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

[StevenToddIves]

Huh, I heard they could sign guys if they weren’t under current contract as far as NHL teams knew. I don’t remember where, and I can’t find it, but it had more on how they checked on contracts. (Maybe it was a post on the boards.)

Well, that certainly is a shit show. We’ll have to see how it shakes it shakes out more officially in coming months but a New, Improved Russian Factor could be in full force this draft.

@Guadana has discussed Gritsyuk potentially resigning with KHL team before the invasion because he was reportedly more comfortable with establishing himself as top six star before coming over rather than trying to develop over here.

I was basically in denial over it lol, and hoping his next season would be enough, as I would prefer him coming over at 22 in 2023-24 rather than at 24 in 2026-27.

As I understand it (but I can easily be wrong of course) KHL contracts are at least 2 years long, so that’s the best case scenario if he gets an extension.

Gritsyuk signing would be nice because it would quiet the talk the Devils need a top 6 forward, when they have more pressing needs in goal and in rebuilding a poor 3rd D-pairing and poor 3rd line. But I just don't see it happening in the current world context.

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

It’s possible but if Mukh still had a KHL contract then I don’t believe he can sign the NHL deal.

The NHL would require the KHL contract to be terminated before the ELC is signed. Otherwise the NHL would be breaking the MOU by signing an NHL while a KHL contract existed.

Someone has to have the only contract between the NHL and KHL and in this case it appears to be the NHL, that’s why there is a signed NHL ELC and a Devils loan back to the KHL; so there couldn’t be a KHL contract for those 2 things to happen.

Oct 7, 2019

With an entry level contract always being a 2-way deal, the salary drops to 70k a year and for a player who came over from the KHL, that’s a significant pay cut. The exact numbers of what Kravtsov’s salary was in the KHL are unknown, but he was given a new contract 12 months ago by Traktor Chelyabinsk, with a siginificant pay increase. If that puts him close to the average salary in the KHL, the 70k in the AHL is a big step back. Will that impact his decision?

European Assignment Clause​

If it does, Kravtsov has the option to trigger the European Assignment Clause that was added to his contract. The clause can be triggered at any time during the season and will result in Kravtsov returning to the KHL to the team that owns his KHL rights, Traktor Chelyabinsk. Side note: This is why Traktor Chelyabinsk did not release Kravtsov once they were eliminated from the KHL play offs. By releasing him, they would have lost his rights.

Vitali Kravtsov and the European Assignment Clause option - Forever Blueshirts: A site for New York Rangers fanatics

Kravtsov was scratched in Hartford.

www.foreverblueshirts.com

 

[RangerDoggo]

I'm sure I'm late to the Turturo article/hot take/prediction discussion. The way I see it: realistically, he's on the money. I don't agree the goaltending is the only problem to solve (coaching as a whole needs to be pushed out as well, certainly Recchi at the very least), but it's the biggest one by a long shot.

Less realistically but something I can't shake: someone put a gypsy curse on our goaltending and we're never going to get that again, or at least we'll be in the neighborhood of that bad next season as well, defying the odds so painstakingly laid out in CJ's article.

Regardless, it's good to see the "realistic" view is the optimistic one, for friggin' once.

 

[Hisch13r]

I'm sure I'm late to the Turturo article/hot take/prediction discussion. The way I see it: realistically, he's on the money. I don't agree the goaltending is the only problem to solve (coaching as a whole needs to be pushed out as well, certainly Recchi at the very least), but it's the biggest one by a long shot.

Less realistically but something I can't shake: someone put a gypsy curse on our goaltending and we're never going to get that again, or at least we'll be in the neighborhood of that bad next season as well, defying the odds so painstakingly laid out in CJ's article.

Unless you’re expecting AHL goalies again next year it won’t be as bad

 

[Devils731]

With an entry level contract always being a 2-way deal, the salary drops to 70k a year and for a player who came over from the KHL, that’s a significant pay cut. The exact numbers of what Kravtsov’s salary was in the KHL are unknown, but he was given a new contract 12 months ago by Traktor Chelyabinsk, with a siginificant pay increase. If that puts him close to the average salary in the KHL, the 70k in the AHL is a big step back. Will that impact his decision?

European Assignment Clause​

If it does, Kravtsov has the option to trigger the European Assignment Clause that was added to his contract. The clause can be triggered at any time during the season and will result in Kravtsov returning to the KHL to the team that owns his KHL rights, Traktor Chelyabinsk. Side note: This is why Traktor Chelyabinsk did not release Kravtsov once they were eliminated from the KHL play offs. By releasing him, they would have lost his rights.

Vitali Kravtsov and the European Assignment Clause option - Forever Blueshirts: A site for New York Rangers fanatics

Kravtsov was scratched in Hartford.

www.foreverblueshirts.com

This does not necessarily say Kravstov continues having a KHL contract, only that a KHL team continued to have his KHL rights.

Also, it’s a blog, so not to insult blogs but I feel they may not be the best understanding either.

Mukh may have had a KHL contract that didn’t expire until this KHL season ended. I don’t think that makes sense in regards to the MOU, as it would make it complicated as to who ultimately controls Mukh, but it’s possible.

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

This does not necessarily say Kravstov continues having a KHL contract, only that a KHL team continued to have his KHL rights.

Also, it’s a blog, so not to insult blogs but I feel they may not be the best understanding either.

Mukh may have had a KHL contract that didn’t expire until this KHL season ended. I don’t think that makes sense in regards to the MOU, as it would make it complicated as to who ultimately controls Mukh, but it’s possible.

It seems like there would be a pay discrepancy from Mukh's minors pay of $80K and whatever his KHL salary would be.

 

[Guttersniped]

Gritsyuk signing would be nice because it would quiet the talk the Devils need a top 6 forward, when they have more pressing needs in goal and in rebuilding a poor 3rd D-pairing and poor 3rd line. But I just don't see it happening in the current world context.

Well that can’t happen for a year at least for sure because he’s signed until 2022-23 with his KHL team.

The only question is if extends with the KHL next season. He’s definitely not a pressing concern.

 

[Monsieur Verdoux]

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

Good. Let him finish out the year with Nico. I think he can be a provide an element that we’ve been lacking. That “heavy” game that we’ve missed in front of the net.

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

What color jersey is Blackwood wearing?

 

[Hisch13r]

If it was me my top 9 would be

Yegor-Nico-Zetterlund
Johnsson-Mercer-Bratt
Tatar-Boqvist-Zacha

Edit: Also wouldn't mind going with like Tatar-Boqvist-Zetterlund to see if there's anything there as a potential 3rd line for next year

 

[Eggtimer]

If it was me my top 9 would be

Yegor-Nico-Zet

Yet I think you’d trade Zacha for Vasilevsky (or heck, Jarry) in a heartbeat.

It’s all about the specific deal. I don’t think we can make absolute proclamations at this point.

What? Vasilevsky would take way way way way more than that to get. For one , the Bolts would never never ever trade him. If they did , it would require a MASSIVE overpay. As in one of our core guys or a blue chip piece like Luke and no way in hell I’d want to do that ever. Even then I don’t see the Bolts do that , who woild they get to replace him? It does nk thjg for them as they are in their win now window. He is there team. Him Hedman Kuch Point and Stammer .
I have said before , I’d move our first this year but only for :
Shesterkin
Vasilevsky
Hellebuyck
Sorokin
Markstrom
Id say the combined % of any of them available is about 6% lol. I’d say Hellebuyck is the one who might even remotely possible if the Jets decide to blow it up and rebuild / retool. I’d put it at about a 5% chance it could happen. The others beig available would take an event like a team mate or the coach banging their wife / girlfriend and they demand a trade immediately lol.

 

[Hisch13r]

Last game played was Arizona where he shit the bed. Next game is against Arizona. Redemption time?

 

[Bleedred]

Last game played was Arizona where he shit the bed. Next game is against Arizona. Redemption time?

I thought he's already rejoined his teammates on the ice for practice or at least ''Skated'' with the team a couple times already?

Does she mean that will be the first time he's participated in a morning skate since that last Arizona game?

It BETTER be redemption time. It's gonna be a very hard game with a very good goalie like Vejmelka on the other end. You better hope they give us Sateri.

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

Karel Vejmelka, G, Arizona Coyotes: Vejmalka has been a bright spot for the Coyotes (22-45-5), who are last in the NHL and eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention. The 25-year-old goalie, born in Trebic, Czech Republic, ranks second among NHL rookie goalies in games played (44 games), shots against (1,436) and saves (1,297), all behind Alex Nedeljkovic of the Detroit Red Wings, and is fourth in save percentage (.903) and even-strength save percentage (.915) among rookies with a minimum 25 games.

Vejmelka (6-3, 224) was selected by the Predators in the fifth round (No. 145) of the 2015 NHL Draft, signed a one-year contract with the Coyotes on May 5, 2021 and a three-year contract March 21 to avoid restricted free agency. He made 37 saves in a 2-1 loss at the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 31, the highest save total for a Coyotes rookie since Adin Hill made 41 in a 3-2 overtime loss at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Feb. 11, 2020.

Rookie Watch: Boldy, Vejmelka among best in Central Division | NHL.com

Forward immediate fit with Wild, goalie bright spot for Coyotes

www.nhl.com

 

[New Jersey Devils]

Always believed in Zetterlund. Dude was an absolute beast in NHL 20 for some reason.

 

[Hisch13r]

I thought he's already rejoined his teammates on the ice for practice or at least ''Skated'' with the team a couple times already?

Does she mean that will be the first time he's participated in a morning skate since that last Arizona game?

It BETTER be redemption time. It's gonna be a very hard game with a very good goalie like Vejmelka on the other end. You better hope they give us Sateri.

Going through Amanda's tweets he was still skating on his own 3/30. Then the last thing before this was that he was traveling with the team on this trip.

 

[Bleedred]

Going through Amanda's tweets he was still skating on his own 3/30. Then the last thing before this was that he was traveling with the team on this trip.

Then in that case I'd assume he won't be in the game tomorrow night. Maybe either by the end of the trip or possibly right after we get back.

 

[Eggtimer]

Last game played was Arizona where he shit the bed. Next game is against Arizona. Redemption time?

I wonder how Blackwoods teammates view him . They would never come out and say anything negative while he is on the team. I wonder if the vaccination stuff rubbed people the wrong way , or any of his injury issues . For example, if he was cleared to come back but refused to play and kept questioning his diagnosis. All speculation on my part but just curious . And the Subban “slewban“ Instagram thing . I pretty sure it’s guys messing around but maybe he doesn’t get along with Subban and was an actual dig? Maybe this crap is why he is rumoured to be on not the best terms in the organization , or it could all be nothing more than our medical staff screwing up . Who knows . We will never hear what is up for certain.I dont see any of that stuff worth beig upset about but ?

 

[Bleedred]

I wonder how Blackwoods teammates view him . They would never come out and say anything negative while he is on the team. I wonder if the vaccination stuff rubbed people the wrong way , or any of his injury issues . For example, if he was cleared to come back but refused to play and kept questioning his diagnosis. All speculation on my part but just curious . And the Subban “slewban“ Instagram thing . I pretty sure it’s guys messing around but maybe he doesn’t get along with Subban and was an actual dig? Maybe this crap is why he is rumoured to be on not the best terms in the organization , or it could all be nothing more than our medical staff screwing up . Who knows . We will never hear what is up for certain.I dont see any of that stuff worth beig upset about but ?

I'd almost guarantee the slewban thing was just him messing around with Subban. I doubt there's any friction between them over that. If I had to guess why the team told him to remove that it's because the organization probably felt it made them look bad.

As far as the other stuff goes? I'm sure it's no Evander Kane/Sharks situation, if I had to guess. I doubt many guys have a significant problem with him.

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

Today is probably the last full practice until they get home and that home practice on the 20th might be the last full practice of the season. Maybe the 22nd.

 

[nugg]

I found multiple loopholes in that in five seconds. I'm sure someone not suffering from the flu could find them faster.

Fitzy! hire this man as new team lawyer, please and thank you!

 

[nugg]

Yeah the numbers look good but I think the production is going to need to take a leap for there to really be anything there. Maybe an eventual 4th liner as is

True, but he is just a frosh, and I guess you'd have to consider him a "power" forward.

 

[Bleedred]

Karel Vejmelka, G, Arizona Coyotes: Vejmalka has been a bright spot for the Coyotes (22-45-5), who are last in the NHL and eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention. The 25-year-old goalie, born in Trebic, Czech Republic, ranks second among NHL rookie goalies in games played (44 games), shots against (1,436) and saves (1,297), all behind Alex Nedeljkovic of the Detroit Red Wings, and is fourth in save percentage (.903) and even-strength save percentage (.915) among rookies with a minimum 25 games.

Vejmelka (6-3, 224) was selected by the Predators in the fifth round (No. 145) of the 2015 NHL Draft, signed a one-year contract with the Coyotes on May 5, 2021 and a three-year contract March 21 to avoid restricted free agency. He made 37 saves in a 2-1 loss at the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 31, the highest save total for a Coyotes rookie since Adin Hill made 41 in a 3-2 overtime loss at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Feb. 11, 2020.

Rookie Watch: Boldy, Vejmelka among best in Central Division | NHL.com

Forward immediate fit with Wild, goalie bright spot for Coyotes

www.nhl.com

What is so great about this guy? Bright spot? Wedgewood was doing better than him before he got traded.

Literally, there is no reason to jock this player at all.

He's second among NHL rookie goalies in games played, shots against, saves, and FOURTH in save percentage? Fourth out of how many? If we're doing a minimum of 10 games played, how many rookie goalies are there in the league this year?

At this point, he's among the most overrated goalies of this season.

''Oh but Bleed, you say that about every goalie'.

The fact that people point out and rationalize with these dumb articles like that one posted (FOURTH in save percentage among rookies!) that he's not bad, is what makes him overrated.

The fact that this goalie has a small but vocal fanbase and cult like following that even jock him at all, makes him overrated, because he's JAG at best.

The only bit or irony here is that this goalie is not quite as bad as the Devils goalies have been this year.

The fact that I have to see a .903% CHAMPIONED is why I'm as hard as I am on goalies around the league. I set the bar so high, but really EVERYBODY ELSE SETS THE BAR SO LOW!!!!!!!

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

What is so great about this guy? Bright spot? Wedgewood was doing better than him before he got traded.

Literally, there is no reason to jock this player at all.

At this point, he's among the most overrated goalies of this season.

''Oh but Bleed, you say that about every goalie'.

The fact that this goalie has a small but vocal fanbase and cult like following that even jock him at all, makes him overrated, because he's JAG at best.

The only bit or irony here is that this goalie is not quite as bad as the Devils goalies have been this year.

I knew you would like that one.