1) On Saturday the New Jersey Devils traded Scott Wedgewood to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Calgary's 5th round pick in 2018.
I haven't yet commented on the trade but, after chewing on it for a couple days, I like the deal.
Cory Schneider is Cory Schneider, Keith Kinkaid has firmed his grip on the backup job, and the Devils have a lot invested in Mackenzie Blackwood's development. Barring a long-term injury, Wedgewood was never going to be in New Jersey for an extended period of time so it makes sense to acquire an asset and move him to a spot where his career has a chance of getting off the ground.
Wedgewood is 25 years old now (crazy, I know), has dealt with injury problems on and off for years, and only has one above average AHL season to his name. It's clear he wasn't starter material and, if he turns out to be a good backup, a 5th round pick is still a fine return.
Also worth factoring in: Wedgewood cleared waivers just over a month ago. Getting a draft pick for a guy who could have been had for nothing is always a positive.
He probably wouldn't have cleared waivers now, though, -- Arizona needed goalie help, Vegas has been decimiated by injuries, etc. -- which is undoubtedly why the Devils were able to squeeze some value out of Wedgewood.
I think this trade makes sense for all parties and wish Wedgewood nothing but the best moving forward.
2) A year ago, Miles Wood was a ton of fun to watch but the on-ice results weren't exactly encouraging (he had a 41.4 Corsi For% and was one of the worst chance suppressors on the roster). While it's early, and the sample sizes are still small, Wood looks to have taken a big step in the right direction as he owns a Corsi For% of just under 48 and has a positive on-ice scoring chance differential.
He hasn't garnered much recognition for his play -- Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Will Butcher have been stealing all the headlines -- but he's quietly been solid.
3) Taylor Hall has been on the receiving end of a lot of unnecessary criticism throughout his young career so I'd just like to point out that he leads an 8-2-0 team in shots, shot attempts, scoring chances, points, primary points, and he hasn't taken a penalty. This guy is an absolute star and doesn't get nearly enough recognition, which is why it warmed my heart to see John Hynes single out Hall and credit him for dragging the team to victory following their latest win (Excerpt via NJ.com):
"He dragged his teammates along tonight, and he dragged his teammates into the battle," Devils coach John Hynes said. "That's what you want. He's one of the best players, he's a real important part of our team, he's a real determined player, and he wants to win. I think tonight, I'd say this weekend with him: you saw a guy that has said he wants to win, and his actions are now backing up that there's a true commitment to win, and not when it's easy."