Devils team discussion (news, notes and speculation) - camp edition

[forceten]

Where is here?

Raleigh, NC

 

[My3Sons]

Raleigh, NC

Oh yeah. That’s a stronghold for southern food favorites.

 

[Nubmer6]

5 days to get things straight.
1st who actually are the Comets and who heads out to Adirondack.
Who does NJ send down by 10/7. Those waiver eligible have to wait 24 hours before being assigned.
After getting that all straight, who skates with whom making up the Comets lines to start the season.
Who makes up the D-pairs.
Are their unhealthy guys in NJ who can't come down until they are game ready. That may determine a Thunder player stays here until such time that player is sent down.

I'm sorry. If you can't see that the Comets had a harder time during the preseason that's on you. That's my stance and I won't argue about it any further.

I'm not really arguing (I'm pretty nonconfrontational). I'm saying you can consider the remaining "devils" preseason games as part of the Utica training camp. The cuts while not official, are by and large made with the exception of a couple extras that went to Prague. I presume Dineen will be coaching the players left in NJ.

I didn't really think about the personal aspects like finding housing, etc, and yeah, it's not optimal, but at the same time I don't consider it just a 5 day camp. It's pretty much started now.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Raleigh, NC

Raleigh Devils fans unite! All 2 of us!

 

[HBK27]

So...doesn't really seem like there will be any roster surprises come October 7th when the final rosters are due, barring any injuries in Prague.

Only possible question mark I see is Foote vs. Lebanc. Wasn't surprising to see Lebanc get left in NJ as it gives him 3 additional preseason games to make his case. I do wonder if maybe Foote should've also been left behind considering he only played 8 games last season and averaged just 11:11 ice time through 3 preseason games with little to show for it (4 SOG, -3). I suppose he'd be the first forward to draw into the lineup in Saturday's game if there's an injury on Friday though, so I get it. Just not sure how safe his spot is on the roster, but I could see them not wanting to risk losing him on waivers. Would like to see Lebanc stick around though as he would be one of the first call-ups at forward from Utica given the lack of depth there.

Defense seems set to start with Pesce, Hughes and Hattaka all injured and Zboril seemingly not doing enough to warrant a roster spot.

Pesce seems like the closest of the 3 to returning. Players put on LTIR to start the season have to miss the first 10 games and 24 days of the season...though I'm not sure how this weekend's games would factor into that given the final roster doesn't need to be set until afterwards. Putting Luke and Hatakka on LTIR gives us enough space (by $126K) to be cap compliant to start the season. Of course, this means that we cannot accrue any cap space at the start of the season which is not ideal.

If my math is correct, once one of Luke or Hatakka is ready to come off of LTIR the other one can also come off and be put on IR and we would have $151,103 of cap space...though that's only if Casey is sent down to Utica. If Casey stays up, one of those guys need to remain on LTIR as Casey's cap hit is +$175K more than Hatakka or DeSimone. Of course, this all assumes no other injuries (doubtful) or other circumstances (for instance, Lebanc at $775K versus Foote at $825K).

Regardless, looks like it will be a bit of a tightrope this season with how Fitz manages cap space. A fully healthy roster gives us $926K in space, so even one injury eats most if not all of that up. Can see why it was so important for Fitz to get retention on both Markstrom and Allen, plus the value of Cotter making league minimum for the next two seasons.

 

[Poppy Whoa Sonnet]

So...doesn't really seem like there will be any roster surprises come October 7th when the final rosters are due, barring any injuries in Prague.

Only possible question mark I see is Foote vs. Lebanc. Wasn't surprising to see Lebanc get left in NJ as it gives him 3 additional preseason games to make his case. I do wonder if maybe Foote should've also been left behind considering he only played 8 games last season and averaged just 11:11 ice time through 3 preseason games with little to show for it (4 SOG, -3). I suppose he'd be the first forward to draw into the lineup in Saturday's game if there's an injury on Friday though, so I get it. Just not sure how safe his spot is on the roster, but I could see them not wanting to risk losing him on waivers. Would like to see Lebanc stick around though as he would be one of the first call-ups at forward from Utica given the lack of depth there.

Defense seems set to start with Pesce, Hughes and Hattaka all injured and Zboril seemingly not doing enough to warrant a roster spot.

Pesce seems like the closest of the 3 to returning. Players put on LTIR to start the season have to miss the first 10 games and 24 days of the season...though I'm not sure how this weekend's games would factor into that given the final roster doesn't need to be set until afterwards. Putting Luke and Hatakka on LTIR gives us enough space (by $126K) to be cap compliant to start the season. Of course, this means that we cannot accrue any cap space at the start of the season which is not ideal.

If my math is correct, once one of Luke or Hatakka is ready to come off of LTIR the other one can also come off and be put on IR and we would have $151,103 of cap space...though that's only if Casey is sent down to Utica. If Casey stays up, one of those guys need to remain on LTIR as Casey's cap hit is +$175K more than Hatakka or DeSimone. Of course, this all assumes no other injuries (doubtful) or other circumstances (for instance, Lebanc at $775K versus Foote at $825K).

Regardless, looks like it will be a bit of a tightrope this season with how Fitz manages cap space. A fully healthy roster gives us $926K in space, so even one injury eats most if not all of that up. Can see why it was so important for Fitz to get retention on both Markstrom and Allen, plus the value of Cotter making league minimum for the next two seasons.

A mill in cap space to open the season seems great?

New Jersey Devils | Salary cap and contracts

Compared to other teams:

CapWages - NHL Salary Cap Data

CapWages provides the latest NHL salary cap data and player contracts.

capwages.com

NJ should have a lot of accrued cap space by the deadline right for an acquisition or two? I'm legitimately not sure why you are concerned. Seems like the team is properly capped out to try and go on a run.

 

[tailfins]

I'm unclear as to why the Devils aren't waiving players along with the big masses of cuts. I understand that they risk losing the player, but for many of these players, is that a huge problem? And, the upside is that if you waive players before other rosters are set, you might be able to sneak someone down (Foote, DeSimone, Hattaka - if not injured). Plus, they they create flexibility of when to send the player down once waived.

Having to waive these guys after the season starts feels way more risky to me.

 

[HBK27]

A mill in cap space to open the season seems great?

New Jersey Devils | Salary cap and contracts

Compared to other teams:

CapWages - NHL Salary Cap Data

CapWages provides the latest NHL salary cap data and player contracts.

capwages.com

NJ should have a lot of accrued cap space by the deadline right for an acquisition or two? I'm legitimately not sure why you are concerned. Seems like the team is properly capped out to try and go on a run.

Not really "concerned" as much as I'm intrigued by the situation, as I like understanding the details in managing the cap.

Ultimately, I think they'll be fine and will have more than enough cap space for any moves come the TDL. It certainly makes things easier (and cheaper) if you don't require the other team to retain or can take on a player with a higher cap hit that others cannot. I also like that Fitz is spending closely to the cap, but it's worth following during the season and the team may have to dip in and out of LTIR during the season as injuries strike or make decisions to try to accrue cap space during the season.

 

[HBK27]

I'm unclear as to why the Devils aren't waiving players along with the big masses of cuts. I understand that they risk losing the player, but for many of these players, is that a huge problem? And, the upside is that if you waive players before other rosters are set, you might be able to sneak someone down (Foote, DeSimone, Hattaka - if not injured). Plus, they they create flexibility of when to send the player down once waived.

Having to waive these guys after the season starts feels way more risky to me.

I don't see any upside in waiving guys now - most guys are going to pass through whether you waive them now or right before the season.

Hatakka is injured and can't be waived.

Foote and DeSimone are currently projected to be on the opening night roster. Foote as the 14th forward and DeSimone as the 7th defenseman given the injuries to Pesce, Luke & Hatakka. They're also both in Prague right now as extras and we may come out of those games with even more injuries. Makes absolutely not sense to risk losing either one of those guys now to waivers to just try to sneak them through early.

I think there's an outside chance Foote hits waivers after this weekend if they decide to sign Lebanc, but the more likely scenario is he's on the opening night roster anyway.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

I'm unclear as to why the Devils aren't waiving players along with the big masses of cuts. I understand that they risk losing the player, but for many of these players, is that a huge problem? And, the upside is that if you waive players before other rosters are set, you might be able to sneak someone down (Foote, DeSimone, Hattaka - if not injured). Plus, they they create flexibility of when to send the player down once waived.

Having to waive these guys after the season starts feels way more risky to me.

its the opposite, actually

waiting to waive the players means other teams probably have their rosters set or close to set. Remember if someone else claims them, they have to waive someone to make space.

 

[Bad Goalie]

its the opposite, actually

waiting to waive the players means other teams probably have their rosters set or close to set. Remember if someone else claims them, they have to waive someone to make space.

Or at least send someone down who doesn't need to clear. The guy they claim, as you say, must be placed on the NHL roster. Hard for me to believe Foote, Hatakka, Bowers, or Lebanc would be that high on anyone's list after their team was set and White for certain.

 

[HBK27]

Or at least send someone down who doesn't need to clear. The guy they claim, as you say, must be placed on the NHL roster. Hard for me to believe Foote, Hatakka, Bowers, or Lebanc would be that high on anyone's list after their team was set and White for certain.

Foote could draw some interest, given he's still just a 23-year old (soon to be 24) former 1st round pick with size and a scoring touch. Could easily see a bottom-feeder rolling the dice on him.

The Athletic included him in a recent article highlighting a dozen skaters that might be waiver wire claims.

Hatakka we don't have to worry about for a few weeks as he's injured. He probably makes it through though, pending injury situations with other teams a few weeks from now.

DeSimone is a minor risk. Friedman mentioned that the Kings might be looking for a RHD on the waiver wire now that Doughty is injured, but given the injury situation DeSimone makes the opening night roster anyway.

Lebanc is a PTO. If the Devils sign him with the intention of assigning him to Utica, it seems unlikely he'd be claimed as he could've just signed a contract with that team in the first place.

 

[Hockey Sports Fan]

did we know Vilen was injured or is this just more wood on (off?) the fire?

https://x.com/i/web/status/1841141623285047486

 

[Devs3cups]

did we know Vilen was injured or is this just more wood on (off?) the fire?

https://x.com/i/web/status/1841141623285047486

He must’ve gotten injured last night!

 

[Bad Goalie]

He must’ve gotten injured last night!

That's my take as well. The Comets D-corps once felt to be superb is now being held together with binding twine.

Let me add to this.
The above was mostly initiated by the Devils D falling apart.

The injuries:
Pesce suffered a broken leg last season in the playoffs and he was traded for in that state. He is still out.
Luke Hughes injured his shoulder during the off season and is estimated to be out at least another month and some say no earlier than mid-November.
Nemec was injured during the World qualifying tournament and is playing but doesn't appear to be right.
Hatakka was brought on board to replace Luke and he is now injured. DeSimone is the healthy right side extra.
Casey, who was slated to be in Utica has taken advantage and become top-6.
White made the trip.
Now Vilen is hurt.

Comets current D is
Misyul (the only solid young D-man on this list)
Diotte (an undrafted rookie, who might be good)
MacKinnon (a barely competent 3rd pairing and #7/8 if all at both levels had been healthy)
White (if they don't find a need for him in NJ and with the original predictions would have been fighting to stay at #6 , but very likely #7)
van de Leest (should be in Adirondack)

What a F-ing mess.

 

[tailfins]

I don't see any upside in waiving guys now - most guys are going to pass through whether you waive them now or right before the season.

Hatakka is injured and can't be waived.

Foote and DeSimone are currently projected to be on the opening night roster. Foote as the 14th forward and DeSimone as the 7th defenseman given the injuries to Pesce, Luke & Hatakka. They're also both in Prague right now as extras and we may come out of those games with even more injuries. Makes absolutely not sense to risk losing either one of those guys now to waivers to just try to sneak them through early.

I think there's an outside chance Foote hits waivers after this weekend if they decide to sign Lebanc, but the more likely scenario is he's on the opening night roster anyway.

its the opposite, actually

waiting to waive the players means other teams probably have their rosters set or close to set. Remember if someone else claims them, they have to waive someone to make space.

I'm early with this issue. Rosters need to be submitted 5pm on Oct 7. I don't know what that means for waivers, but clearly teams have at least a few days more before the final wave of cuts.

That said, I know the Devils in the past have waited until after the season started waive players - and it's cost them.

You can waive someone and not re-assign them. Sometimes NHL teams use this tactic, but mostly they waive in order to make the roster move right then. I'm just pointing out that waiving players with the big round of cuts would be more beneficial than waiting until the team needs to make the roster move.

If you wait until after the season begins to waive Foote and DeSimone:

1. If there's an injury around the league, there's a new roster spot somewhere needing to be filled that wasn't there a few days earlier.

2. Foote, DeSimone are likely the only players on waivers (so there's limited choice to fill that roster spot). Right now, teams who are looking to upgrade rosters / plug holes due to injury have a lot of options. That won't be true after the season starts.

 

[HBK27]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1841132353965457531

 

[Bad Goalie]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1841132353965457531

That's somewhat encouraging, but it will be up to Poulter and a super defensive effort to keep the Comets in it.

 

[Goptor]

I don't think Lebanc was ever a consideration for this team.

I think it was an instance of a local wanting a high intensity training camp and the Devils obliging. Similar to Hickey a couple years ago.

 

[Devils731]

I don't think Lebanc was ever a consideration for this team.

I think it was an instance of a local wanting a high intensity training camp and the Devils obliging. Similar to Hickey a couple years ago.

I agree, I don’t think Labanc had a real shot to make the team out of training camp.

I think training camp was his shot to try and convince a team he is worth a 1 way, or 2 way deal with good guarantee minimum, contract.

For me, I’d offer him a 2-way deal with a pretty decent floor, maybe like $450k, with the understanding that he’s probably here to be an AHL all-star but that anything can happen if he proves his work in Utica.

 

[Bleedred]

I had one of the stupidest dreams I've ever had last night or this morning not too long before I woke up. It was extremely vivid, but I still made sure to write down the summary in the notepad of my phone, in case I forgot it by now.

I was at a Devils game, not even sure where it was supposed to be. The setting looked more like a school gymnasium than an NHL arena or hockey rink of any kind.

I yelled something or was complaining about something that pissed me off, and Sergei Brylin yelled at me and had a few choice words for me. So I went off on him verbally. I'm sure I cursed and screamed at him as much as I could. And we got into it. I started up a ''BRYLIN SUCKS! BRYLIN SUCKS! BRYLIN SUCKS!'' chant, which I think I was the only one chanting it lol.

After the game ended, I was reprimanded by Scott Stevens, who gave me quite a lambasting, and even made fun of me for wearing a hoodie to a hockey game and not a jersey lol. What is the significance of that? I'm not sure, it's a dream, it made no sense. I'm not sure if Stevens was supposed to be a team employee also in the dream of if Sarge called in a favor to his friend for him to come out and confront me lol.

Don't ask why it was Brylin I got into it with, and not Dave Rogalski (who is never on the bench anyway) or Travis Green or Kowalski or some guy from the past. I don't secretly dislike Sergei Brylin or anything, so I'm not sure why he was the antagonist or target in my dream.

Don't give me too hard of a time, I can't control what I dream about.

 

[Bleedred]

I don't think Lebanc was ever a consideration for this team.

I think it was an instance of a local wanting a high intensity training camp and the Devils obliging. Similar to Hickey a couple years ago.

I agree, I don’t think Labanc had a real shot to make the team out of training camp.

I think training camp was his shot to try and convince a team he is worth a 1 way, or 2 way deal with good guarantee minimum, contract.

For me, I’d offer him a 2-way deal with a pretty decent floor, maybe like $450k, with the understanding that he’s probably here to be an AHL all-star but that anything can happen if he proves his work in Utica.

Was Labanc released from his tryout today? I can't find anything about it, but this sounds as if he was.

 

[Goptor]

Was Labanc released from his tryout today? I can't find anything about it, but this sounds as if he was.

He wasn't released. Someone wondered why he wasn't on the trip to Prague.

 

[Devils731]

Was Labanc released from his tryout today? I can't find anything about it, but this sounds as if he was.

No, I think there is just chatter around Labanc because he’s one of the few question marks remaining in training camp. So the question is, what should the Devils and other teams be offering Labanc, if anything?

 

[HBK27]

Was Labanc released from his tryout today? I can't find anything about it, but this sounds as if he was.

No, Lebanc is still around.

Hutchinson was released from his PTO today.

I disagree that Lebanc was never a consideration for this team. He's 28 years old with 500+ NHL games under his belt. I'm sure his play has fallen off (thus the PTO), but if we had some injuries at forward who exactly is getting the call from Utica? Nobody really stands out at forward.

As it stands (for now) the forward group is healthy. I would give him a big AHL salary as someone suggested and see if he'll play in Utica to add to our depth down there.