Prospect Info: Devils Win #2 Overall -- Slafkovsky vs. Jiricek vs. Nemec

[Blackjack]

View attachment 551817

Columbus has 6 & 12 picks not Buffalo. (I didn’t know this picture would be this big but it amuses me more that way. That’s just me of course, YMMV.)

Ha, you're right. Well, Columbus then. And I'm sure as heck not doing it for #9 and #16.

 

[Hisch13r]

No way. He sorts through all the BS and just tells it like it is. Gathers information then addresses using his knowledge of the game amd how shit really works. I guess you can call him a little bit of a Debbie downer because he shoots down unrealistic rumours and gossip with logical thinking.
Who was the reporter that asked Draisaitl “why are you so pissy!?”
Or the guy that asked McKinnon after the playoffs last year a super odd awkward question and dropped a couple of F bombs in the post elimination playoff game interview ? That guy is a dipshit.

If blaming McDavid and Draisaitl for them getting no saves in 2020 against Chicago or blaming McDavid for Tippett getting fired is “telling it like it is” in your world then… ok

 

[Jack Be Quick]

Ha, you're right. Well, Columbus then. And I'm sure as heck not doing it for #9 and #16.

Nope.

 

[ASK7]

As posted a couple of days ago, I have no desire to trade the 2nd overall pick for the various reasons mentioned: Devils need to continue to build (37 points out of first), cap era and cap management, zero data on a trade of this high a pick (top 5) being made in the cap era etc. Watching the Carolina game last night and thinking about how the Carolina owner and management do some unprecedented moves in player trades and free agent acquisition, it made me wonder if they would move Andre Svechnikov. Hard to imagine a team wanting to move a 22 year old talent like him but he just does not seem to be so noticeable these playoffs for some reason and the team does not look that great. He would be an interesting possibility if Carolina ever wanted to shake it up a bit and definitely somebody worth the 2nd pick. He is signed to an 8 year - $62m contract that starts next year. Again, I doubt they would move him but I would be listening on him.

 

[Hisch13r]

As posted a couple of days ago, I have no desire to trade the 2nd overall pick for the various reasons mentioned: Devils need to continue to build (37 points out of first), cap era and cap management, zero data on a trade of this high a pick (top 5) being made in the cap era etc. Watching the Carolina game last night and thinking about how the Carolina owner and management do some unprecedented moves in player trades and free agent acquisition, it made me wonder if they would move Andre Svechnikov. Hard to imagine a team wanting to move a 22 year old talent like him but he just does not seem to be so noticeable these playoffs for some reason and the team does not look that great. He would be an interesting possibility if Carolina ever wanted to shake it up a bit and definitely somebody worth the 2nd pick. He is signed to an 8 year - $62m contract that starts next year. Again, I doubt they would move him but I would be listening on him.

He might be their biggest untouchable. He’s not going anywhere and it’d cost more than the 2nd overall pick even if he were. Svech as a prospect was better than anyone who would be available at 2 and he’s only just turned 22 and has lived up to expectations.

 

[ASK7]

He might be their biggest untouchable. He’s not going anywhere and it’d cost more than the 2nd overall pick even if he were. Svech as a prospect was better than anyone who would be available at 2 and he’s only just turned 22 and has lived up to expectations.

I do not disagree about the talent or anything you mentioned but that team and owner do such unconventional things. As said, I doubt he would be obtainable or available but he sure looks invisible in the series and the team just looks really off

 

[Hisch13r]

I do not disagree about the talent or anything you mentioned but that team and owner do such unconventional things. As said, I doubt he would be obtainable or available but he sure looks invisible in the series and the team just looks really off

I can’t even see them considering it without like Jack or Nico so they’d have a formidable 1-2 down the middle. Obviously we’re not doing that

 

[Eggtimer]

We don’t need quantity of picks , we need the best quality as possible. We don’t need more bottom 6 / 2nd /3rd pairing D , Id rather have one stud top line or top pair guy than two lesser pieces. ( trading pick #2 for two later firsts rounders )

 

[Blackjack]

He might be their biggest untouchable. He’s not going anywhere and it’d cost more than the 2nd overall pick even if he were. Svech as a prospect was better than anyone who would be available at 2 and he’s only just turned 22 and has lived up to expectations.

100% correct, and this is why these picks don't move. The only guys you'd trade them for, Svech, Dahlin, Zegras, etc. will never get traded.

 

[ASK7]

I agree that it is so hard to find a suitable value for the pick and cannot imagine it being traded. And yet for some reason, the NJ Devils have somehow publicly disclosed to Friedman that they would consider moving the pick and will be coming up with a list for who they would move the pick for in two weeks. Friedman does not have a track record of making stories up. When was the last time a team picking in the top 5 was rumored to be willing to accept offers for the pick? Think of a team like Colorado in 2019 with the 4th pick obtained in the Duchene trade and was already a playoff team - there was not one rumor, discussion or thought of them moving the pick because they knew that the value of a player like Bowen Bryan in talent and cost control was not even worth a thought of moving it. It is bad enough that we have to endure this product on the ice during the regular season and now in the offseason, we have to deal with this idea that they would even contemplate doing something stupid with the pick and trade it. Do they think it stimulates a healthy discussion and interest in the fan base by leaking this stuff out there? Somehow, this GM thinks it is smart to put this out there publicly. I guess it would just be nice to believe that the team is just focused on making the best selection with the pick and not thinking about moving the pick or that they are open to moving it. I just do not like the optics of it.

 

[Devs3cups]

I agree that it is so hard to find a suitable value for the pick and cannot imagine it being traded. And yet for some reason, the NJ Devils have somehow publicly disclosed to Friedman that they would consider moving the pick and will be coming up with a list for who they would move the pick for in two weeks. Friedman does not have a track record of making stories up. When was the last time a team picking in the top 5 was rumored to be willing to accept offers for the pick? Think of a team like Colorado in 2019 with the 4th pick obtained in the Duchene trade and was already a playoff team - there was not one rumor, discussion or thought of them moving the pick because they knew that the value of a player like Bowen Bryan in talent and cost control was not even worth a thought of moving it. It is bad enough that we have to endure this product on the ice during the regular season and now in the offseason, we have to deal with this idea that they would even contemplate doing something stupid with the pick and trade it. Do they think it stimulates a healthy discussion and interest in the fan base by leaking this stuff out there? Somehow, this GM thinks it is smart to put this out there publicly. I guess it would just be nice to believe that the team is just focused on making the best selection with the pick and not thinking about moving the pick or that they are open to moving it. I just do not like the optics of it.

Honestly seems it happens every year. Top picks are "on the table" often, they just never get traded because the value is so high. Never heard a team saying "we 100% aren't trading the pick". Saying "we're open to hearing offers" is far from confirming the pick will be traded. Fitz is doing what he should, which is doing his due diligence and seeing his options. When all is said and done though, I'm 99.9% sure we'll be picking.

 

[Eye of Ra]

Slaf combo with Size, grit and skills i would say makes him NHL ready already.

Its funny puzzling with possible lines with Slaf:

Slaf - Hischier - Bratt
Tatar - Hughes - Mercer
Zacha - Sharangovich - Johnsson
Kuokkanen /Bastian - Mcleod - Zetterlund

I think Tatar will get in shape again. His fellow slovakian Slaf will give him energy. If that does not happen, Holtz might be ready.

 

[Buggsy]

Slaf combo with Size, grit and skills i would say makes him NHL ready already.

Its funny puzzling with possible lines with Slaf:

Slaf - Hischier - Bratt
Tatar - Hughes - Mercer
Zacha - Sharangovich - Johnsson
Kuokkanen /Bastian - Mcleod - Zetterlund

I think Tatar will get in shape again. His fellow slovakian Slaf will give him energy. If that does not happen, Holtz might be ready.

If the Devils go into next season with that for a lineup.... Get ready for another high pick next year.

Zacha has got to go and likely Johnson too. You also forgot wood

 

[Eye of Ra]

If the Devils go into next season with that for a lineup.... Get ready for another high pick next year.

Zacha has got to go and likely Johnson too. You also forgot wood

Do you want to keep Jesper Boqvist?

 

[FooteBahl]

Slaf combo with Size, grit and skills i would say makes him NHL ready already.

Its funny puzzling with possible lines with Slaf:

Slaf - Hischier - Bratt
Tatar - Hughes - Mercer
Zacha - Sharangovich - Johnsson
Kuokkanen /Bastian - Mcleod - Zetterlund

I think Tatar will get in shape again. His fellow slovakian Slaf will give him energy. If that does not happen, Holtz might be ready.

My ideal summer for the forward group is
Sharangovich-Hughes-Nichuskin/Niederreiter
Bratt-Nico-Slaf
Zetterlund-Mercer-Holtz
Wood-McLeod-Bastian
Boqvist extra and everyone else can beat it…Tatar, Zacha…

 

[Hisch13r]

Slaf combo with Size, grit and skills i would say makes him NHL ready already.

Its funny puzzling with possible lines with Slaf:

Slaf - Hischier - Bratt
Tatar - Hughes - Mercer
Zacha - Sharangovich - Johnsson
Kuokkanen /Bastian - Mcleod - Zetterlund

I think Tatar will get in shape again. His fellow slovakian Slaf will give him energy. If that does not happen, Holtz might be ready.

We'd have a better idea after a training camp and preseason but I'm not certain he'd be ready. A guy like Rantanen was of similar size and production and was also on the older side of the draft. He got 9 games and was nothing so he spent the year in the AHL. I think we could be looking at a similar thing. For me he has to completely force your hand and look great to not send him down.

I'm not sure Holtz will be there and might require another year. I'm also pretty convinced that both Zacha and Johnsson are gone.

If the Devils go into next season with that for a lineup.... Get ready for another high pick next year.

Zacha has got to go and likely Johnson too. You also forgot wood

Nonsense. The skater group this year was not the reason we were in the basement.

 

[Andre Palot]

That's our new goalie actually

I thought we were going with the walrus from the Geico ads

 

[BurntToast]

I know they don’t care as much, but the last team I want having a Slaf or Wright is Columbus. That team is a nightmare for the Devils all ready, lets gift them a guy compared to Clark Gillies or Bergeron, maybe if we are lucky they will take anther high end defenseman. No thanks.

Some insight to why Slaf struggled at TPS;

 

[Cheddabombs]

I thought we were going with the walrus from the Geico ads

If only we could be so lucky. His next contract is gonna be nuts

 

[Brodeur]

I agree that it is so hard to find a suitable value for the pick and cannot imagine it being traded. And yet for some reason, the NJ Devils have somehow publicly disclosed to Friedman that they would consider moving the pick and will be coming up with a list for who they would move the pick for in two weeks. Friedman does not have a track record of making stories up. When was the last time a team picking in the top 5 was rumored to be willing to accept offers for the pick?

That's not exactly true. The basis was how Fitzgerald answered a question his press conference right after the season about whether he'd deal the pick. In his podcast this week, Friedman even went out of his way to credit/attribute Neil McHale on InsideHockey who originally posed the question to Fitzgerald before the lottery.

Paraphrasing from the 32 thoughts podcast this week:

I finally started asking around about whether their stance had changed [after winning the lottery] and I don't think it's changed. I do think makes it a little bit harder with the #2 pick.

For example, Ottawa's picking 7th and (Sens GM) Pierre Dorion is on record as saying they will look into moving that pick for an impact [NHL] player. And they don't want anybody who only has a year or two left, they want somebody with term. But I think there's a wider latitude with what you could do at #7 as opposed to what you can do at #2.

From what I've heard, the Devils have told people that they're not saying no. Now, what I think they're going to do is make a list of players they would accept for the #2 pick.

The standard GM is answer is "we'll do anything to help the team." If you come up to them with a good package, and it better be a good package, they're not going to say no.

--------------------

I remember a meaningless sound bite from before the 2017 Draft when Ron Hextall said he'd listen to offers for the #2 pick since that was his job, but that he didn't anticipate moving it. Canadian media twisted his words around and suddenly you saw podcast headlines about the Flyers dealing the pick.

Ray Shero inherited the 2nd pick in the 2006 Draft when he became Penguins GM. He was offered Jack Johnson (3rd overall from the previous draft) for it. It made perfect sense on paper to get a D to grow with Crosby/Malkin but Shero opted to keep the pick.

From the book "Future Greats and Heartbreaks" Columbus GM Doug MacLean mentioned that (presumably Shero) floated an offer of #2 for #6, next year's first, and possibly more. Columbus' group mulled it over but thought it was too much (they had Jordan Staal #2); Columbus also was hosting the next draft so not having a first round pick was a bit of a non-starter.

It wasn't publicly known but right before the Kings picked Drew Doughty, Bob McKenzie mentioned on the broadcast that LA got a legitimate offer. It was serious enough for Dean Lombardi to present it to ownership and ask them whether they wanted to make the playoffs that season or if they were still okay with taking Doughty and probably stinking for a couple more years.

Apparently Vancouver offered Kevin Bieksa, Alex Burrows, and the 22nd pick to Tampa for #2 (Hedman) in 2009. Tampa declined but at least mulled it over.

Columbus apparently offered #4 in 2010 to Edmonton for Jordan Eberle+ but the Oilers declined.

There's video of Toronto offering #4 in 2015 to Columbus contingent on whether or not their guy (Marner) was still available. Columbus had a slight preference for Noah Hanifin over Zach Werenski, but thought Toronto's asking price was too much. Ended up being moot with Arizona passing on Marner.

Edmonton was juggling multiple offers for the #4 pick in 2016. Apparently there was one offer the Rangers centered around Ryan McDonagh; The Rangers wanted to draft Clayton Keller. Then there was a rumored three way pick swap which would have seen Calgary go from #6 to #3, Columbus from #3 to #4, and Edmonton from #4 to #6. Edmonton would then have selected Mikhail Sergachev, but at the last minute they got cold feet (possibly due to the optics of enabling their rivals to move up).

Vancouver had #5 in 2016. Apparently there was a deal with Montreal for P.K. Subban but it was contingent on Pierre-Luc Dubois being there. That got dashed when Columbus surprisingly took him #3.

We had the top pick in 2017 and the broadcast noted twice that Shero was willing to trade down to #3. Vegas apparently was trying to pull off a complicated indirect three way trade with Dallas. Vegas wanted Nolan Patrick, so we could have traded down to #3 and still been assured one of Hischier or Makar.

TL;DR, I think it happens more often than you'd think. There's just more coverage about it now. Part of it is semantics. When Friedman says "they're not saying no" he means that they're willing to talk. Some years teams would stonewall you if you asked about the pick. I think Jarmo Kekalainen mentioned that he asked Winnipeg about possibly flipping #2 for #3+ in 2016, but they had no intention of moving down. Similarly I doubt Buffalo fielded offers for the Jack Eichel pick in 2015.

But I think some people see "they're not saying no" to somehow mean "they really want to trade the pick."

 

[Buggsy]

We'd have a better idea after a training camp and preseason but I'm not certain he'd be ready. A guy like Rantanen was of similar size and production and was also on the older side of the draft. He got 9 games and was nothing so he spent the year in the AHL. I think we could be looking at a similar thing. For me he has to completely force your hand and look great to not send him down.

I'm not sure Holtz will be there and might require another year. I'm also pretty convinced that both Zacha and Johnsson are gone.



Nonsense. The skater group this year was not the reason we were in the basement.

The Devil's skaters were definitely a part of the poor season. There needs to be some diversification of player archetype and defensive ability in the forwards. Only 1 of Tatar Johnson and Zacha should remain. I am happy with that being Tatar.

It would be nice to have some veteran presence up front.

Do you want to keep Jesper Boqvist?

I liked the end of season for Boqvist but I'd prefer a veteran 3c for next year

 

[bossram]

FWIW, Daniel Wienberger on twitter has some privately-tracked xG numbers for the World Championships, and Slafvkovsky leads Slovakia in xG% by a decent margin.

Kid is good.

 

[Hisch13r]

FWIW, Daniel Wienberger on twitter has some privately-tracked xG numbers for the World Championships, and Slafvkovsky leads Slovakia in xG% by a decent margin.

Kid is good.

2nd. Fehervary leads the team by considerable margin at an absurd 83%. Slaf's 2nd at 69% and Nemec 5th at 66%. Dominant tournament all around. It's what I needed to get onboard.

 

[bossram]

2nd. Fehervary leads the team by considerable margin at an absurd 83%. Slaf's 2nd at 69% and Nemec 5th at 66%. Dominant tournament all around. It's what I needed to get onboard.

Oops my bad. Still leading the forwards in xG as a draft-eligible is insane.

 

[My3Sons]

Oops my bad. Still leading the forwards in xG as a draft-eligible is insane.

No insane is thinking that you can trade for the number two pick with Ryder Halak and a second or whatever the current equivalent might be.