Fun fact: The Jets have signed more free agents on 2 way deals that have been termed on this board as "a signing for the AHL team" then they have actual players for the NHL team. Certainly lends more credence to the theory that TNSE cares more about the AHL team than the NHL team
What I think you are seeing is players who want to be a part of our organization, maybe not top end free agents, but the tweeners...You look at guys like Jimmy Roy in the front office, and Jason Jaffray with the Caps, and it is evident that TNSE treats their personnel well...A lot of these tweeners could make more money playing in Europe. Evidently True North has earned their respect, or else they would not sign with us...
And that is nothing to complain about...
If we are able to get NHL capable personnel like Adam Pardy (I think he goes down if Morrissey stays), Matt Halischuk, who I think will probably become a mentor to Scott Kosmachuk in his first year, and a guy like Brouillette to play for our organization we are a better organization as a consequence...I think having a 1st class minor league affiliate will translate into having players better prepared for the pros.
The defense for the Caps could look like
Brouillette-O'Neill
Chiarot-Kichton
Freibergs-Fredheim
Melchiori, Hill
which at first glance appears to be a much better skating and puck moving unit than previous ones.
Nothing wrong with having a guy from St. Esprit in the organization, as going into this 4th year we could conceivably use a little help from the Holy Ghost.