Devils team discussion (news, notes and speculation) - 2022-23 season thread part III

[Jack Be Quick]

What if he asks 8.5-8.75 mil?

More than Jack? If that's his demand then f*** him and I'll be pissed about it for a minute.

But, I can't say I'd blame Fitz for capitulating if he doesn't have an ufa or trade on the line/in the works.

 

[Devs3cups]

More than Jack? If that's his demand then f*** him and I'll be pissed about it for a minute.

But, I can't say I'd blame Fitz for capitulating if he doesn't have a ufa or trade on the line/in the works.

Many players aren’t on Jack’s level and make more than him. Jack’s deal was his first long-term deal following RFA. Bratt’s deal is entirely different. “Pending” UFA’s get paid more. 8-8.5 mil for Bratt seems reasonable.

 

[JrFischer54]

My plan to make the team better would not include getting rid of one of the best wingers in the NHL for some imaginary “pure goal scorer”.

Why pure goal scorers don’t exist?

 

[MadDevil]

I honestly don’t even know because I don’t even want him on the team I rather trade him for a pure goal scorer. Guess let’s see how he finishes the year but no I don’t think I would do 8 if I’m Fitz I’m not talking contract until season is over that’s for sure.

Which pure goal scorer is available for Bratt?

 

[Devs3cups]

Why pure goal scorers don’t exist?

Bringing in a pure goal scorer for an elite play driving winger (who can and does indeed score) brings us back directly to square one. We need to add, not go sideways.

Some people here wanted to trade Bratt for Laine, cause Laine is a “pure goal scorer”. That would’ve been a disaster.

 

[MadDevil]

Why pure goal scorers don’t exist?

They do. You've yet to name one that is worth trading Bratt for.

 

[JrFischer54]

Bringing in a pure goal scorer for an elite play driving winger (who can and does indeed score) brings us back directly to square one. We need to add, not go sideways.

Some people here wanted to trade Bratt for Laine, cause Laine is a “pure goal scorer”. That would’ve been a disaster.

I don’t think you can have both bratt at 8 plus and an elite goal scorer for 8+ maybe you can by all means sure get both then.

They do. You've yet to name one that is worth trading Bratt for.

Well if they trade him for one I’ll tell you if I like the move or not. Otherwise really no point since it probably won’t even happen.

 

[Jack Be Quick]

Many players aren’t on Jack’s level and make more than him. Jack’s deal was his first long-term deal following RFA. Bratt’s deal is entirely different. “Pending” UFA’s get paid more. 8-8.5 mil for Bratt seems reasonable.

Bratt's a pending RFA.

For ~30 goals and a sub ppg while playing with Jack and Nico? I'm going to say no.

 

[Devs3cups]

Bratt's a pending RFA.

For ~30 goals and a sub ppg while playing with Jack and Nico? I'm going to say no.

He’s 1 year away from UFA. This next deal brings him right to UFA. Not the same context.

 

[Jack Be Quick]

Well if they trade him for one I’ll tell you if I like the move or not. Otherwise really no point but go make up a list for me I’ll check it over if you want.

No trades necessary this season.

Qualify Bratt (then say peace), throw 10 at Pasta, 7 at Timo in the offseason and take it from there.

Bye to all the other UFA's, a few RFA's, and Blackwood.

He’s 1 year away from UFA. This next deal brings him right to UFA. Not the same context.

Yes, it is. Take 7-7.5/8 now or take your chances in UFA after another season Jesper. That's my opinion.

 

[billingtons ghost]

I'd like Bratt for 8x8 - and I think that's the cheapest we'll be able to get him.

But I won't say that I wouldn't have reservations about paying him. He's a great player, and he can drive play on his own - and outside of Jack and Nico and maybe Mercer there's nothing coming down the pipe of his quality.

Wood might be gone, and he can certainly create for himself but he's been absent since Bastian went down and since he got his clock cleaned.

Outside of that - I think Tage Thompson could be good - I think Holtz could be good - I think Foote could be good and there's probably an outside chance that Zetterlund gets above a 3rd line guy.

The problem remains that with Jack, Nico and Bratt - we'll have three guys who you wouldn't confuse with McDavid or Draisaitl, in that it will be hard for them to make it through full seasons without getting killed, and it's hard for them to continually go into the dirty places on the ice.

It's the same crap we've been saying forever and the anti-grit crowd will flap their wings at it - but at some point you have to acknowledge that we are going to be playing playoff hockey which will go far beyond even the Barkovian nightmare we've had with Florida - and that perhaps Timo Meier is a better fit.

Some of the other PPG forwards suffer the same criticism as Bratt - as Debrincat just got moved.. PLD, Larkin and Bo Horvat are centers and they might be better investments than Bratt but we need wings.

The other take is that you pick up two or three lesser forwards for the price of one Bratt with significantly less term, and fill out our top9. I have no idea what a 33 year old Killorn expects, Tarasenko is always hurt and I'm not sure what a Sheary, Zucker or Bunting might do for you - but I have to think that improving our third line is going to get a close look by Fitz.

This team could do with adding veterans that know how to win a cup - especially if we get close this year.

At the end of the day - we've got a great talent in Bratt - and it would be great if he continues his pace this year and limits the disappearing acts- but much over $8m will probably be an overpay.

 

[Devs3cups]

I'd like Bratt for 8x8 - and I think that's the cheapest we'll be able to get him.

But I won't say that I wouldn't have reservations about paying him. He's a great player, and he can drive play on his own - and outside of Jack and Nico and maybe Mercer there's nothing coming down the pipe of his quality.

Wood might be gone, and he can certainly create for himself but he's been absent since Bastian went down and since he got his clock cleaned.

Outside of that - I think Tage Thompson could be good - I think Holtz could be good - I think Foote could be good and there's probably an outside chance that Zetterlund gets above a 3rd line guy.

The problem remains that with Jack, Nico and Bratt - we'll have three guys who you wouldn't confuse with McDavid or Draisaitl, in that it will be hard for them to make it through full seasons without getting killed, and it's hard for them to continually go into the dirty places on the ice.

It's the same crap we've been saying forever and the anti-grit crowd will flap their wings at it - but at some point you have to acknowledge that we are going to be playing playoff hockey which will go far beyond even the Barkovian nightmare we've had with Florida - and that perhaps Timo Meier is a better fit.

Some of the other PPG forwards suffer the same criticism as Bratt - as Debrincat just got moved.. PLD, Larkin and Bo Horvat are centers and they might be better investments than Bratt but we need wings.

The other take is that you pick up two or three lesser forwards for the price of one Bratt with significantly less term, and fill out our top9. I have no idea what a 33 year old Killorn expects, Tarasenko is always hurt and I'm not sure what a Sheary, Zucker or Bunting might do for you - but I have to think that improving our third line is going to get a close look by Fitz.

This team could do with adding veterans that know how to win a cup - especially if we get close this year.

At the end of the day - we've got a great talent in Bratt - and it would be great if he continues his pace this year and limits the disappearing acts- but much over $8m will probably be an overpay.

What is much over 8 mil for you? I’ll admit that if the deal starts with a 9, I might wince a little, but I’d get over it. I believe in Bratt and I believe he’s a top winger. Most of his comparables are at around 8-8.5 though.

 

[Jack Be Quick]

I'd like Bratt for 8x8 - and I think that's the cheapest we'll be able to get him.

But I won't say that I wouldn't have reservations about paying him. He's a great player, and he can drive play on his own - and outside of Jack and Nico and maybe Mercer there's nothing coming down the pipe of his quality.

Wood might be gone, and he can certainly create for himself but he's been absent since Bastian went down and since he got his clock cleaned.

Outside of that - I think Tage Thompson could be good - I think Holtz could be good - I think Foote could be good and there's probably an outside chance that Zetterlund gets above a 3rd line guy.

The problem remains that with Jack, Nico and Bratt - we'll have three guys who you wouldn't confuse with McDavid or Draisaitl, in that it will be hard for them to make it through full seasons without getting killed, and it's hard for them to continually go into the dirty places on the ice.

It's the same crap we've been saying forever and the anti-grit crowd will flap their wings at it - but at some point you have to acknowledge that we are going to be playing playoff hockey which will go far beyond even the Barkovian nightmare we've had with Florida - and that perhaps Timo Meier is a better fit.

Some of the other PPG forwards suffer the same criticism as Bratt - as Debrincat just got moved.. PLD, Larkin and Bo Horvat are centers and they might be better investments than Bratt but we need wings.

The other take is that you pick up two or three lesser forwards for the price of one Bratt with significantly less term, and fill out our top9. I have no idea what a 33 year old Killorn expects, Tarasenko is always hurt and I'm not sure what a Sheary, Zucker or Bunting might do for you - but I have to think that improving our third line is going to get a close look by Fitz.

This team could do with adding veterans that know how to win a cup - especially if we get close this year.

At the end of the day - we've got a great talent in Bratt - and it would be great if he continues his pace this year and limits the disappearing acts- but much over $8m will probably be an overpay.

Pasta.

For the life of me I can't understand why none of you are talking about him.

Half of Boston believes he has one foot out the door.

 

[NjDevsRR]

Pasta.

For the life of me I can't understand why none of you are talking about him.

Half of Boston believes he has one foot out the door.

And many insiders think he will stay

 

[Jack Be Quick]

And many insiders think he will stay

Lol, that guy (Keefe) is a bootleg Joe Bedigno.

The deal would be locked in by now with this run they're having.

I'd bet the farm he's going to test free agency given Bergeron's retirement and the core getting that much older.

And if they go on a skid and/or get bounced in the first round? He'll be on the first Acela out. Bet.

 

[Guttersniped]

I honestly don’t even know because I don’t even want him on the team I rather trade him for a pure goal scorer. Guess let’s see how he finishes the year but no I don’t think I would do 8 if I’m Fitz I’m not talking contract until season is over that’s for sure.

Ah, yes the unnamed “pure goal scorers”, everyone favorite imaginary type of player who scores goals all season long, every season. Who doesn’t love them.

I always thought there was a good chance a deal gets done during the season and that many people on the board were overestimating what the number ends up being.

I don’t believe his hot start at being of the season or cold streak now particularly alter the eventual number much at all so I don’t see the point of waiting myself.

 

[13BearerOfHope]

What? Bratt is a year away from UFA, it is impossible to make a hockey trade with him. It's also so funny that Bratt clearly found a different level this year but everyone's forgetting about it because he had a rough three weeks.

As said I like him a lot, but I just think once the play gets more physical in playoffs we need a different breed of player. We have too many skinny a forwards and Bratt will want 8 M+, so I think we should get someone else for that kind of pay that better complements our forwards and has both a snipe and a body. Oh well I said “unpopular” opinion…

 

[MadDevil]

As said I like him a lot, but I just think once the play gets more physical in playoffs we need a different breed of player. We have too many skinny a forwards and Bratt will want 8 M+, so I think we should get someone else for that kind of pay that better complements our forwards and has both a snipe and a body. Oh well I said “unpopular” opinion…

Again, name the player that fits that mold that is available for Bratt. The Tkachuk boat has already sailed. I'm sure we'd all love a sniper that has size and grit/sandpaper/whatever cliche you want to use, but those guys are rarely available. We would almost certainly lose any trade involving Bratt, so unless it becomes obvious he doesn't want to be here it doesn't make a lot of sense to trade him.

Also, this idea that he's redundant is just f***ing insane to me. Oh the horror of having too many highly skilled play drivers on your team! We should be getting help for Nico, Jack, and Bratt, not subtracting Bratt just to add this pure goal scorer (who is likely going to be streaky since almost all pure goal scorers are) that is supposedly worth trading him for.

 

[njdevil26]

I guess I'm crazy where I don't want or think Bratt should be paid more than Hughes... But I also understand that if Bratt gets 8.5 or something... what's the big deal?

I just want this to happen now. Fitz is handcuffed making other moves because he won't have a clear picture of next year's cap without Bratt signed.

So I just hope Bratt is willing to have that discussion now. If they start the "let's wait til after the season" crap then I might actually entertain the idea of trading him.

 

[Billdo]

Pasta.

For the life of me I can't understand why none of you are talking about him.

Half of Boston believes he has one foot out the door.

It was reported yesterday that they're closing in on a 8x11 deal.

 

[Smitty426]

I'd like Bratt for 8x8 - and I think that's the cheapest we'll be able to get him.

But I won't say that I wouldn't have reservations about paying him. He's a great player, and he can drive play on his own - and outside of Jack and Nico and maybe Mercer there's nothing coming down the pipe of his quality.

Wood might be gone, and he can certainly create for himself but he's been absent since Bastian went down and since he got his clock cleaned.

Outside of that - I think Tage Thompson could be good - I think Holtz could be good - I think Foote could be good and there's probably an outside chance that Zetterlund gets above a 3rd line guy.

The problem remains that with Jack, Nico and Bratt - we'll have three guys who you wouldn't confuse with McDavid or Draisaitl, in that it will be hard for them to make it through full seasons without getting killed, and it's hard for them to continually go into the dirty places on the ice.

It's the same crap we've been saying forever and the anti-grit crowd will flap their wings at it - but at some point you have to acknowledge that we are going to be playing playoff hockey which will go far beyond even the Barkovian nightmare we've had with Florida - and that perhaps Timo Meier is a better fit.

Some of the other PPG forwards suffer the same criticism as Bratt - as Debrincat just got moved.. PLD, Larkin and Bo Horvat are centers and they might be better investments than Bratt but we need wings.

The other take is that you pick up two or three lesser forwards for the price of one Bratt with significantly less term, and fill out our top9. I have no idea what a 33 year old Killorn expects, Tarasenko is always hurt and I'm not sure what a Sheary, Zucker or Bunting might do for you - but I have to think that improving our third line is going to get a close look by Fitz.

This team could do with adding veterans that know how to win a cup - especially if we get close this year.

At the end of the day - we've got a great talent in Bratt - and it would be great if he continues his pace this year and limits the disappearing acts- but much over $8m will probably be an overpay.

I think they need what I call Tom Wilson-lite players. Not the stuff he does to intentionally hurt opposing players but the skillset he does have with some heft. These players don't have to drive play like a classic power forward, just ride shotgun to our current waifier skilled guys. I thought Marchment could have been a good pickup last summer. Other examples are Max Comtois in Ana and Tanner Jeannot in Nash. Notable guys but not out of this world talent. As has been noted not knuckle draggers or "gritty" , just heavier guys who can keep pace and give us a bit more respect. Just a thought.

 

[Triumph]

Bratt should be paid more than Hughes because Hughes only gave up 4 UFA years, Bratt would be giving up more. Rantanen made more than MacKinnon, it's what happens when guys sign at different times in their career, under different salary cap situations.

 

[NJDevs26]

I guess I'm crazy where I don't want or think Bratt should be paid more than Hughes... But I also understand that if Bratt gets 8.5 or something... what's the big deal?

That ship sailed when they played footsie with Gaudreau anyway, not to mention Dougie's already making more than Hughes...but if Fitz is gonna be that obtuse then fine, just structure the contract where Bratt makes less money than Hughes per season on the regular paycheck and give him the rest in a signing bonus or backloaded years.

The fortunate (or unfortunate) part is we really don't know where either side stands though, we're just guessing. Is Bratt holding out for $8-9+ or is Fitz totally lowballing with a number in the sixes? Or does Bratt just not want to stay at all?

Bratt should be paid more than Hughes because Hughes only gave up 4 UFA years, Bratt would be giving up more. Rantanen made more than MacKinnon, it's what happens when guys sign at different times in their career, under different salary cap situations.

By the same token Bratt's a winger and Hughes is a center, and gets the top pick and positional premium (even if they still staple Haula to his line cause he can't win faceoffs).

 

[njdevil26]

That ship sailed when they played footsie with Gaudreau anyway, not to mention Dougie's already making more than Hughes...but if Fitz is gonna be that obtuse then fine, just structure the contract where Bratt makes less money than Hughes per season on the regular paycheck and give him the rest in a signing bonus or backloaded years.

The fortunate (or unfortunate) part is we really don't know where either side stands though, we're just guessing. Is Bratt holding out for $8-9+ or is Fitz totally lowballing with a number in the sixes? Or does Bratt just not want to stay at all?

It's not just simply for the idea of Jack being the highest paid forward... it's because Jack is lighting it up and is a superstar every night and I don't see how Bratt or his agent can demand that he should make more.

 

[glenwo2]

I know I’m hoping we get that corsi cup champ banner hanging this spring. Fingers crossed.


Unicorn level unlocked.

Is it any surprise that Bob likes your posts when it comes to Anti-Bratt stuff?