And here it is, first major post and it comes as the most important part of the offseason begins this Friday, the free agency period! So this contains a roster breakdown of what the Jets have and it is followed by what I believe to be realistic targets for us this offseason.
I should note that I havent included any of the 7 players drafted at the entry draft last week, I used a previous top 20 for the prospect rankings I have.
I should note that I havent included any of the 7 players drafted at the entry draft last week, I used a previous top 20 for the prospect rankings I have.
Goalies:
NHL
Stater: Ondrej Pavelec
Backup: Chris Mason
Minor League Prospects
Peter Mannino
Edward Pasquale
Chris Carrozzi
Top Prospect Goalies
Alex Kangas (15), Edward pasquale (16), Fredrik Pettersson-Wentzel (20)
Restricted Free Agents: None
Unrestricted Free Agents: None
Kevin’s Analysis:
Goaltending could very well be considered solid going into next season. Ondrej Pavelec is one of the top young goalies in the NHL today. He has played in several international tournaments as well as staring in the AHL for a couple seasons with the Chicago Wolves before making the jump fulltime last season. Pavelec’s improved play and overall talent was the reason the Thrashers dealt former first round pick (2nd overall) Kari Lehtonen away. Despite suffering a bit of a health setback during the first game last year, Pavelec finished strong with 21 wins, 4 shutouts in 58 games. Chris Mason provides solid injury insurance as a backup and a capable #1a type guy. He had previous stints as a starter with St. Louis and Nashville in previous seasons. He has recorded 30, 27, and 24 win seasons during his NHL career. Peter Mannino and Edward Pasquale were the duo for AHL Chicago last season and should be for the Moose (where ever TNSE relocates them) next season. In fact, Pasquale got off to a blazing start before cooling off mid way through his rookie season. While neither goalie is considered a top prospect, they should be able to carry a spot start should injuries occur to either Pavelec or Mason
Kevin’s Goaltending Grade: B+
Defensemen:
NHL
1st Pair: Dustin Byfuglien – Tobias Enstrom
2nd Pair: Mark Stuart – Ron Hainsey
3rd Pair: Zach Bogosian - Johnny Oduya
Extra D: Arturs Kulda
Minor League Prospects
Paul Postma
Brett Festerling
Ben Chairot
Zach Redmond
Cody Sol
Top Prospect Defensemen:
Paul Postma (4) , Arturs Kulda (5) , Julian Melchiori (9) , Zach Redmond (11)
Restricted Free Agents: Zach Bogosian, Arturs Kulda, Brett Festerling
Unrestricted Free Agents: Noah Welch
Kevin’s Analysis:
The Thrashers have one of the deepest blue line cores in the NHL. On any given shift they can employ a scorer like Byfuglien and Enstrom or a physical player like Bogosian or Stuart. Infact, one can argue either of those four and Ron Hainsey could be a top two D on some NHL teams. Buff had a career season with the Thrashers last year coming off his Cup win with the Hawks. It isn’t very hard to see him as a consistent 45-50 point guy and power play qb for seasons to come (signed through the next four years). Coupled with Enstrom’s 30-35 pts and if Bogosian can reach his potential and score 30 pts a season this group could be deadly. Ron Hainsey, Mark Stuart, Johnny Oduya, and Arturs Kulda are more stay at home physical stypes with both Hainsey and Stuart being former 1st round draft picks. As far as prospects go, Paul Postma is a former junior star who after two seasons of AHL hockey is coming into his own and could possibly be an NHL regular by the end of next season.
Kevin’s Grade: A-
Forwards:
Centre:
NHL
Evander Kane
Alexander Burmistrov
Bryan Little
Nik Antropov
Rob Schremp
Jim Slater
Patrice Cormier
Tim Stapleton
Minor League Prospects
Ben Maxwell
Eric O’Dell
Angelo Esposito
Top Prospect Centres:
Patrice Cormier (2), Ivan Telegin (6), Eric O’Dell (7), Daulton Leveille (8), Angelo Esposito (13), John Albert (17)
Restricted Free Agents: Ben Maxwell
Unrestricted Free Agents: Robbie Schremp
Kevin’s Analysis:
The Thrashers have done a great job drafting and bringing in depth up the middle. Drafting guys like Kane, Burmistrov, Little, and Slater all in the 1st round picks over the years. Nik Antropov was signed two seasons ago and after having a career year his first year, he slipped big time last season scoring less than 20 goals for the first time since 06/07. I would say he is the top trade candidate on this team but with the cash and years remaining, this organization is going to have to hope he can return to his 20 goal 67 point form. The Wild card here is former Edmonton first rounder Rob Schremp. He has struggled to find his stride but seemed to come alive at the end of last season. The guy has some of the best puck handling skills in the league but at this point is still looking for the finish that could propel him to the next level. Jim Slater and Patrice Cormier are two physical centres. Look for Jim Slater to quickly become a fan favourite with his gritty style of play. Cormier always plays with a chip on his shoulder and also has some offensive upside. Don’t be surprised with all the depth at centre that a couple players shift to the wing. Eric O’Dell is entering his first year pro after being a monster in the OHL Angelo Esposito who was once thought as a first overall pick is looking to rebound from 3 straight injury plagued seasons that have stalled his once promising future.
Kevin’s Grade: A+
Leftwing:
NHL
Andrew Ladd
Minor League Prospects
Carl Klingberg
Fredrik Pettersson
Riley Holzapfel
Andrew Kozek
Michael Forney
Top Leftwing Prospects: Carl Klingberg (1), Jordan Samuels-Thomas (12), Fredrik Pettersson (18)
Restricted Free Agents: Andrew Ladd, Riley Holzapfel
Unrestricted Free Agents: Andrew Kozek
Kevin’s Analysis:
Team Captain Andrew Ladd is the only big name on the left side. Ladd is only 26 and yet has already won 2 Stanley Cups and has been part of championship Canada Junior teams! While he hass more of a gritty style of play, Ladd does have an offensive side. With the lack of depth on the wing there will be pressure for him to score and score lots! Top prospect Carl Klingberg will be entering his first full season in North America. Klingberg came over at the end of last season and played a couple games with the AHL Wolves before playing his first NHL contest during the final Thrashers game. Klingberg has shown to be a dynamic player over in Sweden but at this point it remains to be seen if he can translate his game to the North American style.
Kevin’s Grade: C
Rightwing:
NHL
Blake Wheeler
Anthony Stewart
Chris Thorburn
Spencer Machacek
Minor League Prospects
Akim Aliu
Danick Paquette
Ian MacKenzie
Top Rightwing Prospects: Spencer Machacek (3), Vinny Saponari (10), Akim Aliu (14), Danick Paquette (19)
Restricted Free Agents: Blake Wheeler, Spencer Machacek
Unrestricted Free Agents: Anthony Stewart, Radek Dvorak, Eric Boulton, Akim Aliu, Ian MacKenzie
Kevin’s Analysis:
The right side is a mix of toughness, grit, and skill. Blake Wheeler has never scored less than 18 goals in his 3 NHL seasons and has topped 40 pts twice! Chris Thorburn won the unsung player award for the Thrashers last season. Thorbun is a warrior, will kill penalties and drop the gloves. He will be another candidate for fan fave in Winnipeg! Number three prospect Spencer Machacek will look to finally crack an NHL lineup full time next season. Anthony Stewart and former first rounder of the Panthers had a breakout season last year with 39 points will look to build on his success. He wasn’t tendered a qualifying offer and will be an UFA on July 1st so it will be interesting to see if Winnipeg re-signs him for the same salary he had this season.
Kevin’s Grade: B-
Forward Lines:
Kane – Little – Stewart
Ladd – Cormier – Wheeler
Schremp – Burmistrov - Antropov
Machacek – Slater – Thorburn
Stapleton
Possible Offseason pick-ups
TNSE has shown in the past they are only interested in players who show great character and work very hard for everything they have. With that in mind, I can say at this point the big name free agent isn’t an option at this point (this has been stated by the team as well) but what we can look forward to, are hard working players with strong leadership ability and work ethic! Another trait we may see are guys who have paid their dues in the lower minor leagues like the AHL. With that in mind, here are a few possible players that may be looked at . . .
C Maxime Talbot, Free Agent Pittsburgh.
This guy just has all the tools of the type of player TNSE wants to bring in. Talbot brings it every shift. He does have some offensive skill but is more effective on the defensive side of the ice. People cannot forget his performance during the Pens cup run a couple seasons ago as he was arguably one of their most valuable players during the playoffs.
C Tim Connolly, Free Agent Buffalo
Connolly has been hampered by concussion problems during his tenure with Buffalo. However, when he has been in the line up his offensive game has finally come around. He set his career high in points two seasons ago with 65 and his career high 18 goals came in 2008/2009. A change of scenery could do him good and he will come cheap as most teams may shy from committing to a guy with a history of injuries.
C Tyler Kennedy, Free Agent Pittsburgh
Kennedy was one of the shocking non tenders this week in the NHL. It’s obvious the Pens don’t want to get into an arbitration battle with him however if no deal is signed by July 1st he is on the open market and what a pickup he would be! While the Pens had their injury issues last season Kennedy flourished scoring a career high 21 goals and 45 points. Kennedy is more of the unsung hero type of hockey players.
RW Rick Rypien, Free Agent Vancouver
An undrafted forward found by Moose GM Craig Heisinger turned NHL agitator it is hard to see how this organization will pass up a chance to sign him. Personal issues aside, the guy is a leader and hits everything in his sight. Rypien is the ultimate energy winger and if he can put together a full NHL season he will surprise. TNSE has shown a soft side to his situation by allowing him to finish this past season with the Moose after dealing with his personal issues.
RW Tomas Fleischmann, Free Agent Colorado
After scoring 23 goals and 51 points in 2009/2010, Fleischmann was slowed down big time but injuries and illness last season. There is no doubt the former 2nd round pick of the Red Wings has a lot of talent and scoring punch to give. His numbers during his 3 full AHL seasons and two full NHL seasons prove as much. He has 159 career points in 305 career NHL games with Washington and Colorado. Fleischmann should come cheap as he is looking for a rebound year.
LW Sean Bergenheim, Free Agent Tampa Bay
Bergenheim was arguably the most noticeable player during the playoffs for the Lightning. A change of scenery did this former 1st round pick good this season as he enjoyed a career high 29 points and solidified himself as a solid two way player.
C Zenon Konopka, Free Agent New York Islanders
This guy was the heart and soul of the rejuvenated Islanders team last season. Konopka was the leader on and off the ice and even switch the team’s long standing goal scoring song to help inflict change on the Island. He is one tough customer and will always come to the aid of other teammates. While he lacks most hockey skills, he was near the top in the league in faceoff wins and is a mainstay on the penalty kill. He was highly sought after at the trade deadline but wasn’t moved since the Islanders didn’t get the return they felt was worth Konopka.
RW Boyd Gordon, Free Agent Washington
Gordon really hasn’t ever found his offensive stride in the NHL that he had in junior or the AHL but has seemed to find a niche as a 3rd line energy/penalty kill guy. However one may argue that being stuck behind the likes of Ovechkin/Backstrom/Semin/Knuble/Laich in Washington may kill production and icetime all together. A change of scenery could bring back the offensive touch and couple with the defensive game Gordon could be a big player here. At 6 feet 200 he is already bigger than most of the forwards on this team.
RW Byron Bitz, Free Agent Florida
Bitz is a big body at 6’03 200lbs and that’s something that is missing in the current lineup. Prior to last season, Boston relied on Bitz as an energy player and he didn’t disappoint throwing the body around and putting the pressure on other team’s top lines. Bitz had his season cut short to 7 games last year due to injury.
RW Joel Ward, Free Agent Nashville
This guy knows how to bring it! This is the best I can describe his style. Ward was one of the more noticeable players for the Predators this past season. Another player willing to do what it takes to keep the puck out of the defensive zone and agitate the opposition. Ward is an undrafted player who worked his way up from Canadian University to the AHL and finally NHL.
RW Sergei Shirokov, Free Agent Vancouver
Shirokov has been the Moose leading scorer the last two seasons. The one thing that sticks out the most from him is his on ice vision! This guy seems to see plays develop before they happen and this is shown by his ability to stickhandle passed the opposition. While he isn’t very fast, he has improved his overall hustle during the last two years. His defensive game also came around this season after working with Claude Noel. Given Winnipeg’s thin right side, he is a great option to be brought in and compete for a fulltime spot which isn’t that far away for him. Shirokov did state that he loved it here and would play here for the NHL team if they wanted him when he was asked about fellow Russian Ilya Bryzgalov’s comments about the city.
C Andrew Murray, Free Agent Columbus
Andrew Murray is a hometown boy who is best known for his defensive play. Murray has been used in a shut down/penalty roll with Columbus the last few seasons. At worst he would become a go to guy for AHL St. John’s and help bring up the prospects.
Minor league depth:
LW Jason Jaffray, C Marco Rosa, D Mark Flood, RW Guillaume Desbiens, C Garth Murray, RW Kevin Clark
Current Moose players all on the free agent market that have been favourites of this organization. As the Canucks have learnt, a winning environment created by TNSE for their AHL team creates NHL success so we know that TNSE will run the Moose (where ever they play) the same way! Jaffray is arguably the top forward to ever wear a Moose jersey and is a point per game player at the AHL level. Marco Rosa is becoming a very reliable AHL vet and was the top forward during the playoffs. Desbiens brings it every shift and is a serviceable injury plug in at the NHL level. Mark Flood deserves an NHL shot after back to back big AHL years. Garth Murray adds vet leadership and a few seasons on NHL experience while Kevin Clark despite being only 5’10 150lbs throws the big hit every night and has some offensive skill at the AHL level.
D Lee Sweatt, Free Agent Vancouver
Sweatt is a pure power play specialist. He is very undersized as far as NHL defensemen go, but he possesses some offensive potential and did show it with the Canucks scoring in his first NHL game this season and with the Moose. He could lead an AHL blue line in overall points during a full season which he unfortunately didn’t get last year. His season came to an end after breaking his leg during practise during his call-up to Vancouver.
D Brian Connelly, Free Agent Chicago
Connelly is a bit under-sized for a defenseman at 5’11 185, but one cannot argue against his offensive skill he has shown over the last 2 seasons in the AHL. Last season alone Connelly scored 11 goals and finished with 52 points for Rockford. He may need to work on the defensive side of the game but at 25 years old and Claude Noel coaching a defensive first style there is some time to improve on that.
LW Alexandre Giroux, Free Agent Edmonton
Giroux has been one of the top 3 players in the AHL over the last few seasons. There isn’t any better way to develop prospects than to add the top AHL goal scorer and multi time champion to the mix. TNSE had tried to bring Giroux to the Moose in previous off seasons.
G Brad Thiessen, Free Agent Pittsburgh
Thiessen is the reigning AHL goalie of the year. Thiessen was a beast last season going 35-8-1 with a 1.94 goals against average and 7 shutouts. The cupboard is pretty bare goaltending wise and Thiessen would be an excellent addition.
G Cedric Desjardins, Free Agent Tampa Bay
Quit surprising that first Montreal and now Tampa Bay has given up on Desjardins, but the numbers do prove that he is a very capable depth goaltender. Desjardins has been a monster in the AHL the last two seasons with a solid goals against average around 2 and .920 save percentage. He made his NHL debut last season with Tampa Bay but missed most of the end of the year with an injury.
