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

[MasterofGrond]

The idea that the top to bottom improved defense is a product of Kovacevic, and not that Kovacevic is a product of Keefe is f***ing nuts

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills here

 

[NJDevs26]

Not much more can be said, but I’ll be getting my shocked face ready for when our 5 on 5 defense and penalty kill falls off a cliff when we let Kovacevic go in favor of 32 year old Dougie Hamilton — and are unable to add anything else because Luke Hughes will make 9 million dollars.

I get it but we've seen guys who are 30-40 game wonders fall off before, hell people thought Siegs was one of those too when he slumped last year. It'll be a tough decision, especially as his price goes up - I hope we'll be able to see Kovacevic play 90 or so games this year to make a much informed one. They'll clearly have to trade someone this offseason if they do re-sign Kovacevic since there isn't enough room for more than two of him, Dougie, Casey and Nemec on the right side.

The idea that the top to bottom improved defense is a product of Kovacevic, and not that Kovacevic is a product of Keefe is f***ing nuts

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills here

There's certainly that possibility too, I've seen enough from Keefe that I trust the defense won't COMPLETELY fall off.

 

[New Jerseys Devil]

Whatever allows us to keep our young budding talent and make cap space for future signings, im in! Dont get too clogged up with contracts or it makes changing things harder

We even have to sign Nico again in a few years!! Though hes my Captain and I think he wants to stay

 

[dgibb10]

Not much more can be said, but I’ll be getting my shocked face ready for when our 5 on 5 defense and penalty kill falls off a cliff when we let Kovacevic go in favor of 32 year old Dougie Hamilton — and are unable to add anything else because Luke Hughes will make 9 million dollars.

There ya are. 93.5 mill cap, spend on that winger of your dreams if you want. (forgot to add in Lazar in bastians spot for a touch more).

Or if you trust grits, fill in depth elsewhere, spending more on a backup goalie, a 3LW, and I guess more expensive scratches?

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

The idea that the top to bottom improved defense is a product of Kovacevic, and not that Kovacevic is a product of Keefe is f***ing nuts

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills here

Why is Dougie Hamilton giving up considerably more chances than under Lindy in 22?

The Panthers just won a Cup on the back of an elite defender that was irrelevant and waived elsewhere.

 

[dgibb10]

Why is Dougie Hamilton giving up considerably more chances than under Lindy in 22?

The Panthers just won a Cup on the back of an elite defender that was irrelevant and waived elsewhere.

He's not tho

 

[Smitty426]

We can't hang on for Dougie for too long. It's an unfortunate fact. He's been great for us, he really enjoys it here (especially compared to his previous stops), and he's a fan favorite. But beyond this season, he's just gonna block Casey and Nemec.

If we're winning with him dont do a thing. Tor and other teams let defender marinade their craft in the AHL. I am ok with that. If DH looks like he's lost a step sure look at it. We spent all this time building this team up to just hoist good players over because we "potentially" have guys to replace them with? Nah

 

[dgibb10]

Why is Dougie Hamilton giving up considerably more chances than under Lindy in 22?

The Panthers just won a Cup on the back of an elite defender that was irrelevant and waived elsewhere.

They also won the cup off of an aging, massive cap hit UFA acquisition that was keeping a highly touted prospect blocked.

His name is Bob

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

View attachment 946839
He's not tho

Yes he is. By NST and watching the games.

 

[Emperoreddy]

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

The idea that the top to bottom improved defense is a product of Kovacevic, and not that Kovacevic is a product of Keefe is f***ing nuts

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills here

So again, why wouldn't you keep him for cheaper and trade the more expensive Hamliton if Keefe will continue to be the coach? He had good metrics in Montreal too when he played high in the lineup as well. The idiots just took him over David Savard and like @SteveCangialosi123 said teams make dumb defensemen decisions all the time. Kovacevic can end up being our version of Forsling

 

[MasterofGrond]

"Watching the games" isn't actionable information.

But even if it was, do we think that could possible be due to playing with Dillon rather than Siegs (tha gawd)?

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

By that standard how is anyone who can 'score 40-45' going to work with Jack and Bratt already dominating puck possession and scoring chances? You only have one puck, they can't all literally score goals at the same time.

If Jack or Bratt get more assists from the fact they're playing with a legit + capable winger then so be it. We bitch about the reliance of our stars on a nightly basis but say no when you can add someone of decent caliber to them. It doesn't have to be an elite winger, I've brought up Bjorkstrand multiple times before. He'd be a perfect add next to those guys.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

"Watching the games" isn't actionable information.

But even if it was, do we think that could possible be due to playing with Dillon rather than Siegs (tha gawd)?

So if you think Fitz just sunk 4 mil into a 3rd pairing dud, you must really want to use our remaining cap in an efficient manner, right?

 

[dgibb10]

Yes he is. By NST and watching the games.

Every single person in here watches the games.

Models are slightly different yes.

And also a simple answer. Jonas Siegenthaler is a better partner than Brendon Dillon.

So if you think Fitz just sunk 4 mil into a 3rd pairing dud, you must really want to use our remaining cap in an efficient manner, right?

You do realize there are areas between elite and shit right?

Siegenthaler has very good defensively outside of the time in 23-24 when dougie got hurt and he REALLY struggled. It's his job.

Dillon is worse. but he brings a more physical element and is willing to fight. Still a good enough dman (at least right now, I question how he'll age). But worse than Siegenthaler yes.

 

[Devils731]

So if you think Fitz just sunk 4 mil into a 3rd pairing dud, you must really want to use our remaining cap in an efficient manner, right?

I do think Dillon is the worst of the 6 defenseman playing.

He’s an NHL defenseman that was brought in to bring physicality to the defensive lineup but he has some decision making and positioning issues. That’s why he only is making $4 million and only got 3 years, despite UFA inflation of contract.

Arguably Hamilton and Dillon are one of the worst combinations on paper for the defense but when the other 2 pairings are going awesome then you let this one just be good rather than bust things up to try and get some other good 3 pairing combo.

 

[bossram]

The idea that the top to bottom improved defense is a product of Kovacevic, and not that Kovacevic is a product of Keefe is f***ing nuts

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills here

Well, it's just both are true.

Keefe is a vastly superior systems coach than Ruff.

Kovacevic has also been a very solid player for several seasons before this. He was a preferred target of mine for the past 18 months.

 

[dgibb10]

If Jack or Bratt get more assists from the fact they're playing with a legit + capable winger then so be it. We bitch about the reliance of our stars on a nightly basis but say no when you can add someone of decent caliber to them. It doesn't have to be an elite winger, I've brought up Bjorkstrand multiple times before. He'd be a perfect add next to those guys.

What do you think they are going to improve to, and how much is it worth?

Because like I've said, we've played them alongside a lot of pieces across a variety of star power and stylistic fits. None of it has really made much of an impact.

Meanwhile NJD does have a guy that makes Jack and Bratt's production explode. His name is dougie hamilton.

 

[MasterofGrond]

So if you think Fitz just sunk 4 mil into a 3rd pairing dud, you must really want to use our remaining cap in an efficient manner, right?

Absolutely.

So get rid of the dudes who suck before coming for the dudes who don't lmao

 

[dgibb10]

Well, it's just both are true.

Keefe is a vastly superior systems coach than Ruff.

Kovacevic has also been a very solid player for several seasons before this. He was a preferred target of mine for the past 18 months.

Describing what is at most 2 seasons as several is crazy.

 

[Scorcho]

Wild that Dougie is out for a year and the team struggles. He comes back; they're a much better overall team, and now people are calling for him to be traded. Yikes

Dougie makes the team better and provides important Veteran Leadership.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

Absolutely.

So get rid of the dudes who suck before coming for the dudes who don't lmao

I’ve gone over why I’d do the move. Peace out best defensive D on the team or sorry Simon, you don’t get to play in the NHL? You have 2 options.

 

[dgibb10]

Jack Hughes with hamilton on: 3.26 points/60 5v5
Overall: 2.39 (this includes that time with dougie)



Jesper Bratt with hamilton on: 2.73 points/60 5v5
Overall: 2.56 (this includes time with dougie)

I’ve gone over why I’d do the move. Peace out best defensive D on the team or sorry Simon, you don’t get to play in the NHL? You have 2 options.

And your option is saying peace out best offensive D on the team and arguably best PP D in the LEAGUE.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

And your option is saying peace out best offensive D on the team and arguably best PP D in the LEAGUE.

Yes, easy answer given the cap savings and the sky rocketing trend Luke Hughes is taking. Next!

 

[Cheddabombs]

We talkin Douglas?