Take it for what its worth but I have a co worker whose son plays youth hockey with Sykora's son and Bettmans grandson. (I've seen the photos). He actually asked Sykora what he thought of Zacha and Sykora thinks Zacha doesn't have much of a higher ceiling and he is what he is.
- Devilspep87

Considering Sykie only had a couple of good yrs his whole career and he isnt a scout so eh. But thats cool they all play together. I was hoping Patty would come back and mentor the kids a bit.

Where do they play anyway? what town?

If any when Ottawa blows it up, would you trade for Mark Stone to give the Devils another top 6 RW? What would you be willing to deal for him?

Are there any other left-handed defensemen possibly available besides Oliver Ekman-Larsson? Sure, the Coyotes may trade him, but do you think the Devils can give a better trade offer than Toronto? What can the Devils get for Severson?

The more I look at it, the more I think they should make a real run for Tavares. For starters, I can only think of 2, maybe three centers in the league I would rather have and he has been a rarely injured, elite point producer his entire career. Even when he inevitably begins to decline on the second half of his new deal, unless his game falls off a mountain all stats (advanced and otherwise) point to him still being an effective player. This team still needs a ton of work. As Todd just laid out, there really don't seem to be a ton of options to improve the group this summer, and outside of 3-4 promising guys the prospect pool is bottom 10 in the league.

Guys like this are rarely available. If he is willing to take an 8 yr deal at 10m per I really think they should jump on it.

I agree the Devils should stay away from Carlson. But Tavares is probably just a notch below elite-level center. Even if he's 80% of his current self by the end of a contract, that's still a high end player. And generally players of his caliber are still useful into their mid-30's. I also think you're way too optimistic about Zacha and McLeod. In Zacha's case, 21 isn't that young for a prospect and I have lower expectations for McLeod than Zacha at this point.
- CaptCrankypants

Jesus Christ man. Notch below? Tavares is one of the premier centers in the league. Very very short list of players I'd rather have at that position.

Also I don't see why we shouldn't be high on McLeod and Zacha. Zacha ended the season very well and we should be aware of how long power forwards take to develop and McLeod hasn't played a game yet. We can start talking if he can't push into the lineup next year. 3rd line is extremely reasonable for a #12 pick

The more I look at it, the more I think they should make a real run for Tavares. For starters, I can only think of 2, maybe three centers in the league I would rather have and he has been a rarely injured, elite point producer his entire career. Even when he inevitably begins to decline on the second half of his new deal, unless his game falls off a mountain all stats (advanced and otherwise) point to him still being an effective player. This team still needs a ton of work. As Todd just laid out, there really don't seem to be a ton of options to improve the group this summer, and outside of 3-4 promising guys the prospect pool is bottom 10 in the league.

Guys like this are rarely available. If he is willing to take an 8 yr deal at 10m per I really think they should jump on it.
- Cmor11794

The max years we can give him is 7, but yes i agree, if he would come here at 10m for 7 years, i'd do that in a heartbeat. He'll get that offer from most teams though, so it'll all depend where he wants to play. Who knows what'll happen though, should be an interesting offseason

Jesperi Kotkaniemi

The max years we can give him is 7, but yes i agree, if he would come here at 10m for 7 years, i'd do that in a heartbeat. He'll get that offer from most teams though, so it'll all depend where he wants to play. Who knows what'll happen though, should be an interesting offseason
- vlongo4419

JT never had a winger his whole career, the thought of playing with his pal Hall and not really having to move must be a great thought for him.

Todd,

You said Devils should stay away from JT and Carlson because we are nowhere ready for cup (you are wrong on that btw) then couple sentences later you say Shero should get as much talent as he can.

You're contradictions make you sound like Tanner.

We handled every top team during regular season, getting JT and a top 2 dman would make us contenders hands down.
- Leniwm1

yeah, when asked if they needed to add more physicality I said they should focus on talent instead.

Go for JT. Where else are we going to get a dominant center? I've seen enough of the Pens to buy into having 2 elite centers on the team. We don't even know if Nico will develop to be an elite center. Getting Tavares at least guarantees that.
And no, I don't see McLeod developing into a legit #2. #3 at best, same with Zacha.
As far as luck and the draft.. devils have screwed themselves plenty of times.. but it would've been nice to have an elite player 1st overall, not a pair of guys that could be very good someday. I love Hischier, but he's no Matthews, McDavid, MacKinnon, Tavares, Stamkos, Kane, etc. At least he's better than Nail -_-

So...you've basically said they won't go after any of those UFAs, they're keeping their goalie tandem, and losing Moore. What do you foresee their plan for improving?...And for the record I agree about the goalies and Moore, but they have to do something to at least attempt improvement.
- jersey1414

They could very well try for JT and Carlson but it's still unlikely they get one, let alone both.

If any when Ottawa blows it up, would you trade for Mark Stone to give the Devils another top 6 RW? What would you be willing to deal for him?
- Mewsik2myears

He can keep Johansson company when they’re both injured.

Go for JT. Where else are we going to get a dominant center? I've seen enough of the Pens to buy into having 2 elite centers on the team. We don't even know if Nico will develop to be an elite center. Getting Tavares at least guarantees that.
And no, I don't see McLeod developing into a legit #2. #3 at best, same with Zacha.
As far as luck and the draft.. devils have screwed themselves plenty of times.. but it would've been nice to have an elite player 1st overall, not a pair of guys that could be very good someday. I love Hischier, but he's no Matthew, McDavid, MacKinnon, Tavares, Stamkos, Kane, etc. At least he's better than Nail -_-
- MartysBetter88

Nico was top-10 among centers in 5v5 points/60 and drew 20+ more penalties than he took as an 18/19 year old. I feel like he's a good bet to be elite.

Nico was top-10 among centers in 5v5 points/60 and drew 20+ more penalties than he took as an 18/19 year old. I feel like he's a good bet to be elite.
- Todd.Cordell

dah, but the Hall factor is huge. Was he as good without the Hart finalist? I hope he develops into a player that can carry a line. Obviously he was a 19y/o rookie, so I didn't expect to see that at 19.

Thoughts on jack Johnson?

Thoughts on jack Johnson?
- K-dizzle

overrated imo

Thoughts on jack Johnson?
- K-dizzle

(frank) no

Hard to believe that the people who don't think JT is amazing haven't just tuned into one of the Islanders games that are on TV and just watch one in a while. But whatever guess he isn't worth the money.

Thoughts on jack Johnson?
- K-dizzle

no no no

Hard to believe that the people who don't think JT is amazing haven't just tuned into one of the Islanders games that are on TV and just watch one in a while. But whatever guess he isn't worth the money.
- Pomegrant

Unreal how people think of him

I dont see why you wouldn't pay JT if he wanted to play here. He's going to be 28 which isnt old and he would improve our offense tenfold. Plus if maybe we can package McLeod since we have JT we could get a good defenseman back. I really doubt that he would sign here but I say pay him if he does.

Did anyone see the video of hall with the C on his jersey?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiRtt_tDelQ/

Someone tell Coleman

http://www.dailymail.co.u...am-treat-cool-summer.html

Butcher had 3 points for USA