With the off-season beginning to slow down, I figured now would be a good time to get the readers involved with a Q&A post.
Let's get right to it.
The Devils still have a need for a RW or 2. Who could you see them looking to via free agency or a trade?
— Alex Chauvancy (@a_chauvancy23) July 8, 2017
There isn't really much left on the market -- and they'll be looking to use their trade assets to address the defense -- so I don't see them doing a whole lot.
If the Devils feel Johansson can play right wing, which is entirely possible, I could see them standing pat and going with Palmieri/Johansson/Noesen and Speers or Lappin. McLeod *could* be an option as well if he makes the team.
I've seen rumors about Tyson Barrie for the Devils. If there is a deal to be had, what would he bring and what would we give up?
— Charlie Borges Jr (@CarlosMontoya71) July 8, 2017
I really like Tyson Barrie, and the Devils could definitely use him, but I don't see a fit between the two sides. The Avalanche are really hurting on defense to begin with so trading their best defenseman doesn't do them much good unless they get a really good one back, and the Devils aren't in position to give them that.
I'm with you on trading Henrique for a d-man, what kind of player do you think a package including 14 could fetch?
— Kristoph (@kristoph_hauch) July 8, 2017
I think Henrique's perceived value is pretty high so I feel comfortable saying he could land the Devils a top-4 defenseman, or at least come close to it.
I still think a deal centered around Henrique and Sami Vatanen is possible. The Devils are deep at center/left wing and desperate for help on defense. Meanwhile, the Ducks are looking to boost their offense (they were a finalist for Patrick Marleau) and are loaded with defensemen. It makes too much sense.
How high do you think Kid Qs potential is?
— e-New Jersey (@mattyv747) July 8, 2017
Realistically, I think he could be a good middle-6 forward who scores ~20 goals and contributes in all situations. That'd be pretty solid for a 30th overall pick.
What are your expectations for Nico Hischier this season? What point total do you foresee?
— Ryan Hancock (@Ryanh30) July 8, 2017
I love Hischier -- I am the President of his fan club -- but I think it's important to keep expectations in check. Scoring is really hard at the NHL level. Scoring as an 18-year-old is even harder. He will contribute but if you're expecting Auston Matthews numbers, you're going to be disappointed.
I think 15 goals and 35-40 points would be a really good number from him, especially considering the Devils still don't have much in the way of puck movers.
I'll go with the obvious question here. Does New Jersey upgrade the defense before camp? If so, what are some FA/ trade options out there?
— StevefromNewJersey (@NJDDiehard) July 8, 2017
I think Shero will scour the trade market to try and upgrade the defense but he's not going to overpay to do it because, realistically, the Devils probably aren't going far this year (the Metro Division is insane).
Cody Franson could be a decent free agent option but Damon Severson is better and bringing him in to play over Steve Santini, for example, doesn't make much sense given where the Devils are at.
Who of zacha, mcleod, quennville, can really move over to the right wing and establish themselves as a right winger ?
— alaskanmonkey (@jamincito14) July 8, 2017
Maybe McLeod but I think the Devils view him as a center long-term (as they should) so I'm not sure they'll want him playing there. They might have to put him there if he makes the team this year, though. They simply have too many guys capable of playing center.
Make your argument for why Hynes should play Severson as a 1st pairing D, Santini as 2nd, and Lovejoy as 3rd.
— 1, 5, 6, 12... Wow. (@snwbdgislife) July 8, 2017
Damon Severson is really good, Steve Santini *could* be really good, Ben Lovejoy is not very good.
What do you believe should be the future for our goaltending? How long before Blackwood starts specifically?
— John Gallagher (@GallagherJohn71) July 8, 2017
I think Cory Schneider can and will start for the forseeable future but Mackenzie Blackwood should be ready to at least backup by the time Keith Kinkaid's two-year contract expires.
Do you think Devils will go after anyone on DET with their current cap issues?
— DevilsInTheDetails (@DevilsDetails1) July 8, 2017
I don't think so. The Devils are fairly well situated up front. Their big need is on defense and Detroit has little to nothing to help out in that regard.
thoughts on pairing Hischier and Johannson together to start the season?
— Omar Arnouk (@OmarArnouk) July 8, 2017
I could see it. Everyone wants to see Hischier with Hall -- myself included -- but it doesn't make sense to throw Hischier to the wolves and face top competition from the word go. They figure to be two of the team's best neutral zone players, too, so it makes sense to split them up and balance things out.
Do you see the acquisition of Mojo as a fill for 2nd line RW, or an indication that Henrique is being shopped and Marcus will take LW?
— Nicjesus (@dasonjent) July 8, 2017
I definitely don't think Henrique is being shopped but if Shero comes across a good offer, I think he'd be willing to move Henrique -- and he should be.
Andy Greene will be turning 35 in Oct. Any worries he will be slowing down? Especially because defense looks so weak right now.
— Justin Carpenter (@JCarpenter87) July 8, 2017
Yes, actually. He is still a solid player but I think he took a bit of a step back last season and that will only continue with age.
Point projections for Hischier, McLeod, Zacha?
— Bobby Notley (@bnots13) July 8, 2017
Let's say 40 for Hischier and 35-40 for Zacha. Hard to say with McLeod because it's quite possible he returns to Mississauga for another year.
Do you foresee Severson becoming a 35-40+ point guy without being a minus player?
— Zach Antonucci (@ZAntonucci) July 8, 2017
Not right now, no. The Devils still have plenty of holes -- and play in the league's toughest division -- so there are going to be a ton of minus players.
Do you see Hischier being a true #1 center, or a strong two-way, second line anchor at the NHL level?
— Tim Purcell (@Tim_Purcell_4) July 8, 2017
I am fully confident Hischier will be one of the top-30 centers in the NHL so, yes, I think he'll be a No. 1 guy.
He is an excellent skater, has high-end puck skills, gives a lot of effort defensively and is determined to be as good as he possibly can be. There's nothing to suggest he can't be a No. 1 center.
How about Henrique for Van Riemsdyk,Devs have to many centers.Henrique would fit nice maple leafs and Jvr would be a nice fit with the Devs
— Larry Sacerdote (@LarrySacerdote) July 8, 2017
They also have too many left wingers and JvR is a year away from free agency. I really don't see this happening. If Henrique is dealt, I think it'll be for a defenseman.
Do you see the devil's adding 1 year deal guys again to flip at the deadline aka P.A Paranteau
— Dan (@Yo0_D) July 8, 2017
It's possible but I think, defense aside, the Devils are pretty much set and want to give some kids a shot. If a couple kids have underwhelming camps in September and the Devils don't think they're ready, I think they could bring in a Parenteau-type player at that point.
Over the last couple years, they have shown a willingness to sign players late in the off-season and then flip them at the deadline (Kyle Quincey, Lee Stempniak, etc.).