From Jim Matheson in the Edmonton Journal today comes word that JF Jacques may require surgery this summer.He didn't play past January because of a herniated disc and is making progress with rehab but will see a doctor this week to see if surgery is the better plan.
If he does have surgery he'll be out until Christmas.
Jacques also had some wrist problems but they appear to be behind him. He'll have to work very hard to catch up to fellow Oiler prospect Marc Pouliot, whose maladies are described here.
This is probably why he wasn't traded. He probably can't pass a physical.
ReplyDeletedb: Good point. Lowe said something along the lines that they could have moved up but it would have cost them a roster player and I'm okay with that. Moving a Pouliot or a Schremp now may mean they can't pick up a targeted roster player later.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, they certainly have some issues in the fall. Jacques being on IR to start the season means he won't be waiver material when rosters are reduced, but Lowe said nice things about Glencross being signed this week so there are still issues.
If he's having continuting problems with the thing - just let them cut it. I'm been struggling with a bulging disc for over a year now. I've avoided surgery because Yoga and strengthening has helped, but the thing still bothers me. I can't imagine trying to be a world-class hockey player with this kind of pain and concern.
ReplyDeletetotally off topic. Anyone think Nilson could be our next top 3 on the left side?
ReplyDeleteI think this is where we thank him for his 3 years, and let him walk.
ReplyDeleteHe's made his millions, hope he invested well.
dorito: I assume that was sarcasm? 2.5 years in the AHL and a half season here and there of NHL time adds up to more like $500,000.
ReplyDeleteNice problem to have when you're 22 years old, but not exactly millions.
schitzo:
ReplyDeleteSecond rounders usually have some sort of signing bonus to boot. I'm sure he's made at least 1-mil.
Jacques is a guy (I think) who will get several chances. He's freaking HUGE and can skate. I will bet money that (if he doesn't lose his career to injury) he eventually finds a way.
ReplyDeleteHe's unique.
Wasn't Jesse Niinimaki "unique"?
ReplyDeleteWell when we talk about Niinimaki we need to remember this was a guy who had several things going against him:
ReplyDelete1. A bad shoulder injury
2. Stayed in SM-LIIGA and played those 4line minutes during vital development years.
3. Seemed unaware of the importance of conditioning.
Jacques (from all that I have read) was quality through and through and in fact MacT has mentioned many times that he's a very physical player.
No, I think this guy may have confidence issues or may have been confused by role at some point in time. I'd bet on him 10 times out of 10.
Good news for the Oilers and bad news for Jacques.
ReplyDeleteI doubt anyone will take a chance on him when he IS waiver-eligible because he'll be looked at as damaged goods; then, he'll be sent to the AHL where he'll get a tonne of time and we'll see if he recovered or not.
This news is probably good for Stortini because I think the Oil always have it in the back of their minds that JFJ will take to the role of enforcer and that's 46's job currently.
ribs:
ReplyDeleteBrilliant. Just brilliant.
The Winchester model didn't give change either.
That and you'd hit the "Power Forward" button and it would just keep popping out Toby Petersens.
ReplyDelete"That and you'd hit the "Power Forward" button and it would just keep popping out Toby Petersens."
ReplyDeleteOr the "Franchise forward" button that spits out Bonsignores, Kellys or Fins with fucked up names.
This news is probably good for Stortini because I think the Oil always have it in the back of their minds that JFJ will take to the role of enforcer and that's 46's job currently.
ReplyDeleteStortini: 95 GP, 4-9-13, -4, 306 PiM
Jacques: 53 GP, 0-0-0, -17, 35 PiM
Wishful thinking aside, it's not been much of a contest so far.