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

Peter Sidorkiewicz

Devils Army
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Oct 22, 2002
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We’ll have to find a center to replace Haula, one near his 3.15m cap hit, and that won’t be easy.

Largely depends on how much you value haula I suppose. If he's a 4th line center, he's overpaid and you need a 3c anyway. May want to trim the fat off 3m for a 4th line center

If they want to keep him as the 3c, it's good financially, but he may not be good in that role.
That why I want to trade for Jake Evans. Yes he is a pending UFA but we get a look at him before free agenc and if he plays well then Fitz could re-sign him as the teams new 3C and trade Huala in the offseason.
 

onmygameboi

Registered User
Nov 25, 2023
63
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Hey everyone,

Show Luke some love.

 
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Lou is God

Registered User
Nov 10, 2003
26,817
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New Jersey
Pierre LeBrun on where Brandon Tanev might land at the trading deadline:

"All signs point to the pending unrestricted free agent winger getting dealt ahead of the deadline if the Kraken aren’t in the playoff chase, which seems rather likely as of now. My understanding is there are several contenders waiting to see if/when Tanev is on the market because they want a crack at him. He brings the kind of grindy game most playoff teams are looking for. He’s an excellent penalty killer who leads Seattle in shorthanded ice time. He won’t back down from anyone. I like the Devils as a fit. They’re looking for a bottom-six boost, and I can picture Tanev finding a nice spot in that Cup-contending lineup that has no shortage of offensive talent but could use a little more sandpaper."
 

PKs Broken Stick

Registered User
Oct 9, 2008
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5,299
I'm not sure I agree with that.

Lindy was touted as a good development coach, but I'm not exactly sure why. What exactly did he teach? Wouldn't it be better to have a coach that teaches defensive responsible and system to new players, as opposed to a coach that allows free wheeling? How much coaching does it take to say "go out there and do whatever you want to do as long as you score a lot"?

I mean, maybe it helps with confidence? Or maybe it proves to young players that not playing within a structured system is disastrous in the NHL? I dunno.

Either way, it seems to have worked, so maybe I'm wrong.

I think a "good" development coach is just someone who has a good relationship with younger players. You know how some of the coaches in the league just seem to hate younger players
 

Better Call Sal

Salnalysis
Nov 24, 2011
26,521
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New Jersey
Hey that Newark hockey youth baseball cap Jack was donning after the Rangers game, any idea how I can get one?

Not sure if anyone responded to you on this before, but you can find the Devils youth foundation items here if you're interested. Just go to the DYF shop.

 

RSeen

Registered User
Oct 26, 2011
6,826
2,218
Toronto
After this season, we have a few ways we can go with our RD.

1) Resign Kovacevic, keep Dougie, and not have Nemec/Casey at the NHL level, potentially trade 1 or both.

2) Resign Kovacevic, trade Dougie and promote one of Nemec/Casey

3) Not resign Kovacevic, keep Dougie and promote one of Nemec/Casey

I'd probably be in favour of #2, but only if we make a significant forward addition, though I would not want to give someone in their 30s term in free agency.

Dougie is a great guy and the offensive ability he brings is still important, not many Dman can score like he can, but Luke is ready for PP1 which will diminish Dougie's role, and Nemec/Casey can likely replace his minutes at even strength for cheaper, while freeing up cap space.

Though a trade would be tough to work out.
 

njdevil26

I hate avocados
Dec 13, 2006
13,872
5,362
Clark, NJ
My thoughts on the defense:


For this season- I just won't entertain any ideas of splitting up Dillon and Hamilton. If they are somehow our "worst" D pair, it doesn't matter. The Devils quite literally have the best defense in the league. We have defensive pairs that have been together every single day since Luke and Pesce came back from injury. The chemistry is through the roof. With the way the team is playing defense and Markstrom's numbers in his last 10 starts you don't touch a darn thing.


Moving forward- I don't understand anyone that wants to trade Dougie Hamilton. He's on pace offensively to have the second best year of his career believe it or not. He had a rough start coming back from going a long time without playing hockey. His slow start brought out all of the ridiculous takes about his contract and trading him.

Fact of the matter is this- You can't trade him and act like Nemec and/or Casey are going to show up and magically put in 50-70 points while playing competent defense. They are still literal children... and the Devils are now in their cup window and you don't just downgrade the team for the sake of playing a kid.


If Kovacevic commands 5-6 million a year, the Devils can't afford him and then the situation takes care of itself. But something tells me he's going to be grateful for the opportunity here and sign a team friendly deal.
 
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njdevil26

I hate avocados
Dec 13, 2006
13,872
5,362
Clark, NJ
Just want to brag that Timo and my son are besties now
IMG_0007.jpeg
 

Saugus

Ecrasez l'infame!
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Jun 17, 2009
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So at 21 years old Luke Hughes is already one of the best defenseman in the league, huh?

He’s probably the best skater I’ve ever seen, and I think the Niedermayer comparison is accurate in that regard.

His defensive play has taken great leaps this season. Pairing him with Pesce is the best thing we could have done for his development. Truly incredible how much he has improved something that had been a weakness and turned it into a strength.

If he gets PP1 time and some more confidence in his shot, he could easily put up huge point totals.

I think he’s already a solid #2 defenseman, maybe even a clear #1 on many teams. Within a couple years, we’ll be talking about him as an elite #1 and a perennial Norris contender.

We need to pay that man his money now, before it gets too expensive.
 

Devils731

Registered User
Jun 23, 2008
13,329
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So at 21 years old Luke Hughes is already one of the best defenseman in the league, huh?
Every game that he keeps this up, it’s less and less likely he’s running hot and more likely he’s just at this level.

His offense is getting better and better as he trusts himself more. Coming back from the injury he was playing it safe but one thing that Hughes has is that he can play aggressive offensively while his legs keep the risk of doing so low.

Even this level is great but I can still see even higher levels possible, which is a little crazy.
 

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