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

[MasterofGrond]

Mikey, as a package, is about the same as Lazar. worse defensively, better PK, better FO.

 

[Hisch13r]

The buyouts and unqualified RFAs saves free agency lol

 

[HugeInTheShire]

If they think he's not worth it, fair enough.

But if they expect Lazar to replace him, they are almost certainly wrong. He is much worse.

I think that's why Fitz is harping on the top 9, not top 6 thing. He wants that 4th line to play a lot less.

 

[bossram]

I think that's why Fitz is harping on the top 9, not top 6 thing. He wants that 4th line to play a lot less.

I view Mikey as a 3rd line calibre player. I guess a luxury if he plays exclusively on the 4th line, but also nice to have as he can play more minutes when needed and in high leverage situations.

 

[Billdo]

So, are they becoming UFA’s tomorrow? Not too sure about the rules.

Unless they sign between now and then, yeah.

 

[MasterofGrond]

I think that's why Fitz is harping on the top 9, not top 6 thing. He wants that 4th line to play a lot less.

and if you're not playing them as much, guys who actually shut down chances (like Lazar, but not Mikey) are really nice to have there

 

[Billdo]

Sprong’s probably going to get a contract that very much would not work for us but I want him

I've wanted him since his draft year.

 

[Forge]

Mikey, as a package, is about the same as Lazar. worse defensively, better PK, better FO.

I'd say he's probably better offensively. Obviously Mikey can't score for shit, but he had some somewhat positive moments on the offensive side of the puck this year.

and if you're not playing them as much, guys who actually shut down chances (like Lazar, but not Mikey) are really nice to have there

Yep. If this is the goal, someone like Lazar makes way more sense.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

I view Mikey as a 3rd line calibre player. I guess a luxury if he plays exclusively on the 4th line, but also nice to have as he can play more minutes when needed and in high leverage situations.

I think he's a 4th liner, doesn't have nearly the offence needed to move off the 4th

and if you're not playing them as much, guys who actually shut down chances (like Lazar, but not Mikey) are really nice to have there

Yep that's why I'd rather have Lazar at 1 than McLeod at 2

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

I'm interested to see what the analytics folks fill the roster with.

 

[MasterofGrond]

hope Bastian actually comes back though, and we dont have to get him through waivers (again)

 

[FascinationStreet]

not okay with letting Mcleod go for anything under 2m. He has to stay. Just my opinion but this team needs his skill set to round out the roster.

 

[bossram]

I think he's a 4th liner, doesn't have nearly the offence needed to move off the 4th


Yep that's why I'd rather have Lazar at 1 than McLeod at 2

He had 26 points last season. That's pretty well into third line production.

Your perception of true 4th liners is pretty skewed then. That's more like a Lazar.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

I view Mikey as a 3rd line calibre player. I guess a luxury if he plays exclusively on the 4th line, but also nice to have as he can play more minutes when needed and in high leverage situations.

Man has 10 goals over his last 157 games and is mid defensively. He’s a solid energy 4th liner with some playmaking skills, but no more.

 

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

I think if the team loses McLeod to free agency it will be a big loss. He's one of the best 4th liners in the league. And Lindy leans on him a lot for Dzone faceoffs.

The likes of Boqvist and Bastian are more replaceable. It wouldn't necessary worry me if they weren't brought back. Internally we have Holtz, Clarke and Thompson for RW options to replace Boqvist and Bastian. Nolan Foote is the internal Miles Wood replacement.

 

[Hisch13r]

McLeod’s a very mid 4th liner.

 

[Hischier and Hughes]

Bastian should be the priority. He’s far and away the best.

Bastian plays the least, produces the least, and is worth the least

What, besides advanced stats, says he is 'far and away' the best?

Teams dont let the 'far and away' best fourth liner hit expansion draft and then be unqualified.

I already can see where this is going though; and no, advanced stats dont tell the entire story

 

[RSeen]

Mikey's playoff performance may be leading to people overrating him. He is a 4th liner IMO. Same with Bastian. Both I'd like to retain though.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

I think if the team loses McLeod to free agency it will be a big loss. He's one of the best 4th liners in the league. And Lindy leans on him a lot for Dzone faceoffs.

The likes of Boqvist and Bastian are more replaceable. It wouldn't necessary worry me if they weren't brought back. Internally we have Holtz, Clarke and Thompson for RW options to replace Boqvist and Bastian. Nolan Foote is the internal Miles Wood replacement.

He certainly is not.

 

[Hischier and Hughes]

McLeod’s a very mid 4th liner.

I think this is more an irrational hatred for Mikey than it is your love for Bastian

Are you one of these people who thinks faceoffs dont matter at all? Should the league just remove them entirely and give each team possession to start a shift?

 

[bossram]

Man has 10 goals over his last 157 games and is mid defensively. He’s a solid energy 4th liner with some playmaking skills, but no more.

I was unaware that assists were not included in point totals. Good to know.

McLeod’s a very mid 4th liner.

You're usually one of the most reasonable/rationale posters here, but this is objectively wrong.

 

[Lou is God]

LOL good luck with that buddy

The comments from the Sharks fans, they're mad as hornets about wasting a pick. I feel bad for Grier, that's not going to be an easy rebuild.

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

Bastian plays the least, produces the least, and is worth the least

What, besides advanced stats, says he is 'far and away' the best?

Teams dont let the 'far and away' best fourth liner hit expansion draft and then be unqualified.

I already can see where this is going though; and no, advanced stats dont tell the entire story

He was the line driver on that BMW line. Also look at our record with v without him last year. He’s basically the Ryan Carter from the CBGB line, most underrated guy and doesn’t get his flowers by this fanbase + around the league

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Faceoffs matter very, very little overall.

We don't need to do this debate again though.

 

[Hischier and Hughes]

He certainly is not.

What/who would you consider a top end fourth liner? Or is this just a silly pedestal about having third liners on your fourth line?