New Jersey Devils GM Ray Shero sat down for a lengthy interview with TSN's Pierre LeBrun from the draft combine in Buffalo.
Shero touched on a wide array of topics including the top pick in the draft, Ilya Kovalchuk, cap space and more.
The whole interview is worth a watch but here are some of the highlights:
- When asked about the barrage of picks -- 11, to be exact -- the Devils have in this year's draft, Shero mentioned ideally he uses some of them as trade assets, be it for players or to move up for a prospect the scouting staff is really high on.
- Shero said he has received calls about trading the 1st overall pick but that the organization is more focused on the player they're going to pick in the top spot.
The top pick in the draft is rarely if ever traded so it's no surprise the Devils are planning on staying where they are. You never say never but it's pretty hard to move an 18-year-old potential star who will almost certainly be playing in the NHL as soon as this fall.
- Shero said the Devils have spent time with Nolan Patrick (in Winnipeg) and Nico Hischier (in Switzerland) over the last few weeks.
- While a trade seems more likely than not, Shero did not rule out Kovalchuk returning to the Devils.
- Given Kovalchuk wishes to play for a contender, Shero noted potential destinations may not have a lot of money to spare (most good teams don't). Shero believes getting a player in return for Kovalchuk makes more sense for the Devils than draft picks.
I fully agree with Shero on this one. The Devils have a lot of draft picks -- both this year and next -- and have done a good job restocking the prospect cupboards since he has taken over. At some point the team needs to take a step forward and getting picks that *could* turn into something say, 3-5 years from now, for a player like Kovalchuk doesn't seem overly enticing.
- Shero talked about the playoff drought the Devils are in and how hard it's been on the fans. He wants it to end sooner than later, obviously, and strongly hinted that if Kovalchuk isn't signing in New Jersey and they have to move a player of his caliber, they're going to want something back that helps now. Again, a draft pick that is years away from contributing, if ever, isn't exactly an ideal return.
- Shero noted that the Devils don't just have cap space, but real money, so that they can use it to the full extent. He credited ownership with giving him the ability to spend, but noted that everyone is on the same page in doing it the right way. He's not going to throw money around like there's no tomorrow and get the organization into trouble down the road.
- Shero made it no secret he hopes the Devils will be able to use their abundance of cap space, and draft picks, to help pry quality players from teams who are in expansion draft or cap trouble.
- Regarding Cory Schneider trade rumors, Shero said no player is ever untouchable but noted he is a big fan of Schneider and has never called a team about trading him. In other words, you probably shouldn't expect him to be moved.
- Shero said trade talks league-wide have picked up over the last 5-7 days and that will continue moving forward.
There should be plenty of action prior to the expansion draft and I fully expect the Devils to be involved in it.
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