And the offense is going to improve when the transition through the neutral zone improves, not because of different line combos or giving one guy, any one guy, more minutes.

A better 2nd outlet pass improves transition which improves forecheck (because your on pace with the puck, not chasing it a step behind) which improves offense.

Right now, those outlet passes aren't tape to tape. they're off the mark and everything is messed up. Likely because of the 5 new forwards the team brought in. It takes time.
- njdevils350

Well that is the problem right there with offense when they are only getting out of our zone cleanly every fourth try you are missing out on chances and giving the other team more chances. When 3 of you're 6 D can only wire off the glass to get it out or flip it up to the opposite team you are going to have a hard time generating more then 20-23 shots a game. Especially when you factor in the overall speed of our team. That and face offs if both those area's improve we won't have a problem scoring. At this point the centermen should be working on face offs every practice for a good amount of the time. and the D need to work on making smart decisions at a high speed. I don't care if you have to invite a college team or something to come out and scrimage the boys to practice these in game situations hell that sounds like a good idea actually.

Well that is the problem right there with offense when they are only getting out of our zone cleanly every fourth try you are missing out on chances and giving the other team more chances. When 3 of you're 6 D can only wire off the glass to get it out or flip it up to the opposite team you are going to have a hard time generating more then 20-23 shots a game. Especially when you factor in the overall speed of our team. That and face offs if both those area's improve we won't have a problem scoring. At this point the centermen should be working on face offs every practice for a good amount of the time. and the D need to work on making smart decisions at a high speed. I don't care if you have to invite a college team or something to come out and scrimage the boys to practice these in game situations hell that sounds like a good idea actually.
- blizzzard

I agree 100%, actually. That's exactly the reason I thought it was worthwhile to retain Zidlicky. (with a full understanding of his shortcomings.) In my opinion Zidlicky and Larsson need to be somewhere in the top 4 so they can help generate the pace. And the that they want to be at to be successful is too fast for Peter Harrold.

No minutes for Larsson, too fast for Peter Harrold, and everyone else comes up short on either there physicality, puckhandling, or foot speed. Therein lye's the multitude of defensive issues.

Would like to see Teddy get in there and do good. Clowe coming out is not a big loss at all since at this point all he has been is a liability.

I agree 100%, actually. That's exactly the reason I thought it was worthwhile to retain Zidlicky. (with a full understanding of his shortcomings.) In my opinion Zidlicky and Larsson need to be somewhere in the top 4 so they can help generate the pace. And the that they want to be at to be successful is too fast for Peter Harrold.

No minutes for Larsson, too fast for Peter Harrold, and everyone else comes up short on either there physicality, puckhandling, or foot speed. Therein lye's the multitude of defensive issues.
- njdevils350

A lot of it is bad decision making. They are thinking the game to fast especially the D when they are trying to get point shots off. It really isn't that difficult to make one fake shot and walk around a guy so you aren't shooting it straight into his shins. Then when we do get grade A shooting chances they pass it up for a lower quality chance. This is a simple game when you are thinking smart. I am really hoping Bryce retires after this year we move on from Zid and then we are left with Volchenkov who we can decide if he is worth buying out or not. Let Both Gelinas and Merril play top 4 minutes next year with Larsson and Greene and grab the highest pick we can while giving our youngsters the best chance to play in all situations. No more holding talent back for guys who aren't going to learn anything new. Look how young Colorado is. I don't think they sustain this type of success but they are doing great and their kids are gaining invaluable experience and I don't think I could name a single defense man on there team other then Johnson.

Would like to see Teddy get in there and do good. Clowe coming out is not a big loss at all since at this point all he has been is a liability.
- Rseen

I hope he can I think we are do for a few surprises. When was the last time we had a young guy somewhat come out of no where? It should be about time I hope he takes this oppertunity and runs with it.

I would be more then happy if the pairings next year where:
Greene Merril
Gelinas Larsson
Fayne Harrold
I don't know if they make sense handiness wise but I wouldn't complain even if they struggled. At least they are getting a shot.

yawn...
- nascarguy

You just be reading the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs. That would put anyone to sleep!

Nice to see urbom getting minutes with an NHL squad...makes you wonder how and why we keep rolling old d men and not turn to youth with size, skill and some speed
- bigjersey3

Not sure what you guys saw in him I have watched him play a few times including yesterday and he was straight up terrible.

Let's start a pool on when NJ will finally win a game.

I'll take 11/7 vs Philly

Marty in net tonight?

4-1 Twattawa.

2 of them softies.
- FLdevilsFAN

Dude why don't you go root for another team, like the Panthers. As a Devils fan you are an embarrassment and seem to thrive on snarky anti-Devils comments. How about adding a constructive comment?

Not sure what you guys saw in him I have watched him play a few times including yesterday and he was straight up terrible.
- mighty13duck

Not everyone can be Calvin Dehaan.

Not everyone can be Calvin Dehaan.
- blizzzard

Who said I was a De Haan fan?

Who said I was a De Haan fan?
- mighty13duck

What does it have to do with you being a fan or not? It was a statement that not everyone can be Dehaan. I also don't think anyone was super high on Urbom but he would be an upgrade over Volchenkov and was at least willing to fight and show some passion. If anyone is upset about it it's because he shouldn't have been given away. Anything of value would of silence anyone who said something about Urbom. He is a 7th defense man right now and that should of fetched us a 5-7th round pick or at least a player of the same caliber that played a different position. If He isn't given up for free I don't like you hear a complaint from any Devils fan.

What does it have to do with you being a fan or not? It was a statement that not everyone can be Dehaan. I also don't think anyone was super high on Urbom but he would be an upgrade over Volchenkov and was at least willing to fight and show some passion. If anyone is upset about it it's because he shouldn't have been given away. Anything of value would of silence anyone who said something about Urbom. He is a 7th defense man right now and that should of fetched us a 5-7th round pick or at least a player of the same caliber that played a different position. If He isn't given up for free I don't like you hear a complaint from any Devils fan.
- blizzzard

Do you think Lou asked around or he just waived him? Lou seems like the type to try to get as much as he can.

Who said I was a De Haan fan?
- mighty13duck

On a side note what are you're predictions for JT this season? I would like to see him get close to 45 goals ( I don't think that is out of the realm of possibility. ) Something like 45 goals 47 assists 92 pts?

Do you think Lou asked around or he just waived him? Lou seems like the type to try to get as much as he can.
- mighty13duck

I don't know I agree that he tries to get as much as he can but I think the deadline had something to do in it as we seen he got Scott Timmins for Barch so I don't see why he couldn't have gotten more for Urbom. Unless like I said no one could for the sole reason that everyone was trying to get their rosters set.

If we don't turn around in the next 10 games we should make a move. Let's hire the opposite of DeBoer. Laviolette

Just kidding, but seriously, if we don't turn a corner I want someone to light a fire under the Devils' asses. They look like they're satisfied as long as the games are close and they don't get hurt. We need some passion.

On a side note what are you're predictions for JT this season? I would like to see him get close to 45 goals ( I don't think that is out of the realm of possibility. ) Something like 45 goals 47 assists 92 pts?
- blizzzard

Maybe, it depends if he can find someone who compliments him on his line. Jack keeps changing his linemates every and Moulson has been invisible so far. 45 goals seems reasonable and if KO can get together 50 is not out of question

Maybe, it depends if he can find someone who compliments him on his line. Jack keeps changing his linemates every and Moulson has been invisible so far. 45 goals seems reasonable and if KO can get together 50 is not out of question
- mighty13duck

He has no problem shooting the puck. I guess it will all come down who can finish the gifts he will be handing out.

Guys tell me what you think about this idea. Todd didn't like it much but I think it might work and could be smart. We obviously don't have a first this year, everyone knows that. But instead of trying to get one for this year since lots of teams will be why not try to get some first for the McDavid draft ? Teams might be more in the now moment and think so we can get player A off of you guys and still pick in the first round this year ? I think that would be appealing to teams. Take the blow of no first this year and have 2-3 chances the year after when it's one of the best players since Crosby's draft. I like the idea but I do realize teams also don't know what they will look like after this season and might not be willing to give up the first a year from now in case of a bad start or injuries that they can't predict a year early. Overall I think it could work and I would try it. Thoughts ?

Guys tell me what you think about this idea. Todd didn't like it much but I think it might work and could be smart. We obviously don't have a first this year, everyone knows that. But instead of trying to get one for this year since lots of teams will be why not try to get some first for the McDavid draft ? Teams might be more in the now moment and think so we can get player A off of you guys and still pick in the first round this year ? I think that would be appealing to teams. Take the blow of no first this year and have 2-3 chances the year after when it's one of the best players since Crosby's draft. I like the idea but I do realize teams also don't know what they will look like after this season and might not be willing to give up the first a year from now in case of a bad start or injuries that they can't predict a year early. Overall I think it could work and I would try it. Thoughts ?
- blizzzard

Other than Elias, what do we have worth other teams giving up a first? Are we blowing out everyone, no one worth keeping? In order to get a first you have to give up something pretty decent ? I see some second rounders plus maybe thirds or lower. In theory could be good, but the little bit good players I would like to keep cause we have no depth really. Zajac and Henrique and Clowe are all stuck here on forward with there contracts so they arent moving out. And the teams that should be picking low 2 years from now, doubt are are adding players by trade at the deadline and are in a playoff position they would be sellers. Chicago, SJ, Pitts arent going to be picking low anytime soon and those are the types of teams looking to add pieces, sure maybe a bubble team, but only one that feels theres that peice they are missing to make them a contender.

Guys tell me what you think about this idea. Todd didn't like it much but I think it might work and could be smart. We obviously don't have a first this year, everyone knows that. But instead of trying to get one for this year since lots of teams will be why not try to get some first for the McDavid draft ? Teams might be more in the now moment and think so we can get player A off of you guys and still pick in the first round this year ? I think that would be appealing to teams. Take the blow of no first this year and have 2-3 chances the year after when it's one of the best players since Crosby's draft. I like the idea but I do realize teams also don't know what they will look like after this season and might not be willing to give up the first a year from now in case of a bad start or injuries that they can't predict a year early. Overall I think it could work and I would try it. Thoughts ?
- blizzzard

I actually thought of this before and agree completely. But.. what would be worth a first next year, Zajac, Henrique, Larrsson, Merrill, Boucher (maybe), Severson? Out of those only Zajac would be worth moving, but he would have to be moved this year because whose knows what could happen to his value after this year production wise and maybe Henrique next year, but that would have to be at the draft to make sure you get McDavid and not end up losing the draft lottery to a 2nd or 3rd place team. However, put with the right line mates Zajac could be effective like he was when he centered Parise. Also, IF we were to get a pick this year it would probably include next years 1st and Zajac to a low team for 1st overall this year. And looking at it right now Buffalo and Philly, Edmonton and maybe Dallas would probably be the teams I'm eyeing to try to get a top pick. You can take out Philly because we're rivals and Lou wouldn't trade with them, plus no cap for the Flyers. Dallas has about 2 million in cap and Buffalo ($5 million) and Edmonton ($6 million are almost to the cap, especailly for Zajac's almost $6 million, so could end of a package deal both ways with who ever we traded.

Other than Elias, what do we have worth other teams giving up a first? Are we blowing out everyone, no one worth keeping? In order to get a first you have to give up something pretty decent ? I see some second rounders plus maybe thirds or lower. In theory could be good, but the little bit good players I would like to keep cause we have no depth really. Zajac and Henrique and Clowe are all stuck here on forward with there contracts so they arent moving out. And the teams that should be picking low 2 years from now, doubt are are adding players by trade at the deadline and are in a playoff position they would be sellers. Chicago, SJ, Pitts arent going to be picking low anytime soon and those are the types of teams looking to add pieces, sure maybe a bubble team, but only one that feels theres that peice they are missing to make them a contender.
- Bowkes

Good points. I also think that depends on whether or not you think Jagr can still fetch a first? A guy like Zid as much as we hate him I mean how much did Gonchar go for not at the deadline? ( I honestly can't recall ) I can see the fact that Sal wears the C it might up his value maybe a 2nd to a desperate team. But then again like you said no point in stocking 2nds and 3rds for a year from now instead of now.

I actually thought of this before and agree completely. But.. what would be worth a first next year, Zajac, Henrique, Larrsson, Merrill, Boucher (maybe), Severson? Out of those only Zajac would be worth moving, but he would have to be moved this year because whose knows what could happen to his value after this year production wise and maybe Henrique next year, but that would have to be at the draft to make sure you get McDavid and not end up losing the draft lottery to a 2nd or 3rd place team. However, put with the right line mates Zajac could be effective like he was when he centered Parise. Also, IF we were to get a pick this year it would probably include next years 1st and Zajac to a low team for 1st overall this year. And looking at it right now Buffalo and Philly, Edmonton and maybe Dallas would probably be the teams I'm eyeing to try to get a top pick. You can take out Philly because we're rivals and Lou wouldn't trade with them, plus no cap for the Flyers. Dallas has about 2 million in cap and Buffalo ($5 million) and Edmonton ($6 million are almost to the cap, especailly for Zajac's almost $6 million, so could end of a package deal both ways with who ever we traded.
- Devils9503

Yea another thing I didn't think about was other then the guys I just mentioned everyone is recently signed to a couple years. It would be nice to have that player like McDavid that you know no matter who else is in you're line up or how anyone else on you're team is playing he gives you a chance every game.

Guys tell me what you think about this idea. Todd didn't like it much but I think it might work and could be smart. We obviously don't have a first this year, everyone knows that. But instead of trying to get one for this year since lots of teams will be why not try to get some first for the McDavid draft ? Teams might be more in the now moment and think so we can get player A off of you guys and still pick in the first round this year ? I think that would be appealing to teams. Take the blow of no first this year and have 2-3 chances the year after when it's one of the best players since Crosby's draft. I like the idea but I do realize teams also don't know what they will look like after this season and might not be willing to give up the first a year from now in case of a bad start or injuries that they can't predict a year early. Overall I think it could work and I would try it. Thoughts ?
- blizzzard

Or we could always trade Henrique next year at the draft plus whatever that team is looking for depending on what it is.

If the Oil have a drastic turn around they would love to add a great depth guy like Zubrus. From a team like Edmonton I think Zubrus fetches more then he should nothing crazy but enough to shock you.