Winnipeg Jets

Jets Grades- Defence and Goalies
May 4, 2017, 12:15 PM ET [0 Comments]
Peter Tessier
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There's good, there's bad and now we reach the ugly with Jets grades. While there might be a bright spot or two within this group, there's no questioning that this was the Achilles heel for the Jets as a team. The injury to Tyler Myers was significant and had a cascading effect of relying on players not ready for the minutes and responsibility that subsequently came.

Defence (the rest)

Ben Chiarot C

Ben Chiairot rose to prominence in the fall of 2014 when the injury bug hit the team and as a result was paired with Byfuglien when the big guy was moved back to defence by Paul Maurice. He had an outstanding year, earned a contract extension and it appears we never saw that guy again.

Chart managed 59 games this season and moved all over depending on the situation and injuries. The fact is Chiarot is barely a bottom 6 guy and his play proved it. Poor reads in both the defensive and offensive zones and confounding choices as a defence man in very simple situations found him feeling fan angst and perhaps the coach's too.

What the coach says: "Holy heck Ben, what did we do to you in 2 years? What went so wrong? Is it Huddy? Of course it is, I knew it! Well, I can't help that but good grief could you go watch some film this summer look back to ho you played in Buff in 14-15 and be that guy again please. Don't make me use more Stu".


Paul Postma C+

Paul Postma is a player that analytics love but maybe no one else. He's not a bad player and he might be good but for some reason the moments that stick with fans and coaches don't seem to really happen. IF you want to use the Own the Puck site and put Postman's name in you will see he registers as a top 4 guy or higher in most categories, except ice time. Why is that?

He's reasonably durable playing 65 games last season and he moves the puck well but yet he's simply depth on a team that has far too many RHD. He's a utility guy who is likely better than what role he is given but man does he have some odd luck when it comes to making an impression, on fans and coaches. Grade perhaps should be higher as Postma is what he is and that's under underappreciated.

What the coach says: "Paul, love that name by the way, I've stuck by you for a few years now and I know it hasn't been easy. Press box to playing with a bunch of guys and none of which were really consistent in time. So what do we do? I need you to 'wow' me okay? Like come to camp with a burning fire in you that says I have to tell Chevy to trade you because you know, Trouba, Buff and Myers right? Do it for you Paul, because I can't figure out how to give you the time you deserve".


Julian Melchiori C+

Did Julian do anything bad when he was called up? Did he do anything spectacular either? He was just there, taking part of the experience when opportunity arose and doing what he could. !8 games is hard to judge a player but here we are. He's a left shot so perhaps he can usurp Stuart come next season he couldn't be any worse and wasn't when he played.

What the coach says: "Hey Tyler... err Julian, I get so confused with you tall guys. I'd love you to be a bigger part of this team. It would be huge if you could play as big as you are. Think Chara but without everything that Chara is. Go get 'em tiger because there's a chance if Chevy gets his head straight that you could be here next year but Stu".


Mark Stuart D

Look it's a running joke to be hard on Stuart and that's not entirely fair. No one likes his contract, no one likes his play and no one really likes his effect on the team when you look at the roster. That's not Stu's fault that's the fault of coach and organization. Stuart knows it's coming to an end and he's dealing with that reality in a dignified way. It's too bad it has to be like this but he didn't come up with a 4 year deal when it should have been one or less.

What the coach says: "Stuuuuu-norrrth! I love it when they do that Mark, makes me proud of a guy like you. I think it will be tough this next year but when you're on the bus with the Moose be that leader, that guy who the young guys can look at and say 'wow how did he have such a long career'. Give them hope that all those hard miles are not lost. Seriously though, it's not your fault for the contract but buddy, I can't take that risk anymore with you on the ice in key times. Maybe next year for giggles I'll let you take a shoot out turn when we're eliminated from contention".

Goalies

Ondrej Pavelec D

Why he ever saw the ice this year when he did is beyond bizarre. Again his crippling contract is not his fault but what an effect it has had on the team. Whatever issues there are between the team and him will be done now and maybe some details about them will surface but it's the end of Pavelectricity and no one is happier it's gone dark.

What the coach says: "Goodbye Ondrej, good luck".


Michael Hutchinson C-

I'm not sure how many chances or opportunities Hutch needs to see that he's running out of them but he is. While many still believe he can an effective goalie he's nothing but back up material and slowly slipping from the 14-15 season where he, like Chiarot, earned some serious praise for their play. 28 games played with a .903 is not even average or replacement level and that's not good enough for a guy in his situation.

What the coach says: "Hutch get away from those cupcakes. I know your wife makes more saves with those things than you do but their killing you. Oh yeah you have some issues with our goalie coach? Get in line buddy but do yourself a favour this offseason find one to work with and quick".


Connor Hellebuyck C

Like Hutch, Hellebuyck was given the opportunity, over and over again to take the number one spot and how why he is looked at as a top goalie prospect in the league. It never clicked for Hellebuyck this year and while he expressed mighty confidence in the face of reality it was not helping him. Some suggested that he was arrogant and needed to be pushed and then came Pavelec. How did that work out. Hellebuyck did not earn himself much of raise for his next contract but he did ensure that the GM has to bring in some better competition and hopefully he takes that serisouly just like fans did with his .907 in 56 games.

What the coach says: "Dude, like really. You did this to me after I sent Pavelec packing to the AHL to start the season? This was yours to lose and you may have lost it. I was all 'team Helle' and had the shirts made but you literally sent me to Helle and back. Started with you and then had to call up Pavelec and then back to you. I lost hair and sleep and probably gave myself an ulcer. Yeah I know Flaherty, we'll deal with, hopefully (gulps)".