I suppose when head coach Paul Maurice says that he’s concerned about the Jets play of late, it’s fine for me to be anxious. It’s a long season, and the Jets are still in first place in the Central division. Yet, there is no denying, they are in a bit of a funk. We’re also a week away from a trade deadline that has me more confused as to which direction the team should take than I’ve ever felt. It seems like a deal with the Ottawa Senators is brewing. Yet I’m still unsure whether we should make a trade or not. So, let’s check in with how I’m currently doing using our Weekly Jets Anxiety Check-In using the arbitrary three-level anxiety level scale:
Not At All Worried
Moderately Worried
Panic/Losing Sleep Worried
Make a Trade – Panic/Losing Sleep Worried:
Mark Stone and Matt Duchene took full advantage of their auditions as possible future Jets by leading their last place team in two victories against us. They both looked very good, yet, I feel more uneasy than ever about adding either one of them to the team. I’m souring on the idea of trading for a rental who bails on us this summer, a la Paul Stastny. I’m not fussed that we lost our first round draft pick and a modest prospect. I just don’t think either one of those players pushes us over the top this season. Also, if the Jets get knocked out in the second round of the playoffs, and our rental leaves in the summer, was it worth it?
The other aspect that needs to be considered is the ripple effect adding a new top six forward will create. Let’s say we trade for Mark Stone, and we don’t lose a current roster regular in the trade. That would be ideal. Nikolaj Ehlers comes back fully healthy. Two players have to move out of the current line up, and at least two have to be shifted down the line up. Stone would be the second line right wing, no question. We’re not trading to put him bottom six. Ehlers – Bryan Little – Mark Stone. So, where does Patrik Laine play? He’s not suited to be on a checking line. He’s not bumping anyone in the top line.
Who goes to the press box? At this point you’d have a hard time convincing me to put Mason Appleton or Brendan Lemieux on popcorn eating duty. Does Paul Maurice dare incurring the wrath of Laine-Nation and sit young Patrik? He should in my mind, but, I doubt he does.
You see how hard the math is on this? My head hurts.
Do Not Make a Trade – Panic/Losing Sleep Worried:
As fantasy GM, this is my current position – stand pat with the current roster, and see how far we can go in the playoffs this season. Then, in the summer, make some moves – trades; re-sign some players; let some free agents walk. That’s all fine and dandy, but, my anxiety stems from the consequences of doing nothing. Hypothetically, if Mark Stone goes to Calgary Flames, and Matt Duchene goes to Nashville Predators, and they both help eliminate the Jets, Kevin Cheveldayoff will justifiably be questioned about his inaction. We’ll all look back and say he should have made a deal; that he did not take advantage of the window we had. My opinion, is the Jets are not quite there yet, and one player does not get us there. However, I’ll admit I would be one of those fans questioning his inaction. It’s a classic lose/lose for our GM. Good thing he gets big bucks to make these calls.
What do you think? Trade or not? Are we truly a Stanley Cup contender? Please join in the comments section.
