We were bad in 18-19 with Buff and Trouba back there, along with the still great version of Morrissey
- Rexypoo

And it comes back to coaching again. Buff was never positional, and Trouba had zero discipline, leading the team in minors every year. I think the Jets currently have 4of4 top 4 D in PoMo/Pionk/Heinola/Stanley. The only thing they may need to look into is the potential for trading one of those 4 players in a package deal that brings back a true #1D.

The D seems to be the constant scapegoat for the Jets failure and I thought they played every bit as good as the oppositions D, if not better. It's coaching. Special teams were dead-last in every category. Jets forwards combined for 9 shots on goal in their final game. PLD played huge minutes while being horrible in every zone. It's coaching. Lets see what Heinola can do before Chevy starts feel the pressure to make a big splash.

Did Maurice mention or was asked about Gustafsson? I didn't hear his name, just Vesalainen and Harkins was the forwards I heard mentioned.

I especially chuckled at the part about them not killing penalties, well wtf is the development plan with the Moose if these guys aren't learning to PK? Also the Jets PK is terribly passive, if you can stand on your skates you can kill penalties for the Jets, pretty sure those young guys can stand on ice.. Lol

And the not getting ahead of Perreault on the powerplay is laughable too, often both powerplay units get stagnant and could use a change so why not try Vesalainen or Harkins on it, I know I've been calling for/would like to see it, also (frank)ing hilarious that a guy with a shot like Vesalainen can't get ahead of the stonehands brothers Lowry and Copp on the second powerplay.. 😂

And people think this guy is doing a good job, it's no surprise young talent gets frustrated and wants out, there's NO denying it now since the evidence is coming straight from the coach's mouth, can't always blame it on the city as SO many want to constantly do. No doubt the Winnipeg Jets have challenges in attracting free agents and keeping some players but there's NO denying that the coach's decisions drive some guys out, can't ALWAYS blame it on the size of the city, taxes, weather, etc.
- JetFuel

Murat included Gustafson with the other two.
I agree with you, it was very sad. He truly is a poor evaluator of talent.

Did Maurice mention or was asked about Gustafsson? I didn't hear his name, just Vesalainen and Harkins was the forwards I heard mentioned.

I especially chuckled at the part about them not killing penalties, well wtf is the development plan with the Moose if these guys aren't learning to PK? Also the Jets PK is terribly passive, if you can stand on your skates you can kill penalties for the Jets, pretty sure those young guys can stand on ice.. Lol

And the not getting ahead of Perreault on the powerplay is laughable too, often both powerplay units get stagnant and could use a change so why not try Vesalainen or Harkins on it, I know I've been calling for/would like to see it, also (frank)ing hilarious that a guy with a shot like Vesalainen can't get ahead of the stonehands brothers Lowry and Copp on the second powerplay.. 😂

And people think this guy is doing a good job, it's no surprise young talent gets frustrated and wants out, there's NO denying it now since the evidence is coming straight from the coach's mouth, can't always blame it on the city as SO many want to constantly do. No doubt the Winnipeg Jets have challenges in attracting free agents and keeping some players but there's NO denying that the coach's decisions drive some guys out, can't ALWAYS blame it on the size of the city, taxes, weather, etc.
- JetFuel

This is especially laughable as he has run a bottom 10 PK for the majority of his time in Winnipeg!

Murat included Gustafson with the other two.
I agree with you, it was very sad. He truly is a poor evaluator of talent.
- Ross77

Uncle Paul would do wonders with a talentless team as they always bring the grind. We all know how much Uncle Paul loves grinding. It’s surprising that he never mentions grinding cheese or meat during his pressers.

The sad part is that Beyak Sawyer and Orlesky, during their broadcasts also have to talk about the grind. I am so sick and tired hearing Uncle Paul speak about grinding.

The number that Uncle Paul forgot to mention was 700. He will be the first coach in NHL history to lose 700 career NHL games. He should be thanking the Jets organization for allowing to accomplish that feat.

I thought I would be happy when this forum finally cracked, and turned on Maurice as a collective. Just sit in my lawn chair and cackle maniacally as the whole thing burned down.

Now I’m just kinda sad for all of us having to watch yet another year of failure and mediocrity

I thought I would be happy when this forum finally cracked, and turned on Maurice as a collective. Just sit in my lawn chair and cackle maniacally as the whole thing burned down.

Now I’m just kinda sad for all of us having to watch yet another year of failure and mediocrity
- Rexypoo

You have the Buffalo Sabres cable package ?

You have the Buffalo Sabres cable package ?
- bennythehat

At least Buffalo is constantly *doing things* to try and improve, even if they often make the problems worse or create even bigger ones.
The Jets are just “meh” and perfectly happy being there

Murat included Gustafson with the other two.
I agree with you, it was very sad. He truly is a poor evaluator of talent.
- Ross77

I can’t agree with you about being a poor evaluator of talent. I respect his experience and success that he has had. Vesalainen is not a fourth line player because of the style of player he is, not about skills - when he makes the team it will be with top 9 and getting glimpses and looks on special teams. When Gustafson makes the team it will be as a fourth line player, with glimpses and looks on the third line.

The hate for Lewis and Thompson on the board is misplaced as they were good all year at providing reliable/safe minutes and good pk work. I think we should have seen more games with Harkins/Gustafson being slotted in, some load management for players nursing injuries.
When Maurice says Harkins/Vesalainen are not close to the game readiness of Thompson and Lewis I believe him (Thompson is a silky smooth skater, wins draws and communicates well on the ice). Player development is not his primary job- he is to win games, especially the big ones. I am not put out much by the lack of development time in games. I see that as a relatively small part of player growth.
I am done with Maurice because we are not moving up the standings, had an abismal home record, poor starts all year, too many late period goals, and we lost horribly in the second round. If we had lost 4 straight like Edmonton lost then maybe we could make the case that we are close to better results. In spite of the leadership, mood on the bench and strong team dynamics that Maurice values so highly we were not good enough- and not even close. Hard work trumps skill unless skill works. We lost faceoffs, ice position and puck battles. The culture established will benefit the next coach as well- and then they can make their mark on the team and league. Results- just the damn results.

I can’t agree with you about being a poor evaluator of talent. I respect his experience and success that he has had. Vesalainen is not a fourth line player because of the style of player he is, not about skills - when he makes the team it will be with top 9 and getting glimpses and looks on special teams. When Gustafson makes the team it will be as a fourth line player, with glimpses and looks on the third line.

The hate for Lewis and Thompson on the board is misplaced as they were good all year at providing reliable/safe minutes and good pk work. I think we should have seen more games with Harkins/Gustafson being slotted in, some load management for players nursing injuries.
When Maurice says Harkins/Vesalainen are not close to the game readiness of Thompson and Lewis I believe him (Thompson is a silky smooth skater, wins draws and communicates well on the ice). Player development is not his primary job- he is to win games, especially the big ones. I am not put out much by the lack of development time in games. I see that as a relatively small part of player growth.
I am done with Maurice because we are not moving up the standings, had an abismal home record, poor starts all year, too many late period goals, and we lost horribly in the second round. If we had lost 4 straight like Edmonton lost then maybe we could make the case that we are close to better results. In spite of the leadership, mood on the bench and strong team dynamics that Maurice values so highly we were not good enough- and not even close. Hard work trumps skill unless skill works. We lost faceoffs, ice position and puck battles. The culture established will benefit the next coach as well- and then they can make their mark on the team and league. Results- just the damn results.
- 2.0

Many would argue that the Jets arent moving up the standings because Maurice is a poor evaluator of talent.

Thompson and Lewis were fine but they're too easy to play against, in the playoffs an effective 4th line is one that's fast, physical or both, Lewis and Thompson are neither, they're just there, this organization needs to acquire and play players that are better/more effective then just being there/killing time if it wants to win anything.

"The culture established will benefit the next coach as well"- The Jets still appear to have a culture problem and it comes from the trio of Maurice, Wheeler and Scheifele.
The next coach whenever they come along is going to have to create a new culture, the first step in creating that new culture will be putting Scheifele and Wheeler in their places, that is if 55 and 26 are still Jets by the time new said coach is hired to replace Maurice which I don't see happening anytime soon.

Having said that I don't think this team is as close or is as good as many think it is, a new coach with better systems and a couple top 4 dmen will help but this team has too much bottom six talent with little coming up in the pipeline to take on top six roles.

I think it might be time for a bigger organizational retool, won't happen but it might be time.

Just my $0.02.

Carolina has given Dougie Hamilton permission to start speaking to other teams. Hopefully Chevy has not started his traditional summer off yet and that he’s already on the phone or Zoom. He should do whatever it takes to bring him to Winnipeg.

Ehlers ice time has been baffling! The guy is essentially a Paul Kariya/Pavel Bure type of player, yet Uncle Paul is unable to recognize how talented he is.
- TheUltimateJet

Ehlers is my favourite Jet.....but Pavel Bure ?

Ehlers is my favourite Jet.....but Pavel Bure ?
- bennythehat

100%, he’s fast and his zone enteries are Bure esque. He can also fill up the net and he doesn’t really need players around him to make him better. Bure essentially played with nobody’s in Vancouver and Florida and he was still putting in 50 goals. I think Ehlers totally has that in him.

Only difference between Ehlers and Bure is that Bure got ice time and was put in the game in almost every crucial situation. Bure was also on the teams #1 PP unit. Played PK even. First guy over the boards when the other team got a penalty.

Ehlers is my favourite Jet.....but Pavel Bure ?
- bennythehat

Ya. I'd say in todays game he is one of the closest matches to Bure's style. Ehlers is a stud on a team friendly deal.

How about this proposition. Do not re-sign Lewis or Thompson, with Perrault being the 3rd man out if he wants north of 1.5M. Gus can jump in full time, and perhaps Nigel Dawes comes home to the Peg? He's announced he is leaving the KHL, and the guy could be surprisingly good in a bottom 6 role, with some PP duties. He never got a fair shake in the NHL, playing around 9-11 minutes a night for the bulk of his career and in a defensive role too boot. 267 goals in his past 543 KHL games is no joke, especially when you look at how low their typical games are. The guy can still play in is a cheap risk well worth taking in my opinion.

Many would argue that the Jets arent moving up the standings because Maurice is a poor evaluator of talent.

Thompson and Lewis were fine but they're too easy to play against, in the playoffs an effective 4th line is one that's fast, physical or both, Lewis and Thompson are neither, they're just there, this organization needs to acquire and play players that are better/more effective then just being there/killing time if it wants to win anything.

"The culture established will benefit the next coach as well"- The Jets still appear to have a culture problem and it comes from the trio of Maurice, Wheeler and Scheifele.
The next coach whenever they come along is going to have to create a new culture, the first step in creating that new culture will be putting Scheifele and Wheeler in their places, that is if 55 and 26 are still Jets by the time new said coach is hired to replace Maurice which I don't see happening anytime soon.

Having said that I don't think this team is as close or is as good as many think it is, a new coach with better systems and a couple top 4 dmen will help but this team has too much bottom six talent with little coming up in the pipeline to take on top six roles.

I think it might be time for a bigger organizational retool, won't happen but it might be time.

Just my $0.02.
- JetFuel

Agree with you about Thompson and Lewis - fine players - but neither overly fast or physical. Would rather see a line that has more "jam" or is faster and on the puck quicker. Thompson and Lewis are kind of middle of the pack.

I'm of the opinion that we keep both head coach and GM Chevy. I do think, as I've said before, there will be a couple of changes in the coaching department though.

Lord knows I get frustrated with Maurice, actually lots of times. But he has forgot more about coaching in one day than most of us ever knew. There is a reason he has won, and lost, so many games - he wouldn't have reached these marks without know how and respect from owners and GM's.

There are those who criticize Chevy "for doing nothing." I guess they think he just sits by his phone and waits for it to ring so he make a trade. I am sure he has a ton more on his than that.

Now having said I would keep Maurice, I want him to stop this silly "man-on-man" defence, It doesn't work against good teams. I also want him to get his players coming out of the shoot with more passion - you know like when we had Tanev, Armia, Chiarot, etc. The current Jets are much too passive.

If these two things don't change early next season, I would be open for moving on.

Certainly we need an upgrade on the blue-line. Of course it would be nice to snag Dougie Hamilton, but don't see a big fish signing in small-town Winnipeg. Think any up-date is going to have to be done via trade.

To bring in that big stud on the blue-line, we may have to give up, say a Copp and one of either Pionk or DeMelo. Pionk played so well during the season and DeMelo so well in the playoffs (note Ross), one hates to give them up. Stanley stays!

But you have to give up value to get back value! The Expansion Draft throws a wrench in everything, doesn't it?

100%, he’s fast and his zone enteries are Bure esque. He can also fill up the net and he doesn’t really need players around him to make him better. Bure essentially played with nobody’s in Vancouver and Florida and he was still putting in 50 goals. I think Ehlers totally has that in him.

Only difference between Ehlers and Bure is that Bure got ice time and was put in the game in almost every crucial situation. Bure was also on the teams #1 PP unit. Played PK even. First guy over the boards when the other team got a penalty.
- TheUltimateJet

Ehlers does not have the finishing skills of a Bure. Maybe that's why we never see him on the shootouts......(or some might say that's PoMo's fault).

Agree with you about Thompson and Lewis - fine players - but neither overly fast or physical. Would rather see a line that has more "jam" or is faster and on the puck quicker. Thompson and Lewis are kind of middle of the pack.

I'm of the opinion that we keep both head coach and GM Chevy. I do think, as I've said before, there will be a couple of changes in the coaching department though.

Lord knows I get frustrated with Maurice, actually lots of times. But he has forgot more about coaching in one day than most of us ever knew. There is a reason he has won, and lost, so many games - he wouldn't have reached these marks without know how and respect from owners and GM's.

There are those who criticize Chevy "for doing nothing." I guess they think he just sits by his phone and waits for it to ring so he make a trade. I am sure he has a ton more on his than that.

Now having said I would keep Maurice, I want him to stop this silly "man-on-man" defence, It doesn't work against good teams. I also want him to get his players coming out of the shoot with more passion - you know like when we had Tanev, Armia, Chiarot, etc. The current Jets are much too passive.

If these two things don't change early next season, I would be open for moving on.

Certainly we need an upgrade on the blue-line. Of course it would be nice to snag Dougie Hamilton, but don't see a big fish signing in small-town Winnipeg. Think any up-date is going to have to be done via trade.

To bring in that big stud on the blue-line, we may have to give up, say a Copp and one of either Pionk or DeMelo. Pionk played so well during the season and DeMelo so well in the playoffs (note Ross), one hates to give them up. Stanley stays!

But you have to give up value to get back value! The Expansion Draft throws a wrench in everything, doesn't it?
- grahamzky

This is very outdated thinking. From my understanding Hamilton likes to visit Museums and does it seem particularly interested in going out. Lots of his former teammates called him an odd duck for being that way. Winnipeg is the ideal market for him.

Again no evidence of a player turning down more money in Winnipeg to sign elsewhere has EVER been reported.

Ehlers does not have the finishing skills of a Bure. Maybe that's why we never see him on the shootouts......(or some might say that's PoMo's fault).
- bennythehat

I find it interesting that Ehlers is your favourite player yet he’s chronically underplayed by your favourite coach. I am curious how do you reconcile this?