I think Ehlers to be such a dynamic talent that it wouldn't surprise me if they've already internally counted upon giving him a spot in the lineup next season - as long as he proves able to understand that he needs to consistently play down low in his own zone (versus fleeing the zone in junior). I can see them sheltering him on the 3rd' line 5V5 and giving him plenty of duty on the power-play. Can already imagine Ehlers and Schiefele paired up as an amazing duo on the pp, given all the extra room out there when 5V4. Am not by any means saying we should have high expectations, but he is such a dynamic kid, one with incredible wheels to go along with the hands, that he is capable of surprising to the upside, in my view.
With each viewing you can see even more what a remarkable talent he is. His speed and acceleration are remarkable. He has fantastic hands, with a terrific shot (forehand and backhand), and he can handle the puck like it's on a string at full speed. What has impressed me more and more is his great vision on the ice. He sees openings and makes plays to players that anticipate where the space is going to be. He'll need to tighten that up in the NHL, but when he is playing with other talented and smart players it will open up a lot of offensive opportunities. He really is a rare talent, and I think the Jets have already figured that out. He won't be difficult to coach, either. Maurice will get him playing the right way fairly quickly, and I would be surprised if he doesn't start next year with the Jets.
If he does, the Jets could have remarkable depth up front, and on D.
LLW
Perreault-Scheif-Frolik
Kane-Lowry-Ehlers
You could still have Burmi and Buff, who are definitely top-9 forwards, along with Petan waiting in the wings. The Jets could have as many as 12 legitimate top-9 forwards.
On D...
Enstrom-Bogo
Stuart-Trouba
Chiarot-Postma
Clitsome, Pardy, Harrison as reserves. If Buff is on D...
Enstrom-Bogo
Buff-Trouba
Stuart-Postma
Chiarot, Clitsome, Pardy and Harrison as reserves - that's some nice depth.
For me, the big question is whether Chevy takes the plunge and starts trading some of his core this year or in the off-season to build up his future pipeline. They could get a good haul of picks and young players and/or prospects for players like Buff or Ladd at the TD or in the off-season. I doubt Chevy would do that if the Jets are still firmly in the playoff race, but he now has some depth to trade from.