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

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

the Rangers' offense stunk at 5 on 5 for the most part

I Would much rather have a team that can score consistently at 5 on 5 longterm vs a team that solely relies on the PP. Special teams results can vary so much from year to year.

 

[Buggsy]

The devil's had the worst goaltending in the league and and Defense has gotten worse without Subban and no replacement...

we are heading into the season with two top 4 defenders heading into UFA....are we going to let them get to UFA or are we going to move them in-season? In the case of Severson there is literally nothing in the organization to backfill,. there is nothing in the organization to backfill Subban, let alone Severson. The entire defense can literally be decimated by the deadline leaving us with only Seigenthaler and Hamilton as real NHL defenders if something significant isn't done this off season.

None of that speaks to the lack of size and of heavy players upfront that is becoming more and more of issue each year.

We have Bratt, Hughes, Sharangovich... even you want to throw in Nico who has never scored more than 21 goals, I not sure there is an adequate level of primary goal scorers up front...

Jack scored 26 in 49 games shooting at 15.8% and around 3.3 shots per game ...I don't think it is at all realistic to expect Jack to sustain a 15.8 shot%....if he maintains his shot rate and comes down to his career shooting percentage of 10.2 he's a 27 goal scorer.... assuming he plays 82 games which as of right now is hurdle.

Not nearly enough primary scoring possibility from the top 6.

If Mercer and Sharangovich takes steps in the goal department that would be helpful but it's really almost a necessity.

The major concern overall is there is not a dependable goal scorer here. If it works it needs to be mostly by committee.

That doesn't even address the secondary goal scoring which is pretty basically non-existent.

With massive jumps in offensive production from key players last year we still only managed to be 19th in the league in offense...a bottom 1/3 offense and the goaltending and the defense issues we have this team can easily be worse. As it is a lot has to go right just to be a serviceable team.

There is still an off-season ahead of us and a lot can still happen...thing is, stuff HAS TO happen just to keep up our heads above water.

So the path for the devils to be worse next season compared to last is that the they do literally nothing this off season, all the young players regress and they sell off 2 top 4 defenders at the trade deadline?

Doesn’t that seem like a statement that fits literally every team?

The Devils problems are well defined, we have discussed them all. Need better goaltending, need better structure, need forwards that go to the dirty areas and need some veteran leadership. Fitz has to know that and action it. If he doesn’t, it’s time for him to go.

My quick opinion is that we should sign someone like Niederreiter and Statsny to give a larger top 6 forward and a 3C get. Cast off Zacha and Johnson.

Bratt-Hischier-Niederreiter
Sharangovich-Hughes-Mercer
Tatar-Statsny-Zetterlund
Wood-Mcleod-Bastian

I think that in of itself would help tremendously. If another move was made that pushes Mercer or Sharangovich down a line, even better.


For defence, sign a cheap steady vet and play Okhotyuk or Bahl over Smith. That will help balance out the defence.

I think it's more likely that something like the above happens then all of the wheels fall off in your doom scenario.

Small deliberate changes are all that we need to be better.

 

[JimEIV]

- Basic needs

- another 20/25 goal scorer. Last year I was sort of banking on one of Zacha, Tatar or possibly Johnson being that guy...but no dice.

- A RHD that "could" play up to middle pairing but doesn't have to right now.

- A goalie that can play 45 games

"Nice to haves"

A least one player with size and willingess to go to net that can score 20 goals while playing with a bit of an edge... basically a better Johnsson/Tatar.... probably need two better players but at least one would make a difference.

Depending on the Graves situation adding an NHL LHD maybe a necessity. If Graves walks it would be a HUGE mistake to force one of the young LHD in a top 4 role...if there is any likelihood of Graves walking a cushion needs to be put in place.

 

[Lou is God]

- Basic needs

- another 20/25 goal scorer. Last year I was sort of banking on one of Zacha, Tatar or possibly Johnson being that guy...but no dice.

- A RHD that "could" play up to middle pairing but doesn't have to right now.

- A goalie that can play 45 games

"Nice to haves"

A least one player with size and willingess to go to net that can score 20 goals while playing with a bit of an edge... basically a better Johnsson/Tatar.... probably need two better players but at least one would make a difference.

Depending on the Graves situation adding an NHL LHD maybe a necessity. If Graves walks it would be a HUGE mistake to force one of the young LHD in a top 4 role...if there is any likelihood of Graves walking a cushion needs to be put in place.

This is all realistic takes, you're not wrong on any of what you wrote, but unlike most teams we have assets and cap space to check off most of these needs. Hopefully Fitz doesn't shit the bed this offseason despite stumbling out of the gate keeping Ruff onboard.

 

[Azathoth]

Rangers scored 6 more goals but they have much more dependable goal scoring than we do....we have players that could score 15 and may score 30...that's pretty much unknown

Zibanejad has pretty much been a lock for 25+ goals over the past 4 years, so has Krieder and so has Panarin. 2 of those guys are former 40+ goal scorers and the other a two time 90+ point player... that's dependable top 6 scoring
...you can almost bank on getting 80+ goals from those 3 players next year without even a thought. They actually had 103 goals combined this season for those three players.

We need need our top players to achieve new highs to even come close to equalling that type of production...that did last year but it's not at all realistic to expect 3 or 4 guys to continue to reach new highs years after year and all of them to stay healthy long enough to achieve it....it precarious at best.

You are living in fairytale land if you believe that we have anything remotely similar to that.

Interestingly, outside of this past season, Krieder averaged roughly 25.3 goals per 82 games, so I'd say its probably a good bet his numbers will come back down going forward. For reference, Rango has averaged 25.2 goals per 82 games (his sample size is certainly much shorter than Krieders though). Our much maligned captain has averaged 21 goals per 82 games.

Zibanejad is a bit better averaging 27 goals per 82 games (and he as only eclipsed 30 goals twice in 10 seasons).

Panarin's the best of the bunch averaging 30 goals per 82 games.

While I certainly wouldn't say no to acquiring 30 goal per season player, I think they Devils would benefit the most by fixing their power play, which doesn't come close to the Rangers (and the Rangers were actually worse than the Devils this past season at 5 on 5 goal scoring).

 

[JimEIV]

All three players are nearing the age when scoring typically begins to dry up - Panarin in particular looks like he's really lost a lot 5v5. I'd rather have Hughes, Bratt, and Hischier, but that's me - these guys are reaching the age where they begin to learn how to play on the power play. And yeah, the Devils need a goal scorer, they're going to get one.

I don't disagree at all.... obviously the two sets of players are on different ends of the timeline spectrum...

But with that older bunch, there is a level of certainty that doesn't exist with young players making their way.

It's a necessary evolution for our team but the evolution is no doubt going be a bumpy road. So I think it very much could be worse this year even with our best players progressing.

 

[swiiscompos]

I don't disagree at all.... obviously the two sets of players are on different ends of the timeline spectrum...

But with that older bunch, there is a level of certainty that does exist with young players making their way.

It's a necessary evolution for our team but the evolution is no doubt going be a bumpy road. So I think it very much could be worse this year even with our best players progressing.

Possible but statistically unlikely due to having had an outlier season both in goaltending and PP.

 

[JrFischer54]

Value standpoint it's hard to say no to that.

But Chychrun is not a great fit for the Devils. We don't need a LHD, and Chychrun typically misses a ton of games.

This team needs talent everywhere and anywhere I wouldn’t turn away someone good just because “we have guys”. Same goes for draft

 

[JimEIV]

Interestingly, outside of this past season, Krieder averaged roughly 25.3 goals per 82 games, so I'd say its probably a good bet his numbers will come back down going forward. For reference, Rango has averaged 25.2 goals per 82 games (his sample size is certainly much shorter than Krieders though). Our much maligned captain has averaged 21 goals per 82 games.

Zibanejad is a bit better averaging 27 goals per 82 games (and he as only eclipsed 30 goals twice in 10 seasons).

Panarin's the best of the bunch averaging 30 goals per 82 games.

While I certainly wouldn't say no to acquiring 30 goal per season player, I think they Devils would benefit the most by fixing their power play, which doesn't come close to the Rangers (and the Rangers were actually worse than the Devils this past season at 5 on 5 goal scoring).

This is sort of interesting to me...You think there is simply a structural problem and no a personnel problem regarding the PP?

I mean the Rangers PP is good because of Panarin, Zibanejad...And 26 goals from Kreider. Who is doing anything even similar here?

You think a new structure alone is all that is needed? Sure the structure can be worked on but who is the trigger man on this PP? Who is going to unleash the shot that goalies are going to have trouble with? Palmieri used to be that guy for us...I don't really see that in this lineup? EDIT: Truth is Zacha is the closest thing on this team to being able to provide that, but we have already sent him off for a package of sox and underwear.

From my point of view you can bring in the greatest X's and O's mind in the world....Nobody on this team is capable of scoring 26 PP goals...It's just the way its is.

 

[Devils090]

This is sort of interesting to me...You think there is simply a structural problem and no a personnel problem regarding the PP?

I mean the Rangers PP is good because of Panarin, Zibanejad...And 26 goals from Kreider. Who is doing anything even similar here?

You think a new structure alone is all that is needed? Sure the structure can be worked on but who is the trigger man on this PP? Who is going to unleash the shot that goalies are going to have trouble with? Palmieri used to be that guy for us...I don't really see that in this lineup?

From my point of view you can bring in the greatest X's and O's mind in the world....Nobody on this team is capable of scoring 26 PP goals...It's just the way its is.

Holtz would be the trigger man if he can make the jump this year and assuming he isn’t traded. And yeah the rags were the most overly reliant PP team I think I’ve ever seen but we don’t need to be, we just need to be above average.

 

[Nubmer6]

This is sort of interesting to me...You think there is simply a structural problem and no a personnel problem regarding the PP?

I mean the Rangers PP is good because of Panarin, Zibanejad...And 26 goals from Kreider. Who is doing anything even similar here?

You think a new structure alone is all that is needed? Sure the structure can be worked on but who is the trigger man on this PP? Who is going to unleash the shot that goalies are going to have trouble with? Palmieri used to be that guy for us...I don't really see that in this lineup?

From my point of view you can bring in the greatest X's and O's mind in the world....Nobody on this team is capable of scoring 26 PP goals...It's just the way its is.

Agreed. We need better trigger-men. Also, this team is constructed to score off the rush, which doesn't really work on the PP.

The system definitely had problems though. Too many shots from the point caused a lot of SHG. Also, Recchi had a pretty horrible track record running the PP, not just with us, but with Pitt too. It's one of the main reasons he was fired there. No clue why we'd hire him to run OUR PP.

 

[Eggtimer]

This team needs talent everywhere and anywhere I wouldn’t turn away someone good just because “we have guys”. Same goes for draft

I agree but we need to fill bigger needs first before adding a major piece where we have decent players already. Speneing very good assets should be used elsewhere first . If we used something like Holtz or pick #2 on Chychrun ,that leaves us with not much else to address other more important needs. Say an elite goalie pops up for trade. If we could not make an offer on him because we just used trade assets on another LHD …..that is poor asset management.
Makes zero sense to me. I agree that getting Chychrun would help us a lot , but not as much as filling other needs first.

 

[Devils090]

Agreed. We need better trigger-men. Also, this team is constructed to score off the rush, which doesn't really work on the PP.

The system definitely had problems though. Too many shots from the point caused a lot of SHG. Also, Recchi had a pretty horrible track record running the PP, not just with us, but with Pitt too. It's one of the main reasons he was fired there. No clue why we'd hire him to run OUR PP.

The Pens nepotism ran deep here for while, thank god it’s gone. Fitz is still clinging to his boy Ruff though, can’t imagine either survive another basement season.

 

[SKNJD9]

The team does like finishers... I think thats why the team seemingly likes Cutter Gauthier so much, I think the trading #2 rumors are mostly nonsense but moving back to 5/6/7 to take Gauthier is something I think intrigues Fitzy

 

[McDuffz88]

This team needs talent everywhere and anywhere I wouldn’t turn away someone good just because “we have guys”. Same goes for draft

Of course any position could use upgrades. But if we're trading assets then we only trade for positions of need. We need a goalie, top 6 winger, RD and an entire 3rd line before worrying about LD.

 

[Azathoth]

This is sort of interesting to me...You think there is simply a structural problem and no a personnel problem regarding the PP?

I mean the Rangers PP is good because of Panarin, Zibanejad...And 26 goals from Kreider. Who is doing anything even similar here?

You think a new structure alone is all that is needed? Sure the structure can be worked on but who is the trigger man on this PP? Who is going to unleash the shot that goalies are going to have trouble with? Palmieri used to be that guy for us...I don't really see that in this lineup? EDIT: Truth is Zacha is the closest thing on this team to being able to provide that, but we have already sent him off for a package of sox and underwear.

From my point of view you can bring in the greatest X's and O's mind in the world....Nobody on this team is capable of scoring 26 PP goals...It's just the way its is.

I think the answer is somewhere in the middle. Its not just X's and O's and I also don't think our players are as bad as they have been under Recchi, although as others have mentioned, the roster is constructed to take advantage of the rush and getting goals that way, where as the PP is more gain the zone, keep possession and get set up. They do need more triggermen ideally. Hughes definitely improved his shot this season and you'd think Holtz should do it. I have no idea why Yegor doesn't do better on the PP, his shot is heavy, but it does seem like he isn't quick to get it off so maybe that's it? I'd like to think a coach worth his salt could get a little bit more out of these players though.

When I was looking at player stats the other day, I though it was interesting that Nico for his career averages 38 5 on 5 pts per 82 games. Pettersson (whom many would pick over Nico in a re-draft) averages 40 5 on 5 points per 82. The big difference them is Nico only averages 12 PP points a season vs Pettersson's 28 PP points a season. The question is: Is Nico just a bad PP player, or would their stats be different if Pettersson spent his entire career here and Nico elsewhere?

As far as no one this team being capable of scoring 26 power play goals, until this past season, no one on the Rangers had ever come close doing that either. Until this past season, Krieder's best year was 11 PP goals and for his career averages 16 PP points a season. Panarin has never hit double digit PP goals though he does average 26 PP points a season. Zib for his career average about 19 PP points a season.

This season was definitely wonky with goal scoring, the Rangers (read Shesterkin) are going to be in a lot of trouble if their PP falls off a bit next year (and they do seem to vacillate between really good and average season by season).

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Of course any position could use upgrades. But if we're trading assets then we only trade for positions of need. We need a goalie, top 6 winger, RD and an entire 3rd line before worrying about LD.

but Holtz and/or 2nd overall are not going to be used to acquire a goalie, so why is it such a big deal...?

3rd line I am not so much worried about. I would sign one third liner, like a Mikheyev (just an example). Combine that with a Zetterlund and a Wood and I think we will be fine.

They definitely need a 3rd pairing DMan that can PK...I agree there.

 

[Oneiro]

At age 24, neither Zibanejad or Krieder had passed Nico’s rookie season in points. Zib was close at 51 (age 22). Panarin entered the league at age 24.

I don’t think patience is a cop out argument at all - it’s reality.

 

[theoptimist]

Boqvist has no business being 3C next year. Plz stop it.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Boqvist has no business being 3C next year. Plz stop it.

eh not sure I agree. The 2nd half of the season he played quite well, especially defensively which he was lacking up until that point.

Not saying I want him 100% there, but I don't think it would be THAT bad. Especially if you give him real wingers.

 

[Hisch13r]

At age 24, neither Zibanejad or Krieder had passed Nico’s rookie season in points. Zib was close at 51 (age 22). Panarin entered the league at age 24.

I don’t think patience is a cop out argument at all - it’s reality.

No he sucks.

 

[theoptimist]

eh not sure I agree. The 2nd half of the season he played quite well, especially defensively which he was lacking up until that point.

Not saying I want him 100% there, but I don't think it would be THAT bad. Especially if you give him real wingers.

Will be a major fail if we do not upgrade 3C. More than Gaudreau or any of the sexy names out there, we need a reliable 3C. I am done with Boqvist, 24, and 20.

 

[Bleedred]

- A goalie that can play 45 games

45 games? How about at least 55-60 games?

f*** Blackwood. I'm tired of the never-ending ''Ohhhh this guy is gonna bounce back! That guy's gonna bounce back!''. Blackwood sucks.

If we're relying on him to play close to 40 games after his last two years, say hello to another finish WELL out of the playoffs.

 

[Hisch13r]

eh not sure I agree. The 2nd half of the season he played quite well, especially defensively which he was lacking up until that point.

Not saying I want him 100% there, but I don't think it would be THAT bad. Especially if you give him real wingers.

I think ideally we add say Fiala and Puljujarvi and those are the 2 top 6 wings to go along with Bratt and Yegor and Mercer slides back into the 3C but I don’t have an issue with going back to Boqvist

 

[Bleedred]

Boqvist has no business being 3C next year. Plz stop it.

I was DEAD AGAINST even having him as a regular up until February-March.

I was notoriously pretty anti-Boqvist for the last I wanna say year before that.

I think he's earned a 3C spot for next year.

I think he's a ton better than McLeod. I actually always thought he was probably better than McLeod, other than for a while it looked like he might not be as good at actually registering points as McLeod, but even that thought is LONG gone.