Peter Tessier: Did The Jets Really Want Michael Frolik? Frolik is gone and perhaps it's time to answer some lingering questions starting with 'why'?

Nice write-up Peter.

Do you think the Jets will go after any of the UFA's on the market? I was a tad disappointed that we did not go after a guy like Chris Stewart who signed relatively cheap with Anaheim. I would like to see what Maurice who coached in Russia could do with a guy like Semin. We could probably get him for cheap too.

Do you think Buff would sign a deal similar to Green? If so, I say keep him and if not trade him. This is the summer to do that. Also I hear people talking about bringing Ladd back, I just have a hunch that if we sign him long term he's going to become our Milan Lucic. The guy plays an incredibly hard game and I do not see that being sustainable on the guys body.

Look forward to seeing what you write.

It just maybe that fact the Jets are saving their cap space for guys like Ladd and Trouba and perhaps Buff, but I can't help but think the JETS may have only been interested in Frolik for 3 years, cause in 2 or less they're saying bye-bye to his best pal Pav's. Who knows how well that would have play out if things got personal.

Frolik was a good player for the Jets but he's not in the same ball park as Ladd and Buff. There is a full cupboard of prospects waiting in the wings and I don't think they wanted to be tied to Frolik for 5 years when there are a lot of replacements coming up over the next few years. Same rationale works for giving Stafford a 2 year deal. He won't be back after that.

Looks to me like Chevy is trying to secure a core of elite players that he will pay whatever it takes to keep and supplement them with a continuous supply of young up and coming talent and a few experienced NHLers as his budget allows.

Byfuglien signs a 5 year 7.5 per extension.

Team stays competitive in the West.

Everyone Wins!

Jets management style appears to be one of cautious but deliberate execution ... do not EVER overpay ... buy when everyone is selling - not when everyone is buying ... model your growth on winning franchise examples ... manage the sh!t out of that cap - always have room to make a move or two

I say stay the course ... don't wanna lose the team, again

Not sure of Burmi instead of Frolik was deliberate - not sure if we'll get the same results - we'll have to see

Byf is a problem ... I love the Byf but we have to trade him ... economics/age ... will be a HUGE issue if we wait to do this mid-season

I think the Jets are banking on their prospects living up to expectations and what comes with that is higher salaries after their entry level deals expire. Trouba, Sheif, Lowry all will get raises before next off season and then in 3 years it'll be the same for another group like Ehlers, Petan, Morrisey, Copp, ect. They can not afford to re sign every player Frolic was a no brainer to be let go in my opinion because he was never going to accept a 2 year deal

Nice write-up Peter.

Do you think the Jets will go after any of the UFA's on the market? I was a tad disappointed that we did not go after a guy like Chris Stewart who signed relatively cheap with Anaheim. I would like to see what Maurice who coached in Russia could do with a guy like Semin. We could probably get him for cheap too.

Do you think Buff would sign a deal similar to Green? If so, I say keep him and if not trade him. This is the summer to do that. Also I hear people talking about bringing Ladd back, I just have a hunch that if we sign him long term he's going to become our Milan Lucic. The guy plays an incredibly hard game and I do not see that being sustainable on the guys body.

Look forward to seeing what you write.
- TheUltimateJet

Stewart is not that good, probably why it took a while to get a deal and why it wasnt much. I'm glad he didnt take a spot away from Ehlers/Petan/armia

I find it hard to believe that Frolik didn't leave a million our so out there to sign with Calgary .Florida , Montreal come to mind .Maybe Carolina ?

Good article, I think Burmistrov for Frolik at it's worse will be a draw. I always thought Burmi had some creativity that Noel was not a fan of. That is the type of skill that can not be taught so you may have to give him some freedom in the offensive zone. I am in the sign-Ladd trade-Buff camp. Ladd at 6 years $36-$38 million would be an important signing for the franchise. He drives me crazy with offensive zone penalties and some giveaways, but for sure an absolute leader.
If Buff signs a 5 or 6 year deal with anyone he will not finish it, won't stay in shape for that long!
I think the Jets will sign one more Free Agent and have at least one vetran invite to camp, that balanced with prospects should do it.

I find it hard to believe that Frolik didn't leave a million our so out there to sign with Calgary .Florida , Montreal come to mind .Maybe Carolina ?
- Allforhim12

i think term of the deal scared teams off, Frolic is ideally on your third line. 5 years for a third line guy is alot.

Frolik is a solid player, but a 3rd liner in the big picture. He played well for us here and I wish him well.

@JETSWIN - good point about Pav.

@JETSWIN - good point about Pav.
- bennythehat

I think it's way over-blown. If that friendship was so tight would he not have stayed and gotten Tlusty as well? This is business and your financial health and opportunity- it was all better in Calgary.

Peter - yes, it may be overblown, but Frolik likely saw the writing on the wall with respect to his pals and that may very well have been a factor.

Peter - yes, it may be overblown, but Frolik likely saw the writing on the wall with respect to his pals and that may very well have been a factor.
- bennythehat

He's going to get an opportunity (in all likelihood) to play more minutes on the second line (Backlund/ Bennett). We are hoping he gels with Bennet the way Hudler gelled with Gaudreau and Monahan... that and pure greed...

If Buff signs a 5 or 6 year deal with anyone he will not finish it, won't stay in shape for that long!

- jjonah

Does your crystal ball show you winning lottery numbers too?


What a dumb comment. How the hell do you know that??

The lack of respect from the fans of this team toward one of the only players that has put the team on his back and marched them back to respectability makes me sick.

Shame on you fair weather fans who don't understand what Buff and Ladd have done here.

Does your crystal ball show you winning lottery numbers too?


What a dumb comment. How the hell do you know that??

The lack of respect from the fans of this team toward one of the only players that has put the team on his back and marched them back to respectability makes me sick.

Shame on you fair weather fans who don't understand what Buff and Ladd have done here.

- Byfuglien Ate Me

Chicago got rid of those two and still won two Stanley Cups after. Explain Chicago to me oh wise one!!!

Chicago got rid of those two and still won two Stanley Cups after. Explain Chicago to me oh wise one!!!
- TheUltimateJet

Do the Jets have JT, PK, MH, DK, BS or Coach Q?

No they don't.

Chicago is not doing this because Byfuglien isn't there...

They are just that (frank)ing good! There's no denying that fact.

Don't see how we can relate the Jets to the Hawks.?

Do the Jets have JT, PK, MH, DK, BS or Coach Q?

No they don't.

Chicago is not doing this because Byfuglien isn't there...

They are just that (frank)ing good! There's no denying that fact.

Don't see how we can relate the Jets to the Hawks.?
- Byfuglien Ate Me

You also say Byfuglien carried the Jets on his back and yet have done very little to explain the 9-3-1 record without him.

You also say Byfuglien carried the Jets on his back and yet have done very little to explain the 9-3-1 record without him.
- TheUltimateJet

There's your GO TO STAT.

Pavs played out of this world when Buff was out and maybe the others know they need to step it up without him in the lineup.

I've already been through this with you. You are one of the "fans" that doesn't deserve to have him on the team.

Go trade him on your play station game, it will make you feel better, hater.

There's your GO TO STAT.

Pavs played out of this world when Buff was out and maybe the others know they need to step it up without him in the lineup.

I've already been through this with you. You are one of the "fans" that doesn't deserve to have him on the team.

Go trade him on your play station game, it will make you feel better, hater.
- Byfuglien Ate Me

I don't have a play station or any other game system. I actually play real sports.

So what you are saying is that Pavelec plays better without Byfuglien? Hmmmm..... Perhaps its because the defense is much better without him....

I don't have a play station or any other game system. I actually play real sports.

So what you are saying is that Pavelec plays better without Byfuglien? Hmmmm..... Perhaps its because the defense is much better without him....
- TheUltimateJet

Correct.

Byfuglien is, and should be a winger.

You live in Winnipeg? I'm there often and would like to buy you beer and talk hockey with you, internet tough guy.

Correct.

Byfuglien is, and should be a winger.

You live in Winnipeg? I'm there often and would like to buy you beer and talk hockey with you, internet tough guy.
- Byfuglien Ate Me

Byfuglien has clearly stated he does not want to play forward. He had his stick taped with the same tape as the defense men all year, even when he was playing wing. He wants to be a defense man.

Byfuglien has clearly stated he does not want to play forward. He had his stick taped with the same tape as the defense men all year, even when he was playing wing. He wants to be a defense man.
- TheUltimateJet

So no to the invite eh?

Thought so.