If 2017/18 taught anything, it's clearly that....the 'youth movement' is over. Fortunately for fans of the Winnipeg Jets, TNSE has undoubtedly shown that it doesn't have any interest in weakening the current team; with hopes of duplicating the ascend to the top of the league standings. The current roster was 2nd overall, and were full marks in achieving it.
What do people think a 'better' Bryan Little will cost (not less than $5.2M, plus the assets to acquire). How about a 'better' Mathieu Perreault (not less than $4.1M, in today's NHL). Part of being a good player & great professional, is maintaining team concepts away from the puck; possibly sacrificing personal numbers/points for the betterment of the group (team first mentality). This collection of players get it. They live it.They embrace it. Unnecessarily injecting additional young players, that may or may not score more, whilst being prey to the occasional or routinely made blunder, isn't the next phase in maximizing the talent already present.
My opinion emphatically states, TNSE won't be selling more 'growing pains' to the loyal & dedicated members of this team; as a reward for their unwavering faith in the process, their hard work, and their tireless efforts. 'Growing pains' will eagerly be supplanted by 'growing together' (the next/current phase for this franchise). Like any roster, facets will always be looked at, and considered (systems, structure, roles, deployment, contracts, etc.), in the vein of maintaining continued growth. However, replacing solid, quality, NHL caliber players; with raw, unproven, inexperienced youth, is ultimately going against the original plan set out from the beginning (push from within/over-ripen). This was a concept discussed in TNSE offices long before the NHL or the Feeder Team(s) (AHL/ECHL etc.) had any noteworthy prospects banging down the doors (not to slight any previous/current members of the Organization).
It's my belief that unseating members from the current roster will become increasingly harder as the years pass by. Building a 'foundation', is arguably the hardest part of establishing the 'culture' within the Franchise (setting firm expectations of each other). Having exceptional leaders, mentors, and teachers play a vital role in the overall process, is a key component. Young players/prospects will now need to earn their spot on the roster, against much stiffer competition; meaning they'll need to earn the trust of their teammates, line-mates, coaches and management. It's never easy to 'break in' (enter the NHL) to a tight locker room.
So in moving forward; gaining knowledge, gaining acceptance, and showing one's worth, will rightfully be conducted at the AHL level. That's where TNSE will continue to accept 'some' growing pains. As always, some great young talent (Roslovic, Dano, Petan, Lemieux, Appleton, Vesalainen; among others) will be given every opportunity to become full-time Jets (NHL players). Expecting any more than two, to be impactful (in 2018/19), would be purely unforeseen, IMO. The veterans of this team have earned the right to battle, night in and night out, unimpeded. Time will tell.
