Devils team discussion (news, notes and speculation) - 2023 offseason part II

[Better Call Sal]

I'm sure we'll have a PTO or two come in, but I'm not that concerned either way. I think we've got plenty of winger options to fill out the remaining spots.

Our top 8 forwards are already set in Hughes, Hischier, Bratt, Meier, Toffoli, Mercer, Palat and Haula. McLeod (barring a Hockey Canada release) and Bastian are more likely to be in the lineup than not.

That leaves two spots for Holtz, Foote, Nosek, Clarke, Lazar and Tierney. I find it hard to believe we'll bring in anyone of real note when there's already that much internal competition. The hope is that Holtz takes advantage of his opportunity and Foote cements himself on that 4th line as well. Then you have Nosek and Lazar as the guys who can rotate in at both center and wing and not look out of place.

 

[Stephen Gionta]

Parise in 2023? Nooooo

View attachment 741268

Zach Parise had 21 goals last season averaging 16:08 in ice time. 16 even strength, 3 powerplay, 2 shorthanded. Only 9 players in the league scored more goals in less ice time than Parise.

He was the 3rd most utilized forward on the 9th ranked penalty kill in the league last season.

He averaged 2.2 shots per game (that would have ranked 5th on the Devils last season behind Hughes, Hischier, Meier, and Bratt)

The Islanders outscored their opponents at a 54% clip with Parise on the ice at even strength. (Ranked 2nd on his team among forwards behind Brock Nelson)

Zach Parise arguably offered the most value ($750K cap hit) among bottom 6 forwards in the entire NHL last season.

 

[Better Call Sal]

Zach Parise had 21 goals last season averaging 16:08 in ice time. 16 even strength, 3 powerplay, 2 shorthanded. Only 9 players in the league scored more goals in less ice time than Parise.

He was the 3rd most utilized forward on the 9th ranked penalty kill in the league last season.

He averaged 2.2 shots per game (that would have ranked 5th on the Devils last season behind Hughes, Hischier, Meier, and Bratt)

The Islanders outscored their opponents at a 54% clip with Parise on the ice at even strength. (Ranked 2nd on his team among forwards behind Brock Nelson)

Zach Parise arguably offered the most value ($750K cap hit) among bottom 6 forwards in the entire NHL last season.

It's all likely moot anyway because I'm 99% positive he already said he'd either come back to the Islanders or retire.

 

[Zippy316]

I'm sure we'll have a PTO or two come in, but I'm not that concerned either way. I think we've got plenty of winger options to fill out the remaining spots.

Our top 8 forwards are already set in Hughes, Hischier, Bratt, Meier, Toffoli, Mercer, Palat and Haula. McLeod (barring a Hockey Canada release) and Bastian are more likely to be in the lineup than not.

That leaves two spots for Holtz, Foote, Nosek, Clarke, Lazar and Tierney. I find it hard to believe we'll bring in anyone of real note when there's already that much internal competition. The hope is that Holtz takes advantage of his opportunity and Foote cements himself on that 4th line as well. Then you have Nosek and Lazar as the guys who can rotate in at both center and wing and not look out of place.

Nosek should also be an every day regular. Lazar will likely be the extra body on a regular basis along with Tierney.

I think it’s extremely likely the fourth line is Nosek - McLeod - Bastian when fully healthy. I wouldn’t be shocked to see McLeod move up to 3C either at times. I could see Palat - McLeod - XXX being a solid third line of Haula needs to play psuedocenter with Hughes. Foote - Nosek - Bastian could be a quality fourth line as well.

 

[Zippy316]

Zach Parise had 21 goals last season averaging 16:08 in ice time. 16 even strength, 3 powerplay, 2 shorthanded. Only 9 players in the league scored more goals in less ice time than Parise.

He was the 3rd most utilized forward on the 9th ranked penalty kill in the league last season.

He averaged 2.2 shots per game (that would have ranked 5th on the Devils last season behind Hughes, Hischier, Meier, and Bratt)

The Islanders outscored their opponents at a 54% clip with Parise on the ice at even strength. (Ranked 2nd on his team among forwards behind Brock Nelson)

Zach Parise arguably offered the most value ($750K cap hit) among bottom 6 forwards in the entire NHL last season.

Yeah his season quite truly came out of nowhere.

He has implied that is Islanders or retirement. I do wonder if the Devils (or Minnesota) may be one of the other teams he’d be willing to reconsider if he thought he had one last cup chance. I think it’s more likely Parise sits out early in the year and then tries to cup chase halfway through the year.

I wouldn’t hate him as a PK/energy line option, but just doesn’t make sense after Nosek. I don’t see him playing over any of our LWs, to get him into the lineup would bump someone like Nosek/McLeod out (or up to the third line). Only would make sense if there was injuries.

 

[Cheddabombs]

Zach Parise had 21 goals last season averaging 16:08 in ice time. 16 even strength, 3 powerplay, 2 shorthanded. Only 9 players in the league scored more goals in less ice time than Parise.

He was the 3rd most utilized forward on the 9th ranked penalty kill in the league last season.

He averaged 2.2 shots per game (that would have ranked 5th on the Devils last season behind Hughes, Hischier, Meier, and Bratt)

The Islanders outscored their opponents at a 54% clip with Parise on the ice at even strength. (Ranked 2nd on his team among forwards behind Brock Nelson)

Zach Parise arguably offered the most value ($750K cap hit) among bottom 6 forwards in the entire NHL last season.

Twas mostly a joke.

But I also don't really want to bring any other wingers in. We have enough and need to see what we have in some of the younger guys like Holtz and Clarke eventually.

 

[Guttersniped]

Zach Parise had 21 goals last season averaging 16:08 in ice time. 16 even strength, 3 powerplay, 2 shorthanded. Only 9 players in the league scored more goals in less ice time than Parise.

He was the 3rd most utilized forward on the 9th ranked penalty kill in the league last season.

He averaged 2.2 shots per game (that would have ranked 5th on the Devils last season behind Hughes, Hischier, Meier, and Bratt)

The Islanders outscored their opponents at a 54% clip with Parise on the ice at even strength. (Ranked 2nd on his team among forwards behind Brock Nelson)

Zach Parise arguably offered the most value ($750K cap hit) among bottom 6 forwards in the entire NHL last season.

Pretty sure Parise said it was NYI or retirement.

Parise played ~16 minutes for them, he had the 7th most TOI for NYI forwards. He gets a lot of opportunity on that team and that’s where he wants to play.

The Isles don’t exactly have a replacement for him:

Yikes.

Stepan is smart player, but very very slow.

He’s also a little like Tatar, he’s not the biggest or strongest player. Unlike Tatar, back in the day he was solid playoff performer, until the few years. His production really disappeared. But a smart player.

I feel like Novak was our McLeod insurance.

 

[Triumph]

Parise had a solid season but does not fit on this team. In the last 15 years, we've also seen plenty of guys who go from 'very old player, coming off solid season' to 'not playable'. The Islanders play the style he can succeed in; I don't think the Devils do anymore.

 

[NJDevs26]

There’s no way Tatar would come here on a PTO after we didn’t offer him a contract, it’s not like we’d be his only option there. And there’s no way Parise is going back to Minnesota on a PTO after they bought him out, here I could see unless that quote about Isles or bust is accurate. He’ll probably be the new Tommy Albelin and just hang out training with them for half the season lol

 

[Stephen Gionta]

If McLeod isn't an option for the Devils for a lengthy part of the season, I think Parise is a very solid reliable option to balance out the lineup to start the season.

Bratt - Hughes - Toffoli
Meier - Hischier - Holtz
Palat - Haula - Mercer
Parise - Nosek - Bastian
Lazar, Foote

 

[spintheblackcircle]

Devils representing on the Amsterdam Metro

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

I Don't really know why we would want/need a 40 year old Parise

As was mentioned, he had a nice year last year, but the Isles play a style totally opposite of NJ

 

[Brodeur]

Pretty sure Parise said it was NYI or retirement.

Parise played ~16 minutes for them, he had the 7th most TOI for NYI forwards. He gets a lot of opportunity on that team and that’s where he wants to play.

The Isles don’t exactly have a replacement for him:

View attachment 741282
Yikes.

There was some chatter that Oliver Wahlstrom could move to LW and Hudson Fasching would be 3RW if Parise retired.

Lee-Horvat-Barzal
Engvall-Nelson-Palmieri
Wahlstrom-Pageau-Fasching
Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck
--------
Johnston-Gauthier

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

I don’t see any need for a forward. Or a defenseman, really. I could understand bringing in another goalie, but I don’t see a need for anything else. There’s one spot that’s even questionable in the forward group (maybe two if McLeod is suspended) and Holtz will be given a chance. Why block him with 65 year old Parise?

 

[Zippy316]

If McLeod isn't an option for the Devils for a lengthy part of the season, I think Parise is a very solid reliable option to balance out the lineup to start the season.

Bratt - Hughes - Toffoli
Meier - Hischier - Holtz
Palat - Haula - Mercer
Parise - Nosek - Bastian
Lazar, Foote

I just don’t see the marginal benefit of Parise versus giving Foote a shot here.

I’d rather just cycle through Foote, Tierney, Lazar, Clarke, or another AHL guy on the fourth line then waste a spot on him. Nosek brings that same game with the added benefit of being a great face off taker too.

 

[Goptor]

The only way the Devils sign a PTO is if its another Hickey situation.

 

[bossram]

Zach Parise had 21 goals last season averaging 16:08 in ice time. 16 even strength, 3 powerplay, 2 shorthanded. Only 9 players in the league scored more goals in less ice time than Parise.

He was the 3rd most utilized forward on the 9th ranked penalty kill in the league last season.

He averaged 2.2 shots per game (that would have ranked 5th on the Devils last season behind Hughes, Hischier, Meier, and Bratt)

The Islanders outscored their opponents at a 54% clip with Parise on the ice at even strength. (Ranked 2nd on his team among forwards behind Brock Nelson)

Zach Parise arguably offered the most value ($750K cap hit) among bottom 6 forwards in the entire NHL last season.

Would be very open to bringing in Parise. Would be a very nice fit on the Palat-Haula 3rd line, especially if Lindy isn't going to trust Holtz anyway.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

Would be very open to bringing in Parise. Would be a very nice fit on the Palat-Haula 3rd line, especially if Lindy isn't going to trust Holtz anyway.

To me that’s a hole you plug at the deadline or at some point during the year after giving Holtz an honest chance to succeed. We have enough studs throughout the lineup to let Holtz learn on the job. If he stinks, we can deal with it then. I’d hate to just block him from the start.

 

[Stephen Gionta]

I just don’t see the marginal benefit of Parise versus giving Foote a shot here.

I’d rather just cycle through Foote, Tierney, Lazar, Clarke, or another AHL guy on the fourth line then waste a spot on him. Nosek brings that same game with the added benefit of being a great face off taker too.

The benefit is you know what you're getting in Parise, and the Devils are inching closer to being in a position as a team where you can't just plug young players into the lineup and let them make mistakes and try to learn on the fly. We're approaching a time where a young player is going to have to steal a roster spot from a veteran and force Lindy to keep them in the lineup. (such as 2011-12 Henrique, 2017-18 Bratt, 2020-21 Sharangovich) If you have an already established 12/13/14 man forward group, those opportunities arise when the injury bug comes along.

To me that’s a hole you plug at the deadline or at some point during the year after giving Holtz an honest chance to succeed. We have enough studs throughout the lineup to let Holtz learn on the job. If he stinks, we can deal with it then. I’d hate to just block him from the start.

Even though this basically contradicts what I just said above, I do agree with this. This season at least, I think the Devils can leave a spot or two open for a young guy to learn as he goes, because I think we clearly have enough talent to win games even one of the forwards is severely underperforming.

 

[The Devil In I]

View attachment 741288Devils representing on the Amsterdam Metro

I wore a Devils shirt one day while in Ireland (Galway) thinking that there had to be enough tourists in the area that I'd run into a NJ person that said something.

Had 4 groups of people stop me to talk....all f***ing Canadians lol. Flames, Leafs, Habs(x2) fans.

 

[Darkauron]

Parise can f*** off forever

 

[Brodeur]

I think we should bring in 2 PTO forwards, and 1 PTO goalie.

- 2 of Zach Parise, Tomas Tatar, Paul Stastny, Derek Stepan, or Zach Aston-Reese
- Halak

I've cooled on a PTO forward after I learned that we dressed Samuel Laberge in a preseason game last year even though he was on an AHL only deal. Halak could make sense if we want to spare another goalie from the Montreal roundtrip flight.

Counting Laberge, we have 24 forwards to dress for that opening preseason split squad night on 9/25.

I made a guess at the lines for those games (veterans in bold):

at Montreal
Meier-Hischier-Mercer [QMJHL alums]
Filmon-Lazar-Thompson
Dowling-Bowers-Stillman
Laberge-Criscuolo-Halonen

Bahl-Smith
Vilen-Miller
Vukojevic-Foote

Schmid-Brennan

vs. Philadelphia
Bratt-Hughes-Toffoli
Palat-Haula-Holtz
Nosek-McLeod-Bastian
Foote-Tierney-Clarke

Siegenthaler-Hamilton
Hughes-Marino
Hatakka-Nemec

Vanecek-Kallgren

So we send the minimum required eight veterans to Montreal which seems to be standard practice early in preseason. Then we have most of the opening night squad at home against Philadelphia that night.

I'd have Holtz/Clarke in the same game for direct competion. Then also give the main staff a look at Tierney/Hatakka as the first potential callups from Utica.

Giving a PTO to a goalie could make sense and send them to Montreal instead. Halak could fit given that he played in Montreal.

 

[Its Always Sundstrom]

Pretty sure Parise said it was NYI or retirement.

Parise played ~16 minutes for them, he had the 7th most TOI for NYI forwards. He gets a lot of opportunity on that team and that’s where he wants to play.

The Isles don’t exactly have a replacement for him:

View attachment 741282
Yikes.

Stepan is smart player, but very very slow.

He’s also a little like Tatar, he’s not the biggest or strongest player. Unlike Tatar, back in the day he was solid playoff performer, until the few years. His production really disappeared. But a smart player.

I feel like Novak was our McLeod insurance.

After Homo Habilis, I’m pretty sure those other LWs are both AI generated hockey sounding names.

 

[Devils731]

After Homo Habilis, I’m pretty sure those other LWs are both AI generated hockey sounding names.

Rico Blaze is a fan favorite; although some remember his role in the Second Bug War with questions.

 

[AfroThunder396]

After Homo Habilis, I’m pretty sure those other LWs are both AI generated hockey sounding names.

Binomial names are always italicized and you never capitalize the species. Only capitalize the genus. Homo habilis.

0/10, see me after class.