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

[NJDevs26]

Russo had a full blown obituary written for him already for The Athletic. He wasn’t at the age where outlets just keep that on file. My guess is he was sick and it was kept from the public for personal / family sake.

Yeah apparently it was a bit of a sudden illness that even Guerin didn't know much about till towards the end. I'm glad you mentioned that piece, cause I read it and it's really nice...including a funny first interaction between Shero and Hynes before Shero hired him to coach in the AHL:

Fitzgerald and Botterill wanted to hire Hynes in Wilkes-Barre.

“I’m like, ‘The guy at the Program?’” Shero recounted in 2023 when Hynes was hired in Minnesota. “I said, ‘Why the f— would he leave that to go to the American League to be an assistant coach?’ They’re like, ‘He said he’s really interested.’ So I figured at this point, as the GM, I’ve got to call the guy to see what the story is.”

In August 2009 while sitting at a red light, Shero called Hynes and said, “John, let me ask you a question: Have Fitzy and Bottsy told you what the position pays?”

Hynes: “Yeah.”

Shero: “What did they tell you?”

Hynes: “It’s a one-year deal at $55,000 with a club option at 60.”

Shero: “Can I ask you a question? What do you make at the Program?”

Shero recalled the answer being a new three-year contract worth in the $110,000 to $130,000 range.

Shero laughed. “John, this cuts your pay in half, and you have a family, right?”

Hynes: “Oh yeah. I’ve got two girls, a wife and a brand-new house in Ann Arbor.”

Shero: “You went to BU, right? Played for Jack Parker?”

Hynes, laughing: “Yeah. Loved him.”

Shero: “Well, you’ll be hearing from us later today, but I’m pretty sure your f—ing major wasn’t math.”

 

[JrFischer54]

Really sucks about Shero. I’m a big fan of his time here know that’s not the case with many but he didn’t cause any problems and drafted Nico over Nolan.

 

[jkrdevil]

I think I saw him say to someone on Twitter that he was away from the team as well when asked if he attended the team photoshoot. I don’t know if senior advisors typically would take part in that, but it could be what he was implying with him not being around the team.

Truly sad either way. He’s 3 years younger than my parents.

He was the same age as my mom. And my dad died suddenly in his 60’s a few years ago. Too young to go.

 

[longislanddevil]

RIP Ray. Very sad news. By all accounts, it seems like he was a great guy.

I’m grateful for him picking Nico over Nolan. Just imagine if he didn’t. As a previous poster already said, he cashed out at the right time on Hall and in doing so we acquired Bahl, a pick which became Mercer and I believe a pick that was used in trade for Siegs. You can even say Bahl helped us land Markstrom.

I thought he did a really solid job. Agree with prioritizing center.

I’ve read he had a really aggressive form of cancer. I’m sure we will find out. All cancers suck but when I think of aggressive ones, the first two horrible things that come to mind are pancreatic and brain (the disease John McCain died from). Early detection is key. Once again, RIP Ray. You will be missed.

 

[JrFischer54]

RIP Ray. Very sad news. By all accounts, it seems like he was a great guy.

I’m grateful for him picking Nico over Nolan. Just imagine if he didn’t. As a previous poster already said, he cashed out at the right time on Hall and in doing so we acquired Bahl, a pick which became Mercer and I believe a pick that was used in trade for Siegs. You can even say Bahl helped us land Markstrom.

I thought he did a really solid job. Agree with prioritizing center.

I’ve read he had a really aggressive form of cancer. I’m sure we will find out. All cancers suck but when I think of aggressive ones, the first two horrible things that come to mind are pancreatic and brain (the disease John McCain died from). Early detection is key. Once again, RIP Ray. You will be missed.

It’s a miracle if people survive to age 70 it seems it’s just a game of Russian roulette it seems with cancer so depressing and sad

 

[Better Call Sal]

 

[NJDevs26]

Lovely, probably your typical jonnybagadonuts who didn’t have a clue Shero’s dad was once the Ranger coach

 

[Better Call Sal]

And also, because I know it was mentioned, I found the tweet from TSN when Shero commented on the Zacha situation. What a beauty.

 

[NjDevsRR]

Devils clinch. NOW WE RIDE

 

[Better Call Sal]

Playoff thread time!?

 

[Emperoreddy]

We are officially back in the playoffs!

 

[Emperoreddy]

 

[Emperoreddy]

 

[Better Call Sal]

Quick pivot back to Ray, some really meaningful words from Hynes on Shero and what he meant to him.

 

[The Grinder]

The Devils are gonna make the playoffs. The Rangers and Islanders will not. Small victory.

Playoffs 2 times in 3 years (let’s forget about the prior 13 years). Bigger victory.

Just don’t get embarrassed like the last time against the Canes and I am happy.

 

[guitarguyvic]

Man I will forgive and forget every frustration of this regular season if they find some way to get past the canes. Wouldn’t even give a shit what happens after that.

 

[HoliksGhost]

 

[glenwo2]

I thought to be annoyed that the Devils would back into the playoffs like this...


...however them clinching this way AT THE EXPENSE of the Rags makes me happy.


ENJOY RETIREMENT, SAM ROSEN!

ENJOY THE OFFSEASON, RAGS FANS!

Another Non-Playoff Year that will LAST A LIFETIME!

 

[Emperoreddy]

Want to avoid next year discussion in the playoff thread so will post here.

I think you have to take a lot of positives with how this year went. Our star core players were all very good this year and lead the charge. We have been an elite special teams team both PP and PK all year.

The goaltending has been very good and we have been largely a very solid defensive team.

A mix of bad shooting luck, lack of good depth players, and injuries to me were to blame for most of the struggles.

I fully believe the depth issues can be fixed this offseason and next year's squad should be even better equipped to be dangerous playoff team.

Luke's growth as a player has been one of the real highlights of the season. Would say Casey showing he has the juice is another highlight.

Haula and Palat looking like they are done as effective NHLers is definitely a low point and a big reason we struggled to score in so many games.

 

[JrFischer54]

this playoff matchup has been locked up since Christmas. It’s a shame the teams didn’t play more recently

 

[NjDevsRR]

Makes sense the East bubble is so much lower than the West

The 3 worst teams in the league by far are in the west. Meanwhile the last place team in the East has 73 pts which is crazy. Lots more parity in the East with 3-4 games to go. The previous lowest Eastern team in recent memory in a full season was 66 pts.

 

[Mr Bojanglez]

honestly move it back to the meadowlands

also how many fans really are taking the train to the games? honest question

When i was a wee bit younger, and had more time and energy - train all day. Honestly it was awesome.

But those OT games... where it meant leaving early or having to wait an extra 40 minutes.... those sucked.

I still think much of it depends on your location. I'm close enough to a train but old enough to pay extra for convenience . Plus I usually go with my dad, who is nowhere near a train. so car makes sense.

 

[NjDevsRR]

Hope @Maine Fan is doing ok. Hasn’t been online since 3/15

 

[devilsblood]

Would be a Catastrophic mistake to move away from Newark. Its the perfect middle ground between the North Jersey and Central Jersey folks. With the train right there it’s a great location

I think it leans way more towards the North Jersey folks, but it is what it is. The arena is in Newark. Talking about a new arena at this point is just silly internet chatter.

 

[Satans Hockey]

When i was a wee bit younger, and had more time and energy - train all day. Honestly it was awesome.

But those OT games... where it meant leaving early or having to wait an extra 40 minutes.... those sucked.

I still think much of it depends on your location. I'm close enough to a train but old enough to pay extra for convenience . Plus I usually go with my dad, who is nowhere near a train. so car makes sense.

Definitely depends on location, for me the train is a pain in the ass and would cost more than driving and take more time. With driving I can be home before the post game radio show is even over some nights.