Devils discussion (news, notes and speculation) - playoff edition

[Bleedred]

Id love to. But what has been show that can lead one to think we can do that? Were risking the entire long-term contention window for a two-year span on a whim?

It just seems like an impulse decision and one thatll realistically play out over the next year and a half

We become a contender immediately with Quinn.

I’d send whatever for him, other than Nico, Bratt and the two Hughes brothers we already have.

 

[Ekiru]

I'm not trying to be a dick but some of what you're saying raises eyebrows, if you have a chance to grab a talent like Quinn Hughes you 100% go for it, even if it costs you some of your best assets.

I dont deny that; I believe the first time I mentioned it (after the Rutherford press conference) I led with 'this is certainly a hot take...'

I agree with you. Quinn is the best defenseman in hockey. But hes also the only player I can remember whos felt destined to be here; whether that happens or not is fine with me, in the sense that we have a great thing already going

If I move, say, Nemec+Mercer+1st+some middling stuff, that is what.. three of my five or six best assets outside Silayev and Casey (Yegorov is too far off to hold such high value).

Thats a ton to pay when I thought the goal here was to have a prolonged, healthy contention window and add to that; which can be Quinn!!

Just not right now and not for a third of my ability to prolong how long the window stays open. And I think its barely opened. Thats just how I see it

 

[Ekiru]

We become a contender immediately with Quinn.

I’d send whatever for him, other than Nico, Bratt and the two Hughes brothers we already have.

I agree but I want to be a contender for longer instead of a contender right away; we shouldnt be rushing when Quinn may very well, like weve never seen, force his way to Jersey in 2027 UFA.

And if he doesnt, f***, how greedy am I to say Im mad I dont have all three?! That takes a whole lot more effort than paying the price in a trade; future cap implications, roster space for who we have, lost value on future deals for noticeably expendable assets, etc etc

Idk maybe we get him and I change my mind. Im not perfect

 

[Bleedred]

I agree but I want to be a contender for longer instead of a contender right away; we shouldnt be rushing when Quinn may very well, like weve never seen, force his way to Jersey in 2027 UFA.

And if he doesnt, f***, how greedy am I to say Im mad I dont have all three?! That takes a whole lot more effort than paying the price in a trade; future cap implications, roster space for who we have, lost value on future deals for noticeably expendable assets, etc etc

Idk maybe we get him and I change my mind. Im not perfect

I like our chances of contending better with Nico and Quinn on relatively bargain contracts compared to what they’ll get afterward.

It doesn’t mean we can’t contend once they get paid more, but we should be contending while Nico is still a $7-something million dollar player.

 

[My3Sons]

I like our chances of contending better with Nico and Quinn on relatively bargain contracts compared to what they’ll get afterward.

It doesn’t mean we can’t contend once they get paid more, but we should be contending while Nico is still a $7-something million dollar player.

You also thought we’d contend with Blackwood because “he’s really a .920 goalie”. (Your words not at all taken out of context). (Ok maybe taken a little out of context). (But you still typed them!!). And where did that get us? Yeah that’s what I thought.

 

[fire Fitzgerald]

Don't understand why everyone is talking about Quinn. Tom "Elite GM" Fitzgerald has signed Kovacevic for you, enjoy it.

 

[edevils]

Someone on the main board said Lou turned down a 2nd for Pageau at 50% retained.

Lou countered 2nd for Pageau with no retention.

Are you guys comfortable paying the 3c 5mill? I'm not.

 

[Forge]

Someone on the main board said Lou turned down a 2nd for Pageau at 50% retained.

Lou countered 2nd for Pageau with no retention.

Are you guys comfortable paying the 3c 5mill? I'm not.

That's the price of a 3c unless you get lucky

 

[edevils]

Don't understand why everyone is talking about Quinn. Tom "Elite GM" Fitzgerald has signed Kovacevic for you, enjoy it.

Can't blame him for signing Kovy. We don't even know if Quinn is available, and if Vancouver is giving up on him, well nobody knew that until a week ago.

Kovy earned his contract and his raise.

 

[edevils]

I was curious about 3c around the league.


CAR - Kotkaniemi - 4.8m
COL - Coyle - 5.2m
EDM - Rico - 3m
DAL - Johnston 900k
FLA - Lundell - 5m
LA - Phillip Danault - 5.5m
MIN - Gaudreau - 2.2m
MTL - Evans - 1.7m
OTT - Pinto - 3.8m
STL - Sundqvist - 1.5m
TBL - Paul - 3.15m

 

[njdevil26]

I dont deny that; I believe the first time I mentioned it (after the Rutherford press conference) I led with 'this is certainly a hot take...'

I agree with you. Quinn is the best defenseman in hockey. But hes also the only player I can remember whos felt destined to be here; whether that happens or not is fine with me, in the sense that we have a great thing already going

If I move, say, Nemec+Mercer+1st+some middling stuff, that is what.. three of my five or six best assets outside Silayev and Casey (Yegorov is too far off to hold such high value).

Thats a ton to pay when I thought the goal here was to have a prolonged, healthy contention window and add to that; which can be Quinn!!

Just not right now and not for a third of my ability to prolong how long the window stays open. And I think its barely opened. Thats just how I see it

So my thinking here is that I don't care about the 1st rounder and at this point no one should. If we are "contending" that's a late first and prospects that won't be contributing for a number of years.

Nemec is the "give to get" piece. Everyone was down on him but he had a rough year for a bunch of reasons and looked very good in the playoffs. Honestly he's going to be a stud.

Mercer has underwhelmed big time since the 27 goal season. Could still be something for someone but he's replaceable.

Say this deal happens this summer, the D is:

Q Hughes-Hamilton
L Hughes-Pesce
Siegenthaler-Dillon/Kovacevic/Casey

Our D is set for the foreseeable future.

Just need to work out the forward group. I am assuming Palat stays because of his contract but I just have this feeling we keep Glass and find a way to get rid of Haula which would be great.

Meier-Hischier-Bratt
Gritsyuk-Hughes-???? (Boeser UFA?)
Palat-NEW GUY-Noesen
Cotter-Glass-????

 

[njdevil26]

I was curious about 3c around the league.


CAR - Kotkaniemi - 4.8m
COL - Coyle - 5.2m
EDM - Rico - 3m
DAL - Johnston 900k
FLA - Lundell - 5m
LA - Phillip Danault - 5.5m
MIN - Gaudreau - 2.2m
MTL - Evans - 1.7m
OTT - Pinto - 3.8m
STL - Sundqvist - 1.5m
TBL - Paul - 3.15m

Would LOVE to have Pinto but I think Ottawa holds onto him.

Maybe he comes here since online gambling and sports betting is legal in NJ

 

[NjdevilfanJim]

Maybe I'm just being negative, but he strikes me as a guy that will get scooped up pretty quickly on July 1st. And we'll wonder why we didn't do it and hope that it was because someone else gave him a 5 year deal. And then once the numbers come out it won't be a 5 year deal and we'll wonder why we couldn't have done that. And then Fitz signs Bastian's replacement or some shit and we're left shaking our heads.

Maybe I just have such low morale and faith in Fitz right now.

If we go into next year with largely this same team, only with new 4th liners brought in to replace the UFA 4th liners (probably a slight upgrade) and Daws as backup (Clear downgrade) I have no idea how he could view this team as a contender.

Especially when some of these guys who are already older will be a year older and likely a year worse. And I'm talking Palat, Haula, Dougie. Dillon. Probably even Markstrom.

Can see your worry with Daws as a backup but he has played good especially this year when Markstrom was hurt....Allen will be a year older as well just like the other players you are worried about ....I just think with Allen he will get better offers elsewhere if he wants to leave...

 

[Bleedred]

Can see your worry with Daws as a backup but he has played good especially this year when Markstrom was hurt....Allen will be a year older as well just like the other players you are worried about ....I just think with Allen he will get better offers elsewhere if he wants to leave...

I’m definitely fine with letting Allen walk if he gets multi year offers and for more than what we paid him this past year.

Not at all buying Daws. He played good this year, but not so much in previous years and had a weak year in the AHL.

I could totally see us having a big problem if he’s number two.

At the very least I’d like to sign someone else who will be cheaper than Allen. Him and Daws can fight it out.

 

[NjdevilfanJim]

He is one of the best penalty killers in the league. 3 mil is what you are paying for because you will not replace it, if you do, that's great, at least as part for more competent third line center.
Bastian? and his money? No offense but good defense. That's what you need from your 4th line - players who can give more rest without making situation worser. The problem is complimentary forwards and third line - they give nothing. With Haula and Bastian should be 4th lines but as 4th liners they are very good.

I think with Bastian his impact on this team has dropped because his physical play has reduced and is very slow to drop his gloves like he used to....Now maybe that is due to the injuries catching up with him but I feel that's the negative with him that side of his game has been drastically reduced....

 

[NjdevilfanJim]

Not sure why you think that’d be the extent of their moves. If we were to get Quinn I imagine both Nemec and Mercer are also out the door. That happens you have ~6 mil in space. You’d need a 3C and ideally a top 6er. For 6 mil obviously yeah you’re not getting both of those. If you’re getting Quinn though you’re going to be looking to maximize these 2 years. That’d also mean finding a way to move on from Palat as well. Now you have ~12 mil. Palms is still a quality 2nd line talent that we could probably get for a good deal. Idk say 4.5 mil. Now you’re at ~7.5. Let’s say the 3C pickup is another 4.5. That leaves you with 3 mil left to pick up a 3rd liner. You’ve got a lineup that looks something like this

Bratt-Jack-Gritsyuk
Timo-Nico-Palms
X-X-Noesen
Cotter-Glass-Haula

Quinn-Pesce
Siegs-Kovy
Dillon-Luke

That’s a contending group to me. Do I think the forwards are perfect? No but you’ve added arguably the best D in the world and if the forwards end up needing some help then address it at the TDL

I‘ll take having slightly worse forward group next year than we could have without Quinn to guarantee we have him

So now Luke Hughes becomes a third pair defenseman on his off hand? Best move is you pay Luke to be your top pair LHD reason he was drafted and give up a fantasy of adding Quinn when he is a luxury not a necessity.....Nemec also performed very well and hopefully is ready to step it up....Not knocking the fact Quinn makes any team better but u will struggle to fill out a roster by having both of those guys on your team at same position

 

[NjdevilfanJim]

I’m definitely fine with letting Allen walk if he gets multi year offers and for more than what we paid him this past year.

Not at all buying Daws. He played good this year, but not so much in previous years and had a weak year in the AHL.

I could totally see us having a big problem if he’s number two.

At the very least I’d like to sign someone else who will be cheaper than Allen. Him and Daws can fight it out.

That could be Malek if he comes over and tough to judge any goalie playing behind that Utica roster...

 

[Andre Palot]

Most of Brooks articles are him trying to start speculation, its absolutely his MO.]

 

[NjdevilfanJim]

We become a contender immediately with Quinn.

I’d send whatever for him, other than Nico, Bratt and the two Hughes brothers we already have.

That's why this team won't win a cup....Fitz has traded away picks prospects it doesn't always work....Even this year he did it got knocked out in first round by Canes kinda like rinse repeat or Groundhog Day the movie with this team....

 

[Hisch13r]

Don't understand why everyone is talking about Quinn. Tom "Elite GM" Fitzgerald has signed Kovacevic for you, enjoy it.

The Kovy deal is going to be a good deal.

 

[Hisch13r]

So my thinking here is that I don't care about the 1st rounder and at this point no one should. If we are "contending" that's a late first and prospects that won't be contributing for a number of years.

Nemec is the "give to get" piece. Everyone was down on him but he had a rough year for a bunch of reasons and looked very good in the playoffs. Honestly he's going to be a stud.

Mercer has underwhelmed big time since the 27 goal season. Could still be something for someone but he's replaceable.

Say this deal happens this summer, the D is:

Q Hughes-Hamilton
L Hughes-Pesce
Siegenthaler-Dillon/Kovacevic/Casey

Our D is set for the foreseeable future.

Just need to work out the forward group. I am assuming Palat stays because of his contract but I just have this feeling we keep Glass and find a way to get rid of Haula which would be great.

Meier-Hischier-Bratt
Gritsyuk-Hughes-???? (Boeser UFA?)
Palat-NEW GUY-Noesen
Cotter-Glass-????

The lineup you're suggesting already has less than 1 mil in cap space lol. How are you getting a top 6 wing, 3C, and 4th line wing with less than a mil in cap space? If the deal happens then Dougie is gone.

 

[Hisch13r]

So now Luke Hughes becomes a third pair defenseman on his off hand? Best move is you pay Luke to be your top pair LHD reason he was drafted and give up a fantasy of adding Quinn when he is a luxury not a necessity.....Nemec also performed very well and hopefully is ready to step it up....Not knocking the fact Quinn makes any team better but u will struggle to fill out a roster by having both of those guys on your team at same position

I don't give a shit about the the pair denominations. Siegs-Kovy was one of the best pairs in the league and the best shutdown pair in the league. Quinn is arguably the best Dman in the world and Pesce's a high end shutdown guy. That pair would also be one of the best pairs in the league. Luke can play his offside and Luke in a "3rd pair" role facing soft competition would absolutely feast. That D group is like 22-23 but juiced to the f***ing gills. Quinn-Pesce is a better version of Siegs-Dougie. Siegs-Kovy is a better version of Graves-Marino. Dillon-Luke is a better version of Smith-Sevo. That 22-23 D group was really high end stuff. This D group would be the best in the league and pretty clearly to me.

Quinn is worlds better than Nemec and so much better than Nemec will ever be. Send him out for Quinn. I laid out a scenario where you can still address the forwards while also getting Quinn. No the group is not as good as it would be without Quinn but it can still be a good group and he makes your D group astronomically better. Quinn also helps offset a lesser forward group by being one of the greatest offensive creators ever from the backend. He's a one man army.

 

[HellOnIce]

I don't give a shit about the the pair denominations. Siegs-Kovy was one of the best pairs in the league and the best shutdown pair in the league. Quinn is arguably the best Dman in the world and Pesce's a high end shutdown guy. That pair would also be one of the best pairs in the league. Luke can play his offside and Luke in a "3rd pair" role facing soft competition would absolutely feast. That D group is like 22-23 but juiced to the f***ing gills. Quinn-Pesce is a better version of Siegs-Dougie. Siegs-Kovy is a better version of Graves-Marino. Dillon-Luke is a better version of Smith-Sevo. That 22-23 D group was really high end stuff. This D group would be the best in the league and pretty clearly to me.

Quinn is worlds better than Nemec and so much better than Nemec will ever be. Send him out for Quinn. I laid out a scenario where you can still address the forwards while also getting Quinn. No the group is not as good as it would be without Quinn but it can still be a good group and he makes your D group astronomically better. Quinn also helps offset a lesser forward group by being one of the greatest offensive creators ever from the backend. He's a one man army.

Quinn is the only person I would trade Simon for. As long as we keep Silayev and not trade both, and even ideally, keep Casey as well.

 

[Guadana]

I think with Bastian his impact on this team has dropped because his physical play has reduced and is very slow to drop his gloves like he used to....Now maybe that is due to the injuries catching up with him but I feel that's the negative with him that side of his game has been drastically reduced....

Bastian is in top-50 in GA per 60 from playerss with 400 5 on 5 min. Top-40 in SA.
TOP-20!!!!! in xGA.

People are absolutely nuts that they are think that we will find better fourth line winger for neutralizing tasks. If we will find a player who will score 6 more goals but will do nothing to prevent 15 GA it will not help. He is a good part of our PK too.

So no. Every fan who is waiting to through him on the market and call him as replaceable, should think one more time, or a couple of times. As a 4th liner he is very good and its just fact. Even with less hits and goals. 13 hits per 60 is a good result still.

 

[Hisch13r]

Quinn is the only person I would trade Simon for. As long as we keep Silayev and not trade both, and even ideally, keep Casey as well.

I wouldn't have much of an issue trading Nemec for a star forward or comparable young forward either. I would like to keep Silayev and Casey as well.