Very true! Shero was asked about priorities for this summer, he pretty much said, "Getting more talent." We're well positioned with draft picks and as for spending money in FA he reiterated what he said and reminded people that he would spend when the time is right, and he slipped in, "the time is getting close". So take that however you will, hopefully his actions back up his words. This is a huge offseason for our team, and future most likely
- vlongo4419

Tell Ek65 we signing Panarin, tell Panarin we signing EK65.

Throw in Hall's extension, kakko, Smith. Instant contenders!

Hall Nico Panarin
Bratt Zacha Palms
Wood Zajac kakko
Coleman whoever whoever

Ek65 Sev
Butch Yak
Greene Smith

He was a lock i thought for like top 5 maybe a year ago. What the hell happened to this kid that he dropped so much?
- Leniwm1

Maybe his skill called into question. He's definitely got speed. Aside Jack Hughes, whom I think he would rival in top speed, I don't think anyone can keep up.

Think other prospects are doing more to get scout attention and he's falling by default. I think he'll still be an extremely strong choice as a mid first.

Some good quotes today from the exit interviews from Hall, saying he's very comfortable here in NJ, but also acknowledged the lack of talent/holes on the roster that need to be addressed, needing both additions and current players to get better. Mentioned that finishing 29th as opposed to 5 points out of the playoffs is a better situation for us. Also said he's at the point in his career where he certainly thinks about playing for a perennial playoff contender. If thats not an eye opener for Ray to make moves this summer, then idk what is.

Might be an extreme take here, but basically add more talent and make our roster better or he's not staying here it seems
- vlongo4419

Agree 100% with you...as great as it is to hear Hall is happy here it is great to know he has dropped the hint...make this team better or Im gone...its almost as if Hall would be more impressed if they put their money in the FA market and not even worry about his extension first. I get feeling Shero and Hynes jobs wont be safe if we are worried about lottery draft picks again next year!!

Tell Ek65 we signing Panarin, tell Panarin we signing EK65.

Throw in Hall's extension, kakko, Smith. Instant contenders!

Hall Nico Panarin
Bratt Zacha Palms
Wood Zajac kakko
Coleman whoever whoever

Ek65 Sev
Butch Yak
Greene Smith
- Leniwm1

where is Vatanen?

where is Vatanen?
- Eliasforpresident

Oh poop I totally forgot about him! Push Greene into retirement.

Fixed.

Tough choices if nj does not get a top 3 pick...heck even at 3 it a tough pick...most ppl say podkolzin but idk...hes not exactly a big score like ovi just tough. I would pick one of the skilled Americans like Alex turcotte

The whole "why didn't they spend money on FAs" narrative is so uninteresting. Does anybody remember the big free agents from last year and what did they even do for their teams. A lot of mediocre players got overpaid by teams, so why do we even care. We weren't in the running for big name FAs because they want to go to playoff teams and signing depth players for too much money doesn't turn this team around.
- Pomegrant

I remember that John Tavares guy.... scored 47 goals and put up 88 points. That doesn't seem to poopty, even at $ 11M.

But we have cap space and the third best odds in the draft. Clearly this is working better.

OK, so DQ JT....

The next big free agent splash is going to Taylor Hall because he doesn't want his career to die in Newark with management that goes into the season with Keith Kinkaid and who? Eddie lack to start the season. Or sign FA like Drew Stafford and like nobody.

Yes, I realize we probably couldn't score JT even if we poop out $11M, but a lot of quality guys did find homes. Mostly thru trades like Skinner, Hoffman, Karlsson...
but really we need to do better this offseason one way or another because we aren't drafting our way out of this alone. Taylor Hall walks this organization if completely (frank)ed in the back the door..... unless we get a Duchene type crazy return.

Well Ray just got paid. Hynes got paid. All for a currently crappy team. There better be some huge offseason improvemnets.

I remember that John Tavares guy.... scored 47 goals and put up 88 points. That doesn't seem to poopty, even at $ 11M.

But we have cap space and the third best odds in the draft. Clearly this is working better.

OK, so DQ JT....

The next big free agent splash is going to Taylor Hall because he doesn't want his career to die in Newark with management that goes into the season with Keith Kinkaid and who? Eddie lack to start the season. Or sign FA like Drew Stafford and like nobody.

Yes, I realize we probably couldn't score JT even if we poop out $11M, but a lot of quality guys did find homes. Mostly thru trades like Skinner, Hoffman, Karlsson...
but really we need to do better this offseason one way or another because we aren't drafting our way out of this alone. Taylor Hall walks this organization if completely (frank)ed in the back the door..... unless we get a Duchene type crazy return.
- Queenie_5_hole

the whole point is that if we need to spend money now, we got it to make a splash on guys we might actually be able to get. Spending 3-4 mil on 3rd liners isn't going to keep your superstar here. Now that there are some real free agents around, let's spend some of that money and make it happen.

If we had spent the money last season we wouldn't have it now.

the whole point is that if we need to spend money now, we got it to make a splash on guys we might actually be able to get. Spending 3-4 mil on 3rd liners isn't going to keep your superstar here. Now that there are some real free agents around, let's spend some of that money and make it happen.

If we had spent the money last season we wouldn't have it now.
- Pomegrant

I gotta say, I am becoming a fan of Panarin... he stick handles through people like Malkin does. Having him setup Hall would be a dream.

I gotta say, I am becoming a fan of Panarin... he stick handles through people like Malkin does. Having him setup Hall would be a dream.
- Leniwm1

Panarin is that A+ kind of player, adding another Hall-level threat. If we get him that would be amazing.

Panarin is that A+ kind of player, adding another Hall-level threat. If we get him that would be amazing.
- Pomegrant

Would love to add Panarin but unfortunately it seems like he's likely headed to Florida with Bob to join Coach Q

Would love to add Panarin but unfortunately it seems like he's likely headed to Florida with Bob to join Coach Q
- vlongo4419

That's the rumor but they also said he wants to play in New York area. Florida looks committed to spending money so that's the likely but it's all about if they will actually pony up.

That's the rumor but they also said he wants to play in New York area. Florida looks committed to spending money so that's the likely but it's all about if they will actually pony up.
- Pomegrant

Yeah for sure, i think Panthers or Rangers is almost guaranteed where he ends up. I'm sure Ray will see what his interest is in coming here, but i wouldnt expect us to land him. I assume Ray will absolutely be going hard for EK65 if he doesnt resign with the Sharks by July 1. Seems to be shaping up to a decent FA class this year, specifically at forward. So if we landed Karlsson and say, Eberle or Skinner?, i'd take that as a solid free agency for us

the whole point is that if we need to spend money now, we got it to make a splash on guys we might actually be able to get. Spending 3-4 mil on 3rd liners isn't going to keep your superstar here. Now that there are some real free agents around, let's spend some of that money and make it happen.

If we had spent the money last season we wouldn't have it now.
- Pomegrant

That’s certainly true. Ray has to pick his spots. Resources are finite. And I know a lot of guys paid well by other teams weren’t prudent decisions. I’m just saying you build your team via the draft, trades and free agency; and maybe pretty much in that order. But spending some money wisely isn’t bad.

That’s certainly true. Ray has to pick his spots. Resources are finite. And I know a lot of guys paid well by other teams weren’t prudent decisions. I’m just saying you build your team via the draft, trades and free agency; and maybe pretty much in that order. But spending some money wisely isn’t bad.
- Queenie_5_hole

I get that the fans look at the amount of cap space and think that we should spend it, but the owners don't look at it that way when they're on the hook for a lot of money. especially if those guys turn out to just okay players. Ray saved the team a lot of money by not signing just anybody and now it seems they are willing to spend. So let's hope we land somebody good.

That's the rumor but they also said he wants to play in New York area. Florida looks committed to spending money so that's the likely but it's all about if they will actually pony up.
- Pomegrant

This has Rangers written all over it. oo, unless he goes to the Islanders.. up and coming team. He'd be a great fit there. He's LW, correct? I see we talking about setting Hall up, but that takes him off his preferred wing.

Tell Ek65 we signing Panarin, tell Panarin we signing EK65.

Throw in Hall's extension, kakko, Smith. Instant contenders!

Hall Nico Panarin
Bratt Zacha Palms
Wood Zajac kakko
Coleman whoever whoever

Ek65 Sev
Butch Yak
Greene Smith
- Leniwm1

Panarin will sign in Florida

This has Rangers written all over it. oo, unless he goes to the Islanders.. up and coming team. He'd be a great fit there. He's LW, correct? I see we talking about setting Hall up, but that takes him off his preferred wing.
- MartysBetter88

Yeah, LW. Hall and Panarin are both guys who want to have the puck on their stick all the time so they wouldn't be good compliments anyway.

If Panarin wants to win, going to the Rangers isn't it. But if he wants the money and location, I'd say it would be the same as signing with us. I don't see it being much different other than him wanting the shirt to say "new york" on it. You have to assume that he's going to Florida with other teams with an outside shot.

Big day to day! Will we get to pick First? Second? Third? Fourth? Fifth? or Sixth?

Clearly when the actual draft gets here we, it will be a huge day for this franchise.
We also have three picks in the 2nd round and two in the 3rd. Plus our regular pick for rounds 4-7.

BELIEVE

BELIEVE
- Pomegrant

First sim on Tankathon this morning:

EDM
NJD
COL (OTT)

I’ll take it.

Big day to day! Will we get to pick First? Second? Third? Fourth? Fifth? or Sixth?

Clearly when the actual draft gets here we, it will be a huge day for this franchise.
We also have three picks in the 2nd round and two in the 3rd. Plus our regular pick for rounds 4-7.
- Queenie_5_hole

I'll honestly be relieved if we end up dropping only 1 spot. such a wasssted opportunity.

Big day to day! Will we get to pick First? Second? Third? Fourth? Fifth? or Sixth?

Clearly when the actual draft gets here we, it will be a huge day for this franchise.
We also have three picks in the 2nd round and two in the 3rd. Plus our regular pick for rounds 4-7.
- Queenie_5_hole

I can't wait!

I think if we get 1st or 2nd we already know who we are getting a draft day.

If we get below 3rd I will slap anyone at random.

I may be in the minority, but this year's UFA class doesn't get me too excited. EK is 29 and a health risk and SUPER expensive, AP is great, but will be on the 2nd line,..and do we want to spend all that cash on left wingers in Hall and Panarin, while centers Nico and whoever #2 is will need to eventually get paid? We need a 2nd line center more than a 2nd line $10k LW. Stone would've been nice.. Duchene does nothing for me and seems like a player I'd want to stay away from. He seems to make teams worse. Not a guy I want to overpay for in free agency.. and whoever you do buy you have to overpay.. I don't want it to be him. Skinner again is a LW. Pavelski is 34 and staying in SJ, Simmonds, Lee, Gardiner, 29-year-old Eberle...31y/o Zuc, Brock Nelson, Ferland.. Hayes.

These guys just don't seem like great fits. Maybe try out Donskoi? I don't want MoJo and his 40gp/year back.

I think it's trade or bust for Ray.