Speculation: NJ desperate for a high end 3c/decent 2c

[HugeInTheShire]

To be clear, that is very low compared to what most other Habs fans think. And in this next draft, the 2nd rounders are more like 3rd rounders. Right out of Bob M mouth who is more respected in that area than any other prospect rankings you will see out there.

I agree and again I wasn't commenting on value just correcting the poster that thought the offer was a 3rd.

 

[Smitty426]

I don’t recall cap space as part of thr discussion for Meier but that’s not the issue right now. They can certainly move Tatar to open up that $1.8 mil and maybe at the deadline they do that. But it’s an issue the way some posters want to move packages of players to NJ to get Nemec. It’s way more than an extra $1.8 mil. Moreover NJ isn’t likely going to want to preemptively add cap for next season if they want to have a chance to extend Kovacevic and also offer a long term deal for Luke Hughes. NJ has enough overpaid players they don’t need to keep adding them. Just see what they can do at the deadline after Hischier and Haula return.

That's why I think this year it's rentals.
Donato
Evans
Frederic
Tanev
All on expiring contracts, useful and a need. We love 2 or 3 from this list
Can bring back any one but Tanev in my eyes.

 

[devsfan8]

The only player in Boston that would be of any appeal of the realsitic options is Trent Frederic. I would dangle one of our 2nds for him even as a pending UFA.

To Boston 2nd rounder in 2025 (the lowest of 3)

To NJ Trent Frederic

 

[My3Sons]

This is where I disagree. Anything can happen once you get to the dance. It's a new season in April. All it takes is a hot goalie or hot team at the right time. The Devils have a good mix of battle tested deep playoff guys. We have to think like a buying team in my opinion.

If we are in a playoff spot at the deadline I do not only expect it, i but it is also Fitz responsibility to make the team better. Every team in the playoff race will make a move. And the Devils have a lot of assets. Numerous 2nds, etc.

I am on the boat that a depth guy or two to round put the bottom 6 is all we need. There is 0 reason to believe this cannot be accomplished.

Sure. But which forth guy or two? Of Markstrom is hurt at the deadline do you have to add a goalie? I just think you have to wait and see what the team looks like the first week of March. If Haula returns and plays well that might change what depth guys you chase. Also hard to know who is selling versus buying. Fans of other teams are posting one sided trades that any team would make if they could add a Nemec level prospect. Maybe NJ can trade Haula and Tatar for a top prospect from another team? No? Then the same should apply to NJ’s top prospects but some fans can’t help themselves.

 

[jjniner]

Schenn!

 

[devsfan8]

Sure. But which forth guy or two? Of Markstrom is hurt at the deadline do you have to add a goalie? I just think you have to wait and see what the team looks like the first week of March. If Haula returns and plays well that might change what depth guys you chase. Also hard to know who is selling versus buying. Fans of other teams are posting one sided trades that any team would make if they could add a Nemec level prospect. Maybe NJ can trade Haula and Tatar for a top prospect from another team? No? Then the same should apply to NJ’s top prospects but some fans can’t help themselves.

Agreed. There is no desperation. Despite what the title of this post is. I would rather the right player and right trade then a panic move.

 

[Brooklyndevil]

Mercer has stagnated and is a ghost 80% of the time, and is even worse when he plays center.

Haula is currently out injured (but should be back soon), but he has been absolutely brutal this year.

I think you underestimate Mercer’s value to the Devils.

 

[devsfan8]

That's why I think this year it's rentals.
Donato
Evans
Frederic
Tanev
All on expiring contracts, useful and a need. We love 2 or 3 from this list
Can bring back any one but Tanev in my eyes.

I agree but do not be shocked if Fitz bases the target on the plans to sign him. I can see Evans and/or Frederic being the types Fitz would trade for then sign in the summer.

 

[Brooklyndevil]

Schenn!

I’d take him in a heartbeat. What’s the cost?

 

[HabsWhiteKnightLOL]

yes, I would be very interested. Especially if Nashville retained and/or took back an expiring contract.



I would definitely trade a 2nd round pick + middling prospect for Evans quite easily. I just think that some other Habs fans believe they are getting a 1st for him.

Well I could see Evans getting a 1st we somehow got a 1st for Chariot and a 2nd for Kulak and they remotely worse than Evans. Always depend on the demand

 

[devsfan8]

I think you underestimate Mercer’s value to the Devils.

He definitely does. A young 20 goal scorer at a good cap hit. Never misses a game.

I don't get rhe Mercer chastising.

Well I could see Evans getting a 1st we somehow got a 1st for Chariot and a 2nd for Kulak and they remotely worse than Evans. Always depend on the demand

Only chance of that is if it's a sign and trade with Evans.

 

[HabsWhiteKnightLOL]

He definitely does. A young 20 goal scorer at a good cap hit. Never misses a game.

I don't get rhe Mercer chastising.



Only chance of that is if it's a sign and trade with Evans.

That wouldnt be a bad thing for the Devils We like him in Montreal but our team needs a total shakeup.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Well I could see Evans getting a 1st we somehow got a 1st for Chariot and a 2nd for Kulak and they remotely worse than Evans. Always depend on the demand

Evans cap hit is low which is a factor like Chiarot was. I think we are going to get late 1st and B+ offers for Evans. Especially with this draft coming and a significant drop around 20+ range. Bob M said the 2nd round is like your usual 3rd round. That stuff matters.

When I look at several contenders, You see a common trend. A 3C need.

My gut says that Gorton/Hughes are delaying any contract extension with Evans because they want to see the TDL offers first.

 

[Sheppy]

He definitely does. A young 20 goal scorer at a good cap hit. Never misses a game.

I don't get rhe Mercer chastising.



Only chance of that is if it's a sign and trade with Evans.

I've been wanting this kid on the Bruins since he came into the league.

 

[Smitty426]

I agree but do not be shocked if Fitz bases the target on the plans to sign him. I can see Evans and/or Frederic being the types Fitz would trade for then sign in the summer.

We agree on this. I just don't see Tanev as one of those guys. He's speed and tenacity in the playoffs would be a welcome though

 

[devsfan8]

That wouldnt be a bad thing for the Devils We like him in Montreal but our team needs a total shakeup.

Evans really addresses a need for NJ.

I've been wanting this kid on the Bruins since he came into the league.

He is not up for sale during the season. He would be traded during the summer in a hockey trade. Not when we are in a playoff spot.

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

Schenn!

I’d take him in a heartbeat. What’s the cost?

...I can't imagine that Armstrong would ask for anything less than Nemec + Mercer, which would probably be more than the Devils want to pay...

 

[Habs Halifax]

Evans really addresses a need for NJ.

If the offers for Evans is 2nd's and B+ prospects, I think the Habs just extend him. I feel Gorton/Hughes are looking for pry away value and they already know what his contract will look like if we extend him. This is a case of delaying the contract until the TDL to see what the offers are.

All I will say is if we take Evans out of our picture, Habs take a setback. Dach sucks on faceoffs and it would put a huge burden on Suzuki (even more than what he has now).

If the Habs extend Evans, I would look a Y Gourde. Probably cheaper to acquire and that guy can still play. Not as good as Evans at faceoffs but Gourde's forecheck and takeaways/60 is still top notch. Not sure how much time he plays on the PK though

 

[voyageur]

Nemec for Zegras.

 

[Smitty426]

Nemec for Zegras.

We have enough light pond hockey players, thx

 

[Habs Halifax]

Nemec for Zegras.

How does that fit the Devils needs? Zegras is not really a center and he is on the skill/soft side. I think the Devils are after a warrior type center. Someone who can win faceoffs, forecheck, and take a PK load. At least with my Evans (sign/trade), 1st (14-18 range) and prospect (Mailloux or Beck), the Devils get the 3C they need and futures to either use in other trades or draft guys to reinforce their pool.

Don't expect the Devils to trade Nemec but I think that trade value is there. Depends on how that value that 14-18 range pick and the prospect on top of a signed Evans.

Nemec to me a top 4D if he reaches his ceiling. I have faith he does but there are no guarantees. Top pairing value at this point in time? I don't see it. If he had top pairing potential, it would have shown by now. Habs maybe sleeping on Mailloux's potential as well. His age 20 season in the AHL last season is very comparable to Nemec's age 20 season this year. I find Nemec is more well rounded at both ends but Mailloux has more offense in him. Mailloux could end up on the Barron path but we really don't know how that plays out.

 

[voyageur]

How does that fit the Devils needs? Zegras is not really a center and he is on the skill/soft side. I think the Devils are after a warrior type center. Someone who can win faceoffs, forecheck, and take a PK load.

At least with my Evans (sign/trade), 1st (14-18 range) and prospect (Mailloux or Beck), the Devils get the 3C they need and futures to either use in other trades or draft guys to reinforce their pool.

Don't expect the Devils to trade Nemec but I think that value is there. Depends on how that value that 14-18 range pick and the prospect on top of a signed Evans.

The can have both. Zegras could probably play at Hughes pace. Evans is a RH Haula. I'm not debating the Devils needs. Last time I was a Devils fan, John Mac Lean was getting them into the playoffs on the final day of the season. Sean Burke was in net.

 

[Habs Halifax]

We have enough light pond hockey players, thx

I wanted the Habs to trade for Zegras but the price has always been way to high. Whatever hope was said about him rebounding, has not shown. He's skilled yes but overrated. A lot of flaws to his game when you think about how he looks in any playoff games.

The can have both. Zegras could probably play at Hughes pace. Evans is a RH Haula. I'm not debating the Devils needs. Last time I was a Devils fan, John Mac Lean was getting them into the playoffs on the final day of the season. Sean Burke was in net.

Habs are not trading Evans for 2nd rounders or B prospect though. Not worth it for us. I think we are waiting to sign him until the TDL where they get to see all offers for Evans. Then they decide.

I'll let the Devils decide on Zegras. Their prerogative (not mine)

 

[dgibb10]

Evans cap hit is low which is a factor like Chiarot was. I think we are going to get late 1st and B+ offers for Evans. Especially with this draft coming and a significant drop around 20+ range. Bob M said the 2nd round is like your usual 3rd round. That stuff matters.

When I look at several contenders, You see a common trend. A 3C need.

My gut says that Gorton/Hughes are delaying any contract extension with Evans because they want to see the TDL offers first.

You must have incredibly low standards for what a B+ prospect is if you think Evans fetches one AND a 1st.

I'd love to hear some examples of guys you think are "B+" prospects that you'd be asking for

 

[Smitty426]

How does that fit the Devils needs? Zegras is not really a center and he is on the skill/soft side. I think the Devils are after a warrior type center. Someone who can win faceoffs, forecheck, and take a PK load. At least with my Evans (sign/trade), 1st (14-18 range) and prospect (Mailloux or Beck), the Devils get the 3C they need and futures to either use in other trades or draft guys to reinforce their pool.

Don't expect the Devils to trade Nemec but I think that trade value is there. Depends on how that value that 14-18 range pick and the prospect on top of a signed Evans.

Nemec to me a top 4D if he reaches his ceiling. I have faith he does but there are no guarantees. Top pairing value at this point in time? I don't see it. If he had top pairing potential, it would have shown by now. Habs maybe sleeping on Mailloux's potential as well. His age 20 season in the AHL last season is very comparable to Nemec's age 20 season this year. I find Nemec is more well rounded at both ends but Mailloux has more offense in him. Mailloux could end up on the Barron path but we really don't know how that plays out.

He doesn't! We need talented heavy players. Yes warrior type. More skilled Frederic, less aged Tanev. Hamiltons full NMC changes on July 1. Dpeending on what happens in the playoffs may dicate some of this. Most NJ fans donet see Nemec being moved before Hamilton.