I think we edge them out, Willie Mitchell is solid, Gudbranson is pretty good, and then everyone else is decent, Campbells cap hit is crazy, but is off the books this coming year. We have the better potential going forward, but they have a 19 yo first line defenseman, so i'm jealous of that
- Rangers_Suck01

Um No. Sorry it's not that cut and dry. We have Ekblad who is fantastic. Campbell one of the most solid guys you can have and he never misses a game. Mitchell is great on the bottom pair with a guy like Petrovic who is up and coming and honestly has out-developed Gudbranson. Kulikov and Gudbranson are our 3-4. Plus we have guys like Matheson (Campbells heir apparent) and Ian McCoshen ready to make the jump. Campbells cap hit isn't something that should label him as "decent". And I forgot you guys had Larsson yet to be signed when I made my initial comment.

Ekblad/Campbell
Kulikov/Guds
Mitchell/Petrovic
Kampfer

The have ekblad. I'm seriously to lazy to look it up but has gudbranson improved at all ? Any time I've asked about him I haven't been told good things. People come in here and think this entire team is just garbage and that's not true at all I bet if we scored at league average we would of made the playoffs with our d no problem. We can't score goals and that is literally the only problem we have outside of being slow the past few years but that played into not scoring goals.
- blizzzard

Gudbranson has improved, he just has a temper. Still someone every team wants; gigantic shut down guy who will (frank) your opponent up. We also have Brian Campbell, Dmitri Kulikov, and Willie Mitchell. You'll also hear the name Alex Petrovic a lot coming up as he is our next in line. I don't think your team is bad at all.

Barring a trade, which i can see happening..
Cammy-Zajac-Palmieri
Henrique-Elias-Tootoo
Boucher-Josefson-Zubby
Matteau-O'brien/Gio-Rutuu
Something along the lines of this, Tootoo-Zubby-Rutuu are interchangeable, and i'd rather see other guys like Pietilla and Coleman make the team so scrubs like those three don't have to play.
And then D is pretty straight forward for us,
Greene-Larsson
Merrill-Severson
Moore-Gelly

Goalie:
Ginger God + Kinkaid
- Rangers_Suck01

Also, yeah it's time to get some young blood in the line up for a lot of teams and the Devils are one of em. I'm shocked Tootoo is slated so high. Why is that?

Um No. Sorry it's not that cut and dry. We have Ekblad who is fantastic. Campbell one of the most solid guys you can have and he never misses a game. Mitchell is great on the bottom pair with a guy like Petrovic who is up and coming and honestly has out-developed Gudbranson. Kulikov and Gudbranson are our 3-4. Plus we have guys like Matheson (Campbells heir apparent) and Ian McCoshen ready to make the jump. Campbells cap hit isn't something that should label him as "decent". And I forgot you guys had Larsson yet to be signed when I made my initial comment.

Ekblad/Campbell
Kulikov/Guds
Mitchell/Petrovic
Kampfer
- Panthers88

Well let's see:
Larsson looks to be a fantastic player, Severson probably as well. Greene is extremely solid and is always healthy. Merill is defensively sound and Gelinas is a monster offensively. Mozik, Santini, Moore and a bunch of other people to back them up.
Certainly not a huge difference, but I think we're slightly better.

Also, yeah it's time to get some young blood in the line up for a lot of teams and the Devils are one of em. I'm shocked Tootoo is slated so high. Why is that?
- Panthers88

Maybe cause last year he was getting top 6 time? I pray that's not the case this coming season.

Um No. Sorry it's not that cut and dry. We have Ekblad who is fantastic. Campbell one of the most solid guys you can have and he never misses a game. Mitchell is great on the bottom pair with a guy like Petrovic who is up and coming and honestly has out-developed Gudbranson. Kulikov and Gudbranson are our 3-4. Plus we have guys like Matheson (Campbells heir apparent) and Ian McCoshen ready to make the jump. Campbells cap hit isn't something that should label him as "decent". And I forgot you guys had Larsson yet to be signed when I made my initial comment.

Ekblad/Campbell
Kulikov/Guds
Mitchell/Petrovic
Kampfer
- Panthers88

First, FLA finished #18 in GA, so decent could be a good word for them, even with Lou in net, but the future is bright. Ekblad is far and away the best, if you can still call him one, defensive prospect/ young defenseman in the NHL and its not close. Never said soupy was bad, just his contract is crazy, but he's still a good player. For some reason i forgot about kulikov, Gudbranson is a solid #4 defender, and i really like Mitchell on the backline for you guys, good mentor for the young guns in the locker room, and i haven't heard much about Petrovic, me being lazy, nothing against him.

Maybe cause last year he was getting top 6 time? I pray that's not the case this coming season.
- NickA

Shouldn't be, i like him on the team, but as a 4th line guy, not in the spot where i hope Blandisi might be playing

Well let's see:
Larsson looks to be a fantastic player, Severson probably as well. Greene is extremely solid and is always healthy. Merill is defensively sound and Gelinas is a monster offensively. Mozik, Santini, Moore and a bunch of other people to back them up.
- willschulme

Yes that is fine. I totally forgot about Larsson when I made my original post.

Here look I can do it too:
Ekblad looks to be a fantastic player, Matheson probably as well. Campbell is solid and always healthy. Mitchell (and Gudbranson) are defensively and Kulikov is decent (I won't call him a monster and Gelinas certainly isn't either) offensively. Petrovic, McCoshen, Downing and a bunch of others back them up.

Yes that is fine. I totally forgot about Larsson when I made my original post.

Here look I can do it too:
Ekblad looks to be a fantastic player, Matheson probably as well. Campbell is solid and always healthy. Mitchell (and Gudbranson) are defensively and Kulikov is decent (I won't call him a monster and Gelinas certainly isn't either) offensively. Petrovic, McCoshen, Downing and a bunch of others back them up.
- Panthers88

Wait but I was imitating you first

First, FLA finished #18 in GA, so decent could be a good word for them, even with Lou in net, but the future is bright. Ekblad is far and away the best, if you can still call him one, defensive prospect/ young defenseman in the NHL and its not close. Never said soupy was bad, just his contract is crazy, but he's still a good player. For some reason i forgot about kulikov, Gudbranson is a solid #4 defender, and i really like Mitchell on the backline for you guys, good mentor for the young guns in the locker room, and i haven't heard much about Petrovic, me being lazy, nothing against him.
- Rangers_Suck01

Right but the word decent was used for Campbell, not the unit as a whole. And we were top 10 in GA until we lost both Luongo and Montoya in the same damn game. And no Petrovic is someone who really came into his own last season. This will (should be) his first full NHL season.

Wait but I was imitating you first
- willschulme

Um No. Sorry it's not that cut and dry. We have Ekblad who is fantastic. Campbell one of the most solid guys you can have and he never misses a game. Mitchell is great on the bottom pair with a guy like Petrovic who is up and coming and honestly has out-developed Gudbranson. Kulikov and Gudbranson are our 3-4. Plus we have guys like Matheson (Campbells heir apparent) and Ian McCoshen ready to make the jump. Campbells cap hit isn't something that should label him as "decent". And I forgot you guys had Larsson yet to be signed when I made my initial comment.

Ekblad/Campbell
Kulikov/Guds
Mitchell/Petrovic
Kampfer
- Panthers88

I agree that Florida's D is definitely better...we have a lot of young and not totally proven guys with potential (Larsson, 22) (Severson, 20) (Merrill, 23) (Gelinas, 24) (J Moore, 24)

then also guys with no experience (Santini, 20) (Hrabarenka, 22) (Jacobs, 19) (Mozik, 22)...we should be set for the future if half of these guys become regulars

Right but the word decent was used for Campbell, not the unit as a whole. And we were top 10 in GA until we lost both Luongo and Montoya in the same damn game. And no Petrovic is someone who really came into his own last season. This will (should be) his first full NHL season.
- Panthers88

I think we edge them out, Willie Mitchell is solid, Gudbranson is pretty good, and then everyone else is decent, Campbells cap hit is crazy, but is off the books this coming year. We have the better potential going forward, but they have a 19 yo first line defenseman, so i'm jealous of that
- Rangers_Suck01

I think we edge them out, Willie Mitchell is solid, Gudbranson is pretty good, and then everyone else is decent, Campbells cap hit is crazy, but is off the books this coming year. We have the better potential going forward, but they have a 19 yo first line defenseman, so i'm jealous of that
- Rangers_Suck01
- Rangers_Suck01

Well with Campbell coming after the "decent" comment one could only assume.

Barring a trade, which i can see happening..
Cammy-Zajac-Palmieri
Henrique-Elias-Tootoo
Boucher-Josefson-Zubby
Matteau-O'brien/Gio-Rutuu
Something along the lines of this, Tootoo-Zubby-Rutuu are interchangeable, and i'd rather see other guys like Pietilla and Coleman make the team so scrubs like those three don't have to play.
And then D is pretty straight forward for us,
Greene-Larsson
Merrill-Severson
Moore-Gelly

Goalie:
Ginger God + Kinkaid
- Rangers_Suck01

Rather see Rutuu honestly.

(frank)ing horrible.

I agree with seeing the kids instead of the same old garbage. I'm not convinced a daily lineup with Zubs/Rutuu/Tootoo/Gio is really going to be a lot better than a lineup with a mix of Coleman/Pietilla/Zacha instead.

Pardon my ignorance, but who is O'Brien?
And I think Mozik may make the team in some capacity. Possibly over Moore. Time will tell. I think the D will shake out and Shero may move one at the deadline if their value has gone up.

Well with Campbell coming after the "decent" comment one could only assume.
- Panthers88

Just stating the fact, my bad, he's a solid guy to have

Rather see Rutuu honestly.

(frank)ing horrible.

I agree with seeing the kids instead of the same old garbage. I'm not convinced a daily lineup with Zubs/Rutuu/Tootoo/Gio is really going to be a lot better than a lineup with a mix of Coleman/Pietilla/Zacha instead.

Pardon my ignorance, but who is O'Brien?
And I think Mozik may make the team in some capacity. Possibly over Moore. Time will tell. I think the D will shake out and Shero may move one at the deadline if their value has gone up.
- FLdevilsFAN

uhhhhh no.

Rather see Rutuu honestly.

(frank)ing horrible.

I agree with seeing the kids instead of the same old garbage. I'm not convinced a daily lineup with Zubs/Rutuu/Tootoo/Gio is really going to be a lot better than a lineup with a mix of Coleman/Pietilla/Zacha instead.

Pardon my ignorance, but who is O'Brien?
And I think Mozik may make the team in some capacity. Possibly over Moore. Time will tell. I think the D will shake out and Shero may move one at the deadline if their value has gone up.
- FLdevilsFAN

I don't know about Mozik arrived late without his equipment (shhh I know visa and bags got lost) he didn't practice today and won't scrimmage tomorrow......he also said he hasn't skated in past 2 months.....lazy euro lol

Rather see Rutuu honestly.

(frank)ing horrible.

I agree with seeing the kids instead of the same old garbage. I'm not convinced a daily lineup with Zubs/Rutuu/Tootoo/Gio is really going to be a lot better than a lineup with a mix of Coleman/Pietilla/Zacha instead.

Pardon my ignorance, but who is O'Brien?
And I think Mozik may make the team in some capacity. Possibly over Moore. Time will tell. I think the D will shake out and Shero may move one at the deadline if their value has gone up.
- FLdevilsFAN

O'Brien was signed late in the day on July 1st i think, nothing more than depth/ a dignified 4th line center, former 1st rounder, only 26 y/o. No way Mozik plays over Moore, Mozik will be called up a few times and will spend the majority of the season in Albany most likely, has to adjust to North American ice, Shero isn't done this summer, i still think someone on D gets shipped out.

Yes that is fine. I totally forgot about Larsson when I made my original post.

Here look I can do it too:
Ekblad looks to be a fantastic player, Matheson probably as well. Campbell is solid and always healthy. Mitchell (and Gudbranson) are defensively and Kulikov is decent (I won't call him a monster and Gelinas certainly isn't either) offensively. Petrovic, McCoshen, Downing and a bunch of others back them up.
- Panthers88

Gelinas is third in the league in PP points/60 since he came in the league. He's pretty damn good offensively.

Right but the word decent was used for Campbell, not the unit as a whole. And we were top 10 in GA until we lost both Luongo and Montoya in the same damn game. And no Petrovic is someone who really came into his own last season. This will (should be) his first full NHL season.
- Panthers88

Your GAA was 2.84 when they went down. It finished at 2.60. Looking back at the start of each month they were always around 2.8 so don't know where you are getting top 10 from.

Your GAA was 2.84 when they went down. It finished at 2.60. Looking back at the start of each month they were always around 2.8 so don't know where you are getting top 10 from.
- rmdevil313

he got the stats from it being summer and needs somebody to talk to about hockey because he lives in florida.

I don't know about Mozik arrived late without his equipment (shhh I know visa and bags got lost) he didn't practice today and won't scrimmage tomorrow......he also said he hasn't skated in past 2 months.....lazy euro lol

- dmarsden2988

I'm sure you guys have checked.. but we're going to have a mass exodus of vets after this season.
Zubrus, Ruutu, Tootoo, Gionta, Elias, allll UFAs, and there's a high chance they'll all be starting this year. That's nearly half the forwards that could possibly not be Devils next season.

Perhaps Elias takes Zacha under his wing in these 9 games, proves to be fruitful, Elias has a decent enough season, and we bring him back for another year at around 4? If it benefits Zacha enough, it could be enough to warrant not trading him for a 2nd round pick.

This year's lines-ish

Cammalleri-Henrique-Palmieri
Elias-Zajac-Boucher?
Matteau-Josefson-Zubrus/Tootoo (whichever is faster)
Ruutu-Gionta-Tootoo/Zubrus

NEXT year.. wowwy. Of course the Henriques and even Zacha can be moved to wing. but for the sake of depth..

Cammalleri-Henrique-Palmieri
Elias-Zacha-Boucher
Matteau-Zajac-Blandisi
Pietila/Johnson?-Josefson-Kalinen?

There will be a few UFAs out there that could be intriguing, but I'm thinking we roll with our guys just 1 more year, possibly insert what should be around 5th overall, and then after 16-17 start looking at UFAs. It may also be after this season that we see a defenseman moved, as I think it makes sense to hold onto Merrill/Gelinas this year and let their value increase.
The 2017 season is when I really think we'll have something to give the league. Schneider will still be in his prime, the defense will all have 2 more seasons under their belts, Zacha will have either 2 years in the NHL or 1 in AHL/NHL, and the 5th overall will have a year of experience. If only Elias was a few years younger.

notable 2016 UFAs (not including the ones that will obviously be re-signed)

Forwards:
Brouwer, Hudler (surely they'll re-sign him right?), Voracek (you never know with Philly), Purcell, Perron, Eriksson, Backes, Vrbata

Defensemen:
Kevin Miller, Benn, Mattias Ohlund (just kidding. remember those days?), Bartkowski, Clitsome, Demers, RUSSELL (can't imagine Calgary letting him go), Grossmann, Gunnarsson, Schenn, not even going to type "Giordano", Coburn, Quincey, E. Johnson, Hamhuis, Nikitin, Goligoski, Buff,... Campbell.

or we could just stick with our guys. No one here really intrigues me as someone I want to add after this season.

In 2017 our forwards and D will look about the same. Cam, Henrique, Zajac, Greene won't be UFAs until after 18-19 the earliest (for Cam/Henrique), 19-20 Greene, 20-21 Cam.

Forwards:
Oshie, Sharp (35), Neal, Marchand, Benn, Steen, Marleau (36), Thornton (38), Vanek
not much else on the cheaper end.

Defensemen:
CHRIS PRONGER!, Gelinas, Alzner, Wisniewski, Kindl, B. Smith, Oduya, Smid, Kulikov, Shattenkirk, Burns, Wideman

definitely wouldn't mind adding one of these guys if we're going to seriously try to contend in 2017-2018

The D will be something like..
Greene-Severson
Larsson-Gelinas
Merrill-Santini

it's very possible a D could be moved, which would open a spot for one of these most likely overpriced UFAs.



AND THERE YOU HAVE IT!!! what a waste of a half hour. I do enjoy looking into this stuff, for the record. It's really more for myself than anyone lol.

I'm sure you guys have checked.. but we're going to have a mass exodus of vets after this season.
Zubrus, Ruutu, Tootoo, Gionta, Elias, allll UFAs, and there's a high chance they'll all be starting this year. That's nearly half the forwards that could possibly not be Devils next season.

Perhaps Elias takes Zacha under his wing in these 9 games, proves to be fruitful, Elias has a decent enough season, and we bring him back for another year at around 4? If it benefits Zacha enough, it could be enough to warrant not trading him for a 2nd round pick.

This year's lines-ish

Cammalleri-Henrique-Palmieri
Elias-Zajac-Boucher?
Matteau-Josefson-Zubrus/Tootoo (whichever is faster)
Ruutu-Gionta-Tootoo/Zubrus

NEXT year.. wowwy. Of course the Henriques and even Zacha can be moved to wing. but for the sake of depth..

Cammalleri-Henrique-Palmieri
Elias-Zacha-Boucher
Matteau-Zajac-Blandisi
Pietila/Johnson?-Josefson-Kalinen?

There will be a few UFAs out there that could be intriguing, but I'm thinking we roll with our guys just 1 more year, possibly insert what should be around 5th overall, and then after 16-17 start looking at UFAs. It may also be after this season that we see a defenseman moved, as I think it makes sense to hold onto Merrill/Gelinas this year and let their value increase.
The 2017 season is when I really think we'll have something to give the league. Schneider will still be in his prime, the defense will all have 2 more seasons under their belts, Zacha will have either 2 years in the NHL or 1 in AHL/NHL, and the 5th overall will have a year of experience. If only Elias was a few years younger.

notable 2016 UFAs (not including the ones that will obviously be re-signed)

Forwards:
Brouwer, Hudler (surely they'll re-sign him right?), Voracek (you never know with Philly), Purcell, Perron, Eriksson, Backes, Vrbata

Defensemen:
Kevin Miller, Benn, Mattias Ohlund (just kidding. remember those days?), Bartkowski, Clitsome, Demers, RUSSELL (can't imagine Calgary letting him go), Grossmann, Gunnarsson, Schenn, not even going to type "Giordano", Coburn, Quincey, E. Johnson, Hamhuis, Nikitin, Goligoski, Buff,... Campbell.

or we could just stick with our guys. No one here really intrigues me as someone I want to add after this season.

In 2017 our forwards and D will look about the same. Cam, Henrique, Zajac, Greene won't be UFAs until after 18-19 the earliest (for Cam/Henrique), 19-20 Greene, 20-21 Cam.

Forwards:
Oshie, Sharp (35), Neal, Marchand, Benn, Steen, Marleau (36), Thornton (38), Vanek
not much else on the cheaper end.

Defensemen:
CHRIS PRONGER!, Gelinas, Alzner, Wisniewski, Kindl, B. Smith, Oduya, Smid, Kulikov, Shattenkirk, Burns, Wideman

definitely wouldn't mind adding one of these guys if we're going to seriously try to contend in 2017-2018

The D will be something like..
Greene-Severson
Larsson-Gelinas
Merrill-Santini

it's very possible a D could be moved, which would open a spot for one of these most likely overpriced UFAs.



AND THERE YOU HAVE IT!!! what a waste of a half hour. I do enjoy looking into this stuff, for the record. It's really more for myself than anyone lol.
- MartysBetter88

You are finally back! Long post mb is back! At times it seemed like you were abducted and could only send out short messages (for you)

Kidding aside what are your thoughts on zacha