

Well that 40 points on the third line will be more than any Winnipeg Jet on the third line has ever produced and give us a legitimate scoring threat deep in our lineup. Plus he would be really good in the room. Rather have him than Letestu, Bitteto or Hendricks. What could be more inspiring to teammates than a solid human perseverance story?

But, it's okay to agree to disagree.


Furthermore when did Bryan Little ever produce 1 ppg?
- TheUltimateJet

So all that matters to you for 3rd lines is pts. per game? And good in the room?

Well that 40 points on the third line will be more than any Winnipeg Jet on the third line has ever produced and give us a legitimate scoring threat deep in our lineup. Plus he would be really good in the room. Rather have him than Letestu, Bitteto or Hendricks. What could be more inspiring to teammates than a solid human perseverance story?

But, it's okay to agree to disagree.


Furthermore when did Bryan Little ever produce 1 ppg?
- TheUltimateJet

Little was on an tear from 15-17 points wise

So all that matters to you for 3rd lines is pts. per game? And good in the room?
- grahamzky

💯

It's better than what we have been getting for the last decade.

Little was on an tear from 15-17 points wise
- Rexypoo

My bad, you are right!

Well that 40 points on the third line will be more than any Winnipeg Jet on the third line has ever produced and give us a legitimate scoring threat deep in our lineup. Plus he would be really good in the room. Rather have him than Letestu, Bitteto or Hendricks. What could be more inspiring to teammates than a solid human perseverance story?

But, it's okay to agree to disagree.


Furthermore when did Bryan Little ever produce 1 ppg?
- TheUltimateJet

He was actually not too far off point for game when he got injured last year. But there were long stretches a few years ago before his first neck injury, and steady production in spite of being bumped to 2nd pp.

If Ryan produced 40 points per year and a third line roll that would be huge. In a third line roll I’m thinking he would be closer to 20 to 25 points when his pp points are included. I have a lot of respect for what he’s done to turn things around for himself but I don’t see a fit in Winnipeg.

He was actually not too far off point for game when he got injured last year. But there were long stretches a few years ago before his first neck injury, and steady production in spite of being bumped to 2nd pp.

If Ryan produced 40 points per year and a third line roll that would be huge. In a third line roll I’m thinking he would be closer to 20 to 25 points when his pp points are included. I have a lot of respect for what he’s done to turn things around for himself but I don’t see a fit in Winnipeg.
- 2.0

Well I do see a fit with Bobby Ryan. Bobby Ryan has one of the most inspiring stories in the NHL, the man is working through his mental illness and will always be in recovery for his addictions. He has shown strong resolve working through his troubled past. Furthermore he is former superstar in this league that was money to score 30 goals/year.

I keep hearing that we have some players in the room that have a bad attitude. Do you think their attitudes would be justified with a guy like Bobby Ryan in the room? Bobby Ryan would also have instant credibility with our superstars, based on his own historic production alone. No offence to Letestu or Bourque, but those guys were never first liners. Bobby Ryan would also put some heat on our top four wingers as he would be the first option to jump into our "top 6" (Paul Maurice language), forcing those wingers to stay on their games or risk being demoted to the "bottom 6".

I am hoping we do sign Bobby Ryan as both this city and organization could show the compassionate side of itself. Also, what better way to sign more free agents in the future, than showing the league that we genuinely care and honour those that have gone through major personal struggles. I will never forget the genuine tears I had when Bobby Ryan scored that hat trick in his first game back.

#bringBobbytoWinnipeg

Just some Ultimate thoughts for a Sunday morning....

So it might be looking more and more likely that Laine will be traded if the right deal comes our way. Let's face it, the kid still has upside and will remain a star in the NHL. The two factors I don't like about him are that he doesn't seem to gel with other Jet linemates 5 vs 5, and that he seems to prefer playing Fortnite instead of studying game films, etc. He is expendable considering the depth we have on wing.

So who would I personally target if I were Chevy? I won't talk D.... only centers, since there are too many Dmen to consider as well as a lot of good D RFA's.

1) Brayden Point straight up. One extra year to RFA, Jets do not have the same cap crunch as TB and also. TB is deep at the center. The problem for TB is that Laine might cost more than Point so it solves nothing.

2) Laine plus Jets 2020 #10 pick to NYR for this year's 2020 #1 Pick. I doubt the Rangers would do this but its the best offer they might get and worth considering as they already have two very good LW'ers including Panarin. They need an RW. We can always dream about a deal that makes some sense because you can bet that Laine would be willing to sign long term in the Big Apple ( he also was friends with Trouba)

3) Laine to NYI for a signed Barzal (min 3 yrs) . Barzal is now an RFA so if the Jets could sign him even for just 3 years, then it would be worth it by a country mile . NYI's are also LOADED at Center so Lee, Nelson , or Bailey plus a D might also work.

4) Finally, Laine for a signed Domi plus Montreal's 16th pick. There will be some very good players in that 16th slot.

Thats about it. My personal wish list.

So it might be looking more and more likely that Laine will be traded if the right deal comes our way. Let's face it, the kid still has upside and will remain a star in the NHL. The two factors I don't like about him are that he doesn't seem to gel with other Jet linemates 5 vs 5, and that he seems to prefer playing Fortnite instead of studying game films, etc. He is expendable considering the depth we have on wing.

So who would I personally target if I were Chevy? I won't talk D.... only centers, since there are too many Dmen to consider as well as a lot of good D RFA's.

1) Brayden Point straight up. One extra year to RFA, Jets do not have the same cap crunch as TB and also. TB is deep at the center. The problem for TB is that Laine might cost more than Point so it solves nothing.

2) Laine plus Jets 2020 #10 pick to NYR for this year's 2020 #1 Pick. I doubt the Rangers would do this but its the best offer they might get and worth considering as they already have two very good LW'ers including Panarin. They need an RW. We can always dream about a deal that makes some sense because you can bet that Laine would be willing to sign long term in the Big Apple ( he also was friends with Trouba)

3) Laine to NYI for a signed Barzal (min 3 yrs) . Barzal is now an RFA so if the Jets could sign him even for just 3 years, then it would be worth it by a country mile . NYI's are also LOADED at Center so Lee, Nelson , or Bailey plus a D might also work.

4) Finally, Laine for a signed Domi plus Montreal's 16th pick. There will be some very good players in that 16th slot.

Thats about it. My personal wish list.
- jetsnation

I think the first 3 trades will never happen and the 4th is just terrible.

So it might be looking more and more likely that Laine will be traded if the right deal comes our way. Let's face it, the kid still has upside and will remain a star in the NHL. The two factors I don't like about him are that he doesn't seem to gel with other Jet linemates 5 vs 5, and that he seems to prefer playing Fortnite instead of studying game films, etc. He is expendable considering the depth we have on wing.

So who would I personally target if I were Chevy? I won't talk D.... only centers, since there are too many Dmen to consider as well as a lot of good D RFA's.

1) Brayden Point straight up. One extra year to RFA, Jets do not have the same cap crunch as TB and also. TB is deep at the center. The problem for TB is that Laine might cost more than Point so it solves nothing.

2) Laine plus Jets 2020 #10 pick to NYR for this year's 2020 #1 Pick. I doubt the Rangers would do this but its the best offer they might get and worth considering as they already have two very good LW'ers including Panarin. They need an RW. We can always dream about a deal that makes some sense because you can bet that Laine would be willing to sign long term in the Big Apple ( he also was friends with Trouba)

3) Laine to NYI for a signed Barzal (min 3 yrs) . Barzal is now an RFA so if the Jets could sign him even for just 3 years, then it would be worth it by a country mile . NYI's are also LOADED at Center so Lee, Nelson , or Bailey plus a D might also work.

4) Finally, Laine for a signed Domi plus Montreal's 16th pick. There will be some very good players in that 16th slot.

Thats about it. My personal wish list.
- jetsnation

1: Tampa won’t even answer the phone. Point is a top 5 center at worst, and most likely a top 10 player period.

2: That’s a massively hilarious underpay for New York. In this draft, pick 10 might be worth the same as pick 3. Knowing Maurice, Lafreniere won’t play this season. Which would make it all pointless anyways.

3: Barzal won’t be traded, and he almost certainly won’t be worth his next contract.
Lee and Bailey are both wingers over 30, and Nelson’s contract is sketchy. I want no part in any of it.

4: Domi is another, slightly worse Connor. Doesn’t drive play, and is horrific defensively. He won’t help us. Even if we go off his overall impact, and not the type of player he is, Domi and 16 isn’t enough.

1: Tampa won’t even answer the phone. Point is a top 5 center at worst, and most likely a top 10 player period.

2: That’s a massively hilarious underpay for New York. In this draft, pick 10 might be worth the same as pick 3. Knowing Maurice, Lafreniere won’t play this season. Which would make it all pointless anyways.

3: Barzal won’t be traded, and he almost certainly be worth his next contract.
Lee and Bailey are both wingers over 30, and Nelson’s contract is sketchy. I want no part in any of it.

4: Domi is another, slightly worse Connor. Doesn’t drive play, and is horrific defensively. He won’t help us. Even if we go off his overall impact, and not the type of player he is, Domi and 16 isn’t enough.
- Rexypoo

A worthless opinion coming from someone who knows nothing about hockey and watches very few games. How are your own personal can't miss favourite player talents like Enstrom, Marko Dano, Paul Postma, Sami Niku, and Nik Petan doing lately ?

A worthless opinion coming from someone who knows nothing about hockey and watches very few games. How are your personal can't miss favorite player talents like Enstrom, Marko Dano, Paul Postma, Sami Niku, and Nik Petan doing lately ?
- jetsnation

Hey dude, that's really harsh!

A worthless opinion coming from someone who knows nothing about hockey and watches very few games. How are your personal can't miss favorite player talents like Enstrom, Marko Dano, Paul Postma, Sami Niku, and Nik Petan doing lately ?
- jetsnation

Hey I would've WAY rather of watched any of those former Jets still be Jets this season then the likes of Bitetto, Bourque, Letestu, Shaw and Luuoto.

I always think it's funny when former players are bashed for not working out/amounting to much but then they've been replaced by some epically bad players that shouldn't even be in the NHL anymore... Lol

A worthless opinion coming from someone who knows nothing about hockey and watches very few games. How are your personal can't miss favorite player talents like Enstrom, Marko Dano, Paul Postma, Sami Niku, and Nik Petan doing lately ?
- jetsnation

Retract the claws there, kitty cat

So with all this Laine/Ehlers trade talk that's making me want to throw up in my mouth and most of it centered around acquiring help on defense I thought I'd compile a list of the UFA dmen available. I figure if there's ever a year where the Jets could sign some better UFA's it'd be this one.
I'll break them down into three groups, the top ones available, middle tier group and lower tier group. Now I know some of the guys in the lower tier group aren't great and have bad reps but I included them anyway as some are former top 4 guys, also included the Jets UFA dmen in that group.
Top Tier UFA dmen: Pietrangelo, Barrie, Krug
-Can't see any of these guys signing in Winnipeg.

Middle Tier UFA dmen: Brodie, Vatanen, Tanev, Hamonic, Dillon, Shattenkirk, DeMelo, Schultz
-Signing both Brodie and Dillon would be ideal imo but sounds like they might be staying in Calgary and Washington. Idk about the rest, I'm not as high on DeMelo as many Jets fans are, too slow and small, can't see Shattenkirk signing in Canada, won't be surprised if Hamonic ends up coming home, wouldn't be my first choice but could be worse I guess, hopefully the $$/term isn't terrible if it ends up happening. Wonder if Schultz could bounce back, he's pretty mobile, did slide down the depth chart in Pittsburgh though but was stuck with a declining Jack Johnson at the end.

Lower Tier UFA dmen: Braun, Pysyk, Gudas, Ceci, Forbort, T.Van Riemsdyk, Kulikov, B.Hutton, Merrill, Ruuta, Bogosian, Borowiecki, Soucy,
E.Gustafsson, Beaulieu, Del Zotto, Schenn, Sbisa,
Fantenberg, Sekera, Mike Stone, A.Greene,Bitetto
-Still some servicable guys here, more 4/5/6 guys but could help if put in the right role, some of these guys I wouldn't touch even at league minimum but Forbort or Hutton would be alright additions, neither are old and Forbort was a 1st round pick, big LHD from Duluth, could be a good partner for Pionk, Pysyk plays wing as well so could be a versatile player to have on the 3rd pair. Gudas or Schenn could add some much needed meanness to the 3rd pair, I'm sure neither are a fancy stat favorites but Schenn is playing in the finals right now, so is Bogo, Ruuta is on Tampa and Sekera is on Dallas.
Merrill has looked solid in any games I've watched him play, watched a lot of the Canucks in the playoffs and Fantenberg was steady on their 3rd pair. As for the Jets UFA dmen I'd be fine with any of them returning at the right price except for Bitetto, I'm sure he's a good human but he really is an AHL dman at this point, shouldn't even be a callup unless there's literally no other options, Schilling would of been better and he's been an AHLer most of his career.

So there is some UFA options to improve the defense which won't require trading either Laine or Ehler. The league is in a serious cap crunch and it's not just the flat cap due to the virus, there just isn't a lot of teams with cap space so with the Jets being one of the few teams with cap space ya gotta think they should be able to sign one or two of these guys without having to give major dollars or term as there just won't be that many options or at least I think there won't plus there's talk of a lot of teams having internal caps though the Jets might be one of those teams for all I know so maybe they won't be signing anyone other then their own RFA'S though you'd think they'll sign at least one UFA defenseman.
With there being so little cap space to go around though if the Jets do spend to the cap they might be able to grab some dmen in free agency and some could be coming in at a bargain price, some of these guys listed here are probably looking at unexpected paycuts if they want a job.

I know it's expected that one or both of Heinola and Samberg will be on the team but if they could sign a couple of these guys above and let them both have another year to develop in the AHL or in Heinola's case possibly Finland that might not be the worst idea, could give Niku a chance to either sink or swim as well.

Anyhow I just figured I'd throw this on here to see what my fellow Jets fans think, there's some decent UFA dmen available, I'd much rather sign a couple of them then trade either Laine or Ehlers for a dman, it seems really pointless to me to try and fill a hole by digging another when there's other options available.

is New Jersey ready to make some big moves or is the slow re build still the plan? fans must be getting antsy?

do you see them keeping all 3 first rounders?

has the GM been made permanent?
- Ross77

Devs have a stockpile of youth after the Hall/Coleman/Vats trades to close out another down year. Ty Smith is a big prospect who has set records in the WHL and should be ready to make the jump. Still desperate for a 1/2 RW (no thanks on Laine), and a top LD would certainly boost the club. So that has yet to be determined. Fitz is the GM going forward and he did a fantastic job as a seller, so lets hope he can attract a UFA or two our way. I don't see the Dev's trading away any picks unless it is to move up in the draft. I think if we are targeting current rostered players, it would be a good player plus a bad contract to balance it out. That is something the Devs can afford. But like Peg, our GM is very quiet and most trades seem to come out of nowhere.

So with all this Laine/Ehlers trade talk that's making me want to throw up in my mouth and most of it centered around acquiring help on defense I thought I'd compile a list of the UFA dmen available. I figure if there's ever a year where the Jets could sign some better UFA's it'd be this one.
I'll break them down into three groups, the top ones available, middle tier group and lower tier group. Now I know some of the guys in the lower tier group aren't great and have bad reps but I included them anyway as some are former top 4 guys, also included the Jets UFA dmen in that group.
Top Tier UFA dmen: Pietrangelo, Barrie, Krug
-Can't see any of these guys signing in Winnipeg.

Middle Tier UFA dmen: Brodie, Vatanen, Tanev, Hamonic, Dillon, Shattenkirk, DeMelo, Schultz
-Signing both Brodie and Dillon would be ideal imo but sounds like they might be staying in Calgary and Washington. Idk about the rest, I'm not as high on DeMelo as many Jets fans are, too slow and small, can't see Shattenkirk signing in Canada, won't be surprised if Hamonic ends up coming home, wouldn't be my first choice but could be worse I guess, hopefully the $$/term isn't terrible if it ends up happening. Wonder if Schultz could bounce back, he's pretty mobile, did slide down the depth chart in Pittsburgh though but was stuck with a declining Jack Johnson at the end.

Lower Tier UFA dmen: Braun, Pysyk, Gudas, Ceci, Forbort, T.Van Riemsdyk, Kulikov, B.Hutton, Merrill, Ruuta, Bogosian, Borowiecki, Soucy,
E.Gustafsson, Beaulieu, Del Zotto, Schenn, Sbisa,
Fantenberg, Sekera, Mike Stone, A.Greene,Bitetto
-Still some servicable guys here, more 4/5/6 guys but could help if put in the right role, some of these guys I wouldn't touch even at league minimum but Forbort or Hutton would be alright additions, neither are old and Forbort was a 1st round pick, big LHD from Duluth, could be a good partner for Pionk, Pysyk plays wing as well so could be a versatile player to have on the 3rd pair. Gudas or Schenn could add some much needed meanness to the 3rd pair, I'm sure neither are a fancy stat favorites but Schenn is playing in the finals right now, so is Bogo, Ruuta is on Tampa and Sekera is on Dallas.
Merrill has looked solid in any games I've watched him play, watched a lot of the Canucks in the playoffs and Fantenberg was steady on their 3rd pair. As for the Jets UFA dmen I'd be fine with any of them returning at the right price except for Bitetto, I'm sure he's a good human but he really is an AHL dman at this point, shouldn't even be a callup unless there's literally no other options, Schilling would of been better and he's been an AHLer most of his career.

So there is some UFA options to improve the defense which won't require trading either Laine or Ehler. The league is in a serious cap crunch and it's not just the flat cap due to the virus, there just isn't a lot of teams with cap space so with the Jets being one of the few teams with cap space ya gotta think they should be able to sign one or two of these guys without having to give major dollars or term as there just won't be that many options or at least I think there won't plus there's talk of a lot of teams having internal caps though the Jets might be one of those teams for all I know so maybe they won't be signing anyone other then their own RFA'S though you'd think they'll sign at least one UFA defenseman.
With there being so little cap space to go around though if the Jets do spend to the cap they might be able to grab some dmen in free agency and some could be coming in at a bargain price, some of these guys listed here are probably looking at unexpected paycuts if they want a job.

I know it's expected that one or both of Heinola and Samberg will be on the team but if they could sign a couple of these guys above and let them both have another year to develop in the AHL or in Heinola's case possibly Finland that might not be the worst idea, could give Niku a chance to either sink or swim as well.

Anyhow I just figured I'd throw this on here to see what my fellow Jets fans think, there's some decent UFA dmen available, I'd much rather sign a couple of them then trade either Laine or Ehlers for a dman, it seems really pointless to me to try and fill a hole by digging another when there's other options available.
- JetFuel

My level of interest in the listed players is as follows:

Sign now, whatever the price tag:
Pietrangelo, Gustafsson, DeMelo, Pysyk.
-Pietrangelo. Perennial Norris candidate. He won’t be a problem at 9mil until he’s like 35. Do it.
-Gustafsson. Not great on D. Most Jets arent, though. Absolute god of puck movement.
-DeMelo. Good at everything. Best at defence.
-Pysyk. Analytics darling. Abused in Florida for no apparent reason. Would immediately solve our Morrissey partner issue.

Can accept: Krug, Shattenkirk, Dillon, Gudas, Sekera.
-Krug is the 2nd best guy available, but will end up a buyout in the final years.
-Shattenkirk and Gudas are capable 2nd pairing guys who will be somewhat affordable. Age means short term deals, but also might mean decline. Worth a shot.
-Dillon will be a buyout. His type declines fast. He’s worth it now, if we’re going for it.
-Sekera is a solid risk on the bottom pairing. Might still be a solid #4. Can play both sides.

Everyone else is either too old to risk (Brodie), too likely to be overpaid (Schultz, Forbort, Tanev), or kinda just sucks (Hamonic, and many others).

I’d also accept Merrill, whom I missed on first pass. But only under 3 mil

Hey dude, that's really harsh!
- TheUltimateJet

Meh. He’s just upset that his mock trades became mocked trades.
Let him have the personal insults and Toby Enstrom shaped straw man arguments

A worthless opinion coming from someone who knows nothing about hockey and watches very few games. How are your own personal can't miss favourite player talents like Enstrom, Marko Dano, Paul Postma, Sami Niku, and Nik Petan doing lately ?
- jetsnation

Going back to point #2 - why does Maurice get bashed for his handling of younger players ? His job is to win and if the young guys were ready to help, why wouldn't he play them ? As a coach, he has to work with the talent that Chevy gives him.
I have no issues with the way that Connor, Morrissey, Ehlers, and even Laine have developed.

Going back to point #2 - why does Maurice get bashed for his handling of younger players ? His job is to win and if the young guys were ready to help, why wouldn't he play them ? As a coach, he has to work with the talent that Chevy gives him.
I have no issues with the way that Connor, Morrissey, Ehlers, and even Laine have developed.
- bennythehat

Yes it's very easy to develop players who for the most part have been taken in the top 15!

So with all this Laine/Ehlers trade talk that's making me want to throw up in my mouth and most of it centered around acquiring help on defense I thought I'd compile a list of the UFA dmen available. I figure if there's ever a year where the Jets could sign some better UFA's it'd be this one.
I'll break them down into three groups, the top ones available, middle tier group and lower tier group. Now I know some of the guys in the lower tier group aren't great and have bad reps but I included them anyway as some are former top 4 guys, also included the Jets UFA dmen in that group.
Top Tier UFA dmen: Pietrangelo, Barrie, Krug
-Can't see any of these guys signing in Winnipeg.

Middle Tier UFA dmen: Brodie, Vatanen, Tanev, Hamonic, Dillon, Shattenkirk, DeMelo, Schultz
-Signing both Brodie and Dillon would be ideal imo but sounds like they might be staying in Calgary and Washington. Idk about the rest, I'm not as high on DeMelo as many Jets fans are, too slow and small, can't see Shattenkirk signing in Canada, won't be surprised if Hamonic ends up coming home, wouldn't be my first choice but could be worse I guess, hopefully the $$/term isn't terrible if it ends up happening. Wonder if Schultz could bounce back, he's pretty mobile, did slide down the depth chart in Pittsburgh though but was stuck with a declining Jack Johnson at the end.

Lower Tier UFA dmen: Braun, Pysyk, Gudas, Ceci, Forbort, T.Van Riemsdyk, Kulikov, B.Hutton, Merrill, Ruuta, Bogosian, Borowiecki, Soucy,
E.Gustafsson, Beaulieu, Del Zotto, Schenn, Sbisa,
Fantenberg, Sekera, Mike Stone, A.Greene,Bitetto
-Still some servicable guys here, more 4/5/6 guys but could help if put in the right role, some of these guys I wouldn't touch even at league minimum but Forbort or Hutton would be alright additions, neither are old and Forbort was a 1st round pick, big LHD from Duluth, could be a good partner for Pionk, Pysyk plays wing as well so could be a versatile player to have on the 3rd pair. Gudas or Schenn could add some much needed meanness to the 3rd pair, I'm sure neither are a fancy stat favorites but Schenn is playing in the finals right now, so is Bogo, Ruuta is on Tampa and Sekera is on Dallas.
Merrill has looked solid in any games I've watched him play, watched a lot of the Canucks in the playoffs and Fantenberg was steady on their 3rd pair. As for the Jets UFA dmen I'd be fine with any of them returning at the right price except for Bitetto, I'm sure he's a good human but he really is an AHL dman at this point, shouldn't even be a callup unless there's literally no other options, Schilling would of been better and he's been an AHLer most of his career.

So there is some UFA options to improve the defense which won't require trading either Laine or Ehler. The league is in a serious cap crunch and it's not just the flat cap due to the virus, there just isn't a lot of teams with cap space so with the Jets being one of the few teams with cap space ya gotta think they should be able to sign one or two of these guys without having to give major dollars or term as there just won't be that many options or at least I think there won't plus there's talk of a lot of teams having internal caps though the Jets might be one of those teams for all I know so maybe they won't be signing anyone other then their own RFA'S though you'd think they'll sign at least one UFA defenseman.
With there being so little cap space to go around though if the Jets do spend to the cap they might be able to grab some dmen in free agency and some could be coming in at a bargain price, some of these guys listed here are probably looking at unexpected paycuts if they want a job.

I know it's expected that one or both of Heinola and Samberg will be on the team but if they could sign a couple of these guys above and let them both have another year to develop in the AHL or in Heinola's case possibly Finland that might not be the worst idea, could give Niku a chance to either sink or swim as well.

Anyhow I just figured I'd throw this on here to see what my fellow Jets fans think, there's some decent UFA dmen available, I'd much rather sign a couple of them then trade either Laine or Ehlers for a dman, it seems really pointless to me to try and fill a hole by digging another when there's other options available.
- JetFuel

Interesting read, you went to a ;pt of work.

The ones that would interest me are: Borowiecki, Gudas, BVeaulieu and Gustafsson.
Whatever, we need some muscle on the back end.

That might leave us with:
Morrissey- Mr. X
Heinola-Poolman
Borowiecki-Gudas
- Beaulieu
- Gustafsson
- Samberg

A lot depends here if Heinola and or Samberg are ready.

"Mr. X" comes back with (I'm sorry) in the Laine trade along with the #2C. Note - I included Pionk in Laine deal, but there's a good possibility that may not happen, which I would be fine with.

Yes it's very easy to develop players who for the most part have been taken in the top 15!
- TheUltimateJet

It's very hard to develop players at the NHL level, if they're not ready for the big show. Most of us want to rush hot-shot rookies but NHL coaches, I would say, have a better perspective of this than most of us.

NHL coaches who play young players too soon = former NHL coaches.

Will be interesting to see if Heinola and Samberg are ready.