@ToddCordell who do you want the Devils to draft 11th overall?
— Thomas Burton (@tpb1990) June 5, 2016
Assuming a high-end prospect doesn't free fall on draft day I'd like to see the Devils take Clayton Keller.
Sure, it'd be nice to get a prospect with more size (Keller is 5'10, 165 pounds) but drafting speed and skill is much more important. The Devils haven't had a prolific offensive player since Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise walked away and Keller has the potential to be just that.
He has broken a ton of records at the USNTDP, and for USA at international competitions. In terms of pure skill I think Keller is a top-5 player in this draft. I don't see how an offensively starved team can pass that up.
@ToddCordell who do you prefer the Devils take: Logan Brown, Clayton Keller, or Mikhail Sergachev?
— Kristoph (@kristoph17) June 5, 2016
As mentioned above I'd like to see the Devils take Keller.
As for the other two I'd prefer Mikhail Sergachev to Logan Brown, although I like both. I know the Devils aren't exactly desperate for help on defense but I think Sergachev is the best blue liner in this draft and has more upside than any defenseman in the Devils' organization.
@ToddCordell NJ needs fwd prospects but do you think they should draft 1 of the big 3 dman (Juolevi,Chychrun,Sergachyov) if available at 11?
— Steven Mottau (@SMinolta4) June 5, 2016
I'm a big fan of Sergachev - though there's certainly nothing wrong with the other two - but I think the Devils have to take Keller if he's there. I think he'd probably be the best player on the board at that point and he would also fill a big need.
@toddcordell
— Ay jay zee (@Ayjayzee1) June 5, 2016
do the nj devils have any 30+ goal scoring prospects
I think Pavel Zacha has the potential to score 30 goals in the NHL one day. With his combination of size, speed and skill - including a lethal shot - he should have no problem getting good looks and making the most of them.
Beyond Zacha I don't think anyone in the organization has that kind of upside.
@ToddCordell Do you see Lee Stempniak possibly returning to the Devils in free agency?
— Kovy Come Back!!! (@hamstertime27) June 5, 2016
I definitely think it's a possibility. The Devils unquestionably need more scoring depth and Lee Stempniak talked very highly of his time with the Devils. If they're willing to give him a multi-year deal I could definitely see him coming back, although there should be a handful of suitors after the season he just had.
@ToddCordell do you see the devils being active in the offseason or more like last year and quiet on July 1st?
— speeDy (@dsf_9d) June 5, 2016
I think Ray Shero and co. will dip their toes into free agency but I don't see them throwing around the crazy money (and term) it'd take to get any of the big names on the open market.
I could see the Devils expressing interest in some second-tier players like Lee Stempniak, David Perron, Jiri Hudler, etc.
@toddcordell Trade Cory Schneider? In his prime while the rest of the team is rebuilding, max value in trade now
— Michael Kaufer (@kaufermj14) June 5, 2016
I would not trade Cory Schneider. He is a top-5 goaltender in the NHL and gives the Devils a chance every night. With a little more scoring prowess the Devils could be a playoff team whereas trading Schneider would put them in a full fledge rebuild and ruin any chance of accomplishing anything within the next few seasons.
@ToddCordell would you take on one of CBJs NMC players in order to move up to no. 3 overall? Is it possible?
— Deputy Van Halen (@Serenitynow418) June 5, 2016
Top-3 picks don't come around often so I very much doubt the Jackets would trade down eight spots just to rid themselves of one bad contract.
@ToddCordell With the way Lappin finished the year in Albany, does he get a shot at NJ's 4th line next yr. If no, who?
— Jaxon James (@McJags) June 5, 2016
As impressive as he was at times Lappin managed just 14 points in 23 AHL games (including playoffs). That's solid production but nothing spectacular, obviously, and it was over a very small body of work. I'm sure he'll be given a chance to compete but I'd be surprised if he made the team.
@ToddCordell I'm hesitant to be optimistic about Blandisi and Boucher continuing their breakout year. Should I be, and any pt. predictions?
— Brian Maehl (@bpmaehl) June 5, 2016
Both players had their good and bad moments down the stretch. I think as they get more comfortable at the NHL level their point totals will start to improve; especially if they can find a spot on a set line instead of bouncing around on a shift-to-shift basis. It's hard to get in any sort of rhythm when one shift you're playing with Adam Henrique, the next you're with Stephen Gionta and then you're watching from the press box after failing to produce.
Recent Posts Devils sign Baddock, cut ties with Chatham, Rehill