Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
Beyond re-upping restricted free agents, there really isn't much going on with the New Jersey Devils – or any team – right now.
With that in mind, I figured it'd be a good time to take your questions on, well, just about anything.
Let's get right to it.
I don't know that another 90+ point, MVP caliber season is in the cards for Taylor Hall but, assuming he has another strong year, I think we're probably talking eight figures. Something like eight years, $80 million would make sense. Hall has proven to be an elite player in this league and top tier talents are pulling in more cash than ever. If Jonathan Toews is getting $10.5M, Jack Eichel is getting $10M, etc. there is no reason Hall shouldn't get that.
As long as 2018-19 isn't a complete disaster (i.e. missing the playoffs by 10-15 points) I think Hall will re-up. He's a smart guy and realizes most of the team's top players are young and still improving. The Devils have the cap space to make a significant addition sooner or later, too. They're set up pretty well for the future and I think Hall wants to be a part of that.
I think 40 is possible.
Zacha took a big step forward at 5v5 last season. It's fair to assume there's room for him to take another one given he is still only 21. If Marcus Johansson is actually healthy and Zacha gets steady ice time with him on the 2nd line, his counting totals should see a decent spike.
Is there a chance Ray Shero tries to do that? Absolutely. Will Marcus Johansson's camp go for it? I doubt it.
The concussions masked the fact Johansson was quietly very productive when healthy. He averaged 1.86 points per 60 minutes at 5v5, which was his highest output since the lockout shortened 2012-13 season.
On the man advantage Johansson spent more time with Drew Stafford(!) than Kyle Palmieri, Will Butcher and Hall, the team's three ace power play guys, combined.
I would think Johansson will want to try and play a full season under better circumstances before signing what will be his last chance at a really lucrative contract.
Jonas Brodin really doesn't do much for me. He's not a play driver and there is almost no offense to his game. For perspective, Greg Pateryn, Roman Polak, Dan Girardi, Matt Hunwick and Francois Beauchemin have averaged more points per 60 at 5v5 over the last three seasons. His perceived value is much higher than his actual value and you generally get into trouble when acquiring players like that.
I agree they can replace Brian Gibbons from within.
I wrote back in May that it was probably time to let him go. I don't think they have an internal replacement for Patrick Maroon, though.
He averaged 23 goals and 45 points per 82 games over the last two seasons. Maybe his foot speed didn't make him an ideal fit for the Devils but he still managed to produce 13 points in 17 games with the team down the stretch. I don't think the Devils have any prospect in their system who can put up those kinds of numbers this year.
Ray Shero knows that, too. There's a reason he offered Maroon a lot more money than he signed for in St. Louis.
Nino Niederreiter is the ideal target for me. He's an excellent defensive player, he drives possession, and he has recorded more 5v5 points than the likes of Ryan Johansen, Max Pacioretty, Cam Atkinson, Jakub Voracek and Toews, among many others others, over the last three seasons. He is still only 25 and he is under control for four more seasons. He plays a possessi
I think Nico will take another step forward. He was one of the more efficient 5v5 producers in the league as a rookie and he spent a good chunk of the season playing with a messed up wrist. He has all the talent in the world and the work ethic to match it. He'll put the hours in to improve and I expect it'll show come October.
I think 60-65+ points and improved defensive play is a realistic expectation.
I'm not really worried about one particular player taking a step back. I just think secondary scoring remains an issue, as does the blue line, and that a lot of teams around the Devils (Philadelphia, Carolina, etc.) improved this summer. As it stands, I think it'll be tough for them to get back into the playoffs.
Jesper Bratt is a lock. I think the final roster spot or two will come down to John Quenneville and Joey Anderson. Quenneville seems to be taking his conditioning seriously this summer and Anderson's motor/style of play would still make him useful in a depth role. I know the Devils weren't thrilled with Michael McLeod's year. Barring a really good camp, he will be in Binghamton. I expect Blake Speers and Brett Seney to be there with him.
I think he needs a little more seasoning. Whether that's one or two years depends on his development. If he has another killer season in the WHL, plays for Team Canada at the World Juniors, and then has a good summer of training, I could see him on the team as soon as 2019-20.
Red Bull. I steadily rotate between their blueberry and original flavors. They've got me hook, line, and sinker.
Recent Posts
Devils sign Blake Coleman to three-year extension
Pavel Zacha took a step forward in 2017-18
The Devils need to add more secondary scoring
Devils have talked with Lightning about eating Callahan's contract
Reviewing the Devils' 2018 draft class
Miles Wood drastically improved in 2017-18
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»