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New Jersey Devils Q&A: On Keller, Schneider, Stempniak & More

June 5, 2016, 2:00 PM ET [24 Comments]
Todd Cordell
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Assuming a high-end prospect doesn't free fall on draft day I'd like to see the Devils take Clayton Keller.

Sure, it'd be nice to get a prospect with more size (Keller is 5'10, 165 pounds) but drafting speed and skill is much more important. The Devils haven't had a prolific offensive player since Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise walked away and Keller has the potential to be just that.

He has broken a ton of records at the USNTDP, and for USA at international competitions. In terms of pure skill I think Keller is a top-5 player in this draft. I don't see how an offensively starved team can pass that up.




As mentioned above I'd like to see the Devils take Keller.

As for the other two I'd prefer Mikhail Sergachev to Logan Brown, although I like both. I know the Devils aren't exactly desperate for help on defense but I think Sergachev is the best blue liner in this draft and has more upside than any defenseman in the Devils' organization.




I'm a big fan of Sergachev - though there's certainly nothing wrong with the other two - but I think the Devils have to take Keller if he's there. I think he'd probably be the best player on the board at that point and he would also fill a big need.




I think Pavel Zacha has the potential to score 30 goals in the NHL one day. With his combination of size, speed and skill - including a lethal shot - he should have no problem getting good looks and making the most of them.

Beyond Zacha I don't think anyone in the organization has that kind of upside.




I definitely think it's a possibility. The Devils unquestionably need more scoring depth and Lee Stempniak talked very highly of his time with the Devils. If they're willing to give him a multi-year deal I could definitely see him coming back, although there should be a handful of suitors after the season he just had.




I think Ray Shero and co. will dip their toes into free agency but I don't see them throwing around the crazy money (and term) it'd take to get any of the big names on the open market.

I could see the Devils expressing interest in some second-tier players like Lee Stempniak, David Perron, Jiri Hudler, etc.




I would not trade Cory Schneider. He is a top-5 goaltender in the NHL and gives the Devils a chance every night. With a little more scoring prowess the Devils could be a playoff team whereas trading Schneider would put them in a full fledge rebuild and ruin any chance of accomplishing anything within the next few seasons.




Top-3 picks don't come around often so I very much doubt the Jackets would trade down eight spots just to rid themselves of one bad contract.




As impressive as he was at times Lappin managed just 14 points in 23 AHL games (including playoffs). That's solid production but nothing spectacular, obviously, and it was over a very small body of work. I'm sure he'll be given a chance to compete but I'd be surprised if he made the team.




Both players had their good and bad moments down the stretch. I think as they get more comfortable at the NHL level their point totals will start to improve; especially if they can find a spot on a set line instead of bouncing around on a shift-to-shift basis. It's hard to get in any sort of rhythm when one shift you're playing with Adam Henrique, the next you're with Stephen Gionta and then you're watching from the press box after failing to produce.

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