Looking at our salary/roster chart, we really are in interesting times here. We have 12.4mil in space left, and I'll assume.. 6mil will be taken by Zacha/Butcher combined? Palmieri, Zajac, Gusev, (Coleman..if it's worth mentioning) signed this year and next. Then we have Subban, Schneider done.. but also Boqvist, Smith and Hughes expiring.
After this season, Bratt, Hischier and Blackwood will need new deals.. potentially totaling between 10-13 mil?

In other words .. within the next 2 years, Palmieri, Gusev, Hischier, Bratt, Blackwood will need new deals, with just 1 more year left of ELCs for Boqvist, Smith, Hughes.

It almost feels like the time is now, within those next 2 seasons. Yea, Zajac may be replaceable.. Simmonds will be off the books.. Greene will likely be done.. but the rest of these players are affordable and hopefully impact players for us. It's going to be very interesting how this team looks after 2 seasons and what the 3 of Boqvist, Smith, Hughes end up developing into by 2022.
Prior to those 3 deals, and if we re-sign Subban (barring he falls off like..Simmonds) we'll have more flexibility, to maybe actually go for it and spend up to the cap for a Cup run or 2.. be buyers at the deadline and such.

It'll be more difficult to do this after our kids get their long-term big-money deals, even with Schneider, Zajac and Greene off the books.

.. and then there's Hall, and if he eats up an additional 6mil to the 6 he's already making.

We shall see.

so like I said.. interesting times, interesting "season" of our franchise, if you will.

When do we sign Gardiner?
- Queenie_5_hole

still not sure if he's addition by addition lol.

Looking at our salary/roster chart, we really are in interesting times here. We have 12.4mil in space left, and I'll assume.. 6mil will be taken by Zacha/Butcher combined? Palmieri, Zajac, Gusev, (Coleman..if it's worth mentioning) signed this year and next. Then we have Subban, Schneider done.. but also Boqvist, Smith and Hughes expiring.
After this season, Bratt, Hischier and Blackwood will need new deals.. potentially totaling between 10-13 mil?

In other words .. within the next 2 years, Palmieri, Gusev, Hischier, Bratt will need new deals, with just 1 more year left of ELCs for Boqvist, Smith, Hughes.

It almost feels like the time is now, within those next 2 seasons. Yea, Zajac may be replaceable.. Simmonds will be off the books.. Greene will likely be done.. but the rest of these players are affordable and hopefully impact players for us. It's going to be very interesting how this team looks after 2 seasons and what the 3 of Boqvist, Smith, Hughes end up developing into by 2022.
Prior to those 3 deals, and if we re-sign Subban (barring he falls off like..Simmonds) we'll have more flexibility, to maybe actually go for it and spend up to the cap for a Cup run or 2.. be buyers at the deadline and such.

It'll be more difficult to do this after our kids get their long-term big-money deals, even with Schneider, Zajac and Greene off the books.

.. and then there's Hall, and if he eats up an additional 6mil to the 6 he's already making.

We shall see.

so like I said.. interesting times, interesting "season" of our franchise, if you will.
- MartysBetter88

I think you guys make the playoffs this season and push for contender status in 2020/2021.

The cap situation is completely fine. We have ~38.5 mil available with a lot of aging players coming off the books. I don't see what the problem is.

The cap situation is completely fine. We have ~38.5 mil available with a lot of aging players coming off the books. I don't see what the problem is.
- Pomegrant

I said we're in interesting times and explained the context for that statement, which included cap space to potentially spend while our young skilled players are on their ELC's. Most of the team is unsigned after a few years.. so it'll be.. "interesting".

The cap situation is completely fine. We have ~38.5 mil available with a lot of aging players coming off the books. I don't see what the problem is.
- Pomegrant

Where is that figure from? Capfriendly say we have about $ 12.5M in space.

Either way I don't think it's a problem but cap management becomes important, where in the past we've just had a ton of space.

Where is that figure from? Capfriendly say we have about $ 12.5M in space.

Either way I don't think it's a problem but cap management becomes important, where in the past we've just had a ton of space.
- Queenie_5_hole

It's for next season's cap.

It's for next season's cap.
- Pomegrant

You're always thinking ahead!

Congrats Devils on this amazing signing. Please pass this on the the Meltzer Flyers board who for the most part are laughing at the Devils. They are so wrong! If you youtube Gusev you will see that he is an elite talent and the best player in Russia. He will not be a V. Shipashev bust. He will be more like Panarin and I will bet your house on it, lol. I can not wait to see the Devil pp in action with this dude's playmaking skill.
- joegreif17

They have every right to be laughing at us..They took Kurtis Gabriel from us..
Gabriel>Gusev all day every day

They have every right to be laughing at us..They took Kurtis Gabriel from us..
Gabriel>Gusev all day every day
- devils2929

HAHA

They have every right to be laughing at us..They took Kurtis Gabriel from us..
Gabriel>Gusev all day every day
- devils2929

Im honestly sad to see Gabs go. I loved the energy he brought and if you watched any of his interviews there was something good about him.

He might not of had any skill but he had the perfect attitude and mentality of what we want, in that he was very willing to work hard to get better.

Also as a fan of fighting I really feel like we didnt see his best scrap lol the Lucic one was a good one but if he didnt slip against Smith he was going to ruin him and you knew that was his one shot. smith was never going to strike lighting twice and go him again.

You folks think the Wild shut it down for a while or are moves to be expected ?

They have every right to be laughing at us..They took Kurtis Gabriel from us..
Gabriel>Gusev all day every day
- devils2929

They’re actually not laughing at you. They were saying Gusev is an unknown. Maybe Panarin. Maybe Dopita. But they don’t know.

Others were obviously hoping Gusev would have ended up in Philly, and we’re questioning if the Flyers were that mystery other team involved. It was pretty clear they couldn’t be, as they have their own contract issues with Provorov and Konecny.

I dunno why that guy was upset, but that board isn’t really talking poop. No more than usual, I suppose.

Can't wait for preseason. I feel like I say this every year, but we have a LOT to look for this go around. In kind of a general order.. or maybe not at all lol. I'll call it my personal list of intrigue.

1. HUGHES. How good is this kid going to be right out of the gate as an 18yr old?

2. Gusev. How's this guy going to do on smaller ice with NHL players, chemistry, adjustment, etc. All these seasons playing on a larger surface with KHL-level players and the KHL game. Could be an adjustment.

3. Boqvist. We've talked plenty about him, which is why he's 3rd on my personal "most intriguing" list. He's "skating with Backstrom", and "skated with Hall". Curious what he brings.

4. Zacha. Kind of sad our 6th overall pick is 4th on my list, almost as if part of me is giving up on him being special, but at least we know he's at minimum a 3rd line PK specialist. Will he finally take the next step and play with assertiveness? Could he possibly look so good to start next to Hughes on the 2nd line??

5. Smith. Is he ready? where does he fit? just how good will he look?

6. Bratt. Can he pickup from the positive play we've seen in the past? Take another step forward?

7. Hischier. Another step forward? We can say this with a lot of our players, as we're fortunate enough to have players that are both young AND promising. We compare his ceiling to hopefully be the likes of Bergeron. Will we see that? Could it be a stretch to desire a little Backstrom/Kopitar play-making ability/offense?

8. Butcher. more D responsibility?

9. D pairs. Is Greene still serviceable? He ended last season looking good enough for the bottom pair. Still the case? 2nd pair? Where does Vats play? Where do all these guys end up playing?? Mueller/Carrick?

10. Simmonds. Rebound from last year/injuries? Does he look good enough for 2nd line RW? Bad enough for 4th line RW?

11. Surprise makes onto the roster? We don't have much room if everyone is healthy. Hall, Hischier, Palmieri; Gusev, Hughes, Bratt; Zacha, Zajac, Simmonds; Wood, Coleman, ...?? Boqvist? Bastian? McLeod? Hayden? Literally one available spot on the opening lineup.

12. Wood and Hayden. What will they show us? Who the heck is Hayden? Same ol' Wood?

13. Not to put Subban last.. but we kind of already know what he is. But he makes the list.. because it'll be "intriguing".

Gona be fun.

When do we sign Gardiner?
- Queenie_5_hole

Never

Can't wait for preseason. I feel like I say this every year, but we have a LOT to look for this go around. In kind of a general order.. or maybe not at all lol. I'll call it my personal list of intrigue.

1. HUGHES. How good is this kid going to be right out of the gate as an 18yr old?

2. Gusev. How's this guy going to do on smaller ice with NHL players, chemistry, adjustment, etc. All these seasons playing on a larger surface with KHL-level players and the KHL game. Could be an adjustment.

3. Boqvist. We've talked plenty about him, which is why he's 3rd on my personal "most intriguing" list. He's "skating with Backstrom", and "skated with Hall". Curious what he brings.

4. Zacha. Kind of sad our 6th overall pick is 4th on my list, almost as if part of me is giving up on him being special, but at least we know he's at minimum a 3rd line PK specialist. Will he finally take the next step and play with assertiveness? Could he possibly look so good to start next to Hughes on the 2nd line??

5. Smith. Is he ready? where does he fit? just how good will he look?

6. Bratt. Can he pickup from the positive play we've seen in the past? Take another step forward?

7. Hischier. Another step forward? We can say this with a lot of our players, as we're fortunate enough to have players that are both young AND promising. We compare his ceiling to hopefully be the likes of Bergeron. Will we see that? Could it be a stretch to desire a little Backstrom/Kopitar play-making ability/offense?

8. Butcher. more D responsibility?

9. D pairs. Is Greene still serviceable? He ended last season looking good enough for the bottom pair. Still the case? 2nd pair? Where does Vats play? Where do all these guys end up playing?? Mueller/Carrick?

10. Simmonds. Rebound from last year/injuries? Does he look good enough for 2nd line RW? Bad enough for 4th line RW?

11. Surprise makes onto the roster? We don't have much room if everyone is healthy. Hall, Hischier, Palmieri; Gusev, Hughes, Bratt; Zacha, Zajac, Simmonds; Wood, Coleman, ...?? Boqvist? Bastian? McLeod? Hayden? Literally one available spot on the opening lineup.

12. Wood and Hayden. What will they show us? Who the heck is Hayden? Same ol' Wood?

13. Not to put Subban last.. but we kind of already know what he is. But he makes the list.. because it'll be "intriguing".

Gona be fun.
- MartysBetter88

With gusev joining the team I can't see zacha playing wing on the second line unless they really want to give Hughes and possibly gusev someone responsible defensively while moving others down

You folks think the Wild shut it down for a while or are moves to be expected ?
- Devilish4

They may make a move here and there but think we are done

When do we sign Gardiner?
- Queenie_5_hole

Seriously! It would complete Shero's offseason lineup!

Gusev Hughes Simmonds
Gardiner Subban

Very impressive

With gusev joining the team I can't see zacha playing wing on the second line unless they really want to give Hughes and possibly gusev someone responsible defensively while moving others down
- dmarsden2988

Can't rule out trading Zajac. He would be a great addition to any team looking for a shutdown C with great pk abilities. His faceoff% is unreal, and the devs could easily afford to retain 50% if the return was good enough.

Can't wait for preseason. I feel like I say this every year, but we have a LOT to look for this go around. In kind of a general order.. or maybe not at all lol. I'll call it my personal list of intrigue.

1. HUGHES. How good is this kid going to be right out of the gate as an 18yr old?

2. Gusev. How's this guy going to do on smaller ice with NHL players, chemistry, adjustment, etc. All these seasons playing on a larger surface with KHL-level players and the KHL game. Could be an adjustment.

3. Boqvist. We've talked plenty about him, which is why he's 3rd on my personal "most intriguing" list. He's "skating with Backstrom", and "skated with Hall". Curious what he brings.

4. Zacha. Kind of sad our 6th overall pick is 4th on my list, almost as if part of me is giving up on him being special, but at least we know he's at minimum a 3rd line PK specialist. Will he finally take the next step and play with assertiveness? Could he possibly look so good to start next to Hughes on the 2nd line??

5. Smith. Is he ready? where does he fit? just how good will he look?

6. Bratt. Can he pickup from the positive play we've seen in the past? Take another step forward?

7. Hischier. Another step forward? We can say this with a lot of our players, as we're fortunate enough to have players that are both young AND promising. We compare his ceiling to hopefully be the likes of Bergeron. Will we see that? Could it be a stretch to desire a little Backstrom/Kopitar play-making ability/offense?

8. Butcher. more D responsibility?

9. D pairs. Is Greene still serviceable? He ended last season looking good enough for the bottom pair. Still the case? 2nd pair? Where does Vats play? Where do all these guys end up playing?? Mueller/Carrick?

10. Simmonds. Rebound from last year/injuries? Does he look good enough for 2nd line RW? Bad enough for 4th line RW?

11. Surprise makes onto the roster? We don't have much room if everyone is healthy. Hall, Hischier, Palmieri; Gusev, Hughes, Bratt; Zacha, Zajac, Simmonds; Wood, Coleman, ...?? Boqvist? Bastian? McLeod? Hayden? Literally one available spot on the opening lineup.

12. Wood and Hayden. What will they show us? Who the heck is Hayden? Same ol' Wood?

13. Not to put Subban last.. but we kind of already know what he is. But he makes the list.. because it'll be "intriguing".

Gona be fun.
- MartysBetter88

A remarkable list that doesn't even mention the ongoing Hall contract saga; and if you want to talk about performance questions then is will Hall stay healthy and how is his knee?

It's been a remarkable offseason for the Devils and the fact the Rangers have also gone nuclear adds more intrigue. Can these teams become powerhouses again?

A remarkable list that doesn't even mention the ongoing Hall contract saga; and if you want to talk about performance questions then is will Hall stay healthy and how is his knee?

It's been a remarkable offseason for the Devils and the fact the Rangers have also gone nuclear adds more intrigue. Can these teams become powerhouses again?
- Queenie_5_hole

good point. I think I'm just looking for what we'll see on the ice. The contract is separate from that in my mind. You're right that it'll be interesting to see how Hall looks with that knee. add it to the list!

Can't wait for preseason. I feel like I say this every year, but we have a LOT to look for this go around. In kind of a general order.. or maybe not at all lol. I'll call it my personal list of intrigue.

1. HUGHES. How good is this kid going to be right out of the gate as an 18yr old?

2. Gusev. How's this guy going to do on smaller ice with NHL players, chemistry, adjustment, etc. All these seasons playing on a larger surface with KHL-level players and the KHL game. Could be an adjustment.

3. Boqvist. We've talked plenty about him, which is why he's 3rd on my personal "most intriguing" list. He's "skating with Backstrom", and "skated with Hall". Curious what he brings.

4. Zacha. Kind of sad our 6th overall pick is 4th on my list, almost as if part of me is giving up on him being special, but at least we know he's at minimum a 3rd line PK specialist. Will he finally take the next step and play with assertiveness? Could he possibly look so good to start next to Hughes on the 2nd line??

5. Smith. Is he ready? where does he fit? just how good will he look?

6. Bratt. Can he pickup from the positive play we've seen in the past? Take another step forward?

7. Hischier. Another step forward? We can say this with a lot of our players, as we're fortunate enough to have players that are both young AND promising. We compare his ceiling to hopefully be the likes of Bergeron. Will we see that? Could it be a stretch to desire a little Backstrom/Kopitar play-making ability/offense?

8. Butcher. more D responsibility?

9. D pairs. Is Greene still serviceable? He ended last season looking good enough for the bottom pair. Still the case? 2nd pair? Where does Vats play? Where do all these guys end up playing?? Mueller/Carrick?

10. Simmonds. Rebound from last year/injuries? Does he look good enough for 2nd line RW? Bad enough for 4th line RW?

11. Surprise makes onto the roster? We don't have much room if everyone is healthy. Hall, Hischier, Palmieri; Gusev, Hughes, Bratt; Zacha, Zajac, Simmonds; Wood, Coleman, ...?? Boqvist? Bastian? McLeod? Hayden? Literally one available spot on the opening lineup.

12. Wood and Hayden. What will they show us? Who the heck is Hayden? Same ol' Wood?

13. Not to put Subban last.. but we kind of already know what he is. But he makes the list.. because it'll be "intriguing".

Gona be fun.
- MartysBetter88

You forgot one..Will Erika Wachter have a sophomore slump?

You forgot one..Will Erika Wachter have a sophomore slump?
- devils2929

she is impervious to any such thing. she is walking and talking perfection, lolol. Girl is a winner though. All about that positive energy. It's really incredible the change our organization has undergone the past few years with the roster, the culture, the broadcast, public relations.. the whole thing. The newer regime gets my nod of approval.

she is impervious to any such thing. she is walking and talking perfection, lolol. Girl is a winner though. All about that positive energy. It's really incredible the change our organization has undergone the past few years with the roster, the culture, the broadcast, public relations.. the whole thing. The newer regime gets my nod of approval.
- MartysBetter88

I heard she is getting married which reminds me of a joke:

On his wedding night the groom's father tells him once he's married there are three types of sex he can expect:

1st year you have 'house sex'. You have sex anywhere and everywhere you might be. Laundry room, garage, kitchen... where ever. And it's wild, crazy and great.

Years 2 to 6 you have bedroom sex. A little boring and predictable but not bad and pretty reliable.

year 7 you get to have hallway sex. What's that asks the groom? You pass each other in the hall and one of you says '(frank) you' to the other....

I heard she is getting married which reminds me of a joke:

On his wedding night the groom's father tells him once he's married there are three types of sex he can expect:

1st year you have 'house sex'. You have sex anywhere and everywhere you might be. Laundry room, garage, kitchen... where ever. And it's wild, crazy and great.

Years 2 to 6 you have bedroom sex. A little boring and predictable but not bad and pretty reliable.

year 7 you get to have hallway sex. What's that asks the groom? You pass each other in the hall and one of you says '(frank) you' to the other....
- Queenie_5_hole

lol that's good