I haven't done a Q&A post in a while so with the New Jersey Devils playing just once over a five day period, I figured now was as good of a time as any to do one.
Let's get right to the questions.
Is Zajac dragging down the devils currently? Do you think he will break out?
— Ryan (@ryanhockey88) December 4, 2017
I've been as big of a Zajac fan as anyone over the years but I have no problem admitting he is struggling right now and needs to be better moving forward. In saying that, I'm not sure it's entirely his fault. He missed all of training camp and the preseason, obviously, so he's being thrown right into the fire and playing tough minutes against players in midseason form. That is difficult to do. It is even harder when Drew Stafford, a poor defensive player who hasn't registered a point in almost a month, is attached at the hip. I'm not giving Zajac a free pass – again, he certainly needs to be better – but he hasn't exactly been given ideal playing circumstances.
What do you think Wood’s ceiling is?
— Turd Ferguson (@xrealjerkx) December 4, 2017
Probably a 3rd line burner who is capable of moving into the top-6 for small periods of time if a player is struggling and/or the team is dealing with injuries. He hasn't been given a ton of ice time, but he's really impressed me this year and his underlying numbers are much more encouraging than they were a season a
What's the deal with Pavel Zacha? Should he be sent down to the minors to get some more playing time?
— warmlettuce (@warmlettuce) December 4, 2017
I'd be completely fine with that. At this point, it's becoming pretty hard to make a case for him playing on a nightly basis. He is bringing nothing to the table and looks completely lost out there. At 5v5, 10 forwards have logged at least 200 minutes for the Devils this season. Zacha ranks 10th in Corsi For%, 10th in Scoring Chance For%, tied for 10th in goals (one), and he hasn't drawn a single penalty. This situation is getting really ugly in a hurry.
What are the chances the Devils actually make the playoffs/stay at the top of the Metro?
— Robert Scibek (@robbie_sci) December 4, 2017
I certainly don't think they'll finish at or near the top of the Metro Division but making the playoffs is a realistic possibility.
Going 26-24-7 the rest of the way, for example, gives the Devils a ~77% chance of making the playoffs, according to SportsClubStats. In other words, they can lose more games than they win and still likely make it. They're not exactly in the safe zone yet, but their strong start has given them a little bit of breathing room to work with.
John Moore is a free agent at the end of the year. Will he be signed, traded or let go as a free agent? Looks to me like there may still be moves to come on D.
— razz matttazzzz (@kammen_mike) December 4, 2017
It depends where the Devils are at when the deadline comes but I think it's likely they hang onto him and re-evaluate the defense in the off-season. They can't really trade him now – they're not exactly loaded on the left side – but I wouldn't be surprised if they move on and look for someone a little steadier on that side in the summer.
If the devils are in a playoff position come trade deadline, do they make trades for the playoffs or stay put and focus on the future
— Tom Heaney (@tomheaney1) December 4, 2017
I think they will stick to the plan and focus on the future. If they can acquire a depth piece to plug a hole for a late pick and/or lesser prospect I could see that – almost to send a positive message and reward the guys for their play – but I wouldn't expect them to be part with anything or anyone meaningful.
The future of our goaltending. Schneider is turning 32 this season, how many years does he have left and is his replacement already in the system?
— John Sebastiani (@afrothunder396) December 4, 2017
I don't think we have to worry about Cory Schneider in the near future. He is still excellent and I think it'll be a while before the wheels really fall off. I mean, Roberto Luongo is 38 and is still posting really good numbers in Florida. Henrik Lundqvist is 35 and, though there have been some rough patches, has an above average save percentage while playing behind for a leaky defensive team. The good goaltenders – the really good ones, anyway – seem to age better than skaters so I'm not worried about Schneider.
As for the latter part of your question, I think the Devils are hoping Mackenzie Blackwood can be that guy. His numbers this season are not exactly encouraging but he's still just 20 years old and has lots of time to figure things out.
When do you think Quenneville gets called up?
— Rob (@itisrob_) December 4, 2017
Whenever the Devils decide it's time to (temporarily) cut the cord with Zacha and/or they run into another injury.
Where the hell does McLeod fit on this team next year?
— Evan (@evanmNJD) December 4, 2017
Provided he's ready, I could see him centering the 3rd line. Shift Blake Coleman to the wing and use Brian Boyle as the proto-typical 4th line center.
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