Devils discussion (news, notes and speculation) - offseason edition

[NJDevs26]

End of season presser

 

[thebeernerd]

Audio keeps going in and out.

Never mind, did a refresh.

 

[Devils731]

I’m glad Keefe said this year was about building a foundation to build further upon.

All the structure added this year was great and needed but they need to add some surprises and reads on top of it. Not a billion reads like under Ruff but now that the players can be trusted more, let them take some chances when they see them.

 

[JK3]

Tom, why were your forwards completely gassed and looked like 75 year olds in game 5 of round 1?

 

[NJDevs26]

So Fitz called the season good, not great…Keefe called it average. I know which one I agree with more.

 

[thebeernerd]

Fitz threw that Quinn Hughes question back like it was a grenade thrown at him.

 

[Devils Trap]

Fitz threw that Quinn Hughes question back like it was a grenade thrown at him.

Yea cause the league would penalize us so f***ing hard if he spoke about Quinn

 

[Devils731]

If Sprong is willing to put in the work to learn defense and team play then he’s worthwhile giving him another shot next year.

I assume his problem has been not caring enough about defense and team play, not that’s he’s tried and can’t learn how to do it.

If he’s been scared straight and cares now, then we could see mutual benefit between the team and player.

 

[thebeernerd]

Fitz also mentioned that depth scoring was the last one his list for the previous offseason because defending and goaltending were higher priorities. Not an unfounded fear, but also kind of obvious.

Kovacevic successful surgery today, will not be available for training camp.

 

[JK3]

Finally someone asked about his offense comment.

 

[Better Call Sal]

If Sprong is willing to put in the work to learn defense and team play then he’s worthwhile giving him another shot next year.

I assume his problem has been not caring enough about defense and team play, not that’s he’s tried and can’t learn how to do it.

If he’s been scared straight and cares now, then we could see mutual benefit between the team and player.

Seems like Keefe really connected with him. Gotta figure he'll get an offer to stay. Would be great if he can provide some cheap depth for us.

 

[Devils Trap]

Sprong is exactly w hat we should go for with our depth. Hes got tons of skill and speed, and if Keefe gets through to him to improve his defensive side - its perfect.

Plus we could use some more righty shots

 

[thebeernerd]

If Sprong is willing to put in the work to learn defense and team play then he’s worthwhile giving him another shot next year.

I assume his problem has been not caring enough about defense and team play, not that’s he’s tried and can’t learn how to do it.

If he’s been scared straight and cares now, then we could see mutual benefit between the team and player.

Sprong definitely had flashes of showing something more away from shooting the puck. I'm perfectly fine with him getting another chance here.

 

[Oneiro]

"Jack...he's got that man body."

Words I wish I could un-hear.

 

[thebeernerd]

"We will be making an announcement (about Hameenaho) shortly"

 

[Oneiro]

Seems like we'll be able to see Lenni on NA ice. Nice.

 

[thebeernerd]

"Jack...he's got that man body."

Words I wish I could un-hear.

The BookTok hockey crowd probably loved it, though

 

[Better Call Sal]

Fitz basically saying we're signing Lenni based on that last question.

 

[Nocashstyle]

"We will be making an announcement (about Hameenaho) shortly"

I missed what that was in reference too. Hard to hear the questions

 

[Better Call Sal]

I am curious if we'll see any other staff changes with the holdovers from Lindy's tenure.

 

[NJDevs26]

I am curious if we'll see any other staff changes with the holdovers from Lindy's tenure.

Well I don’t think we’ll have to worry about Colliton leaving for a HC job now after that pathetic playoff PP

 

[thebeernerd]

Bratt's shoulder injury is not the same as Jack's, and will be back for training camp.

 

[Devils731]

Interesting that Bratt has been dealing with the shoulder for years and this offseason was chosen to be the “let’s get the surgery over with” to clean everything up.

 

[Devils Trap]

I cannot believe the team is still calling Dillon's injury a "neck injury" - its such an insane stretch

 

[thebeernerd]

Dillon should be ready for camp. So much for the "career ending" stuff.