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The Devils don't play again until Wednesday and we're in the midst of All Star weekend, where only Patrik Elias is featured from New Jersey, so there's not much going on with the team with now.
That said, I like to get the readers involved and figured it'd be as good of a time as any to do a Q&A and share my opinion on some of the big decisions Lou Lamoriello and co. will be faced with moving forward.
Q: Why are the Devils so bad this year?
A: I think there are a lot of reasons for that, but the big one is the play of the forwards. Everyone knew prior to the season the Devils would try to break in some of their young defensemen, which means they'd need good goaltending and some goal support if they want to be successful. The defense has been fine, Cory Schneider has been good, and yet the Devils sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Why? The biggest reason is a lack of offense. Most of their older players are declining (some rapidly), they've dealt with injuries, and others are under performing. That's not a great recipe for success.
Q: If the Devils get, say, pick 5, best pick? Also who will be the next prospect to watch for a call up next season?
A: I have to go with Mitch Marner. The Devils are starving for young, talented forwards with high-end puck skills and that describes Marner perfectly. His vision is incredible, he plays with high pace and he can put up points in bunches. His shot doesn't have much power, but that should improve as he bulks up, and his playmaking ability is elite.
As for the latter part of that question, I'm going to go a little off the board with Belarusian defenseman Raman Hrabarenka. The 22-year-old has 14 points in 20 game with Albany this season. He's not afraid to use his 6'3" 210+ pound frame and mix it up, either, which should help make him an attractive option to Lamoriello.
Q: Values of potential trade bait for Devils?
A: Jaromir Jagr is still putting up a decent amount of points and posting elite possession numbers, so he won't be traded unless the Devils get a worthwhile return. Maybe something like a 2nd round pick that could turn into a 1st if Team X makes it to Round Y of the playoffs. That's what Boston gave up to acquire Jagr a couple years back.
As for Marek Zidlicky, I think a 2nd round pick or good prospect is a fair ask given his production and experience.
If Michael Ryder is dealt, I could see the Devils getting a mid round pick for him. He's not the player he once was, but he's among the team leaders in individual scoring chances and he has a good shot so he could be a good add for a playoff team looking for depth scoring.
Q: Does Ryane Clowe ever play again? Who is the next Captain? Santini next year? Thoughts on Josh Jacobs?
A: I believe Clowe has suffered three or four concussions over the last two years, so given his playing style it's probably not a good idea for him to push for a comeback. Sure it'd be tough to end a pretty good career due to head problems, but his health is the most important thing. He's already made a good chunk of money and will be paid by the Devils regardless, so I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't return.
Assuming Bryce Salvador doesn't return this summer, I think Adam Henrique is a good bet. Andy Greene and Travis Zajac will both be around for a while, too, so I think those would be the main three candidates.
The Devils don't generally pull players from college/juniors and put them in the NHL right away, so I think Steve Santini will be heading to Albany if he turns pro; at least to start. As for Jacobs: I like his game, and I think he's progressing nicely. That said, he's at least a couple years out.
Q: It seems that Eric Gelinas has been nonexistent this season, what do you expect out him in the future?
A:
I actually wrote the other day that he's played pretty well in his limited minutes. That said, I still think he has more to give. I think to be successful he needs someone to put faith in him, and give him legitimate minutes, similar to what we're seeing now with Adam Larsson. He'll never be a rock defensively, but he's not OK, and his ability to produce offense and score goals makes him a pretty nice piece to have. I could see him playing 2nd/3rd pairing and contributing on the power play.
Q: Do you see Lou trading any young defensemen for an elite forward?
A: I don't, but I think that's more because none of the Devils young D (aside from Damon Severson and maybe Adam Larsson) could fetch an elite forward without a big piece being added. I could see the Devils using their surplus of young defensemen to try and bring in a forward - perhaps a good one - but I doubt they'd fetch anyone considered elite.
Q: Do you think Scott Gomez will return next season?
A: Lou Lamoriello is very loyal and Gomez has played pretty well, so if he's willing to come back cheap I think that's something Lamoriello may have interest in.
Q: Do you think Oates/Stevens will be head coach next year?
A: It's tough to say at this point, but it wouldn't surprise me. As we all know Lamoriello is a very loyal guy, and if he thinks either of those guys are capable he probably won't bother looking outside the organization. We'll see, though, because new ownership may want the team to go in a different direction.
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