Todd Cordell: The New Jersey Devils Are Done Shopping Up Front

If Shero is really done, this is not a playoff challenging team imo. And if that's the case would rather see Josefson at third line and send Zacha back down and play both Blandisi and Boucher. I am not a huge DSP fan, that might put me in the minority, but his history before coming here is more likely the true player we will get, and that seems like border line 3rd line, more likely fourth line.

Health of Elias will be a big factor heading into the season. If he can still play, and Shero brings him back, that'll be one less spot for a younger player. That's not a bad thing. Players will get hurt, and several guys on the team are practically a lock to miss 20 games minimum, so having guys playing in Albany that could come up and actually make an impact is a positive thing.
I'm also curious to see what they do with Zacha. I could see him fitting in on the wing to start, but there's been no indication that Shero or Hynes have any plan to play him anywhere but at center. I could also see Cammalleri moved to RW to start the season since the Devils are so thin at that position and I think Cammalleri has played there before.

Hall - Zajac - Palmieri
Blandisi/Boucher - Henrique - Cammalleri
Elias - Zacha - Bennet/DSP
Josefson - Fiddler - Kalinin

The question will be if anyone on this team can play defense. I don't know about Hall, Fiddler, Zacha, Kalinin or Bennet, but I don't think any of them are exceptional in that area. Palmieri, Henrique and Cammalleri are just average in that regard and Boucher, Blandisi, and DSP are all liabilities. That leaves Josefson, Elias and Zajac as the only players who are good in that area, and even if Elias returns, who knows how effective he'll be defensively at this age.

No one mentions our biggest forward pickup; Luke Gazdic!!!!!

Seriously, I'm fine taking our chances with this lineup. Maybe just add a couple PTOs or something or if a good signing le trade talks in Ray's lap...

No reason to rush Zacha and hurt his development. Give him at least a full year in Albany. If he kills it down there only then should they bring him up. Shero needs to find a 2nd pairing dman.

No reason to rush Zacha and hurt his development. Give him at least a full year in Albany. If he kills it down there only then should they bring him up. Shero needs to find a 2nd pairing dman.
- Ocean24

Can't play in Albany until next season. It's either Sarnia or NJ for Zacha.

If Shero is really done, this is not a playoff challenging team imo. And if that's the case would rather see Josefson at third line and send Zacha back down and play both Blandisi and Boucher. I am not a huge DSP fan, that might put me in the minority, but his history before coming here is more likely the true player we will get, and that seems like border line 3rd line, more likely fourth line.
- redmonsters

DSP never played 2 full seasons in the NHL. He i s 24YRs old. We have NO IDEA what he is like but his Hustle when he played end of season for NJD . I like him .
HIs 25 points would be 6th on the team .

Talent Analysis
Smith-Pelly posted point-per-game junior numbers but his contribution was not measurable on the stat sheet. He played a big game, both literally and figuratively. A somewhat stocky player, Smith-Pelly earned a reputation as a strong player going to the net, battling along the boards and taking the body all over the ice. He also elevated his game in key situations.

Stocky player who uses his body goes to the net and has good hands.


I also like Boucher playing that 3rd line wing... Wish he played RW> as we still need one .

Hall - Henry -Dsp
Cammi-Zajac -Bennett
Boucher -Zacha - Palmieri
Jojo/Blandisi -Fiddler -Kalinin

Much better line up.
Gionta.Ryder , Ruutu , Zubes , Tootoo , Farnham all gone !!!!!!!


R

Health of Elias will be a big factor heading into the season. If he can still play, and Shero brings him back, that'll be one less spot for a younger player. That's not a bad thing. Players will get hurt, and several guys on the team are practically a lock to miss 20 games minimum, so having guys playing in Albany that could come up and actually make an impact is a positive thing.
I'm also curious to see what they do with Zacha. I could see him fitting in on the wing to start, but there's been no indication that Shero or Hynes have any plan to play him anywhere but at center. I could also see Cammalleri moved to RW to start the season since the Devils are so thin at that position and I think Cammalleri has played there before.

Hall - Zajac - Palmieri
Blandisi/Boucher - Henrique - Cammalleri
Elias - Zacha - Bennet/DSP
Josefson - Fiddler - Kalinin

The question will be if anyone on this team can play defense. I don't know about Hall, Fiddler, Zacha, Kalinin or Bennet, but I don't think any of them are exceptional in that area. Palmieri, Henrique and Cammalleri are just average in that regard and Boucher, Blandisi, and DSP are all liabilities. That leaves Josefson, Elias and Zajac as the only players who are good in that area, and even if Elias returns, who knows how effective he'll be defensively at this age.
- CaptCrankypants

If CAMMI Moves to RW. we go ...

Hall -Henry -Cammi
Boucher -Zajac -Palmieri
Blandisi/ELias -Zacha -DSP
Jojo -Fiddler -Kalinin

Can't play in Albany until next season. It's either Sarnia or NJ for Zacha.
- CaptCrankypants

Don't think that's right. he can play in Albany. There is a loophole where he was on loan from his team in the Czech Republic to play in Sarnia, so technically he's not bound by being sent to his junior team this year.

Don't think that's right. he can play in Albany. There is a loophole where he was on loan from his team in the Czech Republic to play in Sarnia, so technically he's not bound by being sent to his junior team this year.
- Pomegrant

I'm not sure that Zacha is eligible for the loophole or not.

If CAMMI Moves to RW. we go ...

Hall -Henry -Cammi
Boucher -Zajac -Palmieri
Blandisi/ELias -Zacha -DSP
Jojo -Fiddler -Kalinin
- thechezman

I'd rather see if Hall can help Zajac's offense a little, like Jagr and Parise have in the past. Zajac is also better defensively than Henrique, so that will give that line the ability to match up better and provide offense. I also don't think Shero gave up a 3rd rounder so Bennet can sit in the press box, but hopefully the most deserving players get lineup spots.

I'm not sure that Zacha is eligible for the loophole or not.
- CaptCrankypants

He isn't.

"If European players are drafted in the CHL draft before they're drafted by an NHL club, this rule applies to them. However, if they're drafted as a member of a European squad, and choose post-NHL-draft to play for a CHL team, they can, in fact, report to the NHL team's minor squads before the age limit kicks in."

Can't play in Albany until next season. It's either Sarnia or NJ for Zacha.
- CaptCrankypants

How was he able to play in Albany during last years playoffs?

How was he able to play in Albany during last years playoffs?
- Ocean24

His juniors season had ended.

Todd Cordell: The New Jersey Devils Are Done Shopping Up Front
- Todd.Cordell

A solid choice

How was he able to play in Albany during last years playoffs?
- Ocean24

It's because of the loophole. But w/e

For sure you guys know your team better, but imo you look like a couple of moves from being a real contender. - like I said about the Rangers last 3 seasons...

Unless Rangers do something genius before puck drop, I'm guessing you guys takes our spot in the playoffs

It's because of the loophole. But w/e
- Pomegrant

No it's because once the CHL season is over, players from juniors can play in the AHL. Severson and Boucher both did that as well.

For sure you guys know your team better, but imo you look like a couple of moves from being a real contender. - like I said about the Rangers last 3 seasons...

Unless Rangers do something genius before puck drop, I'm guessing you guys takes our spot in the playoffs
- 21peter

Maybe in 2017-18.

One thing any team with Beau Bennett should never ever do, is pencil him into the lineup.

I think we can compete for the playoffs but it all depends on how we play defensively and if severson steps up

I still think both severson and Boucher will have big years this year. If they stay healthy of course.

Congratz on getting Hall, but you gave Adam Larsson in exchange.

You guys have yet to find a person who can replace Larsson. Severson is good, but he has yet to flourish and break out.

Nonetheless, Shero definitely improved the forward corps, but the defensive corps are pretty much just being led by Green and possibly (A BIG POSSIBILITY) Severson.

Don't start thinking about playoffs just yet.

PS: I hope you like my Avatar.

Congratz on getting Hall, but you gave Adam Larsson in exchange.

You guys have yet to find a person who can replace Larsson. Severson is good, but he has yet to flourish and break out.

Nonetheless, Shero definitely improved the forward corps, but the defensive corps are pretty much just being led by Green and possibly (A BIG POSSIBILITY) Severson.

Don't start thinking about playoffs just yet.

PS: I hope you like my Avatar.
- EdmHockeyMan

k?

Congratz on getting Hall, but you gave Adam Larsson in exchange.

You guys have yet to find a person who can replace Larsson. Severson is good, but he has yet to flourish and break out.

Nonetheless, Shero definitely improved the forward corps, but the defensive corps are pretty much just being led by Green and possibly (A BIG POSSIBILITY) Severson.

Don't start thinking about playoffs just yet.

PS: I hope you like my Avatar.
- EdmHockeyMan

OH NO!!!! WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN????