Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
I agree that the Jets got better (long term). Having Schiefele - PLD down the middle is huge. And Schiefele will make PLD a better player.
However, Laine was a game breaker. And Wheeler's days as a game breaker are behind him. I think they will struggle offensively this year, even though I think it is a good move for them long term.
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I do think that Laine is a game breaker - a lethal game breaker at that. There are just long periods of time when he isn't, and he isn't doing anything else to help the team win (like physical play, defence, etc). I think he actively hurts the team during those stretches. I do think as he matures, he will probably become the best winger in the NHL - I think he already is during his 'on' stretches.
I don't think, however, that Winnipeg will experience much of a lull in their goal scoring. Wheeler is aging and is easy to see, but Dubois is a play driving centre. I do think that he will make room for other players to score. Kyle Connor was their best winger (arguably best player anyway). They also have Perfetti who looks like he will be a good forward, and to a lesser extent, Vesalainen (who will probably be a decent forward, but IMO his stock has dropped a bit). Wingers are always easier to acquire.
I think that Winnipeg will miss Laine's shooting ability (their whole 1st unit PP seemed centred around that shot, so now they will have to come up with something else, LOL), but I don't think that they will find it more difficult to score this year.
They also have Stastny back who I think will function kind of like Backlund and take a lot of key defensive zone draws, allowing Dubois better match-ups and offensive zone starts to make his life a bit easier. Offensively, I think that Winnipeg will be fine.
I don't think they will be a much better team, however, and I don't view them as contenders.
However, long term, it seems few players are happy being in Winnipeg. Both Winnipeg and Columbus seem like the two teams that regularly 'bleed' talent. Looks like they both teams managed to put a temporary band-aid on one another this season, but it is a trend for both teams.