Jacob Billington: Jets Bounced From Round One, Frustration Throughout Org. and Fans

Winnipeg is stuck in the mediocre middle purgatory. Not bad enough to tank and not good enough to contend.

I agree, this is off-season to not necessary “rebuild” but definitely “re-load”. Having said that, it’s always easier to play arm chair GM than actual GM.

With this draft class being deep, I would try to trade the players that are UFAS next year, who will not be signed long term and may bring back 1st round picks for next months draft.

The players that fit this criteria would be Dubois, Scheifele and potentially Hellebuyck.

I agree, this is off-season to not necessary “rebuild” but definitely “re-load”. Having said that, it’s always easier to play arm chair GM than actual GM.

With this draft class being deep, I would try to trade the players that are UFAS next year, who will not be signed long term and may bring back 1st round picks for next months draft.

The players that fit this criteria would be Dubois, Scheifele and potentially Hellebuyck.
- knagra

Add Ehlers to that list as well even though he is not a UFA. Nic has played 154 games in the last 3 years of a possible 246 games.

Time to call it for what it is and he is injury prone and not available when needed. Time to move on.

Vezina goalie, lol, (gag) should bring a decent return.

Who showed up for playoffs? Who didn’t?

Time to load up on draft picks and restock the shelf, this core is going no where so I am not sure what you call it a rebuild or reload, but serious changes are needed starting with a new GM.

The team should of been on rebuilt 2 years ago. Unfortunately, Chevy doubled down and kept playing the same roster hoping things would change. It's as if he put his pride ahead of the team's well being by putting blind faith he would get a different result doing the same thing.

This should be an exciting off-season. Even as a rental, Dubios will get a small hall even as a 1 year rental. Sheifele is a 42 goal scorer that should fetch a small hall and the most valuable piece being Helleybuyck who wants to win a Stanley Cup and is unlikely to resign with a retool. The Jets struggle with mediocrity but they have the assets to quickly retool to turn things around within a couple of seasons.

The team should of been on rebuilt 2 years ago. Unfortunately, Chevy doubled down and kept playing the same roster hoping things would change. It's as if he put his pride ahead of the team's well being by putting blind faith he would get a different result doing the same thing.

This should be an exciting off-season. Even as a rental, Dubios will get a small hall even as a 1 year rental. Sheifele is a 42 goal scorer that should fetch a small hall and the most valuable piece being Helleybuyck who wants to win a Stanley Cup and is unlikely to resign with a retool. The Jets struggle with mediocrity but they have the assets to quickly retool to turn things around within a couple of seasons.
- Napolean-Mennonite

I agree, the assets are there, just need some balls to make some trades.

I think a good deal of the mediocrity resides in too much control of micro managing by the owner. Let the GM do his job ffs.

I agree, the assets are there, just need some balls to make some trades.

I think a good deal of the mediocrity resides in too much control of micro managing by the owner. Let the GM do his job ffs.
- Old Flopper

I was looking through the Jets/Thrashers GM history during the game last night. This franchise has had 3 GM’s in total and its crazy to think that the GM that only served one year in Rick Dudley made 3 (yes count them 3 significant moves) bringing in Wheeler, Ladd and Byfuglien. He has also been one of the main architects behind the Carolina Hurricanes. We are lucky if Chevelall12yearsoff makes one significant move every 4 - 5 years.

It’s time to #FIRECHEVY.

We technically should be looking back at our Thrashers history and be trying to bring in Dudley.

Question- is there a scenario where our Director of Hockey Operations, Asst GM and executive Bice President Craig Heisinger is held accountable? Fired?

Spoiler- No, lifetime contract

Next GM will be his hire and will NOT be a threat to his positions. So not top talent

Anybody think otherwise?

Any business is run on culture and philosophy

"This team needs a major shakeup."

Well since Chevy wouldn't even do the minor tinkering when this team was way closer to contending, a shakeup sure isn't happening.

"Kevin Cheveldayoff has the hardest job in the NHL"

You forgot the /s at the end of that. Easiest job in the league, and beyond. Do nothing, guaranteed job security, succeed or fail.

"he needs to be able to get this team past annual mediocrity"

I think ownership has been pretty clear that they're happy with mediocrity. The suckers keep buying tickets and jerseys so mission accomplished.

The Jets' position in the standings is 100% down to whether the scouts hit or miss on the draft picks. Nothing else.

Until Chipman steps aside and gives up control the right changes won’t be made.
Chipman makes all decisions. If anyone wants to point fingers. Start there!!!!!

I don't think Chevy is horrible, I just don't think what he has done has worked. He may get a job with another team and do great with a 2nd chance. He shouldn't be given any more in Winnipeg. I don't think the fans or the players are buying what he is selling in his press conferences and this weekend's exit interviews. It's time to move on and we need someone immediately with the upcoming draft being the next big event where we can maximize return for many of our core assets.

I would love to see a package for Dubois that included Dach. I could understand why Montreal might not want to go there so then you can look at teams like Colorado that never recovered from last year's mass exit. They never did get a center that replaced Kadri.

Schiefele is proven that he is a great offensive threat but he can't be the guy to drive a team. I'm sure he will do great with a team that has leadership and discipline that can hold him accountable. He needs out of Winnipeg to change what Maurice made him into.

Helleybuyck is the game changer. Teams need good goaltending. I will miss wearing his jersey but he will be on the wrong side of 30 for his next contract and we are 2-3 years away with a retool and 5 away with a rebuild. His value is with a Cup contender. Imagine what a team like Toronto would pay to get a player like him on their roster. He also has one year left at a very reasonable cost.

The next step is rebuild the core. Build the team around Morrissey and give the young guys a chance. it's insulting that Gawanke never got a call up while setting Moose records on defence. It's equally insulting that we let Kovacevic get claimed on waivers because we value veterans more than the players we draft and develop when we claim to be a draft and develop team.

While my preference would be scorched earth teardown. I'd be satisfied with a major re-tool.

Must trade list: Scheifele, 2 LD (or more) Dillon, Schmidt, Stanley, Appleton

I'd be happy to trade with a nice return: Helle - great goalie, not so sure he shines when needed most, Connor - probably returns a haul, doesn't play D, can accelerate re-tool, Wheeler - I'd probably hold him to the TDL and hope for the best where retaining salary results in a decent return, Pionk - test the waters, decent return means a ticket out of the Peg

Not sure list: Dubois - He may have temporarily killed some of his value with his final audition (for other teams) I love when he's rolling, but he can be invisible at times. Perhaps the best plan would be to sign a 1 year contract and move at TDL next year and hope for a Timo Meier like return

I'd like them to lose Stenlund (not sure what good he was ever really doing, other than small glimpses of production). Maenalanen - Started year fairly well, is fast, but seemed fairly counter productive, except on PK. Kuhlman - don't see any value

Obviously with a re-tool, we're not trading the whole team. We can't say for sure who all the problems are, but they've got to go even if it means at a discount.

I don't think Chevy is horrible, I just don't think what he has done has worked. He may get a job with another team and do great with a 2nd chance. He shouldn't be given any more in Winnipeg. I don't think the fans or the players are buying what he is selling in his press conferences and this weekend's exit interviews. It's time to move on and we need someone immediately with the upcoming draft being the next big event where we can maximize return for many of our core assets.

I would love to see a package for Dubois that included Dach. I could understand why Montreal might not want to go there so then you can look at teams like Colorado that never recovered from last year's mass exit. They never did get a center that replaced Kadri.

Schiefele is proven that he is a great offensive threat but he can't be the guy to drive a team. I'm sure he will do great with a team that has leadership and discipline that can hold him accountable. He needs out of Winnipeg to change what Maurice made him into.

Helleybuyck is the game changer. Teams need good goaltending. I will miss wearing his jersey but he will be on the wrong side of 30 for his next contract and we are 2-3 years away with a retool and 5 away with a rebuild. His value is with a Cup contender. Imagine what a team like Toronto would pay to get a player like him on their roster. He also has one year left at a very reasonable cost.

The next step is rebuild the core. Build the team around Morrissey and give the young guys a chance. it's insulting that Gawanke never got a call up while setting Moose records on defence. It's equally insulting that we let Kovacevic get claimed on waivers because we value veterans more than the players we draft and develop when we claim to be a draft and develop team.
- Napolean-Mennonite

Great post, agree with everything here.

I can never tell if the Jets are a mediocre team that has had a lot of players over achieve that adds to their hype, or if it is a good team on paper that always comes up short.

They have all the key players for a well rounded team that quiet frankly look like they "could" win a cup without it being spoken about as something outrageous.

When playing well they look like an elite team.

Having said that they did not look like an elite much if at all the last half of this season.

If management really does think the team is under achieving, they need to blow the team while they can still get good assets back. Full tank mode. I dont think they can get enough talent back per cap hit to significantly improve the team as money in money out.

Winnipeg isn't Vegas (sorry, probably too soon) in that they can flip talent for talent at will.

Next GM’s only chance to be better is hit on some picks Mid and late round. That’s it.

Next GM will have zero impact on free agent signings
Next GM doesn’t pick coach (Arniel)

Next GM has to be ok with Heisinger establishing the philosophy.

Again, will NEVER be fired. A scenario doesn’t exist for our top executive on the hockey side to be dismissed.

And I just hold my nose and buy my 4 seats

Frustrating as hell

May find some fun in the “blowing it up”? I hope so

This is all on Chevy and ownership who felt that they could go into this season with the same underperforming lineup as last season. Virtually no changes were made and this is the end result.

Perhaps some of our underachieving players will prosper if the cancer(s) are removed and replaced.

Vegas exposed us for exactly who we are. Not tough enough to sustain that type of game for a series, not skilled enough to beat a good defense, not fast enough to open things up, not strong/structured enough to protect our zone. Vegas is a strong team, Jets are mediocre.

Its no coincidence that our hardest working lines were successful in spite of less skill and were the only lines that provided reliable play. We all saw the lack of pushback and urgency Bowness was frustrated by - and we have been seeing it since the St.Louis series (2018/19 year).

Regarding what Bowness said:
*Why go public with this now? No one is keeping this band together, its over.
*How does it help? It is not motivating anyone anymore - perhaps hoping to reset culture for those who survive the coming purge?
*It doesn't reflect well on Chevy who put this group together and bet his career on them - that the third coach he hired cant get full committment out of his chosen ones.
*The player reputational values are diminished whether it is Scheif, Dubois, Connor, Wheeler or whoever it is - Bowness essentially called them losers and they are worth less in any potential trade.
* #firechevy

This team needs a bigger shakeup than their fans believe, not just a re-tool.
Too many soft players with no heart.
I would like to know why they never seem call up and play their draft and develop kids we keep reading about? Have the fans been sold a story on how good they are?
Is Bowness the coach that can get whatever is left to play with some pride or is a new headcoach from a winning organization needed?
Chevy has a tough job. He seems to have done a reasonable job getting players to resign with the Jets and his draft record is in the top 10. However not addressing this teams lack of heart and making bigger trades has been his biggest downfall.
Another disappointing season for Jet fans

This team needs a bigger shakeup than their fans believe, not just a re-tool.
Too many soft players with no heart.
I would like to know why they never seem call up and play their draft and develop kids we keep reading about? Have the fans been sold a story on how good they are?
Is Bowness the coach that can get whatever is left to play with some pride or is a new headcoach from a winning organization needed?
Chevy has a tough job. He seems to have done a reasonable job getting players to resign with the Jets and his draft record is in the top 10. However not addressing this teams lack of heart and making bigger trades has been his biggest downfall.
Another disappointing season for Jet fans
- islansjet

Outside of his first round picks between 2011 and 2016, he has an abysmal drafting record. The man cannot draft outside the first round. This team was supposed to be draft and DEVELOP. I fail to see where the development has been for this franchise.

The guy has squandered assets and refused to trade all but one prospect. We have seen prospects being squandered.

He is also not very good at trading. People could speak about the Evander Kane deal all they want. Where are all the assets from that trade now? Also what about about the Laine deal? We had to throw in a 40 point player plus Laine to get Dubois. I don’t particularly think that was a win either. He also squandered the Trouba deal where he backed himself into a corner and traded him for an inferior defenseman in Pionk. Even Heinola, the guy had value and now after going through 3 NHL head coaches (that did not believe in him), what is his value now?

The league has a salary cap and until the day comes where players are turning down significant money from the Jets to play elsewhere I refuse to buy into the narrative that no one wants to play here.

Speaking about Vegas, the Jets could have had all those players they have as none had no trade protection.

Chevy has proven to be inept and as such needs to go!

#firechevy

Vegas exposed us for exactly who we are. Not tough enough to sustain that type of game for a series, not skilled enough to beat a good defense, not fast enough to open things up, not strong/structured enough to protect our zone. Vegas is a strong team, Jets are mediocre.

Its no coincidence that our hardest working lines were successful in spite of less skill and were the only lines that provided reliable play. We all saw the lack of pushback and urgency Bowness was frustrated by - and we have been seeing it since the St.Louis series (2018/19 year).

Regarding what Bowness said:
*Why go public with this now? No one is keeping this band together, its over.
*How does it help? It is not motivating anyone anymore - perhaps hoping to reset culture for those who survive the coming purge?
*It doesn't reflect well on Chevy who put this group together and bet his career on them - that the third coach he hired cant get full committment out of his chosen ones.
*The player reputational values are diminished whether it is Scheif, Dubois, Connor, Wheeler or whoever it is - Bowness essentially called them losers and they are worth less in any potential trade.
* #firechevy
- 2.0

Vegas is just a flat out better team on paper then the Jets are, while the Jets MIGHT have a slightly better top six they were without Ehlers(and Perfetti) and its close either way. Vegas has a far superior bottom six and their defense is miles better then the Jets is and it isn't close.
Its too bad Chevy didn't grab another one or two Namestnikov type depth adds, our forward depth just doesn't measure up.

The Jets have the better goaltender yet in this series you'd never know it and Brossoit looked pretty shaky himself, the craziest part of the goalie comparison is Brossoit is probably 3rd or 4th down Vegas' goalie depth chart if their other goalies were healthy. Think about that people, our Vezina caliber goalie couldn't steal us a game nor could we beat a team running their 3rd string goalie!

As for Bones comments, maybe he said them in public in that manner cause he thinks that's the only way to get it through to Chipman that this group just doesn't have it.

Ross isn't wrong about Chipman.

Outside of his first round picks between 2011 and 2016, he has an abysmal drafting record. The man cannot draft outside the first round. This team was supposed to be draft and DEVELOP. I fail to see where the development has been for this franchise.

The guy has squandered assets and refused to trade all but one prospect. We have seen prospects being squandered.

He is also not very good at trading. People could speak about the Evander Kane deal all they want. Where are all the assets from that trade now? Also what about about the Laine deal? We had to throw in a 40 point player plus Laine to get Dubois. I don’t particularly think that was a win either. He also squandered the Trouba deal where he backed himself into a corner and traded him for an inferior defenseman in Pionk. Even Heinola, the guy had value and now after going through 3 NHL head coaches (that did not believe in him), what is his value now?

The league has a salary cap and until the day comes where players are turning down significant money from the Jets to play elsewhere I refuse to buy into the narrative that no one wants to play here.

Speaking about Vegas, the Jets could have had all those players they have as none had no trade protection.

Chevy has proven to be inept and as such needs to go!

#firechevy
- TheUltimateJet

I heard that in the next series in Vegas, ----Earth, Wind & Fire Chevy are performing prior to Game 1.

I heard that in the next series in Vegas, ----Earth, Wind & Fire Chevy are performing prior to Game 1.
- bennythehat

perhaps singing 'after the love is gone'?

#firechevy

Vegas is just a flat out better team on paper then the Jets are, while the Jets MIGHT have a slightly better top six they were without Ehlers(and Perfetti) and its close either way. Vegas has a far superior bottom six and their defense is miles better then the Jets is and it isn't close.
Its too bad Chevy didn't grab another one or two Namestnikov type depth adds, our forward depth just doesn't measure up.

The Jets have the better goaltender yet in this series you'd never know it and Brossoit looked pretty shaky himself, the craziest part of the goalie comparison is Brossoit is probably 3rd or 4th down Vegas' goalie depth chart if their other goalies were healthy. Think about that people, our Vezina caliber goalie couldn't steal us a game nor could we beat a team running their 3rd string goalie!

As for Bones comments, maybe he said them in public in that manner cause he thinks that's the only way to get it through to Chipman that this group just doesn't have it.

Ross isn't wrong about Chipman.
- JetFuel

Exactly. .886 wont be getting you anywhere unless your team is scoring. Broissoit was on waivers at one point this year, which no team bothered to claimed.

Good on Bones, he said it the way it is. No sugarcoating like Maurices silver tongue "some feathers were ruffled" yada yada Bones doesnt need the job.

On the top 6, oft injured Ehlers has only played 60% of regular season last 3 years. 60% I guess had he been available, he might have helped top 6. But, not avaialble. A healthy Ehlers should contribute .375 ppg in playoffs. I have serious doubts if he can remain healthy going forward.

I'm curious who is moreso stuck in mediocrity... The Jets or the Flames?
Who has a better chance next year if they rolled it back again with the same teams?