Last time Zajac got hurt in the off-season, the Devils made the Stanley Cup finals.
https://68.media.tumblr.com/30117234c8dc388b7892a045eacb2457/tumblr_nbndaimytX1r1axvjo1_250.gif
Last time Zajac got hurt in the off-season, the Devils made the Stanley Cup finals.
https://68.media.tumblr.com/30117234c8dc388b7892a045eacb2457/tumblr_nbndaimytX1r1axvjo1_250.gif
If Hall thought we were a playoff team this year he wasn't paying attention. It would of taken a lot to get this team over the hump.
This year is about developing all these kids and getting ready for next season.
Which is why I don't get people freaking out.
We went from 25th worst to probably 29th worst. Not a big deal
It may not end up being that big of a deal in terms of wins/losses, it just sucks to lose a key player due to a training injury. It also would have been nice to have a guy to take the tough assignments rather than relying on a lesser defensive player like Henrique or a kid to play those minutes. It could force a kid into a role he's not ready for yet.
Of course it's also possible Hischier, Zacha, or McLeod takes the opportunity and runs with it and come January/February when Zajac returns he can be the third line center everybody wants him to be.
Yea, Henrique is probably going to get those assignments and minutes and he is going to get eaten alive by the competition.
Nonsense. He plays tremendously in the defensive zone, is a strong two-way player, plays the game the right way and most importantly, always mans his position in the D-zone. There's been many nights where I've been really tempted to give him the tough assignments over Zajac. He's definitely on the ice for fewer goals against than Travis Zajac is. - John Hynes
Dang it, Zajac.... I was looking forward to the BS NHL.com was going to write on the Devils. How they had time to squeeze his injury into every segment just shows me how crappy the other preview was going to be. I am still optimistic about this season. My predictions, McLeod/Quenneville/Speers make it, Nico goes back to juniors.
I don't see rookies being thrown into situations they aren't ready for.
Henrique moves from wing to top center which Is fine I don't care how bad defensively he is. It opens up a spot for John q on the wing
Dang it, Zajac.... I was looking forward to the BS NHL.com was going to write on the Devils. How they had time to squeeze his injury into every segment just shows me how crappy the other preview was going to be. I am still optimistic about this season. My predictions, McLeod/Quenneville/Speers make it, Nico goes back to juniors.
Nonsense. He plays tremendously in the defensive zone, is a strong two-way player, plays the game the right way and most importantly, always mans his position in the D-zone. There's been many nights where I've been really tempted to give him the tough assignments over Zajac. He's definitely on the ice for fewer goals against than Travis Zajac is. - John Hynes
I don't think this is as far fetched as some want to think.
That sucks about Zacha. Best of luck to him and the Devs this year. It always sucks when a very good young player misses time.
lololol.
For real, Henrique struggles against 2nd and 3rd line competition when centering a line, so if their plan is to play Henrique first line center minutes with this injury, that's pretty much embracing the tank. That's throwing out there something you already know is very mediocre just to throw it out.
Yea my bad. How often does one team have 2 very good young players that begin with a Z?
It's without question a devastating loss for all that Trav does for us. But it's going to be really exciting to see who steps up to try and fill those shoes. I would love nothing more than for Nico to show his capabilities early on, but between him, Rico, Mojo, Zacha, McLeod, Boyle and JQ we have plenty of options to alternate in.
It may not be an easy season again, but there's definitely more of a reason to watch.
i wouldn't say more of a reason; this board is going to be bored with watching losing hockey by Christmas (or even Thanksgiving). I want to see the kids play (and hopefully show up) as much as anyone but help us all if McLeod gets sent back and/or Nico goes back to Switzerland.
Nico would go back to the swiss league before Juniors.
Nah he wouldn't. He was a full transfer from Bern to Halifax. He's Halifax's property with the CHL/NHL rules, he'd go back there. He was a CHL draftee. If he had been a loaned player to Halifax and a Europe draftee, he'd be AHL eligible or would go back to Bern. He's done with Bern.
https://swisshockeynews.ch/index.ph...-hischier-could-return-to-sc-bern-next-season
I've also read from multiple tweets that alludes to it is basically NHL or men's swiss league, unless that has been disproven. I agree Nico should and likely will be up; however if he's not then back to juniors does not make much sense.