Devils discussion (news, notes and speculation) - offseason part II

[Zippy316]

If we don't make a move for a legit top 6 player you guys think Pavelski is a decent backup option?

-Even if his underlying really declined and he might finally fall off there isn't a ton of risk on a 1 year deal
-Bridges very nicely to Gritsyuk
-Lets us use other assets on bolstering up the bottom 6 or for a potential LHD or goalie

Sounds like he’s retiring, but unless he was injured, it seems like he really fell off toward the end of the year. It feels like he’s the type of guy that might sign in Jan/Feb with a team for one last run. If the Devils make sense, I don’t hate it.

There’s better options out there for forward depth. I’d rather target a guy like Kase instead of Pavelski in all honesty.

 

[Bleedred]

If we don't make a move for a legit top 6 player you guys think Pavelski is a decent backup option?

-Even if his underlying really declined and he might finally fall off there isn't a ton of risk on a 1 year deal
-Bridges very nicely to Gritsyuk
-Lets us use other assets on bolstering up the bottom 6 or for a potential LHD or goalie

Not for much more than sentimental reasons.

I also think we need to get faster than we were last year and get back to what made us successful in 22-23, which was our speed.

Pavelski is way too slow and I'm afraid he doesn't make up for it by being good what he used to be good at.

 

[Darkauron]

Pavelski is way too old and slow

 

[My3Sons]

Pavelski is way too old and slow

So am I.

 

[Cheddabombs]

So am I.

But you bring the intangibles this team needs

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

Chevy drives a hard bargain but I would love Ehlers but I don't see how the Devils do it

 

[Comparison Ford]

BTW, Jesper is ripped as hell :

https://x.com/i/web/status/1788970419325657341

He plays tennis?

tbh last year there were times were he was really hitting people and being physical on the wall. i would love if he added some of that marchand tenacity to his game, especially when games start to matter. he’s obviously getting more confident

 

[Saugus]

I mean...almost every athlete is more fit than most of the population, so this isn't really all that surprising.

And the exceptions are guys like Kessel and Doughty, who make it work through high-end skill despite having the physiques of beer leaguers.

 

[NJDevs26]

There's a very chaotic option for fixing the PK, if NYR buys out Trouba, do we do it.....?

Cue the @NjDevsRR OMGZ Dano meme

 

[Nubmer6]

and not everyone can have 12 pack abs like i do

12 pack? I got you beat.

My abs more closely resemble a whole keg.

 

[NjDevsRR]

Cue the @NjDevsRR OMGZ Dano meme

 

[njdevils1982]

12 pack? I got you beat.

My abs more closely resemble a whole keg.

you're the brewers' barrelman?! wow!

 

[Guttersniped]

i wouldn't be opposed to kicking the tires on trouba. and by that, i mean kicking him under the tires of an 18-wheeler and then rubbing my sack on the stained pavement.

 

[Guttersniped]

If we don't make a move for a legit top 6 player you guys think Pavelski is a decent backup option?

-Even if his underlying really declined and he might finally fall off there isn't a ton of risk on a 1 year deal
-Bridges very nicely to Gritsyuk
-Lets us use other assets on bolstering up the bottom 6 or for a potential LHD or goalie

Pavelski’s signed two 1 year deals with Dallas after the original 3 year deal, he’ll probably stick with them until retires.

 

[NjDevsRR]

you're the brewers' barrelman?! wow!



View attachment 879365

 

[njdevils1982]

View attachment 879376

quelle masterpiece!

 

[glenwo2]

And the exceptions are guys like Kessel and Doughty, who make it work through high-end skill despite having the physiques of beer leaguers.

Well Kessel does love his hot dogs....

 

[Rhodes 81]

tbh last year there were times were he was really hitting people and being physical on the wall. i would love if he added some of that marchand tenacity to his game, especially when games start to matter. he’s obviously getting more confident

Bratt has leveled up a portion of his game significantly basically every offseason. I'm sure we're at diminishing returns on that, but his work ethic is clearly off the charts. If Mercer for example could make the same % improvements he has, it will be a boon to us.

 

[JimEIV]

Bratt has leveled up a portion of his game significantly basically every offseason. I'm sure we're at diminishing returns on that, but his work ethic is clearly off the charts. If Mercer for example could make the same % improvements he has, it will be a boon to us.

Get Mercer some stable linemates with decent players and he'll be just fine.

But he was all over the lineup this season and played huge chunks of time with guys that are borderline NHL players.

 

[JimEIV]

Mercer played 183:39 minutes of his ~1100 5v5 minutes with Lazar...

108:24 with Nosek.
60:19 with Tierney

That's just gross.

 

[Better Call Sal]

Mercer played 183:39 minutes of his ~1100 5v5 minutes with Lazar...

108:24 with Nosek.
60:19 with Tierney

That's just gross.

While I don't agree with his total usage, Dawson had a rough year overall. He went through a lot more valleys than I think he has in his first 3 years with the team with multiple lengthy streaks of minimal production. And that includes kicking off the season with 4 points in his first 18 games, much of which was in the top 6 if I remember correctly.

The only worry I have with him is getting stronger and willingness to shoot more. If he can win more battles, I think he'll be just fine. He has a lot of positive qualities that you want in a middle-6 winger.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Mercer is just showing that he is a strictly complementary player IMO....and that is okay.

But in the playoffs last year and throughout this past season, he would go invisible for weeks at a time. The inconsistency is maddening.

 

[TheUnseenHand]

Funny how playing with garbage players is an excuse for Dawson but not for Holtz....

 

[My3Sons]

Mercer is just showing that he is a strictly complementary player IMO....and that is okay.

But in the playoffs last year and throughout this past season, he would go invisible for weeks at a time. The inconsistency is maddening.

He's young and will continue to improve. I'd expect the droughts to be a bit less over time and for his game to continue to round out.

 

[Devs3cups]

Ohhhh boy lmao