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

[NJDevs26]

Jesus for a second there scrolling down I thought Fitzy just went into full Die Hard shoot ‘em up Christmas mode

 

[guitarguyvic]

That felt like the longest 3 months of my life as a kid who grew up in the 90s, what a nightmare #YaKnow

Yep then Lemaire made them into a .850 point percentage team until like mid March when they finally ran out of gas. I believe they finished 10th in the conference?

 

[Blackjack]

Yep then Lemaire made them into a .850 point percentage team until like mid March when they finally ran out of gas. I believe they finished 10th in the conference?

And then won the lottery (and its bizarre format at the time) to move up only four slots and draft Adam Larsson, who we would go on to trade for Taylor Hall and ultimately Dawson Mercer, Kevin Bahl, and Jonas Siegenthaler

 

[Unknown Caller]

And then won the lottery (and its bizarre format at the time) to move up only four slots and draft Adam Larsson, who we would go on to trade for Taylor Hall and ultimately Dawson Mercer, Kevin Bahl, and Jonas Siegenthaler

And had they not won the lottery the likely pick would have been our very own Dougie Hamilton.

 

[Xirik]

Feels like someone from this forum made that terrible Marino shirt and sent it to the Devils.

Wow....Ham and Swiss

 

[Captain3rdLine]

Snowed in and bored and thought this would be fun. My prospect predictions/projections. Some people may not like some but these are my guesses.

Hughes:
Comes in and plays like Severson on steroids but worse defensively. Never shows the poise and decision making needed to be a number 1 defensmen. But, gradually improves his defensive game, cuts down the mistakes and turns into a solid 2-3 defensemen in the mold of a much better version of John Moore. Plays around 1000 NHL games give or take.

Nemec:
Struggles to have a significant impact at a younger age but holds his own. Role and offensive impact grows over time but doesn’t possess the high end skills to dominate and become one of the leagues best. Solid 2-3 defensemen for around 1000 games. (Still think he has elite #1 potential though)

Holtz:
Never able to find his game with the devils. Ends up elsewhere eventually (unless the devils system changes and he has a little success). Has on and off success for a period of time (2-4 seasons) but never takes off before fizzling out and ending up in the SHL. Extended version of Gusev-like NHL career in his later years. 200-400 games in the league.

Casey:
Hard to guess. Comes in hot similar to Will Butcher (maybe not as hot). Can’t maintain that long-term. Turns into a decent player who bounces between 2nd and 3rd pair guy who can run a powerplay. Maybe closer to a 2nd pair guy who doesn’t get the credit/respect he deserves. Plays 500-700 NHL games.

Mukhammadullin:
Comes over and spends a limited amount of time in Utica. Gets his shot with the Devils. Does decently in a third pair defensive role to start. Never becomes a good top 4 guy but might spend some time on the second pair. Capable but not that good of an NHL player. Hard to say how long he stays in North America and hard to predict how many games he plays. Anywhere from 100-500+ games in the NHL.

Gritsyuk:
Comes over to the NHL. Starts with the Devils. Never gets anything significant going. Role and icetime fizzles out over time. Ends up in Utica by the end of the season. Either gets another short stint with the devils or another team and then KHL or goes straight back to the KHL. 40-90 NHL games.

Stillman:
Plays a full season in Utica. Starts second season in Utica but gets a couple short NHL stints. Eventually ends up on the devils roster full time in season 3 or 4. Carves out a decent career as a 3rd/4th line guy who plays hard. Plays 400-500 games in the NHL give or take.

Vilen:
Surprise prospect. Spends some time in Utica before breaking into the Devils lineup and holding down a roster spot. Turns into a solid 2nd pair, really good third pair defensmen for a fairly long stretch. Plays 600-800 NHL games.

Filmon:
Spends time in Utica. Gets shot in NJ at some point. Might turn into a streaky middle 6 scorer for a little but lacks in other areas of the game. 50-400 NHL games depending on how good the team is and how well he produces. Could be a Sharangovich type for a while.


And some Utica guys

Okhotiuk:
Plays around 150-250 NHL games. Up and down between the Devils and Utica for a while when there’s injuries. Never locks down a spot. Gets a shot elsewhere when he’s claimed off waivers by a team looking for some grit and physicality. Plays a decent stretch there but eventually fizzles out. Somewhat small chance he has a longer career if he cleans up a few smaller aspects of his game. Even so it would likely be with another team.

Walsh:
Might get a few more call-ups and could stick for a bit with some good play. 1-80 NHL games.

Thompson:
Holds down a depth roster spot for at least a bit. 100-400 NHL games.

Clarke:
Gets called up at some point. Plays decently. Turns into a depth forward who’s a decent call-up. Could carve out a full-time role at some point. 50-300 NHL games.

Foote:
A few short call-ups. Never good enough to stick. 15-60 NHL games.

 

[SKNJD9]

That felt like the longest 3 months of my life as a kid who grew up in the 90s, what a nightmare #YaKnow

".... then I get a phone call from my buddy Lou, I still call him buddy, buddy Lou. I got a phone call from Lou, and well, yesterday, and he said, I need your help. And at that time, I couldn't say no, I couldn't say no to him..." -- Jacques Lemaire.

 

[Blackjack]

Snowed in and bored and thought this would be fun. My prospect predictions/projections. Some people may not like some but these are my guesses.

Hughes:
Comes in and plays like Severson on steroids but worse defensively. Never shows the poise and decision making needed to be a number 1 defensmen. But, gradually improves his defensive game, cuts down the mistakes and turns into a solid 2-3 defensemen in the mold of a much better version of John Moore. Plays around 1000 NHL games give or take.

Nemec:
Struggles to have a significant impact at a younger age but holds his own. Role and offensive impact grows over time but doesn’t possess the high end skills to dominate and become one of the leagues best. Solid 2-3 defensemen for around 1000 games. (Still think he has elite #1 potential though)

Holtz:
Never able to find his game with the devils. Ends up elsewhere eventually (unless the devils system changes and he has a little success). Has on and off success for a period of time (2-4 seasons) but never takes off before fizzling out and ending up in the SHL. Extended version of Gusev-like NHL career in his later years. 200-400 games in the league.

Casey:
Hard to guess. Comes in hot similar to Will Butcher (maybe not as hot). Can’t maintain that long-term. Turns into a decent player who bounces between 2nd and 3rd pair guy who can run a powerplay. Maybe closer to a 2nd pair guy who doesn’t get the credit/respect he deserves. Plays 500-700 NHL games.

Mukhammadullin:
Comes over and spends a limited amount of time in Utica. Gets his shot with the Devils. Does decently in a third pair defensive role to start. Never becomes a good top 4 guy but might spend some time on the second pair. Capable but not that good of an NHL player. Hard to say how long he stays in North America and hard to predict how many games he plays. Anywhere from 100-500+ games in the NHL.

Gritsyuk:
Comes over to the NHL. Starts with the Devils. Never gets anything significant going. Role and icetime fizzles out over time. Ends up in Utica by the end of the season. Either gets another short stint with the devils or another team and then KHL or goes straight back to the KHL. 40-90 NHL games.

Stillman:
Plays a full season in Utica. Starts second season in Utica but gets a couple short NHL stints. Eventually ends up on the devils roster full time in season 3 or 4. Carves out a decent career as a 3rd/4th line guy who plays hard. Plays 400-500 games in the NHL give or take.

Vilen:
Surprise prospect. Spends some time in Utica before breaking into the Devils lineup and holding down a roster spot. Turns into a solid 2nd pair, really good third pair defensmen for a fairly long stretch. Plays 600-800 NHL games.

Filmon:
Spends time in Utica. Gets shot in NJ at some point. Might turn into a streaky middle 6 scorer for a little but lacks in other areas of the game. 50-400 NHL games depending on how good the team is and how well he produces. Could be a Sharangovich type for a while.


And some Utica guys

Okhotiuk:
Plays around 150-250 NHL games. Up and down between the Devils and Utica for a while when there’s injuries. Never locks down a spot. Gets a shot elsewhere when he’s claimed off waivers by a team looking for some grit and physicality. Plays a decent stretch there but eventually fizzles out. Somewhat small chance he has a longer career if he cleans up a few smaller aspects of his game. Even so it would likely be with another team.

Walsh:
Might get a few more call-ups and could stick for a bit with some good play. 1-80 NHL games.

Thompson:
Holds down a depth roster spot for at least a bit. 100-400 NHL games.

Clarke:
Gets called up at some point. Plays decently. Turns into a depth forward who’s a decent call-up. Could carve out a full-time role at some point. 50-300 NHL games.

Foote:
A few short call-ups. Never good enough to stick. 15-60 NHL games.

Haha, not very optimistic?

 

[Captain3rdLine]

Haha, not very optimistic?

No lol I just think that people tend to be to be over optimistic especially with their own when it’s comes to prospects. A lot don’t meet fan expectations. I’d like to say more realistic.

Like I love Nemec and think he could be a good number 1 defensmen but at the same time realize that he doesn’t have an elite physical skillset and is probably more likely to be a #2 or #3.
I think Luke has some elite skills but also see a lot to work on and some things that could very possibly limit him from becoming one of the best in the league.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

I wouldn’t say it’s realistic to have Luke Hughes and John Moore in the same sentence. A better version of John Moore still stinks.

 

[MVP Zacha]

Feels like someone from this forum made that terrible Marino shirt and sent it to the Devils.

Wow....Ham and Swiss

I just popped in to post this tweet.
Just for how hilarious Sharangovich is in this video, you sign him to an 8×14m contract and make him the highest paid player in the NHL. Even my wife couldn't stop laughing.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

a 'much better version of John Moore'?

gross.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

I wouldn’t say it’s realistic to have Luke Hughes and John Moore in the same sentence. A better version of John Moore still stinks.

Is was more of a stylistic comparison than anything but Moore has been a decent defensmen in the league for quite some time. A “much better” player than him isn’t nearly as disappointing as you’re suggesting. Weird thing to focus on though with it being more of a stylistic comparison and me saying a solid #2 or 3. Which really isn’t unrealistic. Might be a bit disappointing given the skill and hype but not unrealistic whatsoever.

Lol not sure how having 2 people in the same sentence makes something unrealistic.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

Is was more of a stylistic comparison than anything but Moore has been a decent defensmen in the league for quite some time. A “much better” player than him isn’t nearly as disappointing as you’re suggesting. Weird thing to focus on though with it being more of a stylistic comparison and me saying a solid #2 or 3. Which really isn’t unrealistic. Might be a bit disappointing given the skill and hype but not unrealistic whatsoever.

Lol not sure how having 2 people in the same sentence makes something unrealistic.

They don’t play anything alike. Moore skated well but possessed no creativity at all. It’s just a funny thing to say. “He’s like this guy that sucked ass, but much better”. The whole exercise was just “everyone becomes the most tepid version imaginable or worse”.

 

[Xirik]

Snowed in and bored and thought this would be fun. My prospect predictions/projections. Some people may not like some but these are my guesses.

Hughes:
Comes in and plays like Severson on steroids but worse defensively. Never shows the poise and decision making needed to be a number 1 defensmen. But, gradually improves his defensive game, cuts down the mistakes and turns into a solid 2-3 defensemen in the mold of a much better version of John Moore. Plays around 1000 NHL games give or take.

Nemec:
Struggles to have a significant impact at a younger age but holds his own. Role and offensive impact grows over time but doesn’t possess the high end skills to dominate and become one of the leagues best. Solid 2-3 defensemen for around 1000 games. (Still think he has elite #1 potential though)

Holtz:
Never able to find his game with the devils. Ends up elsewhere eventually (unless the devils system changes and he has a little success). Has on and off success for a period of time (2-4 seasons) but never takes off before fizzling out and ending up in the SHL. Extended version of Gusev-like NHL career in his later years. 200-400 games in the league.

Casey:
Hard to guess. Comes in hot similar to Will Butcher (maybe not as hot). Can’t maintain that long-term. Turns into a decent player who bounces between 2nd and 3rd pair guy who can run a powerplay. Maybe closer to a 2nd pair guy who doesn’t get the credit/respect he deserves. Plays 500-700 NHL games.

Mukhammadullin:
Comes over and spends a limited amount of time in Utica. Gets his shot with the Devils. Does decently in a third pair defensive role to start. Never becomes a good top 4 guy but might spend some time on the second pair. Capable but not that good of an NHL player. Hard to say how long he stays in North America and hard to predict how many games he plays. Anywhere from 100-500+ games in the NHL.

Gritsyuk:
Comes over to the NHL. Starts with the Devils. Never gets anything significant going. Role and icetime fizzles out over time. Ends up in Utica by the end of the season. Either gets another short stint with the devils or another team and then KHL or goes straight back to the KHL. 40-90 NHL games.

Stillman:
Plays a full season in Utica. Starts second season in Utica but gets a couple short NHL stints. Eventually ends up on the devils roster full time in season 3 or 4. Carves out a decent career as a 3rd/4th line guy who plays hard. Plays 400-500 games in the NHL give or take.

Vilen:
Surprise prospect. Spends some time in Utica before breaking into the Devils lineup and holding down a roster spot. Turns into a solid 2nd pair, really good third pair defensmen for a fairly long stretch. Plays 600-800 NHL games.

Filmon:
Spends time in Utica. Gets shot in NJ at some point. Might turn into a streaky middle 6 scorer for a little but lacks in other areas of the game. 50-400 NHL games depending on how good the team is and how well he produces. Could be a Sharangovich type for a while.


And some Utica guys

Okhotiuk:
Plays around 150-250 NHL games. Up and down between the Devils and Utica for a while when there’s injuries. Never locks down a spot. Gets a shot elsewhere when he’s claimed off waivers by a team looking for some grit and physicality. Plays a decent stretch there but eventually fizzles out. Somewhat small chance he has a longer career if he cleans up a few smaller aspects of his game. Even so it would likely be with another team.

Walsh:
Might get a few more call-ups and could stick for a bit with some good play. 1-80 NHL games.

Thompson:
Holds down a depth roster spot for at least a bit. 100-400 NHL games.

Clarke:
Gets called up at some point. Plays decently. Turns into a depth forward who’s a decent call-up. Could carve out a full-time role at some point. 50-300 NHL games.

Foote:
A few short call-ups. Never good enough to stick. 15-60 NHL games.

Hughes- You might be a bit right but I think he'll get better defensively over time. If you pair him with a good defensive defensemen He should be able to become a very elite talent. Picture Erik Karlsson and Methot pairing. comparison Maybe Niedermeyer though that is a very hard bar.

Casey is interesting in that it will be hard to gauge what he is until he stops growing and also steps into the NHL. could be anything.

Nemec - I see him as a good 2nd pairing guy that is good at everything but not elite, Potential PP2 quaterback. Comparison is Rafalski

Muk- I see as a solid 3rd pairing Defensemen that can clear the crease and use his long reach to poke the puck away along the boards. He has a pretty good shot from the point but he isn't that physical for his size. He's hard to compare with anyone really. Someone here mentioned Sergei Zubov but I don't know much about him

Gritsyuk - 3rd pairing Bulldog player that never quits and has a pretty good shot. is a hound after the puck and can make stuff happen. I think he'll be something in between Wood and Coleman for us.

Stillman - AHL fodder or 4th line bleh

Villen - Don't know much about him

Its to early to figure out what Filmon could be but his current play is definitely intriguing.

Don't see much in the Utica players

 

[Blackjack]

No lol I just think that people tend to be to be over optimistic especially with their own when it’s comes to prospects. A lot don’t meet fan expectations. I’d like to say more realistic.

Like I love Nemec and think he could be a good number 1 defensmen but at the same time realize that he doesn’t have an elite physical skillset and is probably more likely to be a #2 or #3.
I think Luke has some elite skills but also see a lot to work on and some things that could very possibly limit him from becoming one of the best in the league.

It’s also possible to go too far in the other direction. You’re taking some legitimate criticisms of each of the prospects and assuming that those deficiencies will prevent them from becoming star players.

It’s totally normal for future star players to have holes in their games when they’re 19 or 20 years old.

I don’t really have strong opinions on who pans out and who doesn’t. But I will say that I’ll be surprised if at least one of Hughes or Nemec doesn’t turn into a franchise D that garners Norris votes.

 

[Nubmer6]

Hughes:
Comes in and plays like Severson on steroids but worse defensively. Never shows the poise and decision making needed to be a number 1 defensmen. But, gradually improves his defensive game, cuts down the mistakes and turns into a solid 2-3 defensemen in the mold of a much better version of John Moore. Plays around 1000 NHL games give or take.

So...

He's going to only score OT goals, but a lot more of them?

 

[Captain3rdLine]

They don’t play anything alike. Moore skated well but possessed no creativity at all. It’s just a funny thing to say. “He’s like this guy that sucked ass, but much better”. The whole exercise was just “everyone becomes the most tepid version imaginable or worse”.

Moore was a big guy, good/fast skater and had good shot and then wasn’t as good in other areas with those skills.
That’s where they are similar in my opinion.

Luke is/will be much better because he’s an even better skater, more skilled and has more creativity as you said.

I think it’s funny when people get worked up over stylistic comparison’s. Even if you say oh they’ll be much better than that guy but there’s some similarities in their abilities and what their strengths are.
You’d rather see me compare him to some other guy who’s really good but not similar stylistically in any way. Like an Adam Fox who’s the complete opposite player.

That really wasn’t the exercise. It was how I personally see the prospects turning out. As I said people tend to be way to optimistic with prospects. You don’t have to like it or agree lol.

It’s also possible to go too far in the other direction. You’re taking some legitimate criticisms of each of the prospects and assuming that those deficiencies will prevent them from becoming star players.

It’s totally normal for future star players to have holes in their games when they’re 19 or 20 years old.

I don’t really have strong opinions on who pans out and who doesn’t. But I will say that I’ll be surprised if at least one of Hughes or Nemec doesn’t turn into a franchise D that garners Norris votes.

I personally don’t think I’ve gone too far the other way. I agree that a lot of these players will improve stuff over time and even mentioned that with Luke.

So...

He's going to only score OT goals, but a lot more of them?

Lmao I’d imagine he will score lots in OT. And elsewhere tho and do lots of other things better and have a significantly better career.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

Moore was a big guy, good/fast skater and had good shot and then wasn’t as good in other areas with those skills.
That’s where they are similar in my opinion.

Luke is/will be much better because he’s an even better skater, more skilled and has more creativity as you said.

I think it’s funny when people get worked up over stylistic comparison’s. Even if you say oh they’ll be much better than that guy but there’s some similarities in their abilities and what their strengths are.
You’d rather see me compare him to some other guy who’s really good but not similar stylistically in any way. Like an Adam Fox who’s the complete opposite player.

That really wasn’t the exercise. It was how I personally see the prospects turning out. As I said people tend to be way to optimistic with prospects. You don’t have to like it or agree lol.

I’m not worked up. It’s just goofy to compare one of the most promising d prospects the franchise has ever had to a guy I watched suck ass for 3 years. Hughes himself has compared himself to Shea Theodore and Heiskanen.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

I’m not worked up. It’s just goofy to compare one of the most promising d prospects the franchise has ever had to a guy I watched suck ass for 3 years. Hughes himself has compared himself to Shea Theodore and Heiskanen.

It’s only goofy if you look at it as more than it is or take it out of context. Which clearly you are doing.

Great, don’t really see the Heiskanen comparison although they are both very good skaters. Theodore is a reasonable one and probably who’d I’d go with if I was trying to get as close as possible stylistically and talentwise. For just a stylistic comparison. I think a much better defensmen in the mold of a John Moore type is a solid match. Big fast defensmen with a good shot. (And who’s dangerous in Ot lol) they’re obviously not on the same planet talentwise.

 

[Bleedred]

What a stupid coach, what a stupid buddy system move by a GM who had already started to lose it.

What a terrible joke of an assistant coach he was too.

Worst coach in the history of hockey.

Can you imagine him coaching for an NHL team right no…… oh wait.

 

[Eggtimer]

Love Okhotiuk and can’t wait to see him play but that isn’t exactly what happened. The other team crushed a Utica guy with an hit and Okhotiuk came in and one punched him. Never threw a hit. Still would love to see that in Jersey next time someone takes a shot at one of our guys. Seems like Smith is too slow to even get there.

Yes you are right . I thought it was him hitting someone then fighting but he was responding to one of our guys getting hit from behind kinda

 

[Captain3rdLine]

Hughes- You might be a bit right but I think he'll get better defensively over time. If you pair him with a good defensive defensemen He should be able to become a very elite talent. Picture Erik Karlsson and Methot pairing. comparison Maybe Niedermeyer though that is a very hard bar.

Casey is interesting in that it will be hard to gauge what he is until he stops growing and also steps into the NHL. could be anything.

Nemec - I see him as a good 2nd pairing guy that is good at everything but not elite, Potential PP2 quaterback. Comparison is Rafalski

Muk- I see as a solid 3rd pairing Defensemen that can clear the crease and use his long reach to poke the puck away along the boards. He has a pretty good shot from the point but he isn't that physical for his size. He's hard to compare with anyone really. Someone here mentioned Sergei Zubov but I don't know much about him

Gritsyuk - 3rd pairing Bulldog player that never quits and has a pretty good shot. is a hound after the puck and can make stuff happen. I think he'll be something in between Wood and Coleman for us.

Stillman - AHL fodder or 4th line bleh

Villen - Don't know much about him

Its to early to figure out what Filmon could be but his current play is definitely intriguing.

Don't see much in the Utica players

Agree that Luke will get better defensively overtime.

I really like what I’ve seen from Vilen so far. Should be able to watch him against Canada at 6:30 tonight if you’re interested and throughout the World Juniors. Hopefully he does well.

 

[MadDevil]

What a bunch of bullshit. Clearly Luke is the next Niedermayer, Nemec is the next Erik Karlsson, and Holtz is the next...I'm trying to find a similar style player that is way too generous of a comparison...

 

[Captain3rdLine]

What a bunch of bullshit. Clearly Luke is the next Niedermayer, Nemec is the next Erik Karlsson, and Holtz is the next...I'm trying to find a similar style player that is way too generous of a comparison...

Ovechkin?