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

[Call Me Al]

Nemec is only 19, playing on an offensively weak team in a new country was asked to play a defensive role in order to round out his game, I have no idea how you can honestly try to make projections about his offensive potential, he’s barely scratched the surface of his development.

we should just be happy that he’s playing well and producing and the rest will come

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

so Hughes is at 79 points in 62 games (1.27 ppg)

The Devils have 16 games remaining. If Hughes continues on that pace, he would put up another ~20 points which would be 99 and break the franchise record of 96 by Elias in 00-01.

 

[Saugus]

so Hughes is at 79 points in 62 games (1.27 ppg)

The Devils have 16 games remaining. If Hughes continues on that pace, he would put up another ~20 points which would be 99 and break the franchise record of 96 by Elias in 00-01.

I think he'll break it, and more likely than not surpass 100 points.

Hughes is the type of game breaking player who seems to be able to take over a game and will himself points. If he's anywhere close in the final few games, I think he'll go off with another multi-point game and grab the record.

 

[The Grinder]

Fridge on 32 thoughts stating that Hughes will be very high on his Hart list. Now we know who will and should win it but if he ends up being one of the nominees that be pretty damn cool.

Probably contingent on him finishing strong at at our near 100 pts.

What a journey it’s been for this kid the last two years.

 

[Better Call Sal]

For your viewing pleasure, it's the Chico Take on Me video.

You can excuse my bearded friend for singing along.

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

Nemec is only 19, playing on an offensively weak team in a new country was asked to play a defensive role in order to round out his game, I have no idea how you can honestly try to make projections about his offensive potential, he’s barely scratched the surface of his development.

we should just be happy that he’s playing well and producing and the rest will come

 

[Triumph]

Nemec is only 19, playing on an offensively weak team in a new country was asked to play a defensive role in order to round out his game, I have no idea how you can honestly try to make projections about his offensive potential, he’s barely scratched the surface of his development.

we should just be happy that he’s playing well and producing and the rest will come

He just hasn't looked like a goal scorer really anywhere else, so far. I think he controls the puck a lot and so he'll get shots, and sometimes a player explodes as a goal scorer, but it's not likely to be something remarkable in his NHL career.

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

Seider had 1G 10A on the PP for 50% of his points
Nemec has 1G 4A on the PP for 22% of his points
Sandin had 3G 9A on the PP for 50% of his points

Non PP PPG
Nemec - .33 PPG
Sandin - .36 PPG
Seider - .22 PPG

Nemec is doing fine. If he was playing more on the PP his point/shot totals would be inflated.

He just hasn't looked like a goal scorer really anywhere else, so far. I think he controls the puck a lot and so he'll get shots, and sometimes a player explodes as a goal scorer, but it's not likely to be something remarkable in his NHL career.

Nemec has an absolutely terrific wrist shot both in accuracy and velocity. He will score a lot in the NHL.

 

[tailfins]

4th best goals against/GP in the NHL.

I know.

It's not a comment on anything other than my own personal reaction.

 

[Call Me Al]

He just hasn't looked like a goal scorer really anywhere else, so far. I think he controls the puck a lot and so he'll get shots, and sometimes a player explodes as a goal scorer, but it's not likely to be something remarkable in his NHL career.

this could be true, but he’s been a very young player in professional leagues for as long as we’ve tracked him. he might not be a goal scorer, but he has so much development ahead and a system that favors defensemen contributing offensively and great skating ability that it’s almost an unknown

either way i think focusing on goal scoring and setting out specific numbers as targets is almost completely besides the point of the mind of player we have in him

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

Goal scoring isn’t that high on the list of things we need from Nemec anyway. His whole game seems tailor made for the way we want to play.

 

[Triumph]

this could be true, but he’s been a very young player in professional leagues for as long as we’ve tracked him. he might not be a goal scorer, but he has so much development ahead and a system that favors defensemen contributing offensively and great skating ability.

either way i think focusing on goal scoring and setting out specific numbers as targets is almost completely besides the point of the mind of player we have in him

I also don't think he won't be a goal scorer. He'll score goals. It's just that for defensemen who don't play on PP1, this usually means the difference between averaging 8-10 goals per 82 games versus 4-5 goals.

Damon Severson has averaged 7 goals per 82 games in his career, move that up to 8-9 because of the scoring increase that's taken place since Severson began his career and that's where I see Nemec.

I'm also not concerned about his goal scoring because it's so little of what makes a defenseman a meaningful contributor in the NHL, but it is a nice boost when a guy can score a couple of extra goals a year.

 

[Devil made me do it]

Meier isn't scoring but he has played well. He is adjusting to a new system. Takes time to settle in and feed off of your teammates.
I wish he wasn't a lefty. Too many lefties on this squad.

 

[Devils731]

He just hasn't looked like a goal scorer really anywhere else, so far. I think he controls the puck a lot and so he'll get shots, and sometimes a player explodes as a goal scorer, but it's not likely to be something remarkable in his NHL career.

Is this totally true?

Last year he scores 5 goals in 19 playoffs games in a not high level men’s league.

3 years ago he scores 6 goals in 21 games in U18 international. 2 goals in 4 games in U16.

4 years ago he scores 10 goals in 52 games in a U18 league when he’s like 14-15 years old.

——————-

Nemec has played massively over his age due to the country he was playing in but his goal scoring doesn’t seem lacking in goals despite playing against people much older than him his whole career.

 

[NjDevsRR]

Meier isn't scoring but he has played well. He is adjusting to a new system. Takes time to settle in and feed off of your teammates.
I wish he wasn't a lefty. Too many lefties on this squad.

19 shots in 5 games so far. Got robbed on a few goals and assists as well. He already looks good IMO. Just wait until it starts clicking with his linemates.

 

[Eggtimer]

When does Fitz make Bratt a “take it or leave it “ offer?
Make several options for him (different lengths ) at the most you are willing to pay for each length . I have no idea how to adjust dollar amount for each UFA year . Like say 8x 8 mil , nit sure what an equivalent 4/5 year deal would be per , but offer him deals ranging from 4-8 years. Of course I’d prefer 8 but if only agrees to a 4 year , so be it.
Unless Fitz has made unfair offers (something like 7 or under per ) then I don’t get what Bratt or his agent is thinking. There are multiple comparable‘s out there , it shouldn’t be rocket science to get a ballpark number .
Devils drafted and developed the kid ,you woild think that would somewhat taken into consideration from Bratts side. I’m not saying that I expect Bratt to shave millions off of a fair price , but at least acknowledge the commitment rhe Devils made . Plus , what dollar amount woild he need to make up for the extra year the Devils could offer that no other team can via UFA ?
Then there is the fact that the Devils are rhe youngest team in the league with one of the best prospect pools in the league , all while being tied for 2nd best team in the entire league . All while gettig to play with his buddy Nico or Jack and surrounded by young elite players…. that will be elite for years …..
I don’t get why Bratt and or his agent would be squeeze the Devils so hard.
Only reason I can think of is if the Devils are low balling the shit out of him . I just can’t see it though .
If he wants 9 mil or more, I’m sorry but he has to be traded then. It would not be because I don’t like him as a player . Not the case at all. I love Bratt amd think he is an elite player , but I cheer for the Devils and if he wants 9 mil or more ,I would move on from him .

 

[njdevil26]

When does Fitz make Bratt a “take it or leave it “ offer?
Make several options for him (different lengths ) at the most you are willing to pay for each length . I have no idea how to adjust dollar amount for each UFA year . Like say 8x 8 mil , nit sure what an equivalent 4/5 year deal would be per , but offer him deals ranging from 4-8 years. Of course I’d prefer 8 but if only agrees to a 4 year , so be it.
Unless Fitz has made unfair offers (something like 7 or under per ) then I don’t get what Bratt or his agent is thinking. There are multiple comparable‘s out there , it shouldn’t be rocket science to get a ballpark number .
Devils drafted and developed the kid ,you woild think that would somewhat taken into consideration from Bratts side. I’m not saying that I expect Bratt to shave millions off of a fair price , but at least acknowledge the commitment rhe Devils made . Plus , what dollar amount woild he need to make up for the extra year the Devils could offer that no other team can via UFA ?
Then there is the fact that the Devils are rhe youngest team in the league with one of the best prospect pools in the league , all while being tied for 2nd best team in the entire league . All while gettig to play with his buddy Nico or Jack and surrounded by young elite players…. that will be elite for years …..
I don’t get why Bratt and or his agent would be squeeze the Devils so hard.
Only reason I can think of is if the Devils are low balling the shit out of him . I just can’t see it though .
If he wants 9 mil or more, I’m sorry but he has to be traded then. It would not be because I don’t like him as a player . Not the case at all. I love Bratt amd think he is an elite player , but I cheer for the Devils and if he wants 9 mil or more ,I would move on from him .

I don't think that can happen til the draft. If Fitz does a take it or leave it right now, they can call his bluff then they can't trade him anyway til the draft so that's 3+ more months they can get a deal done.

Honestly I am as frustrated as anyone about this whole thing. I really thought he was going to sign on Jan 1. I am baffled at this point.

 

[Eggtimer]

I don't think that can happen til the draft. If Fitz does a take it or leave it right now, they can call his bluff then they can't trade him anyway til the draft so that's 3+ more months they can get a deal done.

Honestly I am as frustrated as anyone about this whole thing. I really thought he was going to sign on Jan 1. I am baffled at this point.

Oh ya for sure not do that now. I just wonder if it will get to that point at the start of the off-season . Be it an extension or trade .

 

[Billdo]

I don't think that can happen til the draft. If Fitz does a take it or leave it right now, they can call his bluff then they can't trade him anyway til the draft so that's 3+ more months they can get a deal done.

Honestly I am as frustrated as anyone about this whole thing. I really thought he was going to sign on Jan 1. I am baffled at this point.

I think the "blame" should be placed on Bratts side tbh. I just don't see Fitz and Co super lowballing him. They know what he is, they developed him, they see the fans love him, etc. To me, Bratt wants out. That's just my guess as to why he hasn't signed yet. He doesn't want to be the guy who asks to be traded but I don't get the impression he actually wants to sign here. Not hearing anything from his camp is a bit peculiar although I know most agents keep this stuff quiet. We just hear the Devils have offers and then nothing happens.

 

[Clam Jensen]

Meier isn't scoring but he has played well. He is adjusting to a new system. Takes time to settle in and feed off of your teammates.
I wish he wasn't a lefty. Too many lefties on this squad.

He’s looked great. Had a nifty between the legs pass to Boqvist last night, creamed some Canes, is getting shots off, etc. the points will start coming.

 

[Camille the Eel]

I don't think that can happen til the draft. If Fitz does a take it or leave it right now, they can call his bluff then they can't trade him anyway til the draft so that's 3+ more months they can get a deal done.

Honestly I am as frustrated as anyone about this whole thing. I really thought he was going to sign on Jan 1. I am baffled at this point.

Not me as to the frustration. Agree that it happens at Draft time at the earliest. He's still an RFA and the signings mostly if not even usually wait until the offseason. Also everything in the past behavior here as to prior negotiations points to doing the deal when the deadline is close.

And I can't see a problem with that approach. What's the pressure to do it now? It's only a distraction if the team or player gets distracted. I don't see that. It's a distraction for us fans, yeah, that I can see. But why?

 

[Better Call Sal]

 

[Eggtimer]

I think the "blame" should be placed on Bratts side tbh. I just don't see Fitz and Co super lowballing him. They know what he is, they developed him, they see the fans love him, etc. To me, Bratt wants out. That's just my guess as to why he hasn't signed yet. He doesn't want to be the guy who asks to be traded but I don't get the impression he actually wants to sign here. Not hearing anything from his camp is a bit peculiar although I know most agents keep this stuff quiet. We just hear the Devils have offers and then nothing happens.

If Bratt wants out ( no one knows for sure except for him ) but why the hell would he ? Makes zero sense to me unless there are things that happen behind the scene that we don’t know about . Like lowball offers amd unfair treatment .
Usually when a player wants out it’s for a few reasons ( player feels unwanted, reduced ice-time , dislikes the city , girl friend or wife wants to live elsewhere , feels underpaid )
None of which seems to be the case with Bratt but who knows for sure.
Why would you leave a team that is just on the cusp of being a cup contender for the next decade , while you play a big role in that , with the team that drafted you , surrounded by elite talent that happen to be your buddies ….
Im sorry but it makes zero sense to me why he would want out.

 

[MartyOwns]

love that shit

 

[tailfins]

I'd love for them to win the division. I'm spoiled by the 9 division championships between 95 - 2010.

But, I don't want them burning themselves out in the regular season.

The quote one of the players made about this being "pre-season for the playoffs" is pretty accurate: just as pre-season games aren't like regular season games, this last 20% of the season won't be anything like the playoffs. I'd much that the team work on details and do some load management. Work in Lazar - maybe Holtz for a couple more games and Luke when he's done at UM? Let the chips fall where the may as far as playoff seeding goes.