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

[OlfactoryHughes]

The Devils did not sign Haula to a $3.2M AAV contract to put him on the 4th line. If he's there in year 1, it's a disaster.

Huala getting pushed to the third line (assuming jack has functional wingers) IS the type of depth that will make us harder to play against.

It’ll be interesting to see how Lindy lines em all up…. And how long those lines last.

 

[theoptimist]

Toffoli himself isn't going to be a difference maker in the playoffs.

If the Devils depth is good enough that Toffoli pushes Haula to the 4th line, then that would be the difference maker.

Haula will be off the team before that happens

 

[Devil X]

Huala getting pushed to the third line (assuming jack has functional wingers) IS the type of depth that will make us harder to play against.

It’ll be interesting to see how Lindy lines em all up…. And how long those lines last.

Haula being with Jack was a combination of wingers and the trigger word on HF boards faceoffs.

Now I think Jack is going to work a ton on FO in the off season. Ideally he can become better in that area which will also allow Haula to move to the 3rd line center spot.

 

[Forge]

If they were losing Bertuzzi I really don't understand the Hall trade.

They still only have like 11 million in space and 6 real forwards under contract. Swayman is going to take a chunk of that on his own.

 

[jkrdevil]

Huala getting pushed to the third line (assuming jack has functional wingers) IS the type of depth that will make us harder to play against.

It’ll be interesting to see how Lindy lines em all up…. And how long those lines last.

There is a big difference between there and 4th line minutes. Haula on the third line is what he is signed for, 4th line and it is a gross overpayment.

But he isn’t getting pushed to the 4th line. They don’t have the cap space to acquire someone that is going to push him down further in the lineup. They could make a depth signing but it push Boqvist not Haula.

 

[AfroThunder396]

This whole conversation ignores the fact that 40 point players don’t go on the 4th line. Haula is a good player and should be getting important minutes, that’s what he’s there for.

 

[SKNJD9]

Fitzy's comments about wingers has me really intrigued

 

[MasterofGrond]

I would be ecstatic if we have enough good forwards to push Haula (a very good 3rd liner) to the 4th line

 

[Maine Fan]

Ok, the NJ Devils are ready Fitz did his prep work, start the offseason and then completed the plan. The Devils are now ready while other teams are still scrambling. I am ready. Let's start the training session and get the new 23-24 season under way.

Let's Go Devils

 

[Guttersniped]

If they were losing Bertuzzi I really don't understand the Hall trade.

They did try to keep him, he might have wanted too much or they might have misread his actual interest in staying. The former is very possible, Sweeney won’t do gross overpays.

They traded Hall because they’re in Cap Hell.

Just off-hand, I know they’re dealing with:
Pasta: 6.67m>11.25m = +4.58m
Zacha: 3.5m>4.75m = +1.25m
Bonus Overages from Krajci/Bergeron salary last year = +4.5m dead cap space

Also both Swayman and Trent Frederic are arbitration eligible RFAs.

 

[Lou Bloom]

Pre Free agency and the roster seems mostly set.

Meier - Hughes - Mercer
Bratt - Hischier - Toffoli
Palat - Haula - Holtz (likely favorite)
? - McLeod - Bastian
Lazar

Hamilton - Siegenthaler
Hughes - Marino
Bahl - Nemec
Smith

Vanecek
Schmid

They should still have around $5M in cap space after re-signing McLeod, Bastin and Bahl (Not convinced Boqvist is brought back).

The only potential needs they have are:
- Checking line forward to play on the 4th line
- Bottom pairing defenseman to compete with Nemec
- Some NHL ready depth pieces for Utica.
- Possible goalie acquisition if price is right.

Great spot to be in when your biggest needs are a 4th liner and bottom pairing defenseman.

 

[RSeen]

Pre Free agency and the roster seems mostly set.

Meier - Hughes - Mercer
Bratt - Hischier - Toffoli
Palat - Haula - Holtz (likely favorite)
? - McLeod - Bastian
Lazar

Hamilton - Siegenthaler
Hughes - Marino
Bahl - Nemec
Smith

Vanecek
Schmid

They should still have around $5M in cap space after re-signing McLeod, Bastin and Bahl (Not convinced Boqvist is brought back).

The only potential needs they have are:
- Checking line forward to play on the 4th line
- Bottom pairing defenseman to compete with Nemec
- Some NHL ready depth pieces for Utica.
- Possible goalie acquisition if price is right.

Great spot to be in when your biggest needs are a 4th liner and bottom pairing defenseman.

If we can leave some buffer for performance bonuses for Nemec, Luke, Mercer and potentially Holtz, that would be the way to go IMO. Don't want to get hit too hard with overages for the following season.

 

[njdevil26]

Here's my lineup without any additions:

Meier-Hughes-Mercer
Bratt-Hischier-Toffoli
Palat-Haula-Holtz/Clarke
Foote-McLeod-Lazar/Bastian

Bahl-Hamilton
Hughes-Marino
Siegenthaler-Nemec
Smith

Schmid
Vanecek

Also, happy Connor Hellebuyck day to those who celebrate.

 

[Nocashstyle]

Not sure if this was already posted earlier, and I’m sure some of you saw it live, but good interview with Fitz:

 

[Zippy316]

Pre Free agency and the roster seems mostly set.

Meier - Hughes - Mercer
Bratt - Hischier - Toffoli
Palat - Haula - Holtz (likely favorite)
? - McLeod - Bastian
Lazar

Hamilton - Siegenthaler
Hughes - Marino
Bahl - Nemec
Smith

Vanecek
Schmid

They should still have around $5M in cap space after re-signing McLeod, Bastin and Bahl (Not convinced Boqvist is brought back).

The only potential needs they have are:
- Checking line forward to play on the 4th line
- Bottom pairing defenseman to compete with Nemec
- Some NHL ready depth pieces for Utica.
- Possible goalie acquisition if price is right.

Great spot to be in when your biggest needs are a 4th liner and bottom pairing defenseman.

I think moving on from Boqvist would be a mistake. At worst, he’s turned himself into a valuable 4th liner who can transition the puck well, is extremely disciplined, and started to show strong numbers on the PK.

His ability to almost single-handedly skate the puck up the ice too is an extremely valuable skill for a fourth line, I think. Helps to prevent you from having a fourth line that just gets stapled in your own zone frequently.

On top of that, there’s still a chance that if he were to just figure out his game offensively, he would be an absolute steal on his next contract.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

There really isn’t a whole lot more we need. This should be a very quiet offseason after Fitz basically got all the important business done.

 

[Torts]

Resign Boqvist as 4th line LW.
Promote Clarke and Foote as extra forwards to step in if and when injuries occur.
Vanecek out - Hellebuyck in. Make it happen Fitzy!
Let's go Devils in 23/24!!!!

 

[Lou Bloom]

I think moving on from Boqvist would be a mistake. At worst, he’s turned himself into a valuable 4th liner who can transition the puck well, is extremely disciplined, and started to show strong numbers on the PK.

His ability to almost single-handedly skate the puck up the ice too is an extremely valuable skill for a fourth line, I think. Helps to prevent you from having a fourth line that just gets stapled in your own zone frequently.

On top of that, there’s still a chance that if he were to just figure out his game offensively, he would be an absolute steal on his next contract.

Depends on what his ask is and if the Devils think there’s better options available. There’s 9 forwards who are signed, McLeod and Bastian have chemistry and add some physicality which should mean two other spots locked in. Assuming they expect one of the Utica forwards to win a spot, you’re left with one opening.

I don’t think Boqvist is a bad player but I also don’t think he’s done enough to cement himself either. If there’s a better alternative on the market it could just be a case of him getting squeezed out due to competition.

 

[beekay414]

Haven't we had interest in Zach Aston-Reese before? Wouldn't be surprised if he's a potential low cost veteran for the bottom 6 LW role. Tho, with McLeod and Bastian not being the most offensively gifted, we may want someone with a teeny bit more offensive skill than ZAR after having to watch Miles dump and chase for years lol.

 

[Lou Bloom]

There really isn’t a whole lot more we need. This should be a very quiet offseason after Fitz basically got all the important business done.

Very unlikely to see any big moves but I could see him being fairly active looking for organizational depth.

 

[Eggtimer]

Toffoli said he was looking for a deal, both in Calgary and now NJ. Fitz isn't going to tell the guy "we're just using you as a one-year stopgap" even though I think he is. We'll see though.

Yes I agree that Fitz is playing it correctly and saying the right things. Also motivates Toffoli to play his ass off for his next contract .
Best way to handle him in my opinion is to dangle a possible extention out there to get him to play highly motivated plus evaluate his play as long as possible to see how good of a fit he is .
Man is our top 6 going to look good .
No idea on best mix but a top 6 of :

Meier Jack Toffoli
Bratt Nico Mercer

Ya , that’s pretty damn sexy
Potential for 200 goals scored by our top 6
Palat Haula ??? Holtz is a nice mix of vets to help out Holtz .

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

Very unlikely to see any big moves but I could see him being fairly active looking for organizational depth.

I’d like to see maybe a D for C prospect swap, but more consequential than the Walsh move. Not the most common thing though.

 

[TrufleShufle]

Here's an interesting thought, if Luke and Nemac, possibly Holtz make the jump next year, do we theoretically go from one of the best prospect pools in the league to the worst?

It doesn't matter, we are locked and loaded more than any team I can think of both in talent and time, but it is interesting to think about. We hopefully have more than enough time to restock the cupboards before needing anything out of them again. I'm just curious to see the league team prospect pool ratings half way through next year.

 

[beekay414]

I’d like to see maybe a D for C prospect swap, but more consequential than the Walsh move. Not the most common thing though.

 

[Cheddabombs]

There really isn’t a whole lot more we need. This should be a very quiet offseason after Fitz basically got all the important business done.

That's boring though. Need Fitzy to drop a huge deal out of nowhere for the fun of it