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

[devilsblood]

Not really a nothing burger in the sense that it’s another hole in the forward depth. Our only options are AHL guys that are probably even worse, or at best are on par with Bastian. Which is bad.

The AHL guys are certainly worse at the role Bastian plays, though they may bring more offensively.

Bastian is like a prototype sound dependable 4th line winger. He kind of is a "nothing burger", but in a good way in that he is not going to hurt you.

 

[Better Call Sal]

 

[TheUnseenHand]

Nico confirmed dead.

 

[devilsblood]

Maybe play Timo in his natural RW spot? He played in that position in SJ and sniped goals all the time. Since his tenure in NJ we moved him to LW and taken him off the PP. Timo should be a mandatory RW, he plays so much better in that spot & even said he feels more comfortable there himself. He never got a true run on the RW with us.

Supposedly he was a LW in SJ his last year there? Think @Guttersniped brought the facts on this.

 

[britdevil]

This board is f***ing bi-polar. Now Mercer is useless and trade bait.

He was untouchable and part of the core 6 months ago.

Bro is 23 years old (barely) lmao.

Shit takes like this, plus the endless Dougie crap. Hard to read.

 

[Better Call Sal]

 

[NjDevsRR]

Mercer is a guy I can see being a late bloomer. Like 24-25 years old things start clicking for him. If not, then he can still be a stable 20-25 goal guy who bounces on 2nd and 3rd lines. Which is fine. Obviously we all got excited with his first two seasons and it will be a shame if there wasn’t another level for him to hit.

His issue is his timing. He is ending up in so many good scoring positions, he just overthinks too much. I think that aspect will improve

 

[JrFischer54]

This board is f***ing bi-polar. Now Mercer is useless and trade bait.

He was untouchable and part of the core 6 months ago.

Bro is 23 years old (barely) lmao.

Shit takes like this, plus the endless Dougie crap. Hard to read.

the dougie talk is comical but mercer has been meh is age part of it? sure maybe but still doesn't change the fact he hasn't really been that impressive on the scoresheet where this team needs him the most right now.

 

[devilsblood]

Yeah I have no attachment to Mercer at this point, he's just a guy with decent physical skills and terrible hockey IQ. He's Andreas Johnsson on steroids and with a worse haircut. If another team sees value in him I would eagerly try to sell high or use him as a sweetener for a bigger deal.

It's not the end of the world if we keep him but an okay 3rd liner is a pretty disappointing product given how much potential he showed in his first two years. His lack of IQ and vision really limits his ceiling. He's a dog chasing cars out there, not a thought going on between the ears.

I don't think "lack of IQ" is accurate. He's just not great with the puck on his stick.

Good goal scoring ability but otherwise lacking in offensive skill.

I think the key to him taking the next step is getting stronger, as his game looks to me like a gritty dirty area game, but he's not strong enough to play it effectively.

This board is f***ing bi-polar. Now Mercer is useless and trade bait.

He was untouchable and part of the core 6 months ago.

Bro is 23 years old (barely) lmao.

Shit takes like this, plus the endless Dougie crap. Hard to read.

More like 18 months ago.

 

[Billdo]

This board is f***ing bi-polar. Now Mercer is useless and trade bait.

He was untouchable and part of the core 6 months ago.

Bro is 23 years old (barely) lmao.

Shit takes like this, plus the endless Dougie crap. Hard to read.

Nah, there was a decent percentage of the fanbase who were fine with him being moved, especially when it was for Swayman.

I don't get the "hockey IQ" talk though. I'm sure Mercer knows what he's supposed to do and what the right play is, I just don't think he can make it sometimes. He's got value though but if there was a comparable C available or something I wouldn't be opposed to trading him. I do think he's a guy you win with though.

 

[MasterofGrond]

I’ll trade anybody for the right deal. Literally anyone.

 

[britdevil]

the dougie talk is comical but mercer has been meh is age part of it? sure maybe but still doesn't change the fact he hasn't really been that impressive on the scoresheet where this team needs him the most right now.

Coming into the season he was pegged as 3RW. I'd say that while we would like more offense, he's playing to his assignment.

This team needs it's big trade acquisition, 28 year old, nigh on $9mill man to score some f***ing goals.

 

[Devils731]

Nico confirmed dead.

So he’s in his most powerful form now?

 

[Cheddabombs]

Like the new D pairs

Don't like the lack of Nico

 

[britdevil]

More like 18 months ago.

Go back and read the pre-season threads. The receipts are there.

 

[Devs3cups]

Was pretty sure Nico would be out. With that being said, we have a nice 3 day break after tonight’s game. Wouldn’t be surprised if we see Nico and maybe even Haula back for the Sunday game. Should also be tremendous help for Jack’s finger.

 

[NjDevsRR]

Was pretty sure Nico would be out. With that being said, we have a nice 3 day break after tonight’s game. Wouldn’t be surprised if we see Nico and maybe even Haula back for the Sunday game. Should also be tremendous help for Jack’s finger.

A W would do wonders tonight. Take advantage of the friendly out of town scoreboard from last night then rest up

 

[devilsblood]

Coming into the season he was pegged as 3RW. I'd say that while we would like more offense, he's playing to his assignment.

This team needs it's big trade acquisition, 28 year old, nigh on $9mill man to score some f***ing goals.

Well a 3RW should not be considered untradeable.

And yeah more offense, with more offense we would like him more.

Also note, he doesn't generate' sog's either for himself, or as his assist numbers suggest, others.

If anyone is looking for Jack, just follow the trail of blood.

 

[britdevil]

It'll be interesting to see Kovacevic away from Siegs.

I'm still not convinced this guy should be retained.

 

[HersheyBob27]

Overall, I think this would end up as a nothing trade, but with Aube-Kubel clearing waivers, I wonder if there would be any interest from Buffalo for a Bastian swap.

If nothing else, it’s a small jolt to the lineup to wake them up a bit. NAK also has a ton of speed which could be nice to add to the fourth line. Cap hit is slightly more but not going to make a huge difference (1.5 for NAK vs 1.35 for Bastian).

So we have no depth but you want to trade for a guy that passed through waivers. Okay now

 

[devilsblood]

Go back and read the pre-season threads. The receipts are there.

Lots of opinions on here. I don't think a few voices are representative of the board.

 

[Call Me Al]

i think if mercer just works on his shot intensely in the offseason there will be a huge improvement. He can find soft areas and gets a decent number of breakaways, but he can't bury his chances.

He scored 27 goals so the ability is there but he's not picking corners and has a terrible breakaway move. He gets a little more zip on his shot and more accuracy and tries to shoot instead of deke on breakaways and he should score a lot more. whether that will happen or not is anyone's guess though

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

This board is f***ing bi-polar. Now Mercer is useless and trade bait.

He was untouchable and part of the core 6 months ago.

Bro is 23 years old (barely) lmao.

Shit takes like this, plus the endless Dougie crap. Hard to read.

I would absolutely look to trade Mercer this summer in a deal for an upgrade at forward, and hope he still has value. He stinks.

 

[devsfan8]

This board is f***ing bi-polar. Now Mercer is useless and trade bait.

He was untouchable and part of the core 6 months ago.

Bro is 23 years old (barely) lmao.

Shit takes like this, plus the endless Dougie crap. Hard to read.

Couldn't agree more. Team lacks depth...so let's suggest trading our one depth piece who can actually score on the bottom 6 with a reasonable cap hit, and young.

The reason everyone is down on Mercer is because they portray him as a top 6 forward. He doesn't have to be. I think it's more imperative to find a scorer to play with him and give us 3 solid lines. He kills penalties. He scores 20 goals a year and he never misses a game. I would not even trade him ove the offseason unless it was part of a package for an elite player.

 

[Devils731]

I would like to see Halonen get some more reps so I’m disappointed he is out but you gotta make the coach keep you in there when you get your shots.