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

[Its Always Sundstrom]

This board (and honestly sports fans in general) get way too amped when a team is performing and unnecessarily low when they hit a skid. Good teams find their level over 82, and we have a good team.

That’s why I’m more of the stance of let them get back to being healthy with no more sniffles and poops and see how the next 10 go. When they’re losing, looking at the other teams around them is just more anxiety inducing.

 

[dgibb10]

they should get a rental 3C by trading non-essential assets (i.e. some of the 2nd round picks or lesser prospects). Then, re-asses this summer.

Unless you can get a bargain on a young-ish center with term (that never happens), that would be my plan.

The bottom 6 C ufa market is quite nice this coming year and was highkey garbage this past year. Don't think saving the bottom 6C hole for next year while filling out D this year was a coincidence from Fitz

 

[Clam Jensen]

That’s why I’m more of the stance of let them get back to being healthy with no more sniffles and poops and see how the next 10 go. When they’re losing, looking at the other teams around them is just more anxiety inducing.

Exactly, they need to actually feel normal. I just don’t watch any other games when they’re losing, it gives me no pleasure lol. I’m watching The Expanse for the first time instead.

 

[Brooklyndevil]

they should get a rental 3C by trading non-essential assets (i.e. some of the 2nd round picks or lesser prospects). Then, re-asses this summer.

Unless you can get a bargain on a young-ish center with term (that never happens), that would be my plan.

That’s fine if he can
Pull it off. However, I don’t believe we need to wait for the trade deadline, unless we can’t find a partner. However, it seems that trades are happening now.

 

[Zippy316]

they should get a rental 3C by trading non-essential assets (i.e. some of the 2nd round picks or lesser prospects). Then, re-asses this summer.

Unless you can get a bargain on a young-ish center with term (that never happens), that would be my plan.

I would take a hard look at some of Buffalo’s young-ish centers. McLeod is the first one that jumps out at me, but he was just acquired of course.

I really haven’t followed them enough to know how they’ve all developed but between McLeod, Krebs, Peterka, Quinn, Kulich, etc. I would imagine one is available.

I think the team could really benefit from a young 3C since they’re likely going to be playing with veterans like Palat, Haula, Noesen, and maybe even Meier if we go three lines deep come playoff time.

 

[devilsblood]

Not sure I get the logic of trying to improve our forward depth…by trading away one of our middle six forwards.

Well some are talking Mercer for a Center, which is the more important position, but I don't really want to trade Mercer either.

Timo has played maybe his best hockey of the year the past 2 games, and that is with Dowling as his center.

I agree that you obviously ideally don't want Dowling there, but the point is let Timo be the play-driver for his line and he will get results.

And Haula will come in and replace Dowling. For however much Haula struggled prior to missing games, he is certainly better then Dowling, and I think we all will have a different opinion of Haula if Meier is on his wing producing offense.

 

[devilsblood]

Not to beat a dead horse but losing McLeod (putting personal thoughts aside about that dirtbag) was a significant blow to our center depth. He was having his best season and emerging as a legitimate quality 3C. With the injury scares to Jack and Nico, whether minor or not, it really drives home the need to add a quality center. It’s been perplexing how we have not addressed the center position in drafts over the years but I digress. Mercer may have done decent job moving to center last night in the absence of Nico but there’s plenty of sample size to suggest he just doesn’t work in that spot. IMHO- Fitz’ top priority should be acquiring a 3C who is good enough to move up to a top six role if need be.

It pains me me to watch Jack playing with Palat and Cotter. While the former has actually played OK lately, he’s not a top line player. Cotter’s hot start gave us hope and reason to believe he may have more offense in him than any of us thought. The reality is he’s a useful bottom six player, preferably playing on a good fourth line…and there’s nothing wrong with that. He is what he is. With a few additions, these guys can slot back down the lineup where they belong. I am bullish on Gritsyuk and he may work great with Jack but that doesn’t help us this year. Fitz has some work to do. Just some random musings with my morning Starbucks. Thanks for reading.

I feel McLeod's run of high level play was so short that I'm over it.

Lazar is a decent enough replacement for what McLeod was for most of his time here.

 

[Guttersniped]

We have a pretty young team overall, we should go no where near players with a reputation for being toxic.

Until teams are cool about why he f***ed off for 1 month I don’t see why anyone trades him.

The team couched it therapy speak at the time, which made the whole thing so confusing.

 

[Lou Bloom]

Not sure I get the logic of trying to improve our forward depth…by trading away one of our middle six forwards.

If you get a better player coming back for the player going out then you'd be improving.

 

[New Jerseys Devil]

It would be a shame to miss out on Miller if the locker room stuff is blown out of proportion. Maybe theyre moving him instead of Pettersson because hed garner more in a trade?

Im not tied to JT Miller at all but his contract for his production cant be beaten; at least not thats available! And Im sure Jack can call Quinn to get the inside scoop!

 

[Forge]

they should get a rental 3C by trading non-essential assets (i.e. some of the 2nd round picks or lesser prospects). Then, re-asses this summer.

Unless you can get a bargain on a young-ish center with term (that never happens), that would be my plan.

Not sure you're getting a 3c for that. Center market at deadline always gets a little wonky so hard to say. I could see a 4c for that, but in a world where I wouldn't be surprised if Jake Evans gets a first, I just don't think you're swinging a true 3 at that price point.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

It would be a shame to miss out on Miller if the locker room stuff is blown out of proportion. Maybe theyre moving him instead of Pettersson because hed garner more in a trade?

Im not tied to JT Miller at all but his contract for his production cant be beaten; at least not thats available! And Im sure Jack can call Quinn to get the inside scoop!

His contract is one of the main reasons I want nothing to do with him. It’s fine now, but he’s signed until he’s 37. Too much risk and it becomes even harder to fill out the depth.

 

[New Jerseys Devil]

His contract is one of the main reasons I want nothing to do with him. It’s fine now, but he’s signed until he’s 37. Too much risk and it becomes even harder to fill out the depth.

The term definitely stinks! But isnt the cap supposed to rise tons over the course of it? I agree another higher priced forward is tough to fit; but with the money weve saved on Nico Jack and Jesper, cant we afford to splurge once more?

Itd be a tight fit for now and maybe next year; but if the cap rises enough, we should be fine after that!... right? Plus teams move contracts all the time! We probably will too with Palat and/or Hamilton

 

[Oneiro]

He's not even that good defensively. Miller would be the Palat deal but worse.

Fitz has got to learn a lesson here. Up front, the character guys he's brought in have made more of an impact in the room than the ice. That needs to change.

And I think he's got to start respecting speed again. The core guys are built to fly.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Not sure you're getting a 3c for that. Center market at deadline always gets a little wonky so hard to say. I could see a 4c for that, but in a world where I wouldn't be surprised if Jake Evans gets a first, I just don't think you're swinging a true 3 at that price point.

I think you can definitely get a guy who can play 3C for like, 2 of the second round picks.

 

[New Jerseys Devil]

He's not even that good defensively. Miller would be the Palat deal but worse.

Fitz has got to learn a lesson here. Up front, the character guys he's brought in have made more of an impact in the room than the ice. That needs to change.

And I think he's got to start respecting speed again. The core guys are built to fly.

Palat's numbers were from playing with guys like Stamkos and Kucherov in their primes; Miller has been the man on his line most times. I understand the drama around Miller but saying he could end up like Palat seems harsh and unrealistic!

I get people dont want the drama near our locker room but I dont think insinuating Miller wouldn't produce is fair either

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Miller turns 32 soon and has a HUGE contract for 5 more years. I don't like that way more than I care about the locker room stuff, though that does matter.

 

[New Jerseys Devil]

Miller turns 32 soon and has a HUGE contract for 5 more years. I don't like that way more than I care about the locker room stuff, though that does matter.

The age is definitely an issue but I think thats what plays a role into him being so 'cheap' compared to what he should cost for his production!

It wouldnt be possible for us to maybe acquire a 1st line center to play wing and take faceoffs with Jack, without paying a premium, if it wasnt for the Vancouver situation and his age

I think its worth the risk as long as the trade doesnt cost us too much! We want to capitalize while Jack is on his contract and thats the next five years!

 

[devilsblood]

He's not even that good defensively. Miller would be the Palat deal but worse.

Fitz has got to learn a lesson here. Up front, the character guys he's brought in have made more of an impact in the room than the ice. That needs to change.

And I think he's got to start respecting speed again. The core guys are built to fly.

Ya high o-zone start 5v5 and not a lot of PK toi.

He's also a guy who has produced a ton on the PP. Which is great, but like with Timo if he's not on our top unit, he's not getting those points here(or he's squeezing one of our guys off the top unit and they will not be getting those points).

He is an ace faceoff guy but I'm just not seeing the fit. Not at that salary, and not with the baggage.

 

[New Jerseys Devil]

Ya high o-zone start 5v5 and not a lot of PK toi.

He's also a guy who has produced a ton on the PP. Which is great, but like with Timo if he's not on our top unit, he's not getting those points here(or he's squeezing one of our guys off the top unit and they will not be getting those points).

He is an ace faceoff guy but I'm just not seeing the fit. Not at that salary, and not with the baggage.

My last comment on Miller (cause I think he ends up a Ranger anyhow) is he could replace Nico on PP1 for the faceoffs, allowing our Captain to focus on more defensive minutes!

I think the cap would be tough to maneuver for a year or two but Miller at 8 when the cap has gone up 10+ would be a steal! Even with a lowered production for his age

 

[BostonDevil]

Palat's numbers were from playing with guys like Stamkos and Kucherov in their primes; Miller has been the man on his line most times. I understand the drama around Miller but saying he could end up like Palat seems harsh and unrealistic!

I get people dont want the drama near our locker room but I dont think insinuating Miller wouldn't produce is fair either

PK was supposed to be a locker room killer too but I don't remember any issues, in fact, I think most guys loved him.


Everyone hates every deal we make, or could make, for one reason or another. Too old, too slow, no cap space, gave up too much, love our prospects, love our picks, etc.

A McDavid for Dowling deal would draw outrage in here.

 

[Devil X]

Miller turns 32 soon and has a HUGE contract for 5 more years. I don't like that way more than I care about the locker room stuff, though that does matter.

8 million 5 years from now, he’ll 3 years from now isn’t going to be as impactful as you think.

I have no idea if Miller is or isn’t the right guy to get. But from what I know he can produce offense and it seems him game will still be effective in a lower role as the offensive declines.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

PK was supposed to be a locker room killer too but I don't remember any issues, in fact, I think most guys loved him.

meh, there is one big difference between the two guys though and why the narrative might have existed with PK. I won't discuss further because I don't want to get in trouble lol

8 million 5 years from now, he’ll 3 years from now isn’t going to be as impactful as you think.

I have no idea if Miller is or isn’t the right guy to get. But from what I know he can produce offense and it seems him game will still be effective in a lower role as the offensive declines.

meh, we already have enough "effective in a lower role" guys making $15 million combined in Palat and Hamilton. I would rather not try to go down that road anymore with high-priced players. We already have 4 very good to elite forwards. Fill that in with other players now.

Just go get literally anyone else.

 

[New Jerseys Devil]

meh, there is one big difference between the two guys though and why the narrative might have existed with PK. I won't discuss further because I don't want to get in trouble lol



meh, we already have enough "effective in a lower role" guys making $15 million combined in Palat and Hamilton. I would rather not try to go down that road anymore with high-priced players. We already have 4 very good to elite forwards. Fill that in with other players now.

Just go get literally anyone else.

Your second part I agree with but also recognize that we can add a fifth high-end guy because the cap will allow us to soon! Until Nico Jack Jesper and Timo's contracts run out, were getting old cap value in a new cap world!

Maybe it doesnt end up being Miller but I think we have space to add another high-end forward; hopefully one we dont have to pay current cap value too!

 

[devilsblood]

My last comment on Miller (cause I think he ends up a Ranger anyhow) is he could replace Nico on PP1 for the faceoffs, allowing our Captain to focus on more defensive minutes!

I think the cap would be tough to maneuver for a year or two but Miller at 8 when the cap has gone up 10+ would be a steal! Even with a lowered production for his age

But Nico does not need replacing. He's excellent on faceoffs and he's tied for the team lead in PP goals.

Would Miller be an improvement? I don't know, not even sure where he plays on the PP in Van, but I doubt he'd be such an improvement that I would move the team captain off the top PP.

And Nico plays tough enough defensive minutes already, if anything I'd like to lighten his load in that regard. And defensive centers are cheaper anyways.