Todd Cordell: New Jersey Devils: David Clarkson, Ales Hemsky & The NHL Draft

Todd Cordell: New Jersey Devils: David Clarkson, Ales Hemsky & The NHL Draft
- Todd.Cordell

I think Ales Hemsky would be a good fit for the Devils.

How are the Devils a playoff contending team when you're picking 9th in the draft this year and most likely losing David Clarkson? This said, I think there is a deal in there somewhere to move Hemsky to Jersey and think him and Elias would click. Perhaps Jagr could be convinced to sign there as well to play with his 2 countrymen on a line. Would the devils be willing to do a deal for the 39th pick or former 2nd rounder Jon Merrill (love his mean streak). Or maybe Adam Larsson could use a change of scenery? Hemsky + 7th overall for Larsson. I bet the combination of Dallas Eakins coaching and him playing with Oscar Klefbom could really get him going.

How are the Devils a playoff contending team when you're picking 9th in the draft this year and most likely losing David Clarkson? This said, I think there is a deal in there somewhere to move Hemsky to Jersey and think him and Elias would click. Perhaps Jagr could be convinced to sign there as well to play with his 2 countrymen on a line. Would the devils be willing to do a deal for the 39th pick or former 2nd rounder Jon Merrill (love his mean streak). Or maybe Adam Larsson could use a change of scenery? Hemsky + 7th overall for Larsson. I bet the combination of Dallas Eakins coaching and him playing with Oscar Klefbom could really get him going.
- Ihatebrianburke

No, maybe, no, and Hell No

How are the Devils a playoff contending team when you're picking 9th in the draft this year and most likely losing David Clarkson? This said, I think there is a deal in there somewhere to move Hemsky to Jersey and think him and Elias would click. Perhaps Jagr could be convinced to sign there as well to play with his 2 countrymen on a line. Would the devils be willing to do a deal for the 39th pick or former 2nd rounder Jon Merrill (love his mean streak). Or maybe Adam Larsson could use a change of scenery? Hemsky + 7th overall for Larsson. I bet the combination of Dallas Eakins coaching and him playing with Oscar Klefbom could really get him going.
- Ihatebrianburke

If Zidlicky comes back I say we riot in the streets. #OccupyChampionshipPlaza

How are the Devils a playoff contending team when you're picking 9th in the draft this year and most likely losing David Clarkson? This said, I think there is a deal in there somewhere to move Hemsky to Jersey and think him and Elias would click. Perhaps Jagr could be convinced to sign there as well to play with his 2 countrymen on a line. Would the devils be willing to do a deal for the 39th pick or former 2nd rounder Jon Merrill (love his mean streak). Or maybe Adam Larsson could use a change of scenery? Hemsky + 7th overall for Larsson. I bet the combination of Dallas Eakins coaching and him playing with Oscar Klefbom could really get him going.
- Ihatebrianburke

This. You're insane, the devils will be even worse next year. A good team? They'll contend for last place.

This. You're insane, the devils will be even worse next year. A good team? They'll contend for last place.
- GioRock

Then we'll get a great draft pick!

wait a minute...

Then we'll get a great draft pick!

wait a minute...


- MannySilvers

Ya I don't know what the hell Lou was thinking not forfeiting the 29th pick last year. Its gonna most likely be a top 5 or 10 pick you guys give up next year.

This. You're insane, the devils will be even worse next year. A good team? They'll contend for last place.
- GioRock

Hate to agree with a ranger fan, but I do this time

So (frank)in doomed. I don't know why we would even bother playing the games next year. We'd be lucky to win two games.

Ya I don't know what the hell Lou was thinking not forfeiting the 29th pick last year. Its gonna most likely be a top 5 or 10 pick you guys give up next year.
- Ihatebrianburke

Firstly, I personally totally agree with you, it seemed like the perfect situation to give up the pick.

I really don't think the Devils are necessarily going to be awful next year. They were tops in the East this year before injuries kicked in. Personally I think if there were still a whole 2nd half of the season this year they would have gotten back into the top 8. Some changes are definitely needed, there needs to be a secondary scoring threat after Kovy, defense needs to get younger, but I personally think the Devils will have a better year next year (biased, I know, whatever).

It seems everyone is quick to point out reasons why NJ is going to go through a long rebuild. After we missed the playoffs in 2011 we were hearing all the same things, and then we went to the Finals the next year.

Either way, I'm still really annoyed about getting that pick taken away. I get why those contracts were bad and that the NHL was trying to get rid of it, but no other team that pulled that got penalized at all (DiPietro, Weber, Zetterberg, Luongo, Hossa, Ovi, Richards, Keith, the list goes on). I can understand them fining us some money, but taking away a first rounder is a big deal. Bull crap.

No, maybe, no, and Hell No
- bobert836

Well Hemsky would play well on a line with Elias as they've done in international play and we're not giving him away for free. Many from your fanbase have soured on Larsson and wish they had a do over. We're willing to give you that opportunity. I hope for your fanbase's sake you guys don't give up 1st overall next year but anything can happen.

Well Hemsky would play well on a line with Elias as they've done in international play and we're not giving him away for free. Many from your fanbase have soured on Larsson and wish they had a do over. We're willing to give you that opportunity. I hope for your fanbase's sake you guys don't give up 1st overall next year but anything can happen.
- Ihatebrianburke

Well its a good thing they don't run the organization...

Well Hemsky would play well on a line with Elias as they've done in international play and we're not giving him away for free. Many from your fanbase have soured on Larsson and wish they had a do over. We're willing to give you that opportunity. I hope for your fanbase's sake you guys don't give up 1st overall next year but anything can happen.
- Ihatebrianburke

How is hemsky? I really know nothing about him other than he seems to get hurt

Top 5 in puck possession this yeah but yeah, we're a terrible team.

How is hemsky? I really know nothing about him other than he seems to get hurt
- NYI44

He was staying healthy until he blocked a shot and broke his foot last year, which is something that could happen to anyone. His shoulder is in good shape and he'll be ready to rock for the new season. He's no longer the 1st liner ppg player that he once was but he is still a very good option on a 2nd line. There's just no room left for him here in our organization with Eberle and Yakupov taking up the top 2 RW spots and Rajala waiting in the wings, we're stocked full of small RW's. MacT has already come out publicly and stated that Hemsky and Horcoff will both not be back with the Oilers next season. Not because they're bad players but simply because they've been on a losing team for far too long and all the losing has got to them. They could both use a change of scenery and be valuable pieces to a winning club. Hemsky still has elite puckhandling and playmaking skills and I believe would be a good setup man for a goal scorer. The asking price is lower than it should be for someone with his skillset and he'll be a bargain for somebody.

No, maybe, no, and Hell No
- bobert836

you'd give up a 39th pick for hemsky? where to sign?

honestly, i don't have much expectations as to what edm should get back for hemsky. seems like mac-t want to let him move on and change scenery. in return, cap space to acquire someone else. i don't think edm should take back a bad salary, if that's the case, i rather see hemsky stick around and trade him at deadline.

He was staying healthy until he blocked a shot and broke his foot last year, which is something that could happen to anyone. His shoulder is in good shape and he'll be ready to rock for the new season. He's no longer the 1st liner ppg player that he once was but he is still a very good option on a 2nd line. There's just no room left for him here in our organization with Eberle and Yakupov taking up the top 2 RW spots and Rajala waiting in the wings, we're stocked full of small RW's. MacT has already come out publicly and stated that Hemsky and Horcoff will both not be back with the Oilers next season. Not because they're bad players but simply because they've been on a losing team for far too long and all the losing has got to them. They could both use a change of scenery and be valuable pieces to a winning club. Hemsky still has elite puckhandling and playmaking skills and I believe would be a good setup man for a goal scorer. The asking price is lower than it should be for someone with his skillset and he'll be a bargain for somebody.
- Ihatebrianburke

Thanks for the explanation. Many people don't want him, but I wanted to get the opinion if an Oiler fan, who has seen him play everyday. Sounds like he would be good on a fast team such as the Isles as a 3rd liner or even 2nd. For the Isles, they just have to see if he is worth taking the roster spot of a young prospect. Interesting to see what the devils or isles will do about him.

Thanks for the explanation. Many people don't want him, but I wanted to get the opinion if an Oiler fan, who has seen him play everyday. Sounds like he would be good on a fast team such as the Isles as a 3rd liner or even 2nd. For the Isles, they just have to see if he is worth taking the roster spot of a young prospect. Interesting to see what the devils or isles will do about him.
- NYI44

he will do wonders on islanders team for secondary scoring and second pp unit.

he will do wonders on islanders team for secondary scoring and second pp unit.
- deks1

We'll see what they do. According to you guys, I can see him playing very well with a guy like Cizikas who is full of energy. Even if he plays on the third or fourth line it doesn't really matter as long as he performs.

We'll see what they do. According to you guys, I can see him playing very well with a guy like Cizikas who is full of energy. Even if he plays on the third or fourth line it doesn't really matter as long as he performs.
- NYI44

nyi will need to put him with two others that will shoot the puck, no question. shoot first, questions later. hemsky just doesn't shoot enough at times. good speed and creativity, at times makes jaw dropping plays.

We'll see what they do. According to you guys, I can see him playing very well with a guy like Cizikas who is full of energy. Even if he plays on the third or fourth line it doesn't really matter as long as he performs.
- NYI44

I don't think hed do well on a 3rd or 4th line. We tried it out here and he gets disinterested.

clowe has been better than Clarkson pretty much their entire nhl careers.
barring last years playoff run, how can one even argue this?

Clarkson has a ppg of 0.5 since 07. and a best of 48 points..

while clowe is at .72. not even close. with 3 seasons over 50 and one of 62. cmon.

I think Clarkson might be a stronger skater, but clowe has way better hands and is at least as physical.
to say clowe isn't a quality replacement for Clarkson is a little silly.

I don't think hed do well on a 3rd or 4th line. We tried it out here and he gets disinterested.
- Ihatebrianburke

Then he will not be good as an Islander. No way he'll be on the first or second line.