Probably has to do more with owners not wanting to spend money vs being bad. Hence why the NJD are even in this discussion... hit the floor, without spending a dime.. oh and getting a Pelkinen/Jurco in the process, for nothing.
- BooBoo997

Thing is, shero shouldnt be talking on contracts just to hit the floor.. He should get some value.. What i've seen from pelkinen/ jurco, i wouldnt be excited if that was the return.. All shero needs to do is sign palmieri dsp kalinin jj boucher and he will get close to the cap floor.. Bring in a Fa or two ....... I want to ask ? Am i the only guy here who thinks the devils can be competetive ? I started following the devils last year from the beginning and saw how in every ranking, they had them in 29th 30th and i said thats crap.. And bang they were close to being a playoff team. If camalleri can stay healthy and shero can bring in two guys that can help, a quality Fa loui backes ladd, or maybe two mid tier guys like stempniak hudler parenteau, they can repeat the magic of last year !!

The devils would be better off taking on scott harnell contract.. 5 mil this year, 4.5 next year and 3 the next.. And he is still producing

Thing is, shero shouldnt be talking on contracts just to hit the floor.. He should get some value.. What i've seen from pelkinen/ jurco, i wouldnt be excited if that was the return.. All shero needs to do is sign palmieri dsp kalinin jj boucher and he will get close to the cap floor.. Bring in a Fa or two ....... I want to ask ? Am i the only guy here who thinks the devils can be competetive ? I started following the devils last year from the beginning and saw how in every ranking, they had them in 29th 30th and i said thats crap.. And bang they were close to being a playoff team. If camalleri can stay healthy and shero can bring in two guys that can help, a quality Fa loui backes ladd, or maybe two mid tier guys like stempniak hudler parenteau, they can repeat the magic of last year !!
- Jamincito

Depends on how you define "being competitive". The Devils aren't going to be a bottom two team based on the goaltending and style of play. They need to address the fact that they didn't have anyone capable of scoring outside of the top 6, and there is no superstar game breaker in the top 6. If you consider being in playoff contention until late February/ early March until the wheels come off competitive, then sure, they are competitive.

Depends on how you define "being competitive". The Devils aren't going to be a bottom two team based on the goaltending and style of play. They need to address the fact that they didn't have anyone capable of scoring outside of the top 6, and there is no superstar game breaker in the top 6. If you consider being in playoff contention until late February/ early March until the wheels come off competitive, then sure, they are competitive.
- Mr.Bobby

Exactly.... You dont have to build a bonifide contender right away, just try to be competitive and try to make the playoffs.. Once you are in the playoffs, anything can happen .

If that is what teams want to take on a contract while not paying a cent to that player just for one year of dead cap space they won't use anyways then I hope the Wings eat the contract and just go with the kids and give them a real chance. No more of these Richards signings that just ends up leaving kids in the press box for no benefits. Time to see what Jurco, Pulkkinen, Sproul, Ouellet and others can do with a decent role and not just 5 to 8 minutes a night playing with offensive black holes like Glendening and Miller.

Personally I would rather the Wings eat the Datsyuk cap hit for one year and somehow see Ericsson and Howard moved (even with eating part of their salary).

As for those talking about the market being set with the Hawks/Carolina trade...it's not the same thing at all since they have to pay Bickell his full salary hence why they had to give up that kind of player to get a deal done. Even Savard is not exactly the same since the team still has to pay him his 500 to 600K salary while Datsyuk costs nothing but cap space.

If that is what teams want to take on a contract while not paying a cent to that player just for one year of dead cap space they won't use anyways then I hope the Wings eat the contract and just go with the kids and give them a real chance. No more of these Richards signings that just ends up leaving kids in the press box for no benefits. Time to see what Jurco, Pulkkinen, Sproul, Ouellet and others can do with a decent role and not just 5 to 8 minutes a night playing with offensive black holes like Glendening and Miller.

Personally I would rather the Wings eat the Datsyuk cap hit for one year and somehow see Ericsson and Howard moved (even with eating part of their salary).

As for those talking about the market being set with the Hawks/Carolina trade...it's not the same thing at all since they have to pay Bickell his full salary hence why they had to give up that kind of player to get a deal done. Even Savard is not exactly the same since the team still has to pay him his 500 to 600K salary while Datsyuk costs nothing but cap space.
- dcz28

575k isn't really significant money in this league. The Devils also sent two minor leaguers back and cleared contracts for added flexibility. Datsyuk's contract is over 10% of the entire cap. It's can be a big liability and limit what that team can do. They're going to want some real benefit for doing that. Exactly what is fair we will probably see it negotiated out soon.

Also, if a team takes the contract Detroit is going to use the cap relief to sign players. Those players may be tradeable for picks or prospects so it's not like if Detroit pays something they can't recoup some of the cost.

575k isn't really significant money in this league. The Devils also sent two minor leaguers back and cleared contracts for added flexibility. Datsyuk's contract is over 10% of the entire cap. It's can be a big liability and limit what that team can do. They're going to want some real benefit for doing that. Exactly what is fair we will probably see it negotiated out soon.

Also, if a team takes the contract Detroit is going to use the cap relief to sign players. Those players may be tradeable for picks or prospects so it's not like if Detroit pays something they can't recoup some of the cost.
- Queenie_5_hole

When Detroit signs players they pretty much never trade them and if it happens they pretty much get nothing for them. Holland doesn't like trading unless its prospects or swapping picks. Guy hasn't done a hockey trade (players for players) in forever.

I'm not saying a team would take Datsyuk for free but 1st round picks and top prospects are a stupid price to pay for it for one stinking year of no cost to the team that won't spend that cap space anyways.

The Chicago and Florida salary dumps are both different than this one. Unlike Datssyuk, Bickel will be paid and will play. Savard is closer to Datsyuk but Savard will have a minimal real cost and could be put on LTIR (only if the Devils surpass the cap). Therefore with Savard and the RFAs NJ has to to sign to fill out a roster they will be over the floor.

LTIR only gives cap relief if you are over the cap so NJ does not need Datsyuk.

Datsyuk's value can only be determined by the two organizations plans this summer.

If NJ plans on spending to the cap (unlikely) they would only consider altering their plan if they get a large return (1st or top prospect). If they are not considering the UFA market, they may consider taking a gamble on a lesser prospect. Look at the success DSP had (not likely to continue) with a change of scenery and opportunity.

If Detroit does not plan on signing UFAs, they won't trade a 1st or a top prospect; however, if they are looking to sign Stamkos a first round draft pick may be worth it. Would you trade a mid its round pick for Stamkos? Detroit may if they think they have a realistic shot at him.

The Chicago and Florida salary dumps are both different than this one. Unlike Datssyuk, Bickel will be paid and will play. Savard is closer to Datsyuk but Savard will have a minimal real cost and could be put on LTIR (only if the Devils surpass the cap). Therefore with Savard and the RFAs NJ has to to sign to fill out a roster they will be over the floor.

LTIR only gives cap relief if you are over the cap so NJ does not need Datsyuk.

Datsyuk's value can only be determined by the two organizations plans this summer.

If NJ plans on spending to the cap (unlikely) they would only consider altering their plan if they get a large return (1st or top prospect). If they are not considering the UFA market, they may consider taking a gamble on a lesser prospect. Look at the success DSP had (not likely to continue) with a change of scenery and opportunity.

If Detroit does not plan on signing UFAs, they won't trade a 1st or a top prospect; however, if they are looking to sign Stamkos a first round draft pick may be worth it. Would you trade a mid its round pick for Stamkos? Detroit may if they think they have a realistic shot at him.
- Devils622

Trading a mid first round pick for a CHANCE at signing a UFA player would be pretty stupid. Given how players like Suter, Niskanen and even Boyle refused to even consider Detroit in the last few years makes it even more stupid to pay that kind of price just to enter into the convo on a UFA. Then if Holland made that stupid move and strikes out on Stamkos he would end up overpaying on Backes and give Helm a big fat raise he doesn't deserve and the Wings are back up against the cap with a bunch of new crappy contracts nobody will ever want with the team still average and holes on the blueline.

if it comes down to Jost/Chychrun who we taking? That's tough for me

if it comes down to Jost/Chychrun who we taking? That's tough for me
- Senor_Elias

I think Chychrun would be gone by then. Also, only one would be left over.

I think we end up with Jost. Keller's stock keeps rising and more and more analysts are hyping him up, deservedly so. I'll be more than happy with Jost. I just really hope we don't select a defensemen. I'd prefer to use one of our 3rd and 4ths to add defensemen in the pipeline.

As for taking on the Datsyuk contract, I kinda stuck in the middle on that one. Are we trying to make the playoffs this year? Are we in the running for a few of the top tier FA'S? I really don't think we are. If Ray is gonna make a splash I believe it'll be via trade. If all this stands true, then we should take on that contract if it includes a mid tier prospect and a second round pick for 2016. Let's face it, even if a trade happens for one more offensive threat, we're still a 2-3 pieces away from playoff contention which means 1-2 more years of hockey purgatory.

Like I said, for all we know, one of the picks just ahead of us could be an off-the-board pick, which actually happens pretty often in picks 6-10. I'm pretty sure someone will take Keller, but Brown might end up still being available at 11.

Like I said, for all we know, one of the picks just ahead of us could be an off-the-board pick, which actually happens pretty often in picks 6-10. I'm pretty sure someone will take Keller, but Brown might end up still being available at 11.
- archromat

Would love Keller first, but if he is gone it's best available. Doubt Brown gets past Montreal, and expect Colorado to go D. So then probably Jost. Some good D probably available here, but this team needs offense.

Would love Keller first, but if he is gone it's best available. Doubt Brown gets past Montreal, and expect Colorado to go D. So then probably Jost. Some good D probably available here, but this team needs offense.
- redmonsters

Here is the thing:

Assume Matthews, Laine, Puljujarvi, Tkatchuck and Dubois are top 5.

Then assume Juolevi, Chychrun and Sergachev are picked, that's 8 players.

In order for both Keller and Brown to be gone, Nylander would be available at 11.

I have a feeling there will be a surprise player available at #11.

@Jamincito, I wouldn't exactly call last year magic. A year where we end up with the 11th overall pick is your definition of magic? lol

Trading a mid first round pick for a CHANCE at signing a UFA player would be pretty stupid. Given how players like Suter, Niskanen and even Boyle refused to even consider Detroit in the last few years makes it even more stupid to pay that kind of price just to enter into the convo on a UFA. Then if Holland made that stupid move and strikes out on Stamkos he would end up overpaying on Backes and give Helm a big fat raise he doesn't deserve and the Wings are back up against the cap with a bunch of new crappy contracts nobody will ever want with the team still average and holes on the blueline.
- dcz28

True, but trading a mid first and a $7.5M cap hit for a lower 2nd rounder isn't so nuts. Or they could do a trade where we send Savard's contract back... They'll have to figure it out if they want to get it done.

I think AZ can take the cap hit no problem and I'd expect them more likely to do it then the Devils.

I'd do our 2nd and 5th this year for a datsyuk's contract and Detroit's 1st. Its basically a free upgrade from a 2nd to a mid 1st. Unless Shero has some plan to sign a couple big free agents we have the room, its only for 1 year and it would really help out the rebuild. This way we could potentially get a good forward and D (left shot) prospect.

Here is the thing:

Assume Matthews, Laine, Puljujarvi, Tkatchuck and Dubois are top 5.

Then assume Juolevi, Chychrun and Sergachev are picked, that's 8 players.

In order for both Keller and Brown to be gone, Nylander would be available at 11.

I have a feeling there will be a surprise player available at #11.
- Mr.Bobby

This is exactly what I had been thinking about....regardless someone will be there at 11 I'd be happy with ahead of Jost, as long as all 3 defensemen go. If we wind up with a defenseman, so be it because they are quality picks falling to 11 regardless. Of course we need scoring, but there is no situation we strike out on all these players mathematically.

This is the opposite of last year where there was really a top 5 and then anyone 6-15 could have been swapped...now we just get the tail end of the picks, but a goodie anyway.



As to the main point of the article...I agree with those that said they'd love to take on Datsyuk's contract if we could use it to move into the 1st round. Last year was a treat of doing better than expected and seeing some promise. If we can land Datsyuk and fill out with 1 year contracts for guys like Stempniak and Schlemko as mentioned (or even Cowen if he were real cheap and we were close to cap as a guy that we could swap in and out with Merrill), then burn this year but be more excited for future where we could really use our future picks to make trades for guys that will otherwise be taken in expansion draft. THAT is where teams will be worried (look at Tampa and what they'll have to consider at forward) and where we can make the next Palmieri trade...

I'd do our 2nd and 5th this year for a datsyuk's contract and Detroit's 1st. Its basically a free upgrade from a 2nd to a mid 1st. Unless Shero has some plan to sign a couple big free agents we have the room, its only for 1 year and it would really help out the rebuild. This way we could potentially get a good forward and D (left shot) prospect.
- bc8819

I really wouldn't want to give up this years 2nd. Instead I would offer one from next year where we already have 2. To make it a more appealing offer however, I would change the 5th you are offering to a 3rd. I think that would be fair for both teams; Detroit gets 7.5m more in cap space and would (most likely) get a high 2nd next year as well as a 3rd this year while we get a strong prospect this year to help us down the line. Part of the reason I think this works is cause the Devils don't need this contract to 'get to the cap floor;' we could always keep clowe and savard off LTIR to do that. Either way, I think that is the closest to a far win-win

I really wouldn't want to give up this years 2nd. Instead I would offer one from next year where we already have 2. To make it a more appealing offer however, I would change the 5th you are offering to a 3rd. I think that would be fair for both teams; Detroit gets 7.5m more in cap space and would (most likely) get a high 2nd next year as well as a 3rd this year while we get a strong prospect this year to help us down the line. Part of the reason I think this works is cause the Devils don't need this contract to 'get to the cap floor;' we could always keep clowe and savard off LTIR to do that. Either way, I think that is the closest to a far win-win
- IrischesGlueck

I'll agree with that, I originally wrote down this years 2nd and 3rd but thought that was too much from this year... changing to one of next years makes more sense.

Also, TSN just updated their top 30 trade candidates... Severson was added to the list at #19... I realize it doesn't mean he is being shopped or anything... just interesting (I'd rather not see him go anywhere, we also need offence from the back end... find another way to add up front if possible)