Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
I love Cory Schneider. I’ll always have a soft spot for him because he came to the New Jersey Devils at a very tough time. They were a team transitioning into suck mode, and he was replacing arguably the most accomplished goaltender of all time. It was a tough job and, despite what some would tell you, he did a damn good job at it for years.
Even accounting for his dip in numbers as a result of decline, injuries, and poor defensive play in front of him, he still has some of the best numbers of all-time. He didn’t get to enjoy ultimate team success but few have ever matched the outputs he consistently put out from 2010-16. His *worst* save percentage in that time was .921. He was ridiculously good.
With all that said, I think everyone should face the fact his time has passed. I know some goaltenders have been able to bounce back from injuries well into their 30s. That doesn’t mean everybody will. Schneider is very clearly not what he once was and, as a soon to be 34-year-old, I doubt he ever will be again. He doesn’t have the same movement. He doesn’t have the same sharpness. And he certainly doesn’t have the same confidence.
It shows in the numbers. Over the last three seasons, 54 goaltenders have manned the crease for at least 3000 minutes. Louis Domingue (.899) is the only one with a worse save percentage than Schneider (.900).
If we use Expected Goals to help form a baseline for what the Devils *should* have given up based on the shots and chances allowed, Schneider still conceded 27 times more than expected.
And he owns an .894 save percentage this season in the AHL.
I don’t mind if he gets some games down the stretch – the season is lost and Domingue isn’t the answer either – but the next few months should be his last as a member of the Devils.
**
It is hardly a secret I think the Devils should trade Sami Vatanen. I’ve already gone in detail as to why but, in short, his perceived value very clearly outweighs his actual value and the team could take advantage of that. Trade him, along with every other pending free agent willing to go.
Heck, I think GM Tom Fitzgerald should even listen on some players with term (Miles Wood, for example). Blake Coleman isn’t one of them.
Yes, I realize his value is high right now. But for good reason. He has developed into a really valuable player. Good teams keep those.
We all know about Coleman’s defensive prowess. He’s been one of the best defensive wingers in the league for years now, be it at 5v5 or in shorthanded situations.
He’s also long been a very good chance generator. Those started to convert into goals last season and Coleman’s hit a new level this year.
Coleman has netted 15 at 5v5 alone. That’s more than Patrick Kane, Leon Draisaitl, Max Pacioretty, Patrik Laine, Brock Boeser and many of the best finishers in the league.
Check the almost unbelievable company he is keeping.
So, now you’re looking at a high-end defensive winger who has matched Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Jack Eichel in 5v5 goals – while being centered by Travis Zajac, no less. I realize having Nikita Gusev at right wing helps but you all get the point I’m making here.
Coleman is signed through next season dirt cheap, too. Yes, he needs a new deal then and will be in line for a good-sized raise. But he legitimately deserves it and, given his track record/the style he plays, I don’t think the term will be crazy. If it is a three or four-year deal, let’s say, I have no problem simply paying him.
Coleman is a damn good two-way player. I think Nico Hischier is the only forward – check that, player – on the roster I’d take over Coleman if I’m trying to win a game tomorrow night.
Unless the Devils receive an offer they simply can’t refuse, I don’t think they should move Coleman.
Ownership is sick of losing and wants the team to start trending upwards sooner than later. If they trade Coleman, that’s going to be a lot more difficult.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
Recent Posts
Coleman continues to impress and a case of perception vs reality
The Devils should sell high on Sami Vatanen
My take on the firing of Ray Shero
Midseason Calder Trophy picks
Midseason Vezina Trophy picks
Midseason Norris Trophy picks
Midseason Hart Trophy picks
New Jersey’s three stars of the month for December
Taking a closer look at the Hall trade
Report: Miles Wood is on the trade block
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»