Realistically I think the Devils could finish anywhere from 5-11 in the east depending on how things shake out with injuries, chemistry, the emergence of the young d-men, etc. In other words, they're hard to predict.

But some of the arguments being made are absurd. Islander fans can say the same thing about having Halak as the Devils can about Schneider? Really? Schneider has the league's top save percentage over something like the last 5 years. I don't think it's a reach to suggest the Devils can be better with him playing the 60 he should have played a year ago. Getting him in a rhythm and not having him looking over his shoulder, he should be better than he was a year ago.

Maybe Jagr isn't. Maybe Cammalleri doesn't hit 25 goals. Maybe Elias shows his age. But to base a negative argument around Schneider and his prospects doesn't make sense to me.

Off the subject, but is anyone else amazed that Jagr is still this productive at this age? I know a lot of it has to do with his size and strength, its just amazing. That said, could anyone see a current 22-32 year old superstar maintain production into their mid 40s? If so....why?

Any update on merrill?

Off the subject, but is anyone else amazed that Jagr is still this productive at this age? I know a lot of it has to do with his size and strength, its just amazing. That said, could anyone see a current 22-32 year old superstar maintain production into their mid 40s? If so....why?
- cranktheradio

I'm amazed every single shift. And i don't have time to think upon your second question lol

santini in BC

Off the subject, but is anyone else amazed that Jagr is still this productive at this age? I know a lot of it has to do with his size and strength, its just amazing. That said, could anyone see a current 22-32 year old superstar maintain production into their mid 40s? If so....why?
- cranktheradio

Its hard to say because a lot of things have to go right. Jagr has never really had any significant injuries. A lot of that has to do with his size and the ridiculous commitment to fitness that he has, but he's never taken a bad hit or anything that could have possibly limited him in the future(knees, shoulders, stuff like that). When you combine that with the immense skill set that he possesses(you could probably argue that MAYBE 2 or 3 current players are as good as Jagr was at the same age) and that he doesn't play a physically demanding style that might wear him down over the years(had more ppg's than hits this year).

So in conclusion I would say it would be possible for a current star but they would have to be incredibly lucky and play a certain way. If I had to name someone I might lean towards Malkin as a guy