Todd Cordell: On Pavel Zacha, Michael McLeod, and replacing Travis Zajac

Again, I don't think it's worth it to try and replace Zajac. No one is going to be able to do it anyway. Just spread out the talent and roll the lines. This season was always a long-shot to even be competitive, now it's just about giving the young guys experience and putting them in a good chance to succeed. Above all, that means giving them talented line-mates.

Also, it was an early August event, but I hope McLeod looks better in training camp than he did at the summer showcase, if not, I don't see him making the team, even with the Zajac injury.

Im glad you mentioned puck luck for Zacha, because if the Devils don't give him every opportunity to play with skilled players he'll end up like Josefson. They should absolutely put Zacha on the top line and see what happens.

Im glad you mentioned puck luck for Zacha, because if the Devils don't give him every opportunity to play with skilled players he'll end up like Josefson. They should absolutely put Zacha on the top line and see what happens.
- Leniwm1

meh. i think half of Jo's struggles were because he was often injured. That, and he doesn't have the size and skill of Zacha.. hence why he was drafted 14 spots below him.

I see it:
Hall-Henrique-Palmieri
Zacha-Hischier-Johansson
Wood-McLeod-Quenneville
Blandisi-Boyle-Noesen

I think this is the most logical. Henrique fills Zajac's role and we give them the toughest minutes to shield the youth. Zacha moves up to the second line to take Henrique's spot. Granted, I think Zacha needed a little more work and I would've preferred Hischier be placed centering two veterans; as it stands, we need Johansson on the RW leaving Zacha the best available to fill the spot. Wood-McLeod will be a fun/crazy fast pair; then with Q being said to be able to play RW and him being a shooter, it seems like a natural fit! Leaving us with our 4th which seems like it could stir the pot. Overall losing Zajac is bad, but not the end of the world all things considered.

upon further review, I think I'm on board with signing Jagr. After Hall-Henrique-Palmieri, the only other experienced winger we have is Johansson, which means either Hischier or Zacha will be centering 2nd year or rookie wingers on both sides.. not something I want for them.

Wood-Zacha-Jagr
Johansson-Hischier-Quenneville/Blandisi/Speers
Lappin/Blandisi-Boyle-Speers/Noesen/Blandisi

I think Johansson and Jagr on either side of either of these centers would make a competitive line, and great support for a developing center. The problem is we have 2 centers that would benefit from the support.

.. unless we move Zacha to wing and play either Quenneville or McLeod at center. Hynes will have his work cut out for him in camp to see where these players are most useful.

meh. i think half of Jo's struggles were because he was often injured. That, and he doesn't have the size and skill of Zacha.. hence why he was drafted 14 spots below him.
- MartysBetter88

I guess, but my point is if you keep a dude on the "4th" line, playing "4th" line minutes and then the team is surprised in the lack of production...

Throw him on line with big boys and see what happens.

IF the Devils are in rebuild mode, then rebuild. Which means try guys in spots to see if they are up to the task.

Is making Hischeir a number 1 center too much too ask? Not for someone taken number 1 overall? . Does he have to be there all season? No. He can be moved around a bit depending on matchups, but if that is his role, throw him in and let him swim or sink - for a bit.

The major thing you need is communication with players - something Hynes is not really too good with it sounds.

Tell Nico that he is top line center for 8 (it can be five if that makes you happier) games, then Zacha is going for 8 games, irregardless of the results. You need to see if both can handle it. Then if McLeod makes the team, give him 8. By that point, Zajac is back and you found out something for the future about your players.

Sometimes failure is a great development tool as players either challenge themselves to improve, or struggle with first time failure. The latter generally don't develop into elite players.

IF the Devils are in rebuild mode, then rebuild. Which means try guys in spots to see if they are up to the task.

Is making Hischeir a number 1 center too much too ask? Not for someone taken number 1 overall? . Does he have to be there all season? No. He can be moved around a bit depending on matchups, but if that is his role, throw him in and let him swim or sink - for a bit.

The major thing you need is communication with players - something Hynes is not really too good with it sounds.

Tell Nico that he is top line center for 8 (it can be five if that makes you happier) games, then Zacha is going for 8 games, irregardless of the results. You need to see if both can handle it. Then if McLeod makes the team, give him 8. By that point, Zajac is back and you found out something for the future about your players.

Sometimes failure is a great development tool as players either challenge themselves to improve, or struggle with first time failure. The latter generally don't develop into elite players.
- ChipArm

Actually, I heard the opposite of Hynes, that he is an incredible teacher and communicates very well. Like he doesn't just tell the team Do this, but explains why and the reasons and such. But who knows, that could all be bull too.

I guess, but my point is if you keep a dude on the "4th" line, playing "4th" line minutes and then the team is surprised in the lack of production...

Throw him on line with big boys and see what happens.
- Leniwm1

he did have his chances with better players. I remember at least once he got injured when playing with better players. your point is valid though. I think Jo could be a good 3rd liner, and he's done that for us before. I always liked him, great in shootouts too.

upon further review, I think I'm on board with signing Jagr. After Hall-Henrique-Palmieri, the only other experienced winger we have is Johansson, which means either Hischier or Zacha will be centering 2nd year or rookie wingers on both sides.. not something I want for them.

Wood-Zacha-Jagr
Johansson-Hischier-Quenneville/Blandisi/Speers
Lappin/Blandisi-Boyle-Speers/Noesen/Blandisi

I think Johansson and Jagr on either side of either of these centers would make a competitive line, and great support for a developing center. The problem is we have 2 centers that would benefit from the support.

.. unless we move Zacha to wing and play either Quenneville or McLeod at center. Hynes will have his work cut out for him in camp to see where these players are most useful.
- MartysBetter88

I wouldn't be against jagr coming back

Trade Henrique for RNH

he did have his chances with better players. I remember at least once he got injured when playing with better players. your point is valid though. I think Jo could be a good 3rd liner, and he's done that for us before. I always liked him, great in shootouts too.
- MartysBetter88

I was surprised I felt disappointed we let JJ (and BB) walk away. But really, if it wasn't on the shootout when he could have the ice to himself JJ wasn't a productive player.

The problem with JJ is you can have a guy like him when you're a good team. These Devils have a bunch of decent hockey players who don't produce much and he needed to show something.

I hope the change in scenery helps, but I'm not betting on it.

Trade Henrique for RNH
- mcjags

I like that.

Although honestly not sure why...

Trade Henrique for RNH
- mcjags

I'd probably do it. I think RNH is the better player with the higher ceiling, but Henrique is a better fit cap wise.

Be something that happens mid-season.

I wouldn't be against jagr coming back
- shvingter88

Is there really any fan base that would be against having him on their team? Seems to be quite well respected across all 31 fans bases.

Is there really any fan base that would be against having him on their team? Seems to be quite well respected across all 31 fans bases.
- Lahey

yea I don't really understand why he remains unsigned. Even if you put him on the 3rd line.. he's going to help your team. Maybe teams are concerned about him taking a spot from a developing RW? I think it's poppycock. He's a living legend, still productive, and maybe he'll sell a few tickets idk.

I like that.

Although honestly not sure why...
- Queenie_5_hole

Seems like a lateral move at best, although RNH is two years younger and has 4 years left of contract vs. 2.

Trade Henrique for RNH
- mcjags

That seems like a permanent solution for a temporary problem

yea I don't really understand why he remains unsigned. Even if you put him on the 3rd line.. he's going to help your team. Maybe teams are concerned about him taking a spot from a developing RW? I think it's poppycock. He's a living legend, still productive, and maybe he'll sell a few tickets idk.
- MartysBetter88

Jason Strudwick is on local radio in Edmonton and is a friend of Jagr. Below is why he said Jagr wouldn't fit Edmonton.

- He doesn't want to travel a lot, so a lot of the West is probably out.
- Is Jagr the type of guy that is willing to sign with the knowledge he isn't going to play all 82 games. Struds thinks Jagr is best playing less than a full year and doesn't think Jagr will go for that.
- Jagr is a big personality in the locker room. Struds was concerned that our GM might be worried that McDavid would take a step back and not be as vocal with Jagr leading in the room.

Things I think also could play into it
- Is Jagr willing to play for 1mil and then bonuses?
-Does Jagr even want to play before the Olympics?
- I really think Jagr has an idea of where he wants to go, but the team(s) don't necessarily want him yet and it might take an injury for him to get a spot with said team(s).

Jason Strudwick is on local radio in Edmonton and is a friend of Jagr. Below is why he said Jagr wouldn't fit Edmonton.

- He doesn't want to travel a lot, so a lot of the West is probably out.
- Is Jagr the type of guy that is willing to sign with the knowledge he isn't going to play all 82 games. Struds thinks Jagr is best playing less than a full year and doesn't think Jagr will go for that.
- Jagr is a big personality in the locker room. Struds was concerned that our GM might be worried that McDavid would take a step back and not be as vocal with Jagr leading in the room.

Things I think also could play into it
- Is Jagr willing to play for 1mil and then bonuses?
-Does Jagr even want to play before the Olympics?
- I really think Jagr has an idea of where he wants to go, but the team(s) don't necessarily want him yet and it might take an injury for him to get a spot with said team(s).
- Lahey

The 97 thing makes sense, you'd want him to develop into a great leader, but maybe having Jags, his training and how he just likes to have fun isn't such a bad thing? Jagr said he'd play anywhere the coach asks him to, not sure how much that is truth. But Id like to see Jagr on the Devils again, have him put up 30 by deadline and off he goes to the Oiler for the playoff run.

Seems like a lateral move at best, although RNH is two years younger and has 4 years left of contract vs. 2.
- smellmyfinger

Has better offensive upside too, probably.

Has better offensive upside too, probably.
- Pomegrant

I would do that. I think RNH is a better two way guy. I think their productions would cancel each other out.

Signed longer, is younger, and he seems to lineup with when we would be ready to compete.

I would do that. I think RNH is a better two way guy. I think their productions would cancel each other out.

Signed longer, is younger, and he seems to lineup with when we would be ready to compete.
- Devils9503

but where do we put him? Zajac is still here for a while. Our "contending" lineup would likely include Hischier, Zajac, Zacha/McLeod as centers. Unless the consensus is that both Zacha and McLeod will either not be adequate 2nd line centers, or they'll both be at wing.