Not sure why Zacha gets so much hate. Not his fault he drafted a shy too high, but honestly his biggest problem just got fired.

I think he’ll be a player that has a great role on a team elsewhere & folks will say “why wasn’t he that player in NJ?” or he’ll be a guy like Zajac where eventually fans will realize his value isn’t always on the stat sheet.

This one hit right in the feels. Really tough to face that they have to basically hit the reset button again after four plus years of selling fans on a rebuild. Hall is really the only asset they can turn into people who can play now, which is back-breaking because that means it is likely going to be a while before they are competitive.

FWIW, I've said this before but Ray and his staff have not drafted well. Its easy to pick Hischier and Hughes, and yes they get points for Boqvist and Bratt, but aside from Smith they are still overflowing with C level prospects that are not going to be anything but bit part players if that and the Zacha pick still stings. If they are going to be anything but Oilers east they have to start hitting on some draft picks.
- Cmor11794

That’s a little revisionist. It was really a 50/50 both times. Lots of people had Kappo ahead of Hughes, only maybe slightly less than Patrick/Hischier. I remember a lot of people didn’t want the tiny Euro player. Interestingly, i wonder if the same people wanted the bigger Euro last draft.

But I don’t want to get drawn into another frequently seen debate on these boards about size matters 😂

If the Devils end up with another #1 overall pick this year or even a top 2 pick then something needs to change. First the Oilers with 4 #1 overall picks in a 6 year span now NJ could have 3 #1 overall picks in a 4 year span. Sorry, but that is some serious BS. If a team gets a #1 pick then they should not be eligible for a top 3 pick for 3 years. I mean, considering the 2 bottom teams last season ended up with the #4 and #5 pick then a team who keeps tanking should be subject to not getting another top pick for 3 years.
- Bojangle

Wrong place for your rant Bro. We don't make the rules. Try calling Gary Bettman

If the Devils end up with another #1 overall pick this year or even a top 2 pick then something needs to change. First the Oilers with 4 #1 overall picks in a 6 year span now NJ could have 3 #1 overall picks in a 4 year span. Sorry, but that is some serious BS. If a team gets a #1 pick then they should not be eligible for a top 3 pick for 3 years. I mean, considering the 2 bottom teams last season ended up with the #4 and #5 pick then a team who keeps tanking should be subject to not getting another top pick for 3 years.
- Bojangle

Not being eligible for top 3 is a stretch. I could see not being allowed more than 2 1st overall picks in a 4 or 5 year period. If that team does win then they pick 2nd by default.

Not being eligible for top 3 is a stretch. I could see not being allowed more than 2 1st overall picks in a 4 or 5 year period. If that team does win then they pick 2nd by default.
- MartysBetter88

Don't worry, he bandwagoned after the kings won their cups and is now upset that they suck.

If the Devils end up with another #1 overall pick this year or even a top 2 pick then something needs to change. First the Oilers with 4 #1 overall picks in a 6 year span now NJ could have 3 #1 overall picks in a 4 year span. Sorry, but that is some serious BS. If a team gets a #1 pick then they should not be eligible for a top 3 pick for 3 years. I mean, considering the 2 bottom teams last season ended up with the #4 and #5 pick then a team who keeps tanking should be subject to not getting another top pick for 3 years.
- Bojangle

While I don't disagree with the sentiment of disallowing a team to keep winning the lottery, the Devils have been incredibly lucky at the lotto, hard to accuse them of tanking for it considering they moved up two spots last draft and four spots in the 2017 lottery.

Also you’re not going to find many unhappy NJ fans if we win the lottery again.

Todd Cordell: Turning the page
- Todd.Cordell

I agree that a fire-sale should happen. We haven't used Vat's properly, so lets get him prime TOI with PP time and inflate some stats. The guy is good and plays Left or Right D. I see him fetching no worse than a 2nd rd pick. Simmonds is a net presence, but has ZERO passing/vision. Greene would be a great bottom pairing, pk guy. He may fetch a 3rd or something similar to the LJ trade. He would certainly benefit a team like Toronto who seem desperate for a responsible guy on the back end. And Hall, no discounts on this guy. Lets use him to address our RW.

I still think Coleman is an asset Shero should consider moving. We could retain 50%, leaving a 20 goal player with size and physicality available for 900k AAV. He could fetch a great return, and I don't see the point in us retaining him until he is a 29 year old UFA. We have plenty of LW's deserving of more TOI. Trade them while their value is high Ray!

Trade with Colorado. Get Byram. Byram, Smith Walsh as the future.
- devilspep

Ask yourself this, if the Devils drafted Byram, how would you feel about trading him for a pending UFA?

Ask yourself this, if the Devils drafted Byram, how would you feel about trading him for a pending UFA?
- smellmyfinger

I'm fully aware it's a pipe dream and Sakic isn't the type I think to be suckered in. But if Shero does what Shero does best, he'll find his sucker.

I think PK is stuck in a trying to do too much mind set. I get that he wants to be the guy and carry the team to wins, but he'd be more effective just making simple plays most of the time and turning on those flashes once in a while to get going.
- Pomegrant

P.K simply lost his skating abilities. Now he has less time to make decisions, and it certainly shows. Can still bomb a slapper, but Nashville fans should rejoice shedding that contract. Currently on pace for a -36, with 15 points, and an embarrassing pass comp %. I was a big supporter of this trade, but WOW was I mistaken!

Ask yourself this, if the Devils drafted Byram, how would you feel about trading him for a pending UFA?
- smellmyfinger

I am not sure I like that trade one bit. Not unless more is added to the package. Why is a 0.75ppg WHL D so highly touted? Which current NHL'er would you compare him too in style? Last time Hall was traded for a D, it was one of the most lopsided trades ever made. Smith was voted over Byram for the best D in the CHL last season, so I am not certain this is our best option.

This trade will ultimately come down to the futures' contingency. Shero needs to put serious thought into the likelyhood hall re-signs with the respective trading partner. That clause in the trade contract will make the difference between a future 1st rd pick. So pick a team with Cap space next season, and hopefully it is a city the kid will love.

P.K simply lost his skating abilities. Now he has less time to make decisions, and it certainly shows. Can still bomb a slapper, but Nashville fans should rejoice shedding that contract. Currently on pace for a -36, with 15 points, and an embarrassing pass comp %. I was a big supporter of this trade, but WOW was I mistaken!
- bikeguy99

Relax. +/- is useless and it doesn't even make sense as an "on pace" stat, and none of the defensemen have a lot of points because the team doesn't score. Defense doesn't get a lot of primary assists and if the forwards aren't doing anything how are they supposed to get points. I'm not saying we're getting prime time Subban here but a lot of the players on this team are better than what we've had in the past. We had entire seasons where there were no good players on the team. Let's get some real coaching in place and then see which players are good and bad.

I am not sure I like that trade one bit. Not unless more is added to the package. Why is a 0.75ppg WHL D so highly touted? Which current NHL'er would you compare him too in style? Last time Hall was traded for a D, it was one of the most lopsided trades ever made. Smith was voted over Byram for the best D in the CHL last season, so I am not certain this is our best option.

This trade will ultimately come down to the futures' contingency. Shero needs to put serious thought into the likelyhood hall re-signs with the respective trading partner. That clause in the trade contract will make the difference between a future 1st rd pick. So pick a team with Cap space next season, and hopefully it is a city the kid will love.
- bikeguy99

I would take Byram for Hall in a 1 for 1 in a heartbeat, and i wouldnt think twice. He would instantly be our best defensive prospect(yes he's better than Smith, thats not a debate) and hes arguably the best defensive prospect not in the league now that Makar and Hughes are in the NHL. All defensive scoring from D seem to be down in the WHL this year, even Smith is under a ppg. Byram isnt as dynamic from a purely offensive part of the game compared to Smith(yet) but hes not far behind, and Byram is a much better all around Dman and much better than Smith without the puck and in the dzone.

Byram isnt happening though, no way the Aves move him. I could see us trying to get one of Girard or Timmins back as the D involved, plus other pieces on top of it

I just realized.....we can't trade HALL!!! ....He's our good luck charm for the 1st overall pick. We trade him now, we can kiss that 1st overall pick good-bye!!!

I would take Byram for Hall in a 1 for 1 in a heartbeat, and i wouldnt think twice. He would instantly be our best defensive prospect(yes he's better than Smith, thats not a debate) and hes arguably the best defensive prospect not in the league now that Makar and Hughes are in the NHL. All defensive scoring from D seem to be down in the WHL this year, even Smith is under a ppg. Byram isnt as dynamic from a purely offensive part of the game compared to Smith(yet) but hes not far behind, and Byram is a much better all around Dman and much better than Smith without the puck and in the dzone.

Byram isnt happening though, no way the Aves move him. I could see us trying to get one of Girard or Timmins back as the D involved, plus other pieces on top of it
- vlongo4419

They might do a 1 for 1 if he signed an extension before hand plus we might take some salary back but I agree it's probably going to be players like Jost, Timmins and a 1st.

So December 4th, the season is over, no more head coach firing talk and it’s all about trades and draft lottery. That’s kinda sad... but yeah.

Hall’s not going to sign an extension in season that’s why Shero needs to make the conditional playoff related

If the Devils end up with another #1 overall pick this year or even a top 2 pick then something needs to change. First the Oilers with 4 #1 overall picks in a 6 year span now NJ could have 3 #1 overall picks in a 4 year span. Sorry, but that is some serious BS. If a team gets a #1 pick then they should not be eligible for a top 3 pick for 3 years. I mean, considering the 2 bottom teams last season ended up with the #4 and #5 pick then a team who keeps tanking should be subject to not getting another top pick for 3 years.
- Bojangle

I dont think any of us would say its fair if they were to win it again but you must understand its possible...

Another thing to consider about youre idea on not being able to pick first overall is a littoe flawed because not all 1st overall picks are created equally.

You cant think that Nico would be anything like Matthews or Mcdavid if another team drafted him. Its just those are 2 higher quality first overall picks.

I would take Byram for Hall in a 1 for 1 in a heartbeat, and i wouldnt think twice. He would instantly be our best defensive prospect(yes he's better than Smith, thats not a debate) and hes arguably the best defensive prospect not in the league now that Makar and Hughes are in the NHL. All defensive scoring from D seem to be down in the WHL this year, even Smith is under a ppg. Byram isnt as dynamic from a purely offensive part of the game compared to Smith(yet) but hes not far behind, and Byram is a much better all around Dman and much better than Smith without the puck and in the dzone.

Byram isnt happening though, no way the Aves move him. I could see us trying to get one of Girard or Timmins back as the D involved, plus other pieces on top of it
- vlongo4419

I dont know if I buy that. He wasnt even close to making the avs this year which is fine he is a rookie just drafted but Ty literally should have made it based on play his draft year.

Friedman saying Ray is looking for multiple firsts or high end prospects that are ready to step in now.

He also says that he believes Miles Wood is on the trade block and that he isnt as aggressive or edgy as he has been in the past but hopes he gets back there because he likes his game lol.

I really like aiming for just multiple firsts or high high end prospects. No top 9 forward aged 24 -26 + top 6 dman aged 24 - 26 + 2nd type deals that offer us nothing to help move the needle.

To me Kirby Dach isnt or wasnt considered a franchise center and if Byram had of been considered to be a franchise dman he would have went before a guy pegged to be a lower end first line center or higher 2nd line center.

If Elliotte is right about Wood then I wouldnt be shocked to see him moved to buffalo for Scandella or Miller.

Not sure what Woods value is at these days but I would hope to get someone more like Miller then Scandella just value wise. I would however not be shocked if Miles had no value.

If Elliotte is right about Wood then I wouldnt be shocked to see him moved to buffalo for Scandella or Miller.

Not sure what Woods value is at these days but I would hope to get someone more like Miller then Scandella just value wise. I would however not be shocked if Miles had no value.
- Devilish4

There have been stretches when Wood plays a simple, aggressive skating, forechecking game he is really good. Its when he tries to dangle with the puck and do stuff he cant that things go sour.

Wood can easily and I mean easily be our Madden if he chooses. That would help this team so much.

If Elliotte is right about Wood then I wouldnt be shocked to see him moved to buffalo for Scandella or Miller.

Not sure what Woods value is at these days but I would hope to get someone more like Miller then Scandella just value wise. I would however not be shocked if Miles had no value.
- Devilish4

I have no idea how good Scandella or Miller are but if you can get some legit defensive help for Miles Wood that seems like a good consideration. Beyond that I like Wood even if he hasn't been as successful or edgy this year.

Ultimately I trust Ray Ray to make trade decisions based on the return and I don't think he'd move a guy under contract if there wasn't a benefit to the team.

Personally, I'm hopeful a legit new coach next year can make a difference in Wood's game if he's still here; but as a 4th liner I'd give him away for a quality defender in a heartbeat.

There have been stretches when Wood plays a simple, aggressive skating, forechecking game he is really good. Its when he tries to dangle with the puck and do stuff he cant that things go sour.

Wood can easily and I mean easily be our Madden if he chooses. That would help this team so much.
- Leniwm1

Thing is, he's the perfect type of player to bury in a 4th line role for his energy alone. Unfortunately we suck so he gets played probably more then necessary.