Peter Tessier: Taking stock of Laine's recent comments Well now we have something to talk about when it comes to the Jets.

Boy Winipeg's window shut-closed in a hurry, didn't it?

Laine is a spoiled brat. You guys should not want him. So trade him to the devils.

When Laine said, “Well I’ve got nothing bad to say about Winnipeg, you know?," Laine told Johnston. "It’s been good so far. But you never know...... it's a business" I could've sworn I saw a little smirk following this comment.

I think we can all agree he's pretty self aware and never come across as naive. So, all I find myself thinking is he sees the big picture and is very open minded and confident about his career path. ....... why would he want to limit his options, of which Winnipeg is one?.....

Laine (as he is at this time in his career) is not the key to Winnipeg's window. That would be Sheifele, Morrissey and Hellebyck.

regarding Chevy, Sitting at the cottage is probably the exact right thing to do right now, particularly with Laine. He is still not a net positive for the Jets and some fear of missing paychecks or a season of paychecks makes time the best negotiation tool.

I think its December deadline and possibly a trade for Laine. Connor will figure something out during training camp, whether short or long term.

Laine wants out.
Ristolainen wants out.
Get that deal done... obviously Risto plus stuff

question:

why is there still talk of moving Ehlers to save cap space to sign Connor or Laine?

It makes no sense... Ehlers by performance is at least as valuable as either of those players and has a long term team friendly contract to work with. I am not against trading him for a #1b or the next #2 centre, perhaps a top 4 RHD. It just makes no sense as a cap dump.

question:

why is there still talk of moving Ehlers to save cap space to sign Connor or Laine?

It makes no sense... Ehlers by performance is at least as valuable as either of those players and has a long term team friendly contract to work with. I am not against trading him for a #1b or the next #2 centre, perhaps a top 4 RHD. It just makes no sense as a cap dump.
- 2.0

Moving Ehlers to save cap space with the idea that you can fix team with quantity over quality is the dumbest dumb idea that has ever been dumbed.

Marner for one is on record saying he’s sure it’ll all get worked out. Doesn’t seem as dark as the Laine saying he’ll be playing somewhere comments. I think everyone of these RFA’s get signed before the season starts. And they all stay put. Just a matter of who inks first I guess.

Laine (as he is at this time in his career) is not the key to Winnipeg's window. That would be Sheifele, Morrissey and Hellebyck.

regarding Chevy, Sitting at the cottage is probably the exact right thing to do right now, particularly with Laine. He is still not a net positive for the Jets and some fear of missing paychecks or a season of paychecks makes time the best negotiation tool.

I think its December deadline and possibly a trade for Laine. Connor will figure something out during training camp, whether short or long term.
- 2.0

I think people are undervaluing Laine after a “down” year in which he still scored 30 goals. Maybe the upcoming contract and other stuff were a distraction... the guy is a top winger in the league when he’s going. I wouldn’t be too quick chasing these young guys out of town. I can’t imagine he won’t score 50 in this league someday.

I think Laine will score 50+ next season.

I think people are undervaluing Laine after a “down” year in which he still scored 30 goals. Maybe the upcoming contract and other stuff were a distraction... the guy is a top winger in the league when he’s going. I wouldn’t be too quick chasing these young guys out of town. I can’t imagine he won’t score 50 in this league someday.
- GOLEAFS71

of course he will score 50 someday. My concern is that the Jets window is otherwise open to win. Call it a down year or whatever but in three years his play has been a net negative for the Jets. Why pay him like he has arrived when clearly in all but one (maybe could add passing) aspect of his game he is a prospect and not NHL quality. He puts butts in the seats but does not put up the W's.

I think any restrictions on a persons ability to make money, in a specific profession, that's codified into law is wrong. Sports leagues need their anti-trust exemptions revoked. Stop acting like these guys owe their employeers anything more than you do yours.

of course he will score 50 someday. My concern is that the Jets window is otherwise open to win. Call it a down year or whatever but in three years his play has been a net negative for the Jets. Why pay him like he has arrived when clearly in all but one (maybe could add passing) aspect of his game he is a prospect and not NHL quality. He puts butts in the seats but does not put up the W's.
- 2.0

The one thing he is good at he is among the very elite in the game at. Goals help get the W’s. You trade guys like this and then you’re left wondering how you’re going to score in the future. Yes I know they have some other good players. But this guy is above the rest in the goal department.

I think Laine will score 50+ next season.
- RogerRoeper

And he should be paid for it. 11 million per minimum. Pay the man what he's worth.

Most of the RFA will be signed by their teams before the December deadline. I think its time the GM's stand up and sign these kids to reasonable contracts and term or let them sit. If they have to dump salaries, Kulikov and Perreault would be the easiest to replace and save the Jets $8+ mil. Both Laine and Connor will be on the Jets roster this season.

Most of the RFA will be signed by their teams before the December deadline. I think its time the GM's stand up and sign these kids to reasonable contracts and term or let them sit. If they have to dump salaries, Kulikov and Perreault would be the easiest to replace and save the Jets $8+ mil. Both Laine and Connor will be on the Jets roster this season.
- islansjet

Kulikov wouldn’t be the easiest sell.. and the jets need all the NHL defencemen they can get. I guess they could replace him with a lower cost free agent.

Kulikov wouldn’t be the easiest sell.. and the jets need all the NHL defencemen they can get. I guess they could replace him with a lower cost free agent.
- GOLEAFS71

Its time that Niku, Poolman, Nogier and even Stanley get a chance to play on the big team. Also Samberg should be ready to step in at the end of this season or next. The biggest obstacle to this is Maurice and his love of veteran players even at the expense of younger, faster, cheaper and more skilled players in the minors.

Its time that Niku, Poolman, Nogier and even Stanley get a chance to play on the big team. Also Samberg should be ready to step in at the end of this season or next. The biggest obstacle to this is Maurice and his love of veteran players even at the expense of younger, faster, cheaper and more skilled players in the minors.
- islansjet

But how many rookies/sophomores can realistically play in the line up at the same time? I guess there’s no real set answer for that. But it’s not ideal to have 3 on any given night. I’m sure there are teams that have done it though! It’ll be interesting to see. I’m not writing off the Jets the way a lot of people seem to be. It’ll be a harder battle this year though

I think any restrictions on a persons ability to make money, in a specific profession, that's codified into law is wrong. Sports leagues need their anti-trust exemptions revoked. Stop acting like these guys owe their employeers anything more than you do yours.
- farooge

these are private contractors, not employees.

But how many rookies/sophomores can realistically play in the line up at the same time? I guess there’s no real set answer for that. But it’s not ideal to have 3 on any given night. I’m sure there are teams that have done it though! It’ll be interesting to see. I’m not writing off the Jets the way a lot of people seem to be. It’ll be a harder battle this year though
- GOLEAFS71

I agree with you but this dilemma is because Maurice refused to play the kids in the last 2 seasons more often. Everyone knew the Jets would be hard pressed to resign Trouba and Myers but he still didn't try to get the kids playing time now they're the Jets best option unless he plays useless UFA's.

Winnipeg’s window shut closed Roger? Nice try!! I love how jealous you are of us!!! It’s awesome, hopefully Toronto can be as good one day

Moving Ehlers to save cap space with the idea that you can fix team with quantity over quality is the dumbest dumb idea that has ever been dumbed.
- Peter.Tessier

Do you know anything about how he is in the room? Do you know anything about his off ice habits? Do you know anything about his personality? Or are you basing all your assumptions on anylitics and absolutely nothing else? Cause that must be the only thing worth taking into consideration when making any personal moves right? [url]

Shocking PETE and Tony putting this on the Jets with absolutely no knowledge of any offers made by the Jets or the Jets side on negotiations at all.

I agree with you but this dilemma is because Maurice refused to play the kids in the last 2 seasons more often. Everyone knew the Jets would be hard pressed to resign Trouba and Myers but he still didn't try to get the kids playing time now they're the Jets best option unless he plays useless UFA's.
- islansjet

Yeah I hear you there.... see Babcock with Marleau/Hainsey/Komarov/Polak etc. It’s one thing that I think almost all leafs fans can get behind Dubas with. Seems to be limiting those options each year. Maybe this is exactly what will happen with the Jets defence this year. By not plugging in vets Chevy might be forcing his hand here.