Elliot Friedman was saying on the 31 Thoughts podcast that he thought the Devils were in on Evander Kane. I know they had two scouts at the Buffalo game last night. I wonder if getting Grabner ends their interest in Kane.

I don't like it at all. Would of been happy as poop just plowing through the rest of this season... As if there wouldn't be internal growth and grabner all of a sudden makes us ready for the play offs ? No we would of gotten poop kicked had we of stayed pat and we will still get poop kicked if we make it in only difference is now ray deviated from his plan everyone was in love with or the sheep where in love with and has gone and traded away futures for players 30+ like yeah awesome us ! And the sheep just go oh we probably needed grabner. If anything we could of used a move for a legit NHL back up or fringe started like Mrazek something that's actually going to help us win more games as we would still be amongst the top had we not had a ten game stretch of no cory. A second rounder for a guy we didn't even need I would of been upset if we spent a third we just are at that point yet so why the (frank) do it ???
- blizzzard

I can understand feeling that way and certainly some fair points. I’m decided to have faith in Ray on whatever he decided to do or not do at the deadline before this went down so I’m taking a wait and see attitude on this.

The devs have beaten quality teams recently, including TB. I’m not saying they are Cup contenders but, if healthy, they could make some noise. I’m glad, as a fan, to see Shero making a move to make team better.
- Ocean24

He has been making the team better and at a reasonable rate to so why jump the gun Now? that second and rykov where part of making the team better for years to come how long does a speedy winger who has had tremendeous trouble in the past finishing help us ? we lost a draft pick and a prospect just so we could lower the value of our first round pick. Also like I said this team is losing because kk and lack cant hold down the fort so if you wanted a move that would of really benefited the team why not deal for a goalie who can handle a ten game stretch for the same price or cheaper ????

Does it suck to give up a 2nd rounder for a potential rental? Yes.
Does it add depth and talent to a mostly talent-less forward core? Yes.
Does it address our need at RW especially considering MoJo may out for year? Yes.
Does it suck to trade with our rivals across the Hudson? Who cares? It will be that much more satisfying when he helps lead us to playoffs.

Now, lets get down to brass tax here and figure out the lines (assuming Gibbons comes back and Mojo does not):

Hall-Nico-Palms
Wood-Zacha-Grabner
Bratt-Zajac-Noesen
Coleman-Boyle-Gibbons

IF Mojo does come back I am not sure where he would fit in and how you would juggle. Maybe put Grabner with Zajac and Noesen on 3rd line and have Wood, Zacha and Mojo on 2nd?

Thoughts?

I can understand feeling that way and certainly some fair points. I’m decided to have faith in Ray on whatever he decided to do or not do at the deadline before this went down so I’m taking a wait and see attitude on this.
- Queenie_5_hole

It just doesnt make much sense to me like Im not against making the team better but does a 30 year old who has never done much ever really do that would of prefered a bigger deal than that if he was hell bent on making one like someone aged 24+ who can score twenty goals would of made more sense now what that would cost you who knows but imo you're better off staying pat and see how things play out then make a move for the sake of making one

Does it suck to give up a 2nd rounder for a potential rental? Yes.
Does it add depth and talent to a mostly talent-less forward core? Yes.
Does it address our need at RW especially considering MoJo may out for year? Yes.
Does it suck to trade with our rivals across the Hudson? Who cares? It will be that much more satisfying when he helps lead us to playoffs.

Now, lets get down to brass tax here and figure out the lines (assuming Gibbons comes back and Mojo does not):

Hall-Nico-Palms
Wood-Zacha-Grabner
Bratt-Zajac-Noesen
Coleman-Boyle-Gibbons

IF Mojo does come back I am not sure where he would fit in and how you would juggle. Maybe put Grabner with Zajac and Noesen on 3rd line and have Wood, Zacha and Mojo on 2nd?

Thoughts?
- hockeybocc

we could of traded a 5th and still upgraded the right w spot buddy... that just shows how weak that side is it doesnt justify the price spent to upgrade a position of weakness when almost anybody would have upgraded it...

He has been making the team better and at a reasonable rate to so why jump the gun Now? that second and rykov where part of making the team better for years to come how long does a speedy winger who has had tremendeous trouble in the past finishing help us ? we lost a draft pick and a prospect just so we could lower the value of our first round pick. Also like I said this team is losing because kk and lack cant hold down the fort so if you wanted a move that would of really benefited the team why not deal for a goalie who can handle a ten game stretch for the same price or cheaper ????
- blizzzard

Schneider is supposed to be back next week so why deal for a goalie? KK or Lack are perfectly fine as backups, neither can handle a starter's role.

Like all trades it's impossible right now to know if it's worth it. Hypothetically if the Devils still miss the playoffs, Grabner resigns with the Rangers, Rykov comes over and is a stud, and the Rangers draft someone very useful with that 2nd round pick then obviously it's a disaster for the Devils.

If Grabner does well and helps lead the Devils to the playoffs and maybe even helps make some noise in round 1, he resigns in NJ, Rykov never comes over, and the Rangers draft nobody of significance with that 2nd round pick, it's a fantastic move for the Devils.

These trades are all about risk analysis, you never know how it'll turn out. I think right now it's a fine trade.

we could of traded a 5th and still upgraded the right w spot buddy... that just shows how weak that side is it doesnt justify the price spent to upgrade a position of weakness when almost anybody would have upgraded it...
- blizzzard

I can't really argue with you there. Trust me, I don't love the trade by any means, but I am excited to see Grabner play in our "new" style of offense.

Also, I have to think Shero has something else up his sleeve prior to Monday's deadline.

Schneider is supposed to be back next week so why deal for a goalie? KK or Lack are perfectly fine as backups, neither can handle a starter's role.

Like all trades it's impossible right now to know if it's worth it. Hypothetically if the Devils still miss the playoffs, Grabner resigns with the Rangers, Rykov comes over and is a stud, and the Rangers draft someone very useful with that 2nd round pick then obviously it's a disaster for the Devils.

If Grabner does well and helps lead the Devils to the playoffs and maybe even helps make some noise in round 1, he resigns in NJ, Rykov never comes over, and the Rangers draft nobody of significance with that 2nd round pick, it's a fantastic move for the Devils.

These trades are all about risk analysis, you never know how it'll turn out. I think right now it's a fine trade.
- MannySilvers

If we where in a position where we had to make the play offs this year then yeah this might qualify as an ok trade lets see how it plays out but the shear fact that there was no pressure or expectation of making it this year. With that i just can't get on board with this. We didn't need to do this at all who would of been fired if we just missed the play off this year who would be yelling and screaming ? It just doesn't make sense to me. the fact that we didnt have to do anything the fact that he barely fits our team mold and the fact that he of all the players available has 7 empy net goals and a crazy 19.1 shooting % so when I factor all that in all I can go is wtf....

I can't really argue with you there. Trust me, I don't love the trade by any means, but I am excited to see Grabner play in our "new" style of offense.

Also, I have to think Shero has something else up his sleeve prior to Monday's deadline.
- hockeybocc

Ive been pretty on board with what has been done here but I just feel like this move condradicts a lot of it. I don't see him being a guy who is going to push the meter over the line any. What makes Grabner so much different then Ryder or Brunner they both could go 20 games without scoring a goal but could still end around 20gs on the season and people wanted them gone for 7th rounders so what makes grabs worth a pick 6 rounds higher and a player who was only taken in the 5th because of the russian factor. As far as I can tell from the stats if Rykov had of made it known he wanted to play in the nhl from day one teams likely would of looked at him in earlier round but im pretty sure he had a khl contract at the time of the draft.

In this case, I disagree with the concerns about giving up draft picks when we aren't a contender.

We haven't made the playoffs in 5 years and it's still in question for this year, too. MoJo may be worse than any of us know. We need help to even make the playoffs let alone do anything in them.

It's also optimal to get Hall into the playoffs before his contract comes around and he ponders going elsewhere. Not to mention, like it or not - this game is a business - and getting into the playoffs is important revenue and for the fan base.

A 2nd is fine to give up for all of that, in my opinion (with the obvious that hopefully he resigns for another year or two).

I think for where the team is at there is value in making the playoffs and making as much noise as possible, even if they aren't real contenders.

In this case, I disagree with the concerns about giving up draft picks when we aren't a contender.

We haven't made the playoffs in 5 years and it's still in question for this year, too. MoJo may be worse than any of us know. We need help to even make the playoffs let alone do anything in them.

It's also optimal to get Hall into the playoffs before his contract comes around and he ponders going elsewhere. Not to mention, like it or not - this game is a business - and getting into the playoffs is important revenue and for the fan base.

A 2nd is fine to give up for all of that, in my opinion (with the obvious that hopefully he resigns for another year or two).
- devils_mike

My thing is I think we should of been able to get better value for that second. I don't sit here and think second round picks are to rare to give up its just I don't think much of grabners age, shooting percentage and the fact that people didnt want this guy as a 27 year old so why would I want him as a 30 year old who likely will have a hard time repeating his numbers from this season....

I think for where the team is at there is value in making the playoffs and making as much noise as possible, even if they aren't real contenders.
- MannySilvers

Who's to say we wouldn't or couldn't have without grabs.... Personally I would of taken my chances and seen where that second took us at the draft we have been able to get mojo and palms for packages with second rounders a similar deal for a similar player in the off season would have been welcomed I just don't see grabs being similar to those two guys...

I think for where the team is at there is value in making the playoffs and making as much noise as possible, even if they aren't real contenders.
- MannySilvers

I agree. People are getting too bent out of shape losing a second. Rykov I forgot existed but would be a long ways from helping us anyway. This team needs a shot in the arm. I think it's just as good for the development of this young roster if they can get into the playoffs. Worst case we're picking 18th instead of 12th. Big whoop.

Who's to say we wouldn't or couldn't have without grabs.... Personally I would of taken my chances and seen where that second took us at the draft we have been able to get mojo and palms for packages with second rounders a similar deal for a similar player in the off season would have been welcomed I just don't see grabs being similar to those two guys...
- blizzzard

Sure, they possibly could have been totally fine without Grabner, but he almost definitely helps. This trade is Ray rewarding the team for a surprisingly great season by adding some help.

Schneider is supposed to be back next week so why deal for a goalie? KK or Lack are perfectly fine as backups, neither can handle a starter's role.

Like all trades it's impossible right now to know if it's worth it. Hypothetically if the Devils still miss the playoffs, Grabner resigns with the Rangers, Rykov comes over and is a stud, and the Rangers draft someone very useful with that 2nd round pick then obviously it's a disaster for the Devils.

If Grabner does well and helps lead the Devils to the playoffs and maybe even helps make some noise in round 1, he resigns in NJ, Rykov never comes over, and the Rangers draft nobody of significance with that 2nd round pick, it's a fantastic move for the Devils.

These trades are all about risk analysis, you never know how it'll turn out. I think right now it's a fine trade.
- MannySilvers

Also Cory is over 30 and his injuries have been increasing so yeah he might be coming back but what if its for 5 games and he is back on the shelf you have no idea just like no one has any idea what that second will be. I wouldn't be shocked it the injuries kept coming here and there ( I hope that they don't but I would not be betting any money on it) it would likely be wise to have a goalie who can play for spans but is also no real threat to cory long term there are plenty of goalies better then kk and lack that are not starters...

Sure, they possibly could have been totally fine without Grabner, but he almost definitely helps. This trade is Ray rewarding the team for a surprisingly great season by adding some help.
- MannySilvers

yeah I get that but if you are going to spend that much why not go the extra mile and get the difference maker we need vs a half in attempt like I already said if he was 24ish it would make sense, if he was shooting at a normal rate it would make sense. Like why did he need to give up a second and rykov just to reward the team a fourth could of gotten you a player that could give you rights to say you are rewarding the team. I also don't think you swoop in last minute out bid everyone on a 2nd/3rd liner just to reward you team for a good season when in this case a good season is hovering in play off contention, not winning the division or presidents trophy but we are spending decent assets to reward a team for accomplishing almost nothing in all reality. Have they exceeded expectations sure but lets not forget that and that we could be in the basement next year like ottawa and columbus have done.

Like you don't even have to watch last night's game to know we didn't lose because we lack depth at the rw position. Up 2-0 almost half way through the game and lose 4-2...

Like you don't even have to watch last night's game to know we didn't lose because we lack depth at the rw position. Up 2-0 almost half way through the game and lose 4-2...
- blizzzard

Honestly, I watched the entire game last night and I don't exactly know why we lost last night.

Fact is, we only scored 1 5v5 goal against a backup netminder who in all fairness played very well. The save on Nico in the 3rd was a beauty for sure.

And to place blame on Lack I don't think is fair either. 2/3 goals against were odd man rushes.

Basically, a 5 minute stretch in the 2nd doomed us with bad decisions by our d-men.

yeah I get that but if you are going to spend that much why not go the extra mile and get the difference maker we need vs a half in attempt like I already said if he was 24ish it would make sense, if he was shooting at a normal rate it would make sense.
- blizzzard

I think this is you best point. Ray's been willing to trade but it's always been with an eye on improvement both short and long term. I always say you need to evaluate a trade at the time and not by the results because you never know how things play out and there are no guarantees.. but it Grabner fits in, we make the playoffs and resign him then it's fine. If he doesn't help, we miss the playoffs and he returns to the Rangers it's a disaster.....

Honestly, I watched the entire game last night and I don't exactly know why we lost last night.

Fact is, we only scored 1 5v5 goal against a backup netminder who in all fairness played very well. The save on Nico in the 3rd was a beauty for sure.

And to place blame on Lack I don't think is fair either. 2/3 goals against were odd man rushes.

Basically, a 5 minute stretch in the 2nd doomed us with bad decisions by our d-men.
- hockeybocc

That 2nd was a disaster; 6 SOG, sloppy lazy play, and poor goaltending.
It seems the games we control most of the play we lose, and the games we get outplayed we win.
And i hope we've seen the last of the 11/7.

THINK OF THE SPEED! HALLSY! WOODY! BRATTS! GRABS! NICO!

We will be lethal on the PK for remainder of season.

Neutral zone will open up because teams will need to be cautious with our speed so more offensive zone entries with ease.

Rykov wasnt going to make our team and giving up a second for a 30 goal scorer is a steal.

If he does well, he could very well sign since he doesnt want to leave Metro area.

Elliot Friedman was saying on the 31 Thoughts podcast that he thought the Devils were in on Evander Kane. I know they had two scouts at the Buffalo game last night. I wonder if getting Grabner ends their interest in Kane.
- MannySilvers

It sure would be interesting

Not a big fan of Kane but he brings things the devils need such as toughness and additional speed

Don't think we have enough and I highly doubt we would trade our 1st with no picks till the 4th round

It sure would be interesting

Not a big fan of Kane but he brings things the devils need such as toughness and additional speed

Don't think we have enough and I highly doubt we would trade our 1st with no picks till the 4th round
- dmarsden2988

I imagine Ray wanted to add someone, and was in on Kane but now with getting Grabner Kane won't happen. Getting two expiring UFA guys would be too much I think. Kane will definitely be more expensive than Grabner was.