A lot of folks feel that way but I'm not calling him that. He's disappointing for a 6th overall but he's clearly has skill. I'm not expecting him to become a huge scorer but I believe he's a legit NHL talent and will improve this year. He's just turned 22 and some guys take a little longer. That's what she said.
- Queenie_5_hole

I still hope he develops into an Elias/Zubrus hybrid, but Zubrus is so not his game and not many players have the high-level hockey sense and skill that Elias had.

You guys will definitely be one of the more fun teams to watch, but I agree with all of this. Many x-factors. IMO if you guys still miss the playoffs this year, next year will be a big leap forward.

The Metro in general has so many x-factors.
-Will the Isles be the same without Lehner?
-Are the Pens pretty much a bubble team now?
-Have the Ranger and Flyers made enough strides to fight for a playoff spot?
-Does CBJ fall of the map?
- Rinosaur

The only team in the metro that may struggle fighting for a playoff spot I think may be Columbus (based on if all teams are healthy)

They have some great D but their goalies are question marks and they lost a lot of offense in panarin, Duchene, dzingel and only replaced with Nyquist and I don't think Atkinson can do it all on his own up front

No matter the line combos one this is certain


DOOMED

Have to say, this team is shaping up very nicely. The playoffs are an expectation now and will rely totally on how Schneider/Blackwood step up alongside avoiding the injury bug.

With that said, this devils team seems to have the prospect depth (McLeod, Bastian, Boqvist, etc.) to hold down the fort in case the latter comes to fruition.
- devils_30

Can’t believe you’re putting Boqvist in there

That contract for Butcher is very easy to swallow for you guys. Good ink.

The Metro is looking strong. I like a nice, competitive bloodbath.

The third year I bet was key for Butcher since it takes him straight to UFA, but tbh, probably the best deal for both sides since it gives Smith room in the organization without forcing him into a more premium role too soon, and without crowding him off the roster.

It seems like he's been a bit of a bust, no? Not that he needs to to live up to 6th overall to be a good 3C.
- Rinosaur

Zacha's definitely not living up to 6th overall status, but he is quietly the 2nd best penalty killer on our team; only behind Travis Zajac. I think he'll replace Zajac when he retires as the Devs 3rd line C. For now he'll be a bottom 6 winger.

Butcher signed. 11.2 over 3 years. I think that's very fair. - willschulme

It is a good deal, just remember that of the 27 players to go to arbitration over the past 10 years, 13 have left there organizations within one year, 16 out of 27 within 2 years, and 21 out of 27 where gone after three years. I'm not saying this as a fact that butcher will leave, but as an observation, that maybe letting things go to arbitration hurts the relationship between the player and the club.

Zacha's definitely not living up to 6th overall status, but he is quietly the 2nd best penalty killer on our team; only behind Travis Zajac. I think he'll replace Zajac when he retires as the Devs 3rd line C. For now he'll be a bottom 6 winger.
- jtylerm

A good case can be made that zacha is out best ok forward already

I think one problem we may have other than work around the boards is faceoffs

A good case can be made that zacha is out best ok forward already

I think one problem we may have other than work around the boards is faceoffs
- dmarsden2988

what, pray thee tell, would make us (or a player) better on the boards? is it a player attribute? what would it be? something considered in the strengths and weaknesses of a player? what is it?

It is a good deal, just remember that of the 27 players to go to arbitration over the past 10 years, 13 have left there organizations within one year, 16 out of 27 within 2 years, and 21 out of 27 where gone after three years. I'm not saying this as a fact that butcher will leave, but as an observation, that maybe letting things go to arbitration hurts the relationship between the player and the club.
- cu45161

They didn't go to arbitration though. The deal was reached independently

Halls done. 8 yrs, 10.5

Halls done. 8 yrs, 10.5
- Leniwm1

NO poop!! HA! He'll be 36 when the deal is up. I'll take it. It's a gamble with the injuries.. but 10.5 isn't 12.5 (as if 2mil is that big of a difference), but this is a pretty fair deal.

Halls done. 8 yrs, 10.5
- Leniwm1

Where do you see this? No official announcement or anybody reporting it

NO poop!! HA! He'll be 36 when the deal is up. I'll take it. It's a gamble with the injuries.. but 10.5 isn't 12.5 (as if 2mil is that big of a difference), but this is a pretty fair deal.
- MartysBetter88

Just kidding

I wanted to see peoples reactions but I cant go on with this joke. I dont have the heart.

Just kidding

I wanted to see peoples reactions but I cant go on with this joke. I dont have the heart.
- Leniwm1

...

...
- MartysBetter88

Im bored at work, this is what happens.

Forgive me.

what, pray thee tell, would make us (or a player) better on the boards? is it a player attribute? what would it be? something considered in the strengths and weaknesses of a player? what is it?
- MartysBetter88

Just saying our offense is more catered speed and off the rush compared to a physical wear you down type

Zacha is a great Zajac replacement for when he's gone. Great defensively to play against top competition and can contribute some offensively. Stop looking at his draft position and see what the player actually provides.

Just kidding

I wanted to see peoples reactions but I cant go on with this joke. I dont have the heart.
- Leniwm1

Richard.

Zacha is a great Zajac replacement for when he's gone. Great defensively to play against top competition and can contribute some offensively. Stop looking at his draft position and see what the player actually provides.
- Pomegrant

I think Zajac could post 25 goals per season at one point. Zacha will be gone before this years trade deadline unless he signs REAL cheap.

Like 1.8 per year over 4 years cheap.

I think Zajac could post 25 goals per season at one point. Zacha will be gone before this years trade deadline unless he signs REAL cheap.

Like 1.8 per year over 4 years cheap.
- Dj3668

Zajac scored 25 goals once in '09-'10 and hasn't scored 20 since or hit 50 points since. Including playing on teams with Parise and Kovalchuk so I don't see how his lack of offensive production is any different than Zacha's who is also a shutdown centerman.

I think Zajac could post 25 goals per season at one point. Zacha will be gone before this years trade deadline unless he signs REAL cheap.

Like 1.8 per year over 4 years cheap.
- Dj3668

He was already making about $ 1.75 over the last 3 years so he's not going to be signed for $1.8. I'm guessing around $ 2.75M - $ 3.25M.

Just saying our offense is more catered speed and off the rush compared to a physical wear you down type
- dmarsden2988

I was using this as an example that a player's size and strength is an actual attribute that can effect the play on the ice, and thus be included when discussing.. a player's attributes. crazy thought. don't mind me.

Zacha is a great Zajac replacement for when he's gone. Great defensively to play against top competition and can contribute some offensively. Stop looking at his draft position and see what the player actually provides.
- Pomegrant

Yeah but he was the 6th overall pick so we should let him go