Devils 2018-19 team discussion (news and notes) - camp begins!

[Better Call Sal]

I believe it. You could see the emotion running high for him during the game the other night. He knows he's gotta go all out to make this team.

I think I read him and Boyle are close and work out together in the offseason, I'd be interested in how they'd do together on a line for a consistent basis. You could tell Boyle was getting a kick out of Lappin's celebrations after his goals.

 

[SpeakingOfTheDevils]

I mean, I might substitute Zacha for Wood. I would think though that Dubas might be impresssd with Wood’s points per 60 and his speed and size.

I consider Smith a non-starter, so the Zacha/Wood thing is immaterial to me.

 

[Emperoreddy]

 

[zharkenby]

How is that stupid?

Did you miss the games on Monday? Certain players are making very strong cases to stick. It may be true that none of them bring Wood's exact skill set, but the team certainly isn't hurting for bodies. Ray ain't gonna budge.

It was 1 game... 1 preseason game. That doesn’t necessarily give them a “strong case to stick”

 

[OmNomNom]

It was 1 game... 1 preseason game. That doesn’t necessarily give them a “strong case to stick”

well wood's skills declined after his suspension. is that a strong case for him to NOT stick? i think he needs to agree to something and get moving. not playing games isn't going to do him any favors when it comes to making an argument for his next contract

 

[devilsblood]

Leaf fans would suggest he’s light years better than the pieces offered but he should sign for an 8 year deal for under $6 mil per.

I might agree, but Leafs painted themselves in a corner when they signed Tavares.

 

[My3Sons]

Good gravy just sign the extension already take the C and start getting in the young players faces.

 

[devilsblood]

Love Miles but if there is one thing NJ(and the league for that matter) has in spades, it is LW.

 

[OmNomNom]

i wish there was a league-normalized +/- stat, in order to judge players

 

[Devils Dominion]

Where is Wood

 

[Hischier and Hughes]

Lappin making the team would be a disappointment for me. Does he really have any room left to grow? Id rather an Anderson, Quenneville, McLeod, etc etc be making it

 

[Billdo]

...when it comes to making an argument for his next contract

Won't be here I bet.

 

[SpeakingOfTheDevils]

It was 1 game... 1 preseason game. That doesn’t necessarily give them a “strong case to stick”

One preseason game, plus the prospect challenge and, in general, performance in camp.

They looked a lot better than Wood did sitting on his couch, which is my point.

And if you’re of the opinion that Wood will step right back into the fold after finally getting pen to paper, assuming his spot over the guys who have been grinding out camp and scoring goals in games and participating, you’re most likely mistaken. These coaches don’t operate like that.

 

[Bleedred]

Lappin making the team would be a disappointment for me. Does he really have any room left to grow? Id rather an Anderson, Quenneville, McLeod, etc etc be making it

I agree with you.

I'm not a fan of Lappin's. Outside of his first 20 or however many games when he was first up in 16-17, he hasn't been anything of note. If he's here and someone like Quenneville also is, that would be fine with me though.

 

[devilsblood]

Lappin making the team would be a disappointment for me. Does he really have any room left to grow? Id rather an Anderson, Quenneville, McLeod, etc etc be making it

Would you be disappointed if he turns into a solid 4th liner? What if he somehow turns into a 15 goal scorer in the bottom 6?

 

[SpeakingOfTheDevils]

Lappin making the team would be a disappointment for me. Does he really have any room left to grow? Id rather an Anderson, Quenneville, McLeod, etc etc be making it

McLeod clearly needs time to marinate in the AHL, and the same can likely be said for Anderson.

Quenneville looks likely to make the team, especially if the Wood drama drags on.

I’d like to see Lappin make it. It sounds like he’s giving it his all every day, and has connected to Boyle on and off the ice. That feeds right into the culture they’re trying to create here. I’d bet he makes the team.

 

[Darkauron]

Yeah I think it is down to Lappin and JQ for making the team forwards wise

 

[devilsblood]

I just love to read on this forum, the knowledge you guys have about this team and its prospects just blows my mind. Sweden is a great hockey country but the fans over here does not come close to you guys. Thanks for all the info you share

I like to poke fun at myself for this, but in order to become as in tuned to a teams prospects as many on this board are, you have to be a major geek.

 

[Devils Dominion]

Wood Would sign if he Could

 

[OmNomNom]

I like to poke fun at myself for this, but in order to become as in tuned to a teams prospects as many on this board are, you have to be a major geek.

agreed. you'd think the # of posts is a badge of honor, but it's kind of nerdy. no wonder why Saugus left (sad, his account is gone? i can't @ him)

 

[Brodeur]

Lappin making the team would be a disappointment for me. Does he really have any room left to grow? Id rather an Anderson, Quenneville, McLeod, etc etc be making it

If it ends up being who gets to be the 13th/14th forward, then I'm fine with Lappin taking pressbox duties and earning an NHL paycheck while the kids get more ice time in the AHL.

Hall-Hischier-Bratt
Johansson-Zajac-Palmieri
Wood*-Zacha-(tbd)
Coleman-Boyle-Noesen
(tbd)-(tbd)

I think most of us are hoping that Anderson/Quenneville can earn one of the 3rd line spots if Ray doesn't have a potential trade in his back pocket. But Lappin making the team doesn't necessarily mean that none of the kids would.

 

[Billdo]

Wood Would sign if he Could

Wood would not sign if he could. He would not could not sign his name on the dot.

 

[OmNomNom]

Wood would not sign if he could. He would not could not sign his name on the dot.

Would you sign it for these years?
Would you sign it for your peers?

I do not like it for these years.
I need more money, can't you hear??
I will not sign it in the rink.
I will not sign it now you fink.
I will not sign this, not today.
I will not sign it, Mr. Ray!

 

[Devils Dominion]

Would you sign it for these years?
Would you sign it for your peers?
Will your spot go to Speers?

I do not like it for these years.
I need more money, can't you hear??
I will not sign it in the rink.
I will not sign it now you fink.
I will not sign this, not today.
I will not sign it, Mr. Ray!

I added in a line in bold

 

[devilsblood]

If it ends up being who gets to be the 13th/14th forward, then I'm fine with Lappin taking pressbox duties and earning an NHL paycheck while the kids get more ice time in the AHL.

Hall-Hischier-Bratt
Johansson-Zajac-Bratt
Wood*-Zacha-(tbd)
Coleman-Boyle-Noesen
(tbd)-(tbd)

I think most of us are hoping that Anderson/Quenneville can earn one of the 3rd line spots if Ray doesn't have a potential trade in his back pocket. But Lappin making the team doesn't necessarily mean that none of the kids would.

I haven't seen Anderson yet, but I did like McLeod's game the other night.

But there is room for taking into account where these players are in there careers.

Lappin, even if he is the 13th fwd who gets spot duty, I think that would be good for his mental state. But if he looks good, 4th line is completely fine by me.

Similar for Q, though I think if Shero expressed that the team really likes his development and he'd be the first call up if he keeps his play up, I think he'd be OK starting the year in Bing.

Guys like Anderson and McLeod, you could stick them in the AHL without any concerns they feel their careers are slipping away.

If we go Bratt, Palms Noesen Lappin Stafford down the right side to start the year I'm OK with that.