Peter Tessier: Hayes gets on board in 5-3 win over Press Jets get the win and now have beaten Nashville twice in heated division rivalry.

Not a masterpiece for sure but hopefully they are trending in the right direction as the playoffs approach.

It was nice to see some intensity out there.

Faceoff % to date:
Lowry 57.5
Copp 54.2
Little 52.6
Scheif 45.8
Roslovic 43.4

Peter, no mention of how talented players seem to play better away from Little?

Little is making roughly 5 mil per. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This is market value and he would have been paid this here or anywhere. When you think of how the RFA’s this summer are making salaries climb higher than they should this is not a horrible contract. Little can be a top 6 winger or 2nd-3rd line Center. His stats back this up. Why the hate for him? For every example you can find he is over paid, I bet I can find twice as much where he is not.

When Buff returns I hope Niku stays in the lineup as he is ready to make a big contribution as the Jets need his type of play. Kulikov should be given a rest and try Kiselevich to see what he brings. This team can't afford to play in their own end and be constantly out shot if they want to do well in the playoffs.

Anybody who has watched Maurice coach knows that once Buff is back, that's the last we will see of Niku for the year.

Peter Tessier: Hayes gets on board in 5-3 win over Press
Jets get the win and now have beaten Nashville twice in heated division rivalry.
- Peter.Tessier

Fair assessment with the stats.

2 points and a trend to build on going forward. A work in progress and we learned a few positve aspects as well like the Hayes line.

Little is making roughly 5 mil per. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This is market value and he would have been paid this here or anywhere. When you think of how the RFA’s this summer are making salaries climb higher than they should this is not a horrible contract. Little can be a top 6 winger or 2nd-3rd line Center. His stats back this up. Why the hate for him? For every example you can find he is over paid, I bet I can find twice as much where he is not.
- Ross77

Don't worry Ross Little will be here for the next 5 years and then he can sign another contract at age 37 to take over the dressing room presence that will be lacking once 43 year old Hendricks decides to retire.

But look at the evidence. Two years in a row they go get a center, and play them with their most talented wingers (not named Wheeler) bumping Little. Chevy is telling you he doesn't want Little at number 2, and Maurice has told you also by moving Little to number 3 and the wing.

When Buff returns I hope Niku stays in the lineup as he is ready to make a big contribution as the Jets need his type of play. Kulikov should be given a rest and try Kiselevich to see what he brings. This team can't afford to play in their own end and be constantly out shot if they want to do well in the playoffs.
- islansjet

I hope so as well. The remaining time this year I think is going to be all sorts of defensive combinations with how many D do we have now?

Trouba, Morrisey, Buff, Chairot, Myers, Kulikov, Bealieu, Bogdan (can't rememebr his family name), Niku, am I forgetting someone?

It is going to be real interesting next year to see what happens in summer with Trouba (RFA), Myers, Chairot, Bealieau, Keselevich, all on expriing contracts and the need to somehow find way to dump Kulikov. Factor in Poolman who is in all likely hood able to take a regular shift on D and Niku has to have a regular shift next year.

I predict that this will be a lively topic for discussion once the summer arrives.

Little is making roughly 5 mil per. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This is market value and he would have been paid this here or anywhere. When you think of how the RFA’s this summer are making salaries climb higher than they should this is not a horrible contract. Little can be a top 6 winger or 2nd-3rd line Center. His stats back this up. Why the hate for him? For every example you can find he is over paid, I bet I can find twice as much where he is not.
- Ross77

No hate for Little. Just pointing out the mistake made by this franchise signing him to a long term contract. At this point in his career, it does make sense that he is a 3rd line winger and not the 2nd line Center we are told to believe he is. I think this time next year, it will make sense having him as a 4th line winger.

Don't worry Ross Little will be here for the next 5 years and then he can sign another contract at age 37 to take over the dressing room presence that will be lacking once 43 year old Hendricks decides to retire.

But look at the evidence. Two years in a row they go get a center, and play them with their most talented wingers (not named Wheeler) bumping Little. Chevy is telling you he doesn't want Little at number 2, and Maurice has told you also by moving Little to number 3 and the wing.
- BWJumper

Forget about Hendricks, the player that made the locker room better was Armia. It's apparent that whatever locker room he goes in, the work ethic and comarradarie instantaneously increases.

Lost in the whole Armia thing is how badly fellow country man, Kotkaniemi wanted Armia to play on his team. Bet you That the loss of Armia negatively impacted how Laine viewed the locker room after his departure.

Little is making roughly 5 mil per. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This is market value and he would have been paid this here or anywhere. When you think of how the RFA’s this summer are making salaries climb higher than they should this is not a horrible contract. Little can be a top 6 winger or 2nd-3rd line Center. His stats back this up. Why the hate for him? For every example you can find he is over paid, I bet I can find twice as much where he is not.
- Ross77

I 100% agree Ross. Little is a very good all-around player. He does so many of the small things right that no one notices and can score. At some point, the budget may come into play but I prefer Little over Perreault any day.

Don't worry Ross Little will be here for the next 5 years and then he can sign another contract at age 37 to take over the dressing room presence that will be lacking once 43 year old Hendricks decides to retire.

But look at the evidence. Two years in a row they go get a center, and play them with their most talented wingers (not named Wheeler) bumping Little. Chevy is telling you he doesn't want Little at number 2, and Maurice has told you also by moving Little to number 3 and the wing.
- BWJumper

Im fine with little being in the wing

Forget about Hendricks, the player that made the locker room better was Armia. It's apparent that whatever locker room he goes in, the work ethic and comarradarie instantaneously increases.

Lost in the whole Armia thing is how badly fellow country man, Kotkaniemi wanted Armia to play on his team. Bet you That the loss of Armia negatively impacted how Laine viewed the locker room after his departure.
- TheUltimateJet

Common, you are making this up as you go. Armia doesn’t talk to anyone, he may be one of the quietest guys in the league.

I 100% agree Ross. Little is a very good all-around player. He does so many of the small things right that no one notices and can score. At some point, the budget may come into play but I prefer Little over Perreault any day.
- jetsnation

Agree!!

I hope so as well. The remaining time this year I think is going to be all sorts of defensive combinations with how many D do we have now?

Trouba, Morrisey, Buff, Chairot, Myers, Kulikov, Bealieu, Bogdan (can't rememebr his family name), Niku, am I forgetting someone?

It is going to be real interesting next year to see what happens in summer with Trouba (RFA), Myers, Chairot, Bealieau, Keselevich, all on expriing contracts and the need to somehow find way to dump Kulikov. Factor in Poolman who is in all likely hood able to take a regular shift on D and Niku has to have a regular shift next year.

I predict that this will be a lively topic for discussion once the summer arrives.
- CharlieDog

Charlie. I'd say its a 95% chance that Trouba is traded in the off-season while we can get value for him. Last night was a good example of Trouba's season to date. Thats horrible pass immediately followed by a coma where he stood there staring instead of picking up the open man. I've lost count this season of how many times he has done the exact same thing. Luckily a lot of times Morrissey bails him out. He's a just above average defenseman. He also doesnt quarterback the PP very well.

Myers keeps showing flashes of his fantastic performance in last years playoffs. When the Jets were down 0-2 he really stepped up his intensity, laid down a nice hit and then was very aggressive in the O-zone. You could just see the fire in his eyes. You see that also in Morrissey and Buff and even Chariot. I'd love to see more of that in Trouba . Myers has had maybe one off-game in the last 40. Its been an outstanding season for him. Myers zone exits and tape to tape passes have been excellent and there is no one better at magically keeping the puck in the O-zone when you think for sure it is heading out. Trouba is in my eyes now 4th on the depth chart and you don't pay a guy that that $6-7MM a season in a cap crunch.

As for Chariot. Some guys are knocking him on here but he seems a lot faster out there, he is playing with confidence, he's aggressive he has opponents thinking twice about going near him , and he's even showing an offensive flair.

As for Hayes. Yes, 3 pts, but most of those were secondary assists of empty net stuff. I'm not sold quite yet . Definitely slow but seems to be very good defensively. He knows how to protect the puck as well. Counter that with someone like Appleton who has tremendous speed and also very good on the boards. Its not a huge difference but I can see that Hayes is definitely better overall and more experienced.

Hendricks is the invisible factor that we really never see but the players seem super happy at him being back.... and that speaks volumes. No problem, take our 7th rounder for a glue guy like that. I can't imagine what the convo was in Minnesota when the GM is trading away Boudreau's favourite player in Hendricks as well as Granlund and basically throwing in the towel while Boudreau is guaranteeing they make the playoffs.

Little will be a solid 3rd/4th line player for the length of his contract. ts time for the Jets to have Roslovic start next season as their 2nd line center, and give him time to develop. That move could solve the #2 center position. If Trouba doesn’t sign by the draft the team should trade him as his worth will be at a high point and there would be over a dozen teams lined up to get him. They could also get a solid top line forward plus. Next year Niku and Poolman should be given a chance to start on the big club with Morrissey and Buff. Myers and Beauleu, can fit in if they can sign them for reasonable money and term. Samberg and Stanley will be ready to push for a spot soon, if Maurice will play them. The present and future looks bright for the Jets.

Common, you are making this up as you go. Armia doesn’t talk to anyone, he may be one of the quietest guys in the league.
- Ross77

No I am not, he's a quiet leader. I am not sure what Joel means in Finnish, but It should mean light.

Look at the impact his presence has had on Weber, Price, Drouin and Domi. All those guys were struggling until the light came into the room.

Furthermore, Look at how the penalty kill has struggled this year. Losing our top Penalty Killer in Armia probably didn't help.

I am sure many guys in the locker room would also speak of the intangibles that Armia brings. I really miss that guy as I am sure his fellow Scandanavians: Ehlers and Laine do Too.

No I am not, he's a quiet leader. I am not sure what Joel means in Finnish, but It should mean light.

Look at the impact his presence has had on Weber, Price, Drouin and Domi. All those guys were struggling until the light came into the room.

Furthermore, Look at how the penalty kill has struggled this year. Losing our top Penalty Killer in Armia probably didn't help.

I am sure many guys in the locker room would also speak of the intangibles that Armia brings. I really miss that guy as I am sure his fellow Scandanavians: Ehlers and Laine do Too.
- TheUltimateJet

Ultimate. I miss Armia because he was a really good utility player, great stick-handler, good on the boards, great on PK , and could score. I was a fan. I never ever saw him as a leader though, or a quiet leader. He was seen many times hanging out with Laine, Ehlers, and Scheif so I can see the loss of a friend bringing a little hurt. We had to give up something to off a contract and he was the obvious choice for MTL. I'm happy for him. If Laine want's to talk Finnish once in a while then he has Niku and eventually Vesalainen.

Ultimate. I miss Armia because he was a really good utility player, great stick-handler, good on the boards, great on PK , and could score. I was a fan. I never ever saw him as a leader though, or a quiet leader. He was seen many times hanging out with Laine, Ehlers, and Scheif so I can see the loss of a friend bringing a little hurt. We had to give up something to off a contract and he was the obvious choice for MTL. I'm happy for him. If Laine want's to talk Finnish once in a while then he has Niku and eventually Vesalainen.
- jetsnation

Quiet leaders don't have the need to make themselves visible. They lead with their example and spirit. The hurt of losing Armia is one that has taken this team a long time to heal from.

Was at the game - a fine Friday night at the Arena

Down 2-0 I was thinking 'here we go again' ... loved the way Jets came back

Look - not sure how PoMo can do this without pissing players off but we have an excellent opportunity to rest some guys while closing out the last month (and a bit) of the season ... the upside to Byf & Morrissey injuries is we get some rested players back (although I'm a little worried Byf's condition(s) may reoccur)

Great depth right now and the deadline pick-ups need to be tested through the line-up ... that really means now getting Hendy and Kiselevich some ice time ... as long as we can maintain 1st in Central - let's cycle some guys through and rest others

Little will be a solid 3rd/4th line player for the length of his contract. ts time for the Jets to have Roslovic start next season as their 2nd line center, and give him time to develop. That move could solve the #2 center position. If Trouba doesn’t sign by the draft the team should trade him as his worth will be at a high point and there would be over a dozen teams lined up to get him. They could also get a solid top line forward plus. Next year Niku and Poolman should be given a chance to start on the big club with Morrissey and Buff. Myers and Beauleu, can fit in if they can sign them for reasonable money and term. Samberg and Stanley will be ready to push for a spot soon, if Maurice will play them. The present and future looks bright for the Jets.
- islansjet

All good moves
But first you have to convince Chevy to keep only 1 of Chiarot, Kulikov, Morrow, Beaulieu to get Maurice to play Niku and Poolman
Then you will have to trade Lowry and Copp to get Roslovic to play center for Maurice

Instead the most likely roster

Laine-Sheifele-Wheeler
Conner-Little-Ehlers
Tanev-Lowry-Perreault
Roslovic-Copp-Appleton

Chiarot-Byfuglien
Morissey-Myers
Kulikov-Niku

Vesalainen, Poolman and Hendricks

That's without knowing what Trouba gets the Jets in a trade.

Everything I’ve heard is Scheifele and the kids VS Maurice, with Wheeler stuck mediating rexypoo

Dragging this over from the previous blog.

So assuming Rexy is not making this up and there is some truth to this, it explains Hendriks arrival to help Wheeler in room mediation. Don't forget, he already has two kids at home as well so, just saying......

All good moves
But first you have to convince Chevy to keep only 1 of Chiarot, Kulikov, Morrow, Beaulieu to get Maurice to play Niku and Poolman
Then you will have to trade Lowry and Copp to get Roslovic to play center for Maurice

Instead the most likely roster

Laine-Sheifele-Wheeler
Conner-Little-Ehlers
Tanev-Lowry-Perreault
Roslovic-Copp-Appleton

Chiarot-Byfuglien
Morissey-Myers
Kulikov-Niku

Vesalainen, Poolman and Hendricks

That's without knowing what Trouba gets the Jets in a trade.
- BWJumper

You are assuming we can keep Myers , Chiarot and Tanev. I say Myers is worth $6.5 MM in the FA market, Tanev is worth $2.3 MM , and Chariot is worth $3.0 MM. I'm not entirely sure we can afford to keep any of them without trading Kulikov. Trading Trouba frees up some money though to sign Myers.

I'd really like to keep Tanev because he does just so many things right. I rarely if ever see Tanev make a mistake or the wrong play. Always first guy in ( and usually first on the puck), and first guy back. I saw Brendan Lemieux as his replacement if we couldn't sign Tanev but now that option has disappeared. Appleton is the only other guy who can fill that role on this team....maybe Little (but at $3.0 MM more).

The one thing on Myers is I get the feeling he wants to stay but I think Chevy is waiting to see the offers on Trouba in the off-season first. It might be a costly mistake not to extend him before July hits and the FA bids start flying in. I doubt there are many teams that won't want Myers with the exception of Tampa, Calgary, Nashville, and Carolina.