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

[Lou Bloom]

Not interested in Rossi at 7x7. He's mediocre defensively, has mediocre skating and his numbers benefitted by getting to play with Kaprizov or Boldy for the majority of the season while also shooting near 18% on the season which is probably not a sustainable number moving forward.

 

[devilsfan950003]

Not interested in Rossi at 7x7. He's mediocre defensively, has mediocre skating and his numbers benefitted by getting to play with Kaprizov or Boldy for the majority of the season while also shooting near 18% on the season which is probably not a sustainable number moving forward.

Not interested. Where are they going to find $7 in cap space?

 

[Fan from Maine]

For me the goalie is a major part of the defense. The Devils were struggling at the goalie position until Fitz got Markstrom. Markstrom was playing very well before he was injured in the Boston game. Then Markstrom was out a number of weeks and when he returned he was well below how he had played before the injury. Some say he came back too soon, others say he is paying a price for the injury and that he might not return to previous levels, that's not good for the Devils. Then his numbers improved in the post season play but he had one big game during the post season with 48 saves I think so that distorted his numbers IMO and it appeared that he played better in the post season but that was not true. Allen filled in as starting goalie during his injury. Allen played very well as a #1 starter. As a result the Devils maintained their playoff level of play without falling behind even though Hughes was out. So now IMO is the defense problem for this coming season. Markstrom is not playing at the same level as last season, he is playing much worse. The Devils say they can't afford to keep Allen, IMO that will be a mistake. Daws will become the backup, he is not as good as Allen IMO. So we will have a starter that is playing not as well and a backup that isn't as good as the ptevious one, therfore the Devils' defense IMO wil not be as good, this will hurt the team, badly. Can this be avoided, yes it can, with the Devils keeping Allen and the Devils using a dual starting goalie position, Allen & Markstrom. This will make up for the weak offense they have or will have until Hughes gets back in shape or the new offensive players that Fitz gets come on board and produce more offense. It's a numbers game score more goals or stop more goals against to win games. These are just my thoughts. We could keep Allen until trade time and then get something good for him rather than nothing if he leaves now before the season starts as a FA.

 

[Fan from Maine]

Just my thoughts going into the Devils' off-season. When Hughes returns, he will not be as good as before until he gets some mileage on the ice in gameplay. The top offensive 6 can't seem to produce enough goals, so Fitz has to get a wing that can increase the goal production. The bottom 6 were terrible with goal production, just rotten. So Fitz must improve the bottom offensive 6 with some players that can score goals. The goalie situation I have addressed my position in another thread. The goalie position will be weaker than last season. The defense will need some change to offset over last season. Fitz does not have much Cap money to pull these changes off. IMO this will be a keep your head above the water year. Lets get into the playoffs and keep our fingers crossed. IMO it is going to be a tough year, compared to last season, unless Fitz pulls some rabbits out of a hat.

 

[Guadana]

Just my thoughts going into the Devils' off-season. When Hughes returns, he will not be as good as before until he gets some mileage on the ice in gameplay. The top offensive 6 can't seem to produce enough goals, so Fitz has to get a wing that can increase the goal production. The bottom 6 were terrible with goal production, just rotten. So Fitz must improve the bottom offensive 6 with some players that can score goals. The goalie situation I have addressed my position in another thread. The goalie position will be weaker than last season. The defense will need some change to offset over last season. Fitz does not have much Cap money to pull these changes off. IMO this will be a keep your head above the water year. Lets get into the playoffs and keep our fingers crossed. IMO it is going to be a tough year, compared to last season, unless Fitz pulls some rabbits out of a hat.

I don't think Devils will change something with defense. I don't see it. Siegs and Kovy signed cheap deals, they were top defensive pair in the league. Like is better even not very consistent but much higher in his lows and way much better in his highs. Dougie is dougie, I don't know will he return or not. Peace was very good. Dillion was good enough for his physical/pk role. With Seamus Casey in the mix, with a couple of interesting young LD in Vilen and Edwards who are nice options as 9-10th D. May be they will give some time for recover for Kovy or for Dillion and will sign Dumolin who was great in the play off. Its a huge mass of talented defenseman, a lot of teams have much worse defense and play play off games.

Offense is a different animal. Gritsyuk will definitely help, but as you said it will take time for Jack to return to his form. And the depth isn't good enough at all. Haula and Palat will be one year older. So Devils needs at least one more good offensive forward besides Gritsyuk to create better structure.

Will see how it will go.

 

[devilsblood]

Not interested in Rossi at 7x7. He's mediocre defensively, has mediocre skating and his numbers benefitted by getting to play with Kaprizov or Boldy for the majority of the season while also shooting near 18% on the season which is probably not a sustainable number moving forward.

Good players do tend to play with good players.

But you are right in that Rossi's production was pretty unimpressive away from Kaprizov. His production with Boldy is not good at all.


Now he does have back to back years of good shooting % so he might just be efficient in that regard, but his shot rate 5v5 is super low(although that again speaks to efficiency).

Not a good faceoff guy.

I'm not completely anti the idea, I like that he could maybe play top 6 wing, as well as 3rd line center, versatility is good. I think given his age 7x7 could prove to be a bargain. Id be more wary of the assets going back the other way in a trade.

 

[McDuffz88]

Just an idea I floated out there but would you guys be willing to do a 1 for 1 Hamilton or Palat straight up for Kotkaniemi? Hurricanes are rumored to want him gone. It would let us free up some cap space while at the same time filling that 3rd line center role with a younger player.

 

[Forge]

Just an idea I floated out there but would you guys be willing to do a 1 for 1 Hamilton or Palat straight up for Kotkaniemi? Hurricanes are rumored to want him gone. It would let us free up some cap space while at the same time filling that 3rd line center role with a younger player.

Palat would be a no brainer if they wanted to do it. I'd do that in a heartbeat, but I'd be surprised if they are okay with that.

I've actually kicked around the idea of a Dougie for KK trade as well.

From a performance standpoint, the Devils are obviously losing that trade, but as I've said before, they can lose the trade in a Dougie move and still be a better overall team. Any trade for Dougie is going to be a limited return and underwhelming for his offensive talent, but that's okay.

I'd probably trade Dougie for KK. The hate on his contract is overblown in my opinion. I've said before, but in my opinion we have already entered a place where a 5M dollar 3c is not uncommon. The term on his deal isn't something I love, but he's soon to be 25 years old. His contract basically rips through his 20s, so I'm not banking on him completely imploding either. If you feel fine that he's a 3c, I'm okay with it. 5 x 4.82 million is absolutely fine.

 

[devilsblood]

Just an idea I floated out there but would you guys be willing to do a 1 for 1 Hamilton or Palat straight up for Kotkaniemi? Hurricanes are rumored to want him gone. It would let us free up some cap space while at the same time filling that 3rd line center role with a younger player.

Nah, used very little defensively for Carolina. I understand they have Staal, but they used Aho more defenisvely then they did Kotka. Very little by way of defensive draws, virtually zero PK time. I didn't look but I bet puck!Q says he was not matched up vs high end opposition.

And even with what looks like very easy deployment, his offensive production is meh at best.

 

[McDuffz88]

Nah, used very little defensively for Carolina. I understand they have Staal, but they used Aho more defenisvely then they did Kotka. Very little by way of defensive draws, virtually zero PK time. I didn't look but I bet puck!Q says he was not matched up vs high end opposition.

And even with what looks like very easy deployment, his offensive production is meh at best.

I'm personally of the belief that this team should be targeting more of a 2nd line center who we will play as 3rd line center so we can roll 3 scoring lines. That's how you can win a cup. Only reason I would settle for Kotkaniemi is because if we can get rid of either Hamiltons or Palats contract then Kotks contract really isn't bad. We open up cap space in either move and it gives us a decent 3rd line center who isn't injury prone. Killing 2 birds with 1. He's obviously not what I truly want but if he's free and we can cap dump also, I do it. Of course I would want a higher end 3rd line center but Idk how Fitz plans to do it. If it was up to me I would try to roll 2 1st lines, 1 2nd line & an insane 4th line. We're very close to doing that if we can land that 3c & Grits works out
Mercer-Nico-Meier
???-Hughes-Bratt
Palat-Kot/???-Grits
Cotter-Glass-Noeson
Haula as spare center
For which player to target to play with Hughes/Bratt it could either be 1)Grits surprising everyone being better than we thought but if I'm Fitz I'm just looking for the perfect complimentary player for those 2. This player would be a skater with size who is an absolute puck retrieval hound & a defensive beast. Someone who can battle out the puck and do a perfect pass to Hughes or Bratt. This type of player won't be that expensive because they aren't superstars. On our team they don't need to be a superstar. As long as they have a slight offensive touch & can keep up & do as stated that's the perfect winger for them.

 

[Ekiru]

I see an NJ native, John Leonad is their leading playoff scorer, and another jerseyite is tied for third.

I also see, to your point, pool party.

And lastly I'd like to note that if Allen walks I'd be open to bringing in Kahkonen as the backup. Not sure what happened early this season but I still think he can play in the big leagues.

The backup is going to be Daws, unless he’s outplayed by another kid in the system

Devils already have enough goalies on contracts and barely any space to fit them between the AHL and ECHL

I highly doubt they sign anyone for the net. No need to waste dollars there. You either lean on a younger guy now or you may as well move them, because the closer you get to contending the less you can risk playing a rookie or virgin starter

 

[devilsblood]

The backup is going to be Daws, unless he’s outplayed by another kid in the system

Devils already have enough goalies on contracts and barely any space to fit them between the AHL and ECHL

I highly doubt they sign anyone for the net. No need to waste dollars there. You either lean on a younger guy now or you may as well move them, because the closer you get to contending the less you can risk playing a rookie or virgin starter

Color me doubtful.

 

[Forge]

Color me doubtful.

Doubtful that it's daws, or doubtful that he's outplayed by someone else

 

[devilsblood]

I'm personally of the belief that this team should be targeting more of a 2nd line center who we will play as 3rd line center so we can roll 3 scoring lines. That's how you can win a cup. Only reason I would settle for Kotkaniemi is because if we can get rid of either Hamiltons or Palats contract then Kotks contract really isn't bad. We open up cap space in either move and it gives us a decent 3rd line center who isn't injury prone. Killing 2 birds with 1. He's obviously not what I truly want but if he's free and we can cap dump also, I do it. Of course I would want a higher end 3rd line center but Idk how Fitz plans to do it. If it was up to me I would try to roll 2 1st lines, 1 2nd line & an insane 4th line. We're very close to doing that if we can land that 3c & Grits works out
Mercer-Nico-Meier
???-Hughes-Bratt
Palat-Kot/???-Grits
Cotter-Glass-Noeson
Haula as spare center
For which player to target to play with Hughes/Bratt it could either be 1)Grits surprising everyone being better than we thought but if I'm Fitz I'm just looking for the perfect complimentary player for those 2. This player would be a skater with size who is an absolute puck retrieval hound & a defensive beast. Someone who can battle out the puck and do a perfect pass to Hughes or Bratt. This type of player won't be that expensive because they aren't superstars. On our team they don't need to be a superstar. As long as they have a slight offensive touch & can keep up & do as stated that's the perfect winger for them.

Ya moving Ham's contract is a big part of this from NJ's perspective. And Kotka does get bonus points for rarely missing games.

I'd be more into it if there was some indication that he is a good defensive center, which usage suggests is not the case.

 

[Fan from Maine]

yeah that ship has sailed. fitz did well at Tdl all things considered. but he really fukked up in not trading for nazar from the hawks.
missed out on an all-time devils line in Tatar-Lazar-Nazar

but now the bazaar becomes a pipedream.
thx Fitz and alll the best for Tomas

You make some valid points. I still feel we could use a defensivemen with experience this coming season.

I don't think Devils will change something with defense. I don't see it. Siegs and Kovy signed cheap deals, they were top defensive pair in the league. Like is better even not very consistent but much higher in his lows and way much better in his highs. Dougie is dougie, I don't know will he return or not. Peace was very good. Dillion was good enough for his physical/pk role. With Seamus Casey in the mix, with a couple of interesting young LD in Vilen and Edwards who are nice options as 9-10th D. May be they will give some time for recover for Kovy or for Dillion and will sign Dumolin who was great in the play off. Its a huge mass of talented defenseman, a lot of teams have much worse defense and play play off games.

Offense is a different animal. Gritsyuk will definitely help, but as you said it will take time for Jack to return to his form. And the depth isn't good enough at all. Haula and Palat will be one year older. So Devils needs at least one more good offensive forward besides Gritsyuk to create better structure.

Will see how it will go.

Guadana, you make some valid points. I still feel we could use an additional defensemen next season with experience, considering the goalie position will be weaker. Enjoy.

 

[devilsblood]

Doubtful that it's daws, or doubtful that he's outplayed by someone else

Doubtful they run any young goalie as their #2.

Daws as the #2, if everyone is healthy, is in itself a risk. Daws as the #2 and Markstrom missing games has the potential to be a disaster.

 

[Forge]

Doubtful they run any young goalie as their #2.

Daws as the #2, if everyone is healthy, is in itself a risk. Daws as the #2 and Markstrom missing games has the potential to be a disaster.

I find it interesting that we haven't heard anything about malek coming over (as far as I know). I think he's just on loan to liiga, so him not coming over yet makes me wonder if they have concerns they don't have a spot for him over here.

If they aren't going to have daws be the backup, I feel like they have to have him. I don't think he's waiver eligible anymore and I'm not sure he's clearing, but maybe I'm wrong

 

[Forge]

Though I will say that I'm of the belief that they roll with daws as the backup next year. At least to start with

With a lack of money available to mess around with, I think improving the forward group is going to be the primary emphasis this offseason. A backup goalie may take a back seat

 

[Lou Bloom]

I think JG Pageau would be a good target at center, 1 year at $5M left for this season, Very good two way center that fits exactly what the Devils could use at 3C. I think acquiring someone like Pageau and then trading Nemec for a young, close to NHL Ready center who can develop into a long term answer at 3C would be ideal and set them up for the short term and long term.

 

[Forge]

I think JG Pageau would be a good target at center, 1 year at $5M left for this season, Very good two way center that fits exactly what the Devils could use at 3C. I think acquiring someone like Pageau and then trading Nemec for a young, close to NHL Ready center who can develop into a long term answer at 3C would be ideal and set them up for the short term and long term.

If the idea is to sign Luke long term, it won't be nemec who goes this year.

At least not if they are looking to legitimately add to the forward group. There's just no money (right now). They'd have to move others

 

[devilsblood]

I find it interesting that we haven't heard anything about malek coming over (as far as I know). I think he's just on loan to liiga, so him not coming over yet makes me wonder if they have concerns they don't have a spot for him over here.

If they aren't going to have daws be the backup, I feel like they have to have him. I don't think he's waiver eligible anymore and I'm not sure he's clearing, but maybe I'm wrong

There was some talk here that made it sound like he was coming over.

 

[Forge]

I think bridging Luke would be a bad idea. I don't think it's a good idea to try and work around previous mistakes by making new ones, but if they can't or won't move Dougie, maybe it'll become necessary, I dunno. That could allow them to trade nemec for forward help if they want, but I'd rather move out aging pieces

This team has some issues, so I dunno

 

[Lou Bloom]

If the idea is to sign Luke long term, it won't be nemec who goes this year.

At least not if they are looking to legitimately add to the forward group. There's just no money (right now). They'd have to move others

The only other option is to trade Dougie and It's not going to be easy finding a trade partner for a $9M non elite 32 year old defenseman who's played only 84 games the past two seasons.

If you can get an NHL Ready center prospect with potential for Nemec then you can get cheap ELC production the next couple of seasons and get a player that can fill the long term 3C need.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

when you have elite young talent, you try and sign them for as long as possible. Bridging Luke would be a mistake.

and that is before even getting into the Hughes brothers stuff

 

[Forge]

The only other option is to trade Dougie and It's not going to be easy finding a trade partner for a $9M non elite 32 year old defenseman who's played only 84 games the past two seasons.

If you can get an NHL Ready center prospect with potential for Nemec then you can get cheap ELC production the next couple of seasons and get a player that can fill the long term 3C need.

My guess is it's Dougie or neither and they mostly just run it back (this would surprise me given Fitz's comments)

If they are doing a long term deal with Luke, they simply don't have any money. 3-4 million for two forward spots.

I also think people overestimate the player return on nemec. He could get a comparable prospect, but that comparable prospect has probably had trouble sticking in the NHL or has not been very good yet. So making that move and expecting that player to make a difference next year seems ill advised. I mean, if you are Detroit, would you even trade kasper for nemec? I'm not sure they would... And there are people in here who would hate that trade to begin with.

Non elc 3c for nemec? I'm not sure where the money comes from unless they are super cheap.

Trading palat is harder than trading Dougie and buying him out is largely pointless.

You can move haula easily, but then you actually have to replace him.

If Fitz wants big changes, I don't know how it happens without moving Dougie .