Would give backes a three year deal max. Want nothing to do with bodeker, Backes is still a sound NHL caliber center, Probably have no hope getting him, since somebody will give him much more than a three year deal. Not nice to say but right now david backes is a much better choice over josefson. Plus god forbid backes can actually win a face off.

I never post on here but love reading Todd's write ups and the message boards as well. It seems a lot of people are being hard on Shero. He's doing the right things when you're in rebuild mode. A few years ago everyone wanted a rebuild and Lou kept trying a patch work fix that never worked after Parise and Kovalchuk left. I'm just going to ramble a bit. First not qualifying is not a big deal. I think these guys will be signed Shero probably just wants to avoid the headaches of arbitration. I was so disappointed when Arizona took Keller wanted him so bad but I like Mcleod too. He has the speed, size and skill needed in today's NHL. I don't get all the hate for JJ either. Yes he's a bust as a 1st rounder but he's not a bad player, when healthy that is. He could be the perfect 3rd or 4th liner with some PP and PK ability. Oh and he's like the only guy who can score in the shootout. Again I'm glad to join the group here and look forward to some good hockey talk.

https://twitter.com/NHLbyMatty/status/747841960031879168
- andrewk[url]

Jim Matheson
‏@NHLbyMatty
New Jersey is also looking for more scoring (RNH). Kelowna grad Damon Severson is in play on def. Oilers have likely investigated him too

Love Severson but would not be opposed to moving him for RNH.

I never post on here but love reading Todd's write ups and the message boards as well. It seems a lot of people are being hard on Shero. He's doing the right things when you're in rebuild mode. A few years ago everyone wanted a rebuild and Lou kept trying a patch work fix that never worked after Parise and Kovalchuk left. I'm just going to ramble a bit. First not qualifying is not a big deal. I think these guys will be signed Shero probably just wants to avoid the headaches of arbitration. I was so disappointed when Arizona took Keller wanted him so bad but I like Mcleod too. He has the speed, size and skill needed in today's NHL. I don't get all the hate for JJ either. Yes he's a bust as a 1st rounder but he's not a bad player, when healthy that is. He could be the perfect 3rd or 4th liner with some PP and PK ability. Oh and he's like the only guy who can score in the shootout. Again I'm glad to join the group here and look forward to some good hockey talk.
- njdevils950003

You managed to hide off for 6 years?

But all valid points. I don't think anybody really hates Shero here, especially me. I feel like he's doing a good job of stockpiling picks and prospects, but, you know, everybody's a critic. I'm guilty of it too. I think JJ is worth keeping for his skill alone.

You managed to hide off for 6 years?

But all valid points. I don't think anybody really hates Shero here, especially me. I feel like he's doing a good job of stockpiling picks and prospects, but, you know, everybody's a critic. I'm guilty of it too. I think JJ is worth keeping for his skill alone.
- willschulme

I don't know how I stayed off for six years but I read these posts everyday lol. I really like what Shero is doing too. I honestly hope he doesn't make a splash in free agency mainly because there is really no one I'd really want, maybe Okposo but he'll be overpaid by someone. As so many on here have already said I would like to see a trade for a younger forward, maybe RNH Also wouldn't be opposed to Yak if the price was right.

I never post on here but love reading Todd's write ups and the message boards as well. It seems a lot of people are being hard on Shero. He's doing the right things when you're in rebuild mode. A few years ago everyone wanted a rebuild and Lou kept trying a patch work fix that never worked after Parise and Kovalchuk left. I'm just going to ramble a bit. First not qualifying is not a big deal. I think these guys will be signed Shero probably just wants to avoid the headaches of arbitration. I was so disappointed when Arizona took Keller wanted him so bad but I like Mcleod too. He has the speed, size and skill needed in today's NHL. I don't get all the hate for JJ either. Yes he's a bust as a 1st rounder but he's not a bad player, when healthy that is. He could be the perfect 3rd or 4th liner with some PP and PK ability. Oh and he's like the only guy who can score in the shootout. Again I'm glad to join the group here and look forward to some good hockey talk.
- njdevils950003

I didn't like the Bennett trade at first, but it's okay. Would of preferred it to be a conditional 3rd next year based off of games played or points.

I they can get someone that brings 5v5 scoring, while doing the same things that JJ brings, then they should upgrade.

Marcus Johansson could be a good addition from WSH, now that they got Ellers.

I don't know how I stayed off for six years but I read these posts everyday lol. I really like what Shero is doing too. I honestly hope he doesn't make a splash in free agency mainly because there is really no one I'd really want, maybe Okposo but he'll be overpaid by someone. As so many on here have already said I would like to see a trade for a younger forward, maybe RNH Also wouldn't be opposed to Yak if the price was right.
- njdevils950003

The only UFAs where it would be an upgrade from what we currently have would bring back Stempniak and maybe Gaustad. The rest of the forwards spots can be fought for in training camp.

I would try to get someone like Wideman for the 2nd pair.

The only UFAs where it would be an upgrade from what we currently have would bring back Stempniak and maybe Gaustad. The rest of the forwards spots can be fought for in training camp.

I would try to get someone like Wideman for the 2nd pair.
- Devils9503

I agree on all three of those guys. Wideman especially if Schlemko leaves. Gaustad would be a nice addition just the fact he wins face-offs. What's Marcus Johansson's status?

Off topic but I think it was on here someone pipedreaming about John Carlson? The worst part about that draft wasn't just Lou taking Tedenby but the fact Carlson was playing right under Lou's nose for the New Jersey Rockets.

I agree on all three of those guys. Wideman especially if Schlemko leaves. Gaustad would be a nice addition just the fact he wins face-offs. What's Marcus Johansson's status?

Off topic but I think it was on here someone pipedreaming about John Carlson? The worst part about that draft wasn't just Lou taking Tedenby but the fact Carlson was playing right under Lou's nose for the New Jersey Rockets.
- njdevils950003

That was me pissed about Carlson, I was just as pissed when we took Josefson over Palmieri.

I hope I'm wrong about being pissed that we took Zacha/McLeod over Provorov/Brown.

That was me pissed about Carlson, I was just as pissed when we took Josefson over Palmieri.

I hope I'm wrong about being pissed that we took Zacha/McLeod over Provorov/Brown.
- Mr.Bobby

I hear ya but I do like Zacha and McLeod. I think McLeod is going to be a stud. I'm a best player available but we needed centers so bad. Philly is going to be dangerous in a few years on the back end, hopefully they continue with their goaltender problems.

I hear ya but I do like Zacha and McLeod. I think McLeod is going to be a stud. I'm a best player available but we needed centers so bad. Philly is going to be dangerous in a few years on the back end, hopefully they continue with their goaltender problems.
- njdevils950003

They got what I felt was one of the better goalies in the draft as well. Chime in more don't be a stranger.

I hear ya but I do like Zacha and McLeod. I think McLeod is going to be a stud. I'm a best player available but we needed centers so bad. Philly is going to be dangerous in a few years on the back end, hopefully they continue with their goaltender problems.
- njdevils950003

Oh, I like Zacha and McLeod and they are certainly more promising then Josefson/ Tedenby. I just keep thinking that we leave higher ceiling or better fit prospects on the board.

They got what I felt was one of the better goalies in the draft as well. Chime in more don't be a stranger.
- K-dizzle

I know that's why I'm hoping the Flyer crease stays cursed I'll be chimimg in more now. A guy I worked with was a die hard Devil fan too and he left last week so I have no one to talk hockey with on a daily basis anymore. There aren't many hockey fans where I live, especially Devil fans.

We better get DSP and Bennet signed by tomorrow. I mean what is the hold up? Ray hasn't done a damn thing all summer besides handle the draft. I really don't care if they resign Merril or not. He can walk for all I care. If we do sign him, let him cool out in Albany for a season. He could probably use it for his confidence and development.

Willing to spend and feeling its a smart move to spend are two completely different things also. It's not like I'd be super happy with our owners if they loaded us up with Backes and Boedker for way more than their worth for example. Backes will decline sooner than later and Boedker will probably do worse than the quality production Stemp gave us last year. I could see us not spending money at least until next off season. Shero is the one who's deciding what the rebuild will be. I'm sure the wallets are open if he asks for them to be.
- SteveJ123

Yeah, I heard the owners talk about spending smartly also. I think it's BS. Look, you can say Stamkos isn't a smart move with what he's going to get but he's a rare free agent. There are almost no superstar at his age who hit the market. And the Devils not even a wisper of interest; regardless of the fact he's totally unlikely to sign here. Devils haven't really been mentioned as interested in anyone who's likely to cost real money....

The owners are smart guys. They're not going to piss off the fans and say we aren't going to spend because we don't give a crap about the team and just wanted the arena. But at some point you need to spend to be successful and there has been ZERO indication they are willing to.

Yeah, I heard the owners talk about spending smartly also. I think it's BS. Look, you can say Stamkos isn't a smart move with what he's going to get but he's a rare free agent. There are almost no superstar at his age who hit the market. And the Devils not even a wisper of interest; regardless of the fact he's totally unlikely to sign here. Devils haven't really been mentioned as interested in anyone who's likely to cost real money....

The owners are smart guys. They're not going to piss off the fans and say we aren't going to spend because we don't give a crap about the team and just wanted the arena. But at some point you need to spend to be successful and there has been ZERO indication they are willing to.
- Queenie_5_hole

If I recall correctly ownership gave Shero the green light to spend if need be this off season. I just don't think they want to spend to be mediocre. I believe when the times right, you'll see ray open up the check book. I do agree about Stamkos though. How can they not even be trying to get in touch with his agent or anything? That is quite disappointing.

If I recall correctly ownership gave Shero the green light to spend if need be this off season. I just don't think they want to spend to be mediocre. I believe when the times right, you'll see ray open up the check book. I do agree about Stamkos though. How can they not even be trying to get in touch with his agent or anything? That is quite disappointing.
- rawwdogg88

I agree with you guys. I am hoping there was some behind the scenes contact from the Devils organization and Stamkos. You think we would at least kick some tires, unless he straight up said he wouldn't be interested in coming here at all, which could be the case. That is not something I think the Devils would go and tell everyone about, and hopefully out of respect neither would he.

I was reading a flyers article/blog I came across the other day and they were all saying he would be great here with Cory and we have the money and have been too quiet about it so they were afraid of it happening.

Would a main core of Stamkos-Zacha-Henrique-Palmieri-Cammalleri-Zajac-Q / Green-Larsson-Severson-Moore + some UFA and Rookie talent be enough to compete for a cup in a year or two? I don't know.

Would we be in better position to compete for a cup sooner than Buffalo or Toronto? Is the extra wait worth it to him if it never happens?

I never post on here but love reading Todd's write ups and the message boards as well. It seems a lot of people are being hard on Shero. He's doing the right things when you're in rebuild mode. A few years ago everyone wanted a rebuild and Lou kept trying a patch work fix that never worked after Parise and Kovalchuk left. I'm just going to ramble a bit. First not qualifying is not a big deal. I think these guys will be signed Shero probably just wants to avoid the headaches of arbitration. I was so disappointed when Arizona took Keller wanted him so bad but I like Mcleod too. He has the speed, size and skill needed in today's NHL. I don't get all the hate for JJ either. Yes he's a bust as a 1st rounder but he's not a bad player, when healthy that is. He could be the perfect 3rd or 4th liner with some PP and PK ability. Oh and he's like the only guy who can score in the shootout. Again I'm glad to join the group here and look forward to some good hockey talk.
- njdevils950003

More comments welcome for sure! - I like the Avatar

I agree with you guys. I am hoping there was some behind the scenes contact from the Devils organization and Stamkos. You think we would at least kick some tires, unless he straight up said he wouldn't be interested in coming here at all, which could be the case. That is not something I think the Devils would go and tell everyone about, and hopefully out of respect neither would he.

I was reading a flyers article/blog I came across the other day and they were all saying he would be great here with Cory and we have the money and have been too quiet about it so they were afraid of it happening.

Would a main core of Stamkos-Zacha-Henrique-Palmieri-Cammalleri-Zajac-Q / Green-Larsson-Severson-Moore + some UFA and Rookie talent be enough to compete for a cup in a year or two? I don't know.

Would we be in better position to compete for a cup sooner than Buffalo or Toronto? Is the extra wait worth it to him if it never happens?
- TRDevil

Toronto is about 2-3 years away from being a power house for 5-10 years

I have a Devils calendar on my desk here that has a trivia questions, today's was:

Who was the first Devils player to hit 60 points in one season?

Toronto is about 2-3 years away from being a power house for 5-10 years
- rawwdogg88

I think there is a 95% chance he goes there and is using any other offers as leverage really. They really are building something great up there. Toronto is a cool hockey town also. I have to go up there on business in a few weeks - my customer said his office is 2 min walk form the hockey hall of fame, definitely going to check it out - then on will be onto my business travel tradition of visiting a few brewery tours

I have a Devils calendar on my desk here that has a trivia questions, today's was:

Who was the first Devils player to hit 60 points in one season?
- TRDevil

MacLean?

I have a Devils calendar on my desk here that has a trivia questions, today's was:

Who was the first Devils player to hit 60 points in one season?
- TRDevil

I'm guessing Alexander Semak!

This guy!

This guy!


- TRDevil

Was it Devils defensemen, or players? Or 60 assists? I could swear MacLean had a 60 point season before Scotty was on the Devils.