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

[MadDevil]

how are you nerds STILL talking about faceoffs lol

It's this or argue about pipe dream trades with the #2 pick again.

 

[LeedsMonster]

Speaking of centers, how about Paul Stastny for the 3C and possibly pushing Boqvist to 4C/McLeod out of the lineup? Then again not sure how smart it is to splurge on a bottom 6 center with the goaltending issue + getting a winger in UFA.

Wanted Stas on this team for years.
Slafkovsky- Stastny- Zetterlund/ Thompson would be amazing. Use Boqvist in a package to Boston for Ullmark.

 

[Guttersniped]

Demko is a .915 save goaltender. Yes better than what we currently have but hardly stellar stats to warrant trading the 2nd overall.

When we traded for Schneider he had a career average .930.

Demko is pretty elite young goalies, Schneider wasn’t the starter, older and on a better team.

Demko was a major reason for their turnaround this season and he’s on a good contract. They have no reason to trade him so he’s not on the market.

Hellebuyck isn’t either, teams don’t typically move goalies when they don’t have other good options in nets.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

Then why was he taking it?

Umm because someone has to take it. Are you honestly suggesting Copp was put out there specifically to take the faceoff? He’s not even a good face off man. 44.4% in playoffs.

 

[Guttersniped]

Umm because someone has to take it. Are you honestly suggesting Copp was put out there specifically to take the faceoff? He’s not even a good face off man. 44.4% in playoffs.

That’s not historically true about his face-offs.

Andrew Copp Stats | Hockey-Reference.com

 

[Captain3rdLine]

That’s not historically true about his face-offs.

Andrew Copp Stats | Hockey-Reference.com

Doesn’t really matter. He certainly isn’t some great faceoff man.

Do you think Copp was put out on the second wave of the powerplay specifically to take that faceoff.

 

[Setec Astronomy]

Can someone just make up some rumor on Twitter so we can stop talking about faceoffs.

 

[MauDevils]

Faceoffs and it's only June...in order to get through the off-season we might have to start debating Bauer vs CCM.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

Faceoffs and it's only June...in order to get through the off-season we might have to start debating Bauer vs CCM.

Bauer

Draft in 25 days followed by free agency. We’ll be good for a while.

 

[Better Call Sal]

 

[RSeen]

I do wonder what we do with our bottom six in the future. If we are keeping a line of Wood-McLeod-Bastian, you have a physical 4th line that could potentially create some chances, but McLeod is definitely the weak link.

I could definitely see Zetterland getting an opportunity on the 3rd line with Boqvist. Then you have players like Foote and Thompson who could be ready to challenge for a spot. My personal feelings on Foote is that he may be too slow for this team, but he has a chance to get a spot.

Not sure we have room for players like Johnsson and Tatar frankly. I think you have to trade at least one to give some opportunities to our younger players who may be ready.

If we do make a trade for a Fiala/Debrincat type, I could see us trading someone like Foote in the package. Obviously he wouldn't have substantial value but we have quite a bit of depth pieces already.

 

[FooteBahl]

Can someone just make up some rumor on Twitter so we can stop talking about faceoffs.

 

[devilsblood]

Speaking of centers, how about Paul Stastny for the 3C and possibly pushing Boqvist to 4C/McLeod out of the lineup? Then again not sure how smart it is to splurge on a bottom 6 center with the goaltending issue + getting a winger in UFA.

I'd rather just roll Boq as the 3C.

If we were to upgrade the 3c, Boq would not push McLeod out as the 4C. McLeod plays in a ton of defensive situations for which Boq is not suited.

Stastny is interesting in that he has been able to remain effective through his mid 30's. But he does turn 37 next year.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

I do wonder what we do with our bottom six in the future. If we are keeping a line of Wood-McLeod-Bastian, you have a physical 4th line that could potentially create some chances, but McLeod is definitely the weak link.

I could definitely see Zetterland getting an opportunity on the 3rd line with Boqvist. Then you have players like Foote and Thompson who could be ready to challenge for a spot. My personal feelings on Foote is that he may be too slow for this team, but he has a chance to get a spot.

Not sure we have room for players like Johnsson and Tatar frankly. I think you have to trade at least one to give some opportunities to our younger players who may be ready.

If we do make a trade for a Fiala/Debrincat type, I could see us trading someone like Foote in the package. Obviously he wouldn't have substantial value but we have quite a bit of depth pieces already.

Johnsson will likely be gone, Tatar will very likely be back, especially if we draft a certain Slovakian who he became a bit of a mentor to.

McLeod can start as 4C with his speed but I’d like to bring in guys like Nico Sturm and Johan Larsson who could fill in for him or even Boqvist if they struggle or get injured.

 

[glenwo2]

Can someone just make up some rumor on Twitter so we can stop talking about faceoffs.

The Bratt Pack (@TheBrattPack63)

I want every single person who doesn't believe me about the Bratt extension to screenshot this tweet right now If i am correct you have to admit you were wrong and also that you're a loser who hates fun - and then you have to pledge your allegiance to the Bratt pack

nitter.net

There.

 

[Derps]

I'd rather just roll Boq as the 3C.

If we were to upgrade the 3c, Boq would not push McLeod out as the 4C. McLeod plays in a ton of defensive situations for which Boq is not suited.

Stastny is interesting in that he has been able to remain effective through his mid 30's. But he does turn 37 next year.

Tbf mcleod isn’t really suited for those defensive minutes, either.

 

[devilsblood]

I do wonder what we do with our bottom six in the future. If we are keeping a line of Wood-McLeod-Bastian, you have a physical 4th line that could potentially create some chances, but McLeod is definitely the weak link.

I could definitely see Zetterland getting an opportunity on the 3rd line with Boqvist. Then you have players like Foote and Thompson who could be ready to challenge for a spot. My personal feelings on Foote is that he may be too slow for this team, but he has a chance to get a spot.

Not sure we have room for players like Johnsson and Tatar frankly. I think you have to trade at least one to give some opportunities to our younger players who may be ready.

If we do make a trade for a Fiala/Debrincat type, I could see us trading someone like Foote in the package. Obviously he wouldn't have substantial value but we have quite a bit of depth pieces already.

Personally I love our 4th line, and love it even more looking fwd. Remember McLeod and Bastian just turned 24 this past season. Pretty young guys playing very difficult minutes. Like most difficult in the league type minutes. I'm thinking there is more upside there not only as they mature as defensive fwds in the NHL, but also as guys like Boq and Hughes handle more difficult situations, and thus ease the 4th lines burden.

I'm not as familiar with cap scenarios throughout the league as other posters here but there was talk of a Johnsson to Arizona trade so they can meet the floor. But yeah trading one or two of Johnsson Tatar Zacha seems to be something that needs to happen. Keeping one of those guys is fine though.

Tatar Boq Zetterlund looks like a good 3rd line to start the year. Guys like Thompson, Clarke and Foote providing depth in Utica.

 

[devilsblood]

Tbf mcleod isn’t really suited for those defensive minutes, either.

At 23/24 should he have been taking more defensive zone faceoffs than any other player in the league? Probably not. But he is a good defensive fwd.

 

[BurntToast]

Listen, the problem is the “3rd line”not the Super Buddies line. If Mikey was actually playing 4th line center and not 2nd line (21’ Season) or 3rd libe (22’ Season) then we are fine.

The real issue is Boq, he did well down the stretch but he is better suited for a top 6. I am not saying the Devils need a traditional “1checking line” but if it’s not a scoring line then…

This is were a top 6 wing could help. It could bump Shara back down to 3. Also is Mercer a Center or wing?

Like others have said having Wright start out as a 3rd line center, wouldn’t be the worst problem.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

I must have missed the part where I said we should only make one move.

My opinion is we have the luxury, of letting our blue chip prospects turn into blue chip players, instead of shipping them out for guys that cost assets and need new big money contracts.

Why? Because the best outcome for us, would be our cost controlled players panning out. And we are unlikely to contend with our goaltending and team defense as is, or even what’s it’s projected as.

Not seeing a reason to mortgage that future for DeBrincat or Fiala types now, when there’s more potential to ice a top 5 lineup in the league WITH our cost controlled blue chip players, playing WITH our home grown blue chip players on favorable contracts.

Adding now, by subtracting some of that potential, feels short sighted to me. Would rather draft slaf, play Holtz, add a goalie, beef up third line with more interior players, find solid third pair replacement. And focus on becoming a better team, that’s harder to pay against this season and see a little more of what we’ve got, before we commit to bringing in higher priced players.

Our ceiling is higher and our contention window is longer if we resist some temptation now, IMO

You cannot simply just say "okay lets develop only the kids and we'll be fine!" These young guys need to be supplemented with the right veterans, and so far that has not happened on this team.

What "cost controlled" blue chip prospects do we have right now? Dawson Mercer. Thats it. We dont know what Holtz or #2 overall will be and we should stop projected them to be sure-fire stars when that just isn't reality.

Hughes, Hischier, Bratt, etc are all not on their ELCs anymore.

I've seen plenty of what we've got, and it isn't good enough. They need to bring in help outside the organization in the form of winning veteran players.

 

[njdevils1982]

View attachment 558247

 

[devilsblood]

You cannot simply just say "okay lets develop only the kids and we'll be fine!" These young guys need to be supplemented with the right veterans, and so far that has not happened on this team.

What "cost controlled" blue chip prospects do we have right now? Dawson Mercer. Thats it. We dont know what Holtz or #2 overall will be and we should stop projected them to be sure-fire stars when that just isn't reality.

Hughes, Hischier, Bratt, etc are all not on their ELCs anymore.

I've seen plenty of what we've got, and it isn't good enough. They need to bring in help outside the organization in the form of winning veteran players.

Dougie, Graves, Tatar?

And what happened to "skills skills skills"?

Not that I am against the idea in general. But I'm just not looking to trade valuable chips for a winning vet who will take up a lot of cap space. Solid vet defensive oriented 3rd pair RHD is my #2 priority. I'd be OK with a similar 3rd line lw but need to clear out the previous acquisitions who didn't pan out, ie Tatar and Johnsson.

 

[devilsblood]

Listen, the problem is the “3rd line”not the Super Buddies line. If Mikey was actually playing 4th line center and not 2nd line (21’ Season) or 3rd libe (22’ Season) then we are fine.

The real issue is Boq, he did well down the stretch but he is better suited for a top 6. I am not saying the Devils need a traditional “1checking line” but if it’s not a scoring line then…

This is were a top 6 wing could help. It could bump Shara back down to 3. Also is Mercer a Center or wing?

Like others have said having Wright start out as a 3rd line center, wouldn’t be the worst problem.

But Boq earned the chance imo. I thought he earned it going into this season, was squeezed due to a hot Mercer, but this season, that's Boq's spot. Zetterlund on his right,

Now did Boq boost his value to the point where we trade him for a cap casualty solid vet 3rd center? I guess, but I don't think you look to displace Boq without moving Boq.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Dougie, Graves, Tatar?

And what happened to "skills skills skills"?

Not that I am against the idea in general. But I'm just not looking to trade valuable chips for a winning vet who will take up a lot of cap space. Solid vet defensive oriented 3rd pair RHD is my #2 priority. I'd be OK with a similar 3rd line lw but need to clear out the previous acquisitions who didn't pan out, ie Tatar and Johnsson.

Dougie and Graves were seemingly good adds.

Tatar is a floater. I was fine with signing him but I was clearly wrong. Guys like him, Zacha, etc need to go.

 

[devilsblood]

Dougie and Graves were seemingly good adds.

Tatar is a floater. I was fine with signing him but I was clearly wrong. Guys like him, Zacha, etc need to go.

Need a bounce back from Dougie. A bit of a underrated story line in this season, but Dougie going from top d-man in the league who never missed games to injured, and then not good, was a significant hindrance on the season.

I thought Graves was good (others disagree I think) . Tatar's OK.

Point was we have added some vets. Though maybe not enough? Still I think the vet adds that are needed should not be high priced guys. Dougie made sense as we needed a top pair D-man, especially a RHD. I don't think the need is the same for a goal scoring winger. Not with Shara, Mercer, Bratt, Holtz and possibly Slaf.

Of course it was all undermined by the goal tending, which skews everything.