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

[Cheddabombs]

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So, hypothetically, we could still pick 1st overall

 

[MB3]

Teams like Florida and Tampa scare me in the playoffs. Florida, because they are mean and tough on all lines. We just don't have the horses to deal with that on our top six unless we've got Noesen with Hischier, and even then, not in a seven game series. Tampa, because they are battle hardened and have our number.

We're on the right track but I think the 14% Cup odds for this year right now are quite a bit too high. That's fine. It's barely ever a straight shot to the top. A deep playoff run is what we need. From there, Fitz will take stock of what we need for that last push and go get it. He's more than earned the benefit of the doubt.

14% chance of winning the cup means 86% chance we don't (I'm amazing at math). That seems perfectly in line.

 

[Devs3cups]

I’m enjoying the process with this group. They're playing solid hockey and becoming more mature. The core is still very young, the window is wide open. This year might not be their year, but this team isn’t built for this year only. We’ll see some growth and we have some very good young talent.

The present AND future of this team is exciting.

 

[MB3]

I’m enjoying the process with this group. They're playing solid hockey and becoming more mature. The core is still very young, the window is wide open. This year might not be their year, but this team isn’t built for this year only. We’ll see some growth and we have some very good young talent.

The present AND future of this team is exciting.

I hope Fitzgerald doesn't share this attitude of "the window is wide open, we'll have plenty of cracks at this, no need to make a big splash now".

Obviously I have no interest in the Devils making ludicrous win-now type trades, but there are only going to be so many years where the team is rolling, healthy(ish), getting great goaltending, etc. When the Penguins had that during Crosby's prime, they took big deadline swings. Some of those swings won them cups, some of those swings got them to the finals. And sure, some failed, but at least they saw a core that had a legitimate chance of winning and they gave them their best shot.

 

[theoptimist]

Teams like Florida and Tampa scare me in the playoffs. Florida, because they are mean and tough on all lines. We just don't have the horses to deal with that on our top six unless we've got Noesen with Hischier, and even then, not in a seven game series. Tampa, because they are battle hardened and have our number.

We're on the right track but I think the 14% Cup odds for this year right now are quite a bit too high. That's fine. It's barely ever a straight shot to the top. A deep playoff run is what we need. From there, Fitz will take stock of what we need for that last push and go get it. He's more than earned the benefit of the doubt.

These teams scare you because we need an upgrade at 3C. Don't believe any power rankings, they don't watch us. We need a 3C and I will be very suspicious if Fitz is not already looking.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

I hope Fitzgerald doesn't share this attitude of "the window is wide open, we'll have plenty of cracks at this, no need to make a big splash now".

Obviously I have no interest in the Devils making ludicrous win-now type trades, but there are only going to be so many years where the team is rolling, healthy(ish), getting great goaltending, etc. When the Penguins had that during Crosby's prime, they took big deadline swings. Some of those swings won them cups, some of those swings got them to the finals. And sure, some failed, but at least they saw a core that had a legitimate chance of winning and they gave them their best shot.

We don’t really have the ability to make any big swings because of the cap situation. Unless we have an injury and can use LTIR, I guess.

 

[Devils731]

To add to any future trade talk, based on how Fitz has talked in the past, I don’t believe the Devils will make a major trade or move major assets for anyone on an expiring contract. If an expiring contract can be had cheap or someone with a good value contract is available, those will be what Fitz is looking for.

If the Devils had a crippling weakness then maybe that would change but they don’t.

Fitz has talked about how it can be hard for guys to integrate into new teams so quickly. For me, it’s easier to integrate as a forward than a defenseman so I also think in the future you would be more likely to see Fitz trade for defenseman early to give them more time to integrate.

 

[Nubmer6]

Happy Boxing Day everyone!

 

[devilsfan950003]

Lindy Ruff is an abhorrent coach.

He did deliver us our best season ever. I wasn't a fan of his signing. Felt Devils went cheap. Wish they got rid of him sooner last season. He did give us some success.

 

[devilsfan950003]

These teams scare you because we need an upgrade at 3C. Don't believe any power rankings, they don't watch us. We need a 3C and I will be very suspicious if Fitz is not already looking.

I think they will look closer to the trade deadline to upgrade their third line center. A UFA for a second or third round draft pick, with some salary retained. Move Haula to wing or drop him to 4th line center. Move Lazar back to wing.

 

[JrFischer54]

Teams like Florida and Tampa scare me in the playoffs. Florida, because they are mean and tough on all lines. We just don't have the horses to deal with that on our top six unless we've got Noesen with Hischier, and even then, not in a seven game series. Tampa, because they are battle hardened and have our number.

We're on the right track but I think the 14% Cup odds for this year right now are quite a bit too high. That's fine. It's barely ever a straight shot to the top. A deep playoff run is what we need. From there, Fitz will take stock of what we need for that last push and go get it. He's more than earned the benefit of the doubt.

the good thing about this is that we would probably only have to face one of them it would also come two series deep in the playoffs already and keep in mind both teams have made the finals the last 5 years thats a lot of hockey more so for florida then tampa

could this team use bottom 6 help of course but i really love the makeup of the team i'm torn on an addition at the deadline as opposed to letting them play through and see how they matchup in say a conference final against a big heavy team.

i already have a feeling on the script of these playoffs but i dont want to jinx it hahahha

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

an Isles fan on the trade board proposed both Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri to NJ for Mikael Diotte, Erik Haula, and two 2025 2nds.

If we were able to make this type of trade work, I'd do it in an instant.

 

[Devs3cups]

I hope Fitzgerald doesn't share this attitude of "the window is wide open, we'll have plenty of cracks at this, no need to make a big splash now".

Obviously I have no interest in the Devils making ludicrous win-now type trades, but there are only going to be so many years where the team is rolling, healthy(ish), getting great goaltending, etc. When the Penguins had that during Crosby's prime, they took big deadline swings. Some of those swings won them cups, some of those swings got them to the finals. And sure, some failed, but at least they saw a core that had a legitimate chance of winning and they gave them their best shot.

I mean I get that and I want him to improve the team, but this isn’t necessarily a team whose window is closing, that’s all I meant. You never know, but I like their odds of having a good team for the next several seasons.

 

[TheBeerNerd]

an Isles fan on the trade board proposed both Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri to NJ for Mikael Diotte, Erik Haula, and two 2025 2nds.

If we were able to make this type of trade work, I'd do it in an instant.

I completely understand if Fitz stays pat or makes a minor deal at the TDL, but if this opportunity came about I'd take it. Only issue is making the cap work.

 

[Saugus]

an Isles fan on the trade board proposed both Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri to NJ for Mikael Diotte, Erik Haula, and two 2025 2nds.

If we were able to make this type of trade work, I'd do it in an instant.

Value seems reasonable, but I have no idea why they would want Haula.

Only reason why this is even a remotely plausible trade proposal:

 

[njdevil26]

I don't think the Devils need a big move... if they get one bottom six player and Mercer/Haula decide to chip in offensively, we'll be more than fine.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

this is kinda wild

(this is all situations, not just 5 on 5 , but still)

 

[Triumph]

an Isles fan on the trade board proposed both Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri to NJ for Mikael Diotte, Erik Haula, and two 2025 2nds.

If we were able to make this type of trade work, I'd do it in an instant.

There's no way.the Islanders would go for this. Would need to include a 2026 1st to get these two in the same deal.

I don't have interest in this kind of deal, personally. I don't want two forwards or Kyle Palmieri.

 

[Classic Devil]

this is kinda wild

View attachment 951567

We need to get Coleman back for Travis and the Texans Part 2.

Who would have thought that Nico's best wingman would be Stefan Noesen?

 

[NJDfan86]

There's no way.the Islanders would go for this. Would need to include a 2026 1st to get these two in the same deal.

I don't have interest in this kind of deal, personally. I don't want two forwards or Kyle Palmieri.

Yea just work the deal around Nelson - he is more versatile and a better fit for helping our team this year. Though I’m not sure I want to pay the price for Nelson either (unless the pieces didn’t change from that offer).

I know Palms feels like a fit next to Jack/Bratt but I don’t see it.

 

[MB3]

for some reason in all of this trade talk i never considered the devils could be sending Haula the other way in a cap dump. Feels like a huge reason the bottom six is struggling is because he’s lost all ability to be an even remotely useful hockey player

 

[DrBSmooth]

So, hypothetically, we could still pick 1st overall

View attachment 951498

And if we trade for Taylor Hall, what would are percentages be? Lol

 

[JimEIV]

Lindy Ruff is an abhorrent coach.

I actually think he was the right coach for Jack at the time. Especially during those first two years.

I didn't like anything about his coaching style but the freedom he gave to Jack was probably an essential part of his process....that maybe he wouldn't have gotten under a taskmaster coach.

 

[Triumph]

for some reason in all of this trade talk i never considered the devils could be sending Haula the other way in a cap dump. Feels like a huge reason the bottom six is struggling is because he’s lost all ability to be an even remotely useful hockey player

They're struggling because they're shooting 4% since the middle of November. Nobody is finishing on that line. Cotter and Haula has been a bad combination but I'm not ready to give up on Haula just because neither he nor anyone else can finish there.

 

[TrufleShufle]

Haula and Cotter are the guys you absolutely want on your team when it is done after the deadline. Playing where and how much they should in the right situations, and going on random heaters when it seems others are lacking. I don't see anyway adding Haula to a trade to help fix the middle makes sense, even if for an upgrade.