Devils team discussion (news, notes and speculation) - part V

[NjdevilfanJim]

You do not move Mercer for Meier but f***ing lol at saying Mercer’s a better player right now. Meier’s better at basically everything.

Really so Timo isn't put in a lot better situations than Mercer....Mercer plays a complete 200 foot game so if Meier does you make the trade....

 

[theoptimist]

His line changes? Ok, lol

I don’t think his shot selection is bad at all but his finishing is kind of shot (heh).

He’s had a couple lately that he didn’t just sort of muscle in or that bounced off him though, like his sorta one timer vs Minny and last night’s backhand goal. Nice to see.

View attachment 656051
Tatar is an excellent possession player, he’s just on the puck carrier a lot. He works really well in this system and just about everyone plays better with him.

I’ll always treasure how the multi-named poster who endlessly dragged @Hisch13r and others over the Tatar signing in the off-season to a ludicrous degree.

Just on and on about his awful he is and how he was always was a floating, defensively suspect product of his linemates in the Tatar-Danault-Gally line. And how wrong about hockey they are for liking the signing.

And turns out he can roughly be that same player further down the age curve (minus the same PP production, alas). So yeah.

Not so bad for a last call pick-up signed in August after everyone else turned Fitzy down at the bar.

Spoiler: Tatar vs Tatar

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Appreciate you sharing this. I was going to take an L with the analytics crowd because he certainly is a useful player, but not someone I want in our top 6 (with term) after this season.

 

[Guadana]

Taylor Hall (b.1991) Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com

Statistics of Taylor Hall, a hockey player from Calgary, ALTA born Nov 14 1991 who was active from 2007 to 2024.

www.hockeydb.com

Dawson Mercer Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com

Statistics of Dawson Mercer, a hockey player from Carbonear, NFLD born Oct 27 2001 who was active from 2017 to 2024.

www.hockeydb.com

Thanks Hall for 2017-2018 but this trade looks more and more beautiful by the day. If we got Mercer + another prospect in this deal it'd be insanity but getting Bahl, 3rd which was flipped for Siegs, and then the better player 3 years into the deal is an absolute slam dunk and franchise changing.

I didn`t recognize that Mercer is now having more goals and points than Taylor Hall.

 

[Brodeur]

I don't see Jeff Friesen's name on the list. I assume he'll possibly be in San Jose for the Patrick Marleau jersey retirement, which is on the same night.

I was reminded that Friesen did a podcast with Cam Janssen and Andy Strickland recently. Started listening to it and I didn't know that he settled in Anaheim and was working as an assistant coach with the Junior Ducks program. So it would make geographical sense to fly up to San Jose instead. If I'm reading their schedule correctly, Friesen might be in San Jose anyways since the Junior Ducks are playing there in a tournament this weekend.

JR DUCKS 16U AAA

www.jrducks.com

In the podcast, Friesen name dropped Alex Kim as the team's coach. My random story was getting a phone call from a friend ~2002 who said her friend was on a date with Kim. He was telling her that he just signed a multimillion dollar contract with the Kings, so they were checking with me to see if his story was legit. Unfortunately I explained what a two way contract was and that he technically wasn't lying but also wasn't telling the whole truth. [/cockblock]

 

[Guttersniped]

Appreciate you sharing this. I was going to take an L with the analytics crowd because he certainly is a useful player, but not someone I want in our top 6 (with term) after this season.

I don’t think we re-sign him unless he gives us a team friendly discount and I wouldn’t want to commit to him much either with term.

I would have to think about more than 1 year, 2 years would have to bring the AAV down even more and that’s enough years thanks.

A lot depends on what our overall situation looks like, I can’t worry about secondary guys before knowing who the big dogs are.

Tatar also might use his bounce back year to squeeze a nice last hurrah deal for more money somewhere else.

But it’s not the craziest idea for him to become a cheaper piece for us, he would just have to take the pay cut.

He doesn’t score goals like he used to, he could fall off the face of the earth if he signs with a team with a bad fit. Older wingers have the toughest time on the UFA market.

 

[theoptimist]

I don’t think we re-sign him unless he gives us a team friendly discount and I wouldn’t want to commit to him much either with term.

I would have to think about more than 1 year, 2 years would have to bring the AAV down even more and that’s enough years thanks.

A lot depends on what our overall situation looks like, I can’t worry about secondary guys before knowing who the big dogs are.

Tatar also might use his bounce back year to squeeze a nice last hurrah deal for more money somewhere else.

But it’s not the craziest idea for him to become a cheaper piece for us, he would just have to take the pay cut.

He doesn’t score goals like he used to, he could fall off the face of the earth if he signs with a team with a bad fit. Older wingers have the toughest time on the UFA market.

It's the 3-4M that I want to save for a LHD/RHD upgrade depending on how ready Luke and Nemec are next season. If Sharangovich doesn't go to SJ, that could be his money or Mercer's...who knows...

I also want Haula back, but don't know what they'll choose to do at 2C/3C next season.....

 

[Devilsfan992]

From what I heard around the grapevine, Mercer is completely off the table for Meier. Not really surprising, but it was assuring to hear.

 

[TrufleShufle]

From what I heard around the grapevine, Mercer is completely off the table for Meier. Not really surprising, but it was assuring to hear.

We won't ask for a source because it's something we all wanted to hear.

 

[Devils731]

We won't ask for a source because it's something we all wanted to hear.

Life is better when I uncritically accept good news.

 

[Eggtimer]

The more I watch him play the more I like him as well. If Meier is out for Fitz, I would go after Barbashev and Nino

I want to add too but I dont want to add for the sake of adding.
And I for sure don’t want to add if it means we cannot afford to get an elite winger at some point.
I know that sounds boring but I think its worth it to be patient. Adding a Barbashev is not going to move the needle enough compared to how much we will have to give up . Plenty of teams are after Barbashev. No point getting in a bidding war over a third liner.
I domt think Fitz uses assets on rentals unless they are not that costly (3rd rounder / lower level prospect at most )

 

[Camille the Eel]

A big question for the end of this season and the playoffs is how and if we plan to utilize Luke Hughes. We’ve been quite well set with our defense pairings and right side D. But you could certainly see Luke coming in, after Michigan ends its season and playing in Smith’s spot, but at the cost of experience and grit factor in Stanley Cup hockey. Or do we send him to Utica?

Several years before last years cup win - maybe 2 to 3 - Colorado brought the young Makar into the lineup and he had a pretty electric series or two.

Would we venture the same with Luke?

Switching topics, I would be very happy to see us do nothing at the deadline and go with what we have. I actually continue to believe strongly that Holtz has a bright future in the NHL and that we should continue to be patient with developing and playing him regular minutes next year. I like our prospect pool just fine. Keep the money we would spend on Meier and the young players. One guy, even gifted, doesn’t put us over the top. And if they do, go into the free agent market later on and don’t make major moves in the crazy atmosphere surrounding the trade deadline.

I pray Fitzgerald keeps his head. The frenzy to get guys now - even Meier - is shortsighted and irrational unless we can get him without giving up ANY major prospect. We can always sign a guy for nothing in free agency later on over the next couple years.

Meanwhile absorb the talent we already have, especially Hughes, Nemec and Holtz. What’s the rush to do otherwise?

 

[Better Call Sal]

This makes me so happy.

I love seeing Gio back in the right colors.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

A big question for the end of this season and the playoffs is how and if we plan to utilize Luke Hughes. We’ve been quite well set with our defense pairings and right side D. But you could certainly see Luke coming in, after Michigan ends its season and playing in Smith’s spot, but at the cost of experience and grit factor in Stanley Cup hockey. Or do we send him to Utica?

Several years before last years cup win - maybe 2 to 3 - Colorado brought the young Makar into the lineup and he had a pretty electric series or two.

Would we venture the same with Luke?

Switching topics, I would be very happy to see us do nothing at the deadline and go with what we have. I actually continue to believe strongly that Holtz has a bright future in the NHL and that we should continue to be patient with developing and playing him regular minutes next year. I like our prospect pool just fine. Keep the money we would spend on Meier and the young players. One guy, even gifted, doesn’t put us over the top. And if they do, go into the free agent market later on and don’t make major moves in the crazy atmosphere surrounding the trade deadline.

I pray Fitzgerald keeps his head. The frenzy to get guys now - even Meier - is shortsighted and irrational unless we can get him without giving up ANY major prospect. We can always sign a guy for nothing in free agency later on over the next couple years.

Meanwhile absorb the talent we already have, especially Hughes, Nemec and Holtz. What’s the rush to do otherwise?

Luke won't play one second in Utica.

 

[Lou is God]

I pray Fitzgerald keeps his head. The frenzy to get guys now - even Meier - is shortsighted and irrational unless we can get him without giving up ANY major prospect. We can always sign a guy for nothing in free agency later on over the next couple years.

I have 0% worry that Fitz will panic and do anything irrational. Don't think that's in his DNA. This guy made a plan and he has stuck to it to the letter.

I think we've struck gold with him.

 

[Eggtimer]

Until the Blues trade Barbashev and Parayko and get all 32 1st round picks .( I guess it would be 31, we are keepig ours in hopes we still land Meier lol)

And what the flying fack are the Knights going to use for assets?

Knights “ We offer the draft picks for Meier “
SJ “ Ok , which ones ?”
Knights “ Yes “
SJ “ umm what’s that mean “
Knights “ Yes . How many picks are we allowed to use ? How far into the future ? 2040 sounds good?”

 

[Eggtimer]

I don't think they will be willing to pay the Pacific tax

No way I can see SJ trade Meier to a hated divisional rival and likely have to play against him for the next 8 years….
Like it been said, it would be equivalent to the Rags trading us Miller or something equally as stupid

Also, I cant see Meier wanting to extend with Vegas . I think we end up getting Meier because he will not be willing to sign with teams like Winnipeg , Vegas , maybe the Blues . Winnipeg - who the hell wants to live in Winnipeg if you have a choice of other nicer cities? Vegas - maybe he would , but it’s a hated rival ?
Blues - not making the playoffs . Are the Blues willing to pay full price and would Meier extend with a team that didn’t make the playoffs?

Fitz has made it clear to SJ he wants Meier . SJ probably wants to slow play this and see all offers and wait and see if a team gets desperate as the deadline approaches.
What we have as an advantage is huge . We do not NEED to make a move. There is zero pressure on us to win the Cup.
Other teams like the Canes have had a few attempts in the playoffs without as much success as expected.
They almost HAVE TO make a move to keep up with Boston , Rags , Lightning , Leafs amd their window has been open for a few years while ours is just starting now and set up deadly for years to come.
Canes cannot afford to wait too long on Meier as all the good options are going to be gone by then.
Each day that passes is more pressure on the Canes to make a move. They need a C and were wanting to get a D before Patches got hurt again. So I’m not sold that they are 100% all-in on Meier or interested in just Meier like we are . I just cannot see them use major assets plus spend 9 mil (or more) on a player from outside their organization. They didn’t want to even pay Aho his last contract …..Aho signed an offer sheet that they matched…. I can’t see them trading a ton for Meier then handing him that much cash for that long of a deal. They just do not operate like that.

As far as other teams go , they either are a West tew that will have to pay a premium and or I don’t think Meier wants to extend with teams like Winnipeg. So no way a team is going to pay more than a rental price.

If it goes down to the wire , hopefully SJ does give us a chance to beat any offer they have. If it’s too much to pay , the. Fitz will simply walk away. As like I said , we don’t NEED Meier . We have the 3rd best team in the league , with the 2nd best prospects in the league with game breaking ability studs like Luke coming still….and cap room to add another elite piece .

Best case scenario = Canes get tired of waiting and make a different move(s) - Reinhart , JT Miller , Schmaltz , Chychrun, some player that was not rumoured to be available for a player with term that nobody seen coming - Forsberg , Kuznetzov ,

 

[billingtons ghost]

Normally I agree with a lot with what you say but how can you overlook Mercers overall game mainly how he plays the whole sheet....He is imo a better overall player at the whole game of hockey than Timo right now and the arrow is only pointing up....Is he the scorer that Timo is no but he maybe and look at how he handles the NHL at 21 you don't trade someone like that....Hey you could be right and he is like Rico but if your wrong which is very possible you will be kicking yourself for trading him....You win cups with guys like Mercer....Like I said Grier can pound sand Fitz hang up when he mentions Mercer...

I *did* follow i up with this...

Devils team discussion (news, notes and speculation) - part V

Question. What’s the view on whether Jack is playing through a nagging injury? Upper body was pretty vague when he missed the 4 games. But from how he’s gotten softer on some of the physical battles I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that there is still something. Arm, shoulder, ribs, who knows.

forums.hfboards.com

TBH - I simply haven't seen Meier game for game although I've heard in addition to being a 35g scorer that he's pretty good in all zones. I love Mercer, and for sure he's looking terrific... and certainly after last night you are pretty much spot on in everything you say here...

I thought at the time that bringing in a perennial All Star who's putting up 35g on a crap team is a good add - and I just objected to the kinda home board mentality of the 'yeah, Grier can f*ck off' bc I think Mercer for Meier one for one is still a pretty good trade that would help both teams and might go either way ultimately.

I also think there's a bit of 'NOW' versus 'TOMORROW' here. I think we are in a pretty rare unicorn, team-of-destiny type year here. I wouldn't have said that before last months run of resilient, come-back, overtime wins...

And if I pay for the better player now bc it gets us closer to the cup at the expense of a guy that might even be better than what we get later.... well... I didn't think it was SUCH a stretch and that people were being unreasonable.

 

[NJDevils17]

The Elias / Gionta picture with Rafalski barley in front. That’ll do it.

 

[MadDevil]

From what I heard around the grapevine, Mercer is completely off the table for Meier. Not really surprising, but it was assuring to hear.

 

[Eggtimer]

What do you pick between California Raisins or Max Headroom if you had to watch / listen to one for 48 hours straight

 

[DevilsHughes86]

I want to add too but I dont want to add for the sake of adding.
And I for sure don’t want to add if it means we cannot afford to get an elite winger at some point.
I know that sounds boring but I think its worth it to be patient. Adding a Barbashev is not going to move the needle enough compared to how much we will have to give up . Plenty of teams are after Barbashev. No point getting in a bidding war over a third liner.
I domt think Fitz uses assets on rentals unless they are not that costly (3rd rounder / lower level prospect at most )

All depends on asking price for sure, and preferably I would like to add a player that either has term or can be signed to an extension and be part of the plan going forward

 

[Eggtimer]

All depends on asking price for sure, and preferably I would like to add a player that either has term or can be signed to an extension and be part of the plan going forward

I kinda want Jeanott as a Wood replacement. That and Vejmelka for MB.
Unfortunately the other team has to agree on trades amd I cannot wish them onto the Devils.

 

[DevilsHughes86]

I kinda want Jeanott as a Wood replacement. That and Vejmelka for MB.
Unfortunately the other team has to agree on trades amd I cannot wish them onto the Devils.

Jeanott is a hard worker but with limited skills. I don't think he will come close again to his numbers of last year. it all depends what the Preds would want in return. As for Vejmelka, not sure the Coyotes have any interest in moving him, but yes, a big time upgrade over Blackwood

 

[Emperoreddy]

No way I can see SJ trade Meier to a hated divisional rival and likely have to play against him for the next 8 years….
Like it been said, it would be equivalent to the Rags trading us Miller or something equally as stupid

Also, I cant see Meier wanting to extend with Vegas . I think we end up getting Meier because he will not be willing to sign with teams like Winnipeg , Vegas , maybe the Blues . Winnipeg - who the hell wants to live in Winnipeg if you have a choice of other nicer cities? Vegas - maybe he would , but it’s a hated rival ?
Blues - not making the playoffs . Are the Blues willing to pay full price and would Meier extend with a team that didn’t make the playoffs?

Fitz has made it clear to SJ he wants Meier . SJ probably wants to slow play this and see all offers and wait and see if a team gets desperate as the deadline approaches.
What we have as an advantage is huge . We do not NEED to make a move. There is zero pressure on us to win the Cup.
Other teams like the Canes have had a few attempts in the playoffs without as much success as expected.
They almost HAVE TO make a move to keep up with Boston , Rags , Lightning , Leafs amd their window has been open for a few years while ours is just starting now and set up deadly for years to come.
Canes cannot afford to wait too long on Meier as all the good options are going to be gone by then.
Each day that passes is more pressure on the Canes to make a move. They need a C and were wanting to get a D before Patches got hurt again. So I’m not sold that they are 100% all-in on Meier or interested in just Meier like we are . I just cannot see them use major assets plus spend 9 mil (or more) on a player from outside their organization. They didn’t want to even pay Aho his last contract …..Aho signed an offer sheet that they matched…. I can’t see them trading a ton for Meier then handing him that much cash for that long of a deal. They just do not operate like that.

As far as other teams go , they either are a West tew that will have to pay a premium and or I don’t think Meier wants to extend with teams like Winnipeg. So no way a team is going to pay more than a rental price.

If it goes down to the wire , hopefully SJ does give us a chance to beat any offer they have. If it’s too much to pay , the. Fitz will simply walk away. As like I said , we don’t NEED Meier . We have the 3rd best team in the league , with the 2nd best prospects in the league with game breaking ability studs like Luke coming still….and cap room to add another elite piece .

Best case scenario = Canes get tired of waiting and make a different move(s) - Reinhart , JT Miller , Schmaltz , Chychrun, some player that was not rumoured to be available for a player with term that nobody seen coming - Forsberg , Kuznetzov ,

Tons of agreement. It's why I have not been sweating this at all.

 

[Bleedred]

Vejmelka this year is a big time upgrade over Blackwood, but just last year Vejmelka was completely terrible.

Even his GSAx and all those numbers were even further in the toilet than his save percentage was.

This year his save percentage is low, but GSAx looks really good.

Vejmelka is a gamble. He has two years of term after this at roughly the same salary Blackwood is currently making.

Is he the good goalie of this year? Or the shitty one from last year? Those are the only two NHL seasons of data we have to go on.

If he reverts to last year’s Vejmelka then we basically gave Blackwood his qualifying offer + one more year to go along with it, as well as assets to acquire him.