Anthony Travalgia: Jets drop Game 4 to Flames, season comes to an end After a 4-0 shutout in Game 4 against the Calgary Flames, the Jets season has come to an end.

Well, it was the Jets slot that "won" the lottery for the play-in losing teams. Maybe now they'll win the first pick.

I've never seen a team as this season's Jets fall on so much bad luck. I'll consider Buff in that category as he was expected to play this season and left a huge hole in the lineup. Then add Little and the massive injury list all season long. Puck luck was also definitely not with us although some would argue that you make your own puck luck. We had none in the Flames series. Many of the Flames' goals were garbage bounces.

Then when the Jets were finally getting healthy and starting to gel and win regularly, Covid happens. Can't catch a break. So while we wait the NHL has their draft and the Jets place-card gets picked for #1....but wait, the rules have changed and we dont get that pick. Instead, Lafreniere will likely go to a team that wouldn't normally even get a place-card spot for the first pick. How do teams like the Oilers or the Pens who have major stars such as McDavid, Draisatl, Crosby, and Maklin even get a chance at him? Its a totally flawed process. It should have been weighted on the winning percentage for those eliminated. No chance the Jets get him with this season's luck. You could put 99 balls out of 100 for the Jets in there and they would lose.

Oh well. Enjoy the rest of your summer.

I'd like to see the Jets get Lafreniere, they are a franchise that always stays competitive, drafts well, makes solid trades for the future and present etc. They deserve a break after a trying season like this one.

In the playoffs the Jets had to play Shaw, Shore and Bourque in their lineup. All 3 are not even 5th line players. Also Harkins a rookie had to jump into the lineup showed how depleted and desperate the Jets were. This team needs to stay healthy and make 3 or 4 trades to address obvious weaknesses on their back end and at #2 center.

In the playoffs the Jets had to play Shaw, Shore and Bourque in their lineup. All 3 are not even 5th line players. Also Harkins a rookie had to jump into the lineup showed how depleted and desperate the Jets were. This team needs to stay healthy and make 3 or 4 trades to address obvious weaknesses on their back end and at #2 center.
- islansjet

Jets need to make a bold move like I have been advocating for the last 2 off seasons.

One thing is apparent, is that there is a disconnect with the team that Chevy is drafting and the one that Maurice is playing with. Chevy wants to cretate a skilled team that relies heavily on puck possession. Maurice coaches the team like they are all grinders and wants to play dump and chase.

I feel bad for Scheifles, Laine, Ehlers, Connor, Roslovic, Morriseey, Hellebyuck, Copp, etc.. as Maurice is the only coach that all have played for, outside of a couple of games under Noel for Scheif.

It's like all those guys have had the same teacher from grade 1 to grade 12. Absolutely no growth. Even Crosby and Ovechkin now both have had at minimum 5 coaches each.

Back on this site after a long absence. Nice to have someone blogging about the Jets again. It's going to be an interesting off-season.

Jets need to make a bold move like I have been advocating for the last 2 off seasons.

One thing is apparent, is that there is a disconnect with the team that Chevy is drafting and the one that Maurice is playing with. Chevy wants to cretate a skilled team that relies heavily on puck possession. Maurice coaches the team like they are all grinders and wants to play dump and chase.

I feel bad for Scheifles, Laine, Ehlers, Connor, Roslovic, Morriseey, Hellebyuck, Copp, etc.. as Maurice is the only coach that all have played for, outside of a couple of games under Noel for Scheif.

It's like all those guys have had the same teacher from grade 1 to grade 12. Absolutely no growth. Even Crosby and Ovechkin now both have had at minimum 5 coaches each.
- TheUltimateJet

I agree 100%. Chevy is too loyal and should look to replace Maurice instead of signing him for more years. Its tough to watch this skilled team running round their own end chasing the puck. They're the only team that breaks out of their own end with the forwards skating backward waiting for an outlet pass. Change in coaching is needed, but won't happen.

The Jets were exactly what everyone thought they were. A bad team being carried by unholy goaltending. Hellebuyck should be up for the Hart.

This Jets team was out-shot, out-chanced, and completely overmatched on a regular basis.

The holes in the lineup were never addressed. The weaknesses in the game plan were never addressed. Maurice continues to tailor the style of play to the needs of his worst players.
We low tempo, low pressure, dump and chase hockey. Just completely sucks the life out of the top players, while allowing Hellebuyck to get completely shelled on a regular basis.

Losing Little and Byfuglien hurt bad, but this team hasn’t performed well since 2019 rolled around. We aren’t a real playoff team now, and we wouldn’t be with those two.

I agree 100%. Chevy is too loyal and should look to replace Maurice instead of signing him for more years. Its tough to watch this skilled team running round their own end chasing the puck. They're the only team that breaks out of their own end with the forwards skating backward waiting for an outlet pass. Change in coaching is needed, but won't happen.
- islansjet

It’s not Chevy, for the most part. Chipman loves Maurice, and has apparently stepped in and veto’s Chevy on multiple occasions. I 100% guarantee Hendricks, Bourque, Bitetto, Letestu, and all these other plugs signed in late August are Maurice’s ideas being sent down from the top of the pyramid

I'm wondering how Jets fans are feeling about the draft? Even if we don't win the first overall pick lottery, things are turning in our favour with the Coyotes and Canadiens winning upsets in the qualifying round. This makes the Jets pick a guaranteed top 10 pick since everything after the 7th pick is based on end of season regular season standings. If the Blackhawks upset the Oilers, that means a guaranteed top 8 pick. Not bad in one of the deepest drafts of the last 30 years.

I'm wondering how Jets fans are feeling about the draft? Even if we don't win the first overall pick lottery, things are turning in our favour with the Coyotes and Canadiens winning upsets in the qualifying round. This makes the Jets pick a guaranteed top 10 pick since everything after the 7th pick is based on end of season regular season standings. If the Blackhawks upset the Oilers, that means a guaranteed top 8 pick. Not bad in one of the deepest drafts of the last 30 years.
- Napolean-Mennonite

#1 would be incredible news.
Unfortunately, any player picked in the 8-10 range won’t be making the full time lineup for about 3 years under Maurice, by which time Wheeler will probably be done, with Scheifele, Morrissey, and Hellebuyck all staring down their decline years

#1 would be incredible news.
Unfortunately, any player picked in the 8-10 range won’t be making the full time lineup for about 3 years under Maurice, by which time Wheeler will probably be done, with Scheifele, Morrissey, and Hellebuyck all staring down their decline years
- Rexypoo

So true.

It’s not Chevy, for the most part. Chipman loves Maurice, and has apparently stepped in and veto’s Chevy on multiple occasions. I 100% guarantee Hendricks, Bourque, Bitetto, Letestu, and all these other plugs signed in late August are Maurice’s ideas being sent down from the top of the pyramid
- Rexypoo

If this is true how sad.

I agree 100%. Chevy is too loyal and should look to replace Maurice instead of signing him for more years. Its tough to watch this skilled team running round their own end chasing the puck. They're the only team that breaks out of their own end with the forwards skating backward waiting for an outlet pass. Change in coaching is needed, but won't happen.
- islansjet

A lot of rumours suggest it was Chipman who did the Maurice extension and Chevy had no say.

I'm wondering how Jets fans are feeling about the draft? Even if we don't win the first overall pick lottery, things are turning in our favour with the Coyotes and Canadiens winning upsets in the qualifying round. This makes the Jets pick a guaranteed top 10 pick since everything after the 7th pick is based on end of season regular season standings. If the Blackhawks upset the Oilers, that means a guaranteed top 8 pick. Not bad in one of the deepest drafts of the last 30 years.
- Napolean-Mennonite

I think we are sitting at 10th overall and move to 9 if Hawks win

I'm wondering how Jets fans are feeling about the draft? Even if we don't win the first overall pick lottery, things are turning in our favour with the Coyotes and Canadiens winning upsets in the qualifying round. This makes the Jets pick a guaranteed top 10 pick since everything after the 7th pick is based on end of season regular season standings. If the Blackhawks upset the Oilers, that means a guaranteed top 8 pick. Not bad in one of the deepest drafts of the last 30 years.
- Napolean-Mennonite

I really think the last lottery win by this team saved Chevy his job. Another win will guarantee another 4 years for Chevy. Drafting top 10 will help but not address the #2 Center hole. Unless Chevy gets off his backend and trades the first rounder away for immediate #2 Center.

Samberg will help this d core. I really like DeMelo (wouldn’t heinola be an upgrade?) but we really need more of a physical presence in the backend. Dillon and Hamonic would be excellent additions.

Dillon Morrissey
Hamonic Pionk
Poolman Heinola

Beaulieu (not sure of spelling)

It’s a shame but I believe Niku is done in Winnipeg

Connor Scheifele Wheeler
Ehlers #2 Center (trade 2020 1st) Laine
Copp Lowry Little/Roslavic
Harkins Gustafson Vesalainen?


Time to move on from Perreault, Kulikov, Bourque, Letestu, Shore, Bitetto, Sbisa.


Now with the byfuglien disaster behind us it is time for Chevy to put together a roster that will allow the Jets to compete for the cup.

In a way, I would think that this would be the so called “summer of Chevy”. Status quo or waiting for drafted and developed will not cut it! Logan Stanley ring a bell

What would thoughts be on trading for Dylan Strome from Chicago. With the cap situation there he might be available to fill in at 2C.

I think we are sitting at 10th overall and move to 9 if Hawks win
- Ross77

Now 9th. Maybe a little luck finally came our way. Go Minny !

I hope the Jets win the first pick, just so I can witness the total meltdown of the fan base when Lafreniere starts on the fourth line and gets 8 minutes a game.

I really think the last lottery win by this team saved Chevy his job. Another win will guarantee another 4 years for Chevy. Drafting top 10 will help but not address the #2 Center hole. Unless Chevy gets off his backend and trades the first rounder away for immediate #2 Center.

Samberg will help this d core. I really like DeMelo (wouldn’t heinola be an upgrade?) but we really need more of a physical presence in the backend. Dillon and Hamonic would be excellent additions.

Dillon Morrissey
Hamonic Pionk
Poolman Heinola

Beaulieu (not sure of spelling)

It’s a shame but I believe Niku is done in Winnipeg

Connor Scheifele Wheeler
Ehlers #2 Center (trade 2020 1st) Laine
Copp Lowry Little/Roslavic
Harkins Gustafson Vesalainen?


Time to move on from Perreault, Kulikov, Bourque, Letestu, Shore, Bitetto, Sbisa.


Now with the byfuglien disaster behind us it is time for Chevy to put together a roster that will allow the Jets to compete for the cup.

In a way, I would think that this would be the so called “summer of Chevy”. Status quo or waiting for drafted and developed will not cut it! Logan Stanley ring a bell
- Jetter

I agree fully on the players to move away from, but I do have some issues:
-DeMelo is the best player in the blueline you’ve presented. He will also likely be the cheapest. Size doesn’t mean anything, but ability does. DeMelo is very good.
-DO NOT TRADE OUR FIRST. We are not in a position to sell.
-Copp is your #2 C. He cannot possibly do anything more to prove it without suddenly dropping 30 goals.
-I like Dillon, but I would prefer a righty. The blueline you presented has basically everyone out of position. Hamonic is a no for me due to his age and his steady slow decline.
How I would do it:
(Note, Pietrangelo is listed as a pipe dream signing, along with drafting Lafreniere)

Dream:
Copp-Scheifele-Laine
Connor-Granlund-Ehlers
Lafreniere-Lowry-Wheeler
Harkins-Gustafsson-Appleton

Heinola-Pietrangelo
Morrissey-DeMelo
Kulak-Pionk

Easily done, just one add:

Laine-Scheifele-Ehlers
Connor-Copp-Wheeler
Vesalainen-Lowry-Roslovic
Harkins-Gustafsson-Appleton

Morrissey-DeMelo
Heinola-Pionk
Dillon-Poolman

I hope the Jets win the first pick, just so I can witness the total meltdown of the fan base when Lafreniere starts on the fourth line and gets 8 minutes a game.
- BWJumper

I love that Pittsburgh fell short two years in a row, and is looking like a strong possibility of coach-firing.

Jets fall short 4 straight seasons, and nothing.

I think we are sitting at 10th overall and move to 9 if Hawks win
- Ross77

You're right. Winnipeg sits with the 10th overall pick. They can move up to #9 if the Wild win the draft or #1 if they win.

They have some really good players though listed in that range with always a steal that may drop down. Some drafts have Jamie Drysdale as low as #7 but with him being the best defenceman available, I believe Ottawa will take him. Jake Sanderson is another solid defenceman that some people have around #11.

I think the dream scenario is if we win number #1, it opens up a number of options. With the Islanders winning their series, Ottawa now has 3 first rounders. Do we try and trade to trade the pick and get 6'4" center Quinton Byfield and pick up additional picks.

If we draft Alexis Lafrenière, maybe we have to consider trading Ehlers since with also having Kyle Connor, we don't need 3 star left wingers with only Scheifele being our only top 6 center. Drafting another top left wing prospect drops Kristian Vesalainen further down the organizational prospect pool being one of our top forwards with the Moose that plays left wing. Add that we have put Roslovic as left and right wings this season, I don't think we need another winger.

The Byfuglien drama really set this team back this year, but it might have done us a favour in the long run. With a flat cap and extra salary room, we can patch a couple of holes other teams will no longer be able to afford. Also, by being smart with a top 10 pick in a very deep draft, we are pretty much in the same position that Colorado was 2 years ago and look what a player like Cale Makar has done for them.

What would thoughts be on trading for Dylan Strome from Chicago. With the cap situation there he might be available to fill in at 2C.
- wmathe

I was thinking the same thing as you. The Blackhawks however place a high value on Strome and see him as a good locker room guy with the possibility of being a future captain when the old core starts to move on. With Kirby Dach have a solid playoff run and Dominik Kubalik needing a big raise. The flat cap may force the Hawks to move Strome just out of not being able to afford to resign both RFAs.

I also like the idea of packaging Roslovic for Matt Dumba if the Wild are seriously considering dumping his salary. It could be a win for both as the Jets are most likely going to lose him or Copp in the expansion draft. He has 3 seasons before hitting UFA and his M-NTC doesn't kick in until 2021. Our defence is so weak, the only player Seattle would pick if available is Morrissey.

I agree fully on the players to move away from, but I do have some issues:
-DeMelo is the best player in the blueline you’ve presented. He will also likely be the cheapest. Size doesn’t mean anything, but ability does. DeMelo is very good.
-DO NOT TRADE OUR FIRST. We are not in a position to sell.
-Copp is your #2 C. He cannot possibly do anything more to prove it without suddenly dropping 30 goals.
-I like Dillon, but I would prefer a righty. The blueline you presented has basically everyone out of position. Hamonic is a no for me due to his age and his steady slow decline.
How I would do it:
(Note, Pietrangelo is listed as a pipe dream signing, along with drafting Lafreniere)

Dream:
Copp-Scheifele-Laine
Connor-Granlund-Ehlers
Lafreniere-Lowry-Wheeler
Harkins-Gustafsson-Appleton

Heinola-Pietrangelo
Morrissey-DeMelo
Kulak-Pionk

Easily done, just one add:

Laine-Scheifele-Ehlers
Connor-Copp-Wheeler
Vesalainen-Lowry-Roslovic
Harkins-Gustafsson-Appleton

Morrissey-DeMelo
Heinola-Pionk
Dillon-Poolman
- Rexypoo

Agreed in DeMelo but need more of a physical presence. Hamonic is 30, a 2-3 year deal for good value would not hurt this team at all. Maybe even keep DeMelo. Your top 4 would be run out of the rink by any playoff team. Look at what Calgary did to Morrissey, Pionk, and DeMelo this year.

I like Copp but not as a 2C. Can you imagine this team with a 2C Center and a third line of Copp, Lowry, Roslavic/Little/Harkins. Or even better Copp, Lowry, Roslavic/Harkins and Little/Gustafson centering the 4th.

If all we need to trade for is a 2C then I am all for moving the first rounder. The rest of the parts needed can be added as UFAs which the jets have the cap space for.

Right side d: Pionk , DeMelo, Samberg, Poolman
Left side d: Morrissey, Dillon, Heinola,

I believe Hamonic plays both sides. It is not like the jets would be signing Hamonic to a Byfuglien type deal (huge coin and years).

So if the pipe dream happens and we pick first overall, the jets will be alright. But I am going with the odds that some other team will draft first and how can we get a 2C. Again nothing against Copp just like the 3rd line as it is.