We havent really traded anything of value away except for Hall we didnt get nice shiny things, we where constantly trading turds like stempniak. Now we have a guy who should be able to fetch a first or a decent prospect at the end of his deal and this season is over so why not like I said keep cheap veterans not expensive ones...
- Devilish4

If the worst part of this team is defense, why would we trade one of our few good defensemen away?

If the worst part of this team is defense, why would we trade one of our few good defensemen away?
- Pomegrant

He hasnt helped them fair to much better in the standings and the return fits much better with Nico and Jack plus you still have veterans left.

Why keep a guy who is worth something now but wont be in 4 years ? Im not disputing how good he is if he had 2 years left I would love to have him but he is a ufa and can fetch a better return then almost all the players we have traded during our rebuild.

You get rid of the guys who dont matter like Haydend and Rooney and keep the Vats and co and you end up like montreal and minny.

I dont know why you guys are so pleased with our prospect pool its just not there yet imo.

If the worst part of this team is defense, why would we trade one of our few good defensemen away?
- Pomegrant

Because we can rent him out. He is still a UFA in the summer. No point keeping Vats when we can fetch a 2nd or better.

He hasnt helped them fair to much better in the standings and the return fits much better with Nico and Jack plus you still have veterans left.

Why keep a guy who is worth something now but wont be in 4 years ? Im not disputing how good he is if he had 2 years left I would love to have him but he is a ufa and can fetch a better return then almost all the players we have traded during our rebuild.

You get rid of the guys who dont matter like Haydend and Rooney and keep the Vats and co and you end up like montreal and minny.

I dont know why you guys are so pleased with our prospect pool its just not there yet imo.
- Devilish4

5 year contract puts him to 33-34, what's the problem with that? Minnesota is signing guys who are 33-34 to 6 year deals which is why they've been forced to trade all their good young players away.

Yes, Sami can get something back in value in a trade but it isn't going to be great return seeing that he's on an expiring deal. I agree with turning over the parts of the roster that don't matter. You can easily get rid of Simmonds, Rooney, Hayden, Mueller and bring in fresh talent from the system/trade/free agency. But at some point we have to hold onto the NHL caliber talent that we have.

5 year contract puts him to 33-34, what's the problem with that? Minnesota is signing guys who are 33-34 to 6 year deals which is why they've been forced to trade all their good young players away.

Yes, Sami can get something back in value in a trade but it isn't going to be great return seeing that he's on an expiring deal. I agree with turning over the parts of the roster that don't matter. You can easily get rid of Simmonds, Rooney, Hayden, Mueller and bring in fresh talent from the system/trade/free agency. But at some point we have to hold onto the NHL caliber talent that we have.
- Pomegrant

Are sure we are at that point though?

Are sure we are at that point though?
- Devilish4

The point that we need quality players on this team? I think that's been the problem with this team for a long time.

Confirmed: Shero no longer GM of the Devils
- vlongo4419

I think this was a HUGE mistake. Looking at Shero's trade record, I gave him an A on his report card. Our D was an atrocity, and he convinced the highly touted Butcher to join us, who notched 40+ points as a rookie, while costing peanuts. This offseason was unanimously the #1 overhaul of the summer according to most major sports writers. It didn't pan out, but I critique the coaching more than I do the GM. With Ray, we acquired 3 1st overall draft picks, the 3 time KHL player of the year, and what everyone believed would be a #1D in Subban. Even Schneids for Horvat was a great deal at the time. The guy was a top 5 goalie, and I value a 60 minute stud more than a guy who was looking like a 17 minute shutdown C. Obviously not all of that panned out, but Shero made the moves while giving up SO little in assets and cap. We will have a couple years to see how the Hall deal actually pans out, and we could potentially bring him back in the offseason, so the jury is still out.

Sorry Ray, I am sure it won't be difficult to find a new team with your track record. You made this team young, fast, exciting, and deserved better than this.

Bratt is a little wizard I hope he can pull out a full 82 games next year. The good news is he isnt breaking bones every other game like JJ.

The point that we need quality players on this team? I think that's been the problem with this team for a long time.
- Pomegrant

Yes but I would think its acceptable not to when rebuilding.

Yes but I would think its acceptable not to when rebuilding.
- Devilish4

of course, it's just that at some point you have to go from rebuilding to trying to win something. And this team had an awful coach and start to the season but they aren't nearly as terrible as the record shows. I think with a few tweaks this team is fighting for a playoff spot, and with a couple more seasons of the young guys developing this is a playoff team.

of course, it's just that at some point you have to go from rebuilding to trying to win something. And this team had an awful coach and start to the season but they aren't nearly as terrible as the record shows. I think with a few tweaks this team is fighting for a playoff spot, and with a couple more seasons of the young guys developing this is a playoff team.
- Pomegrant

If Jack was tearing it up the way Mcdavid and Matthews did their rookie years or he was where Nico is now I would feel a lot more comfortable moving forward in the rebuild but its still to risky for me.

I just dont think our prospect pool has taken off as hoped and I still think we could try taking off again just to crash back down again like what happened this year. I would just really be actually sure we have all the pieces we need before we start adding the complimentary pieces.

of course, it's just that at some point you have to go from rebuilding to trying to win something. And this team had an awful coach and start to the season but they aren't nearly as terrible as the record shows. I think with a few tweaks this team is fighting for a playoff spot, and with a couple more seasons of the young guys developing this is a playoff team.
- Pomegrant

Agreed 100%. This team has their top picks playing well in the NHL, other young players like Bratt contributing. Players in their primes like Gusev and Palmieri and their future goalie in Blackwood. The Hall question is over. Now is the time to be aggressive. They already have two first round picks this year, one of them likely to be a top 10 pick. Hopefully ownership will allow the next GM to spend some money this summer either in free agency or through trades.

If Jack was tearing it up the way Mcdavid and Matthews did their rookie years or he was where Nico is now I would feel a lot more comfortable moving forward in the rebuild but its still to risky for me.

I just dont think our prospect pool has taken off as hoped and I still think we could try taking off again just to crash back down again like what happened this year. I would just really be actually sure we have all the pieces we need before we start adding the complimentary pieces.
- Devilish4

I think we have a good crop of complimentary players coming through. We have Smith and now Bahl has pretty good shot to be roster players on defense. We have potentials in Bastian and McLeod, and guys like Boqvist and Bratt have cracked the lineup while being recently drafted.

Hughes was never going to be a generational talent, but neither was Nico and we're all really happy with him. I know that long term we're in a good spot because 1-2 center depth is great to have, obviously look at Pitt, but it doesn't mean that we are forced tear it down and then go for it in 4-5 years.

If Jack was tearing it up the way Mcdavid and Matthews did their rookie years or he was where Nico is now I would feel a lot more comfortable moving forward in the rebuild but its still to risky for me.

I just dont think our prospect pool has taken off as hoped and I still think we could try taking off again just to crash back down again like what happened this year. I would just really be actually sure we have all the pieces we need before we start adding the complimentary pieces.
- Devilish4

Yeah, but trading Vats isn’t going to get us the next McDavid. Hughes has been fine for a first year 18 year old, Bratt is a very nice surprise stepping into the NHL after being drafted in the 6th round. Nico is playing very well.

The defense is horrific and I’m in favor of keeping Vats around, unless you believe a window isn’t going to open for this team in the next 3 or so years.

Confirmed: Shero no longer GM of the Devils
- vlongo4419

Was just thinking the other day that it should happen at the end of the season. I’ll take it.

I think we have a good crop of complimentary players coming through. We have Smith and now Bahl has pretty good shot to be roster players on defense. We have potentials in Bastian and McLeod, and guys like Boqvist and Bratt have cracked the lineup while being recently drafted.

Hughes was never going to be a generational talent, but neither was Nico and we're all really happy with him. I know that long term we're in a good spot because 1-2 center depth is great to have, obviously look at Pitt, but it doesn't mean that we are forced tear it down and then go for it in 4-5 years.
- Pomegrant

Im not disagreeing with much of what you are saying but I think it should be held off a year.

Im curious what would youre plan be then if gm. You extend vats and then what ? Where do you expect to be in the standings next year and the year after and what if no prospects make the jump to NHL next year ? What is it you are solely relying on to make this team a contender in 2 to 3 years or less ? Seems to me that teams that finish 30 pts below the rest are usually more then one or two significant upgrades away from even sniffing the play offs and I doubt the addition of one top 4 d or top 6 foward boosts a team 15 pts. I guess what I am saying is sometimes you can seem so close but yet be soo far away.

I just want to add I want Gusev Coleman
and Palmieri extended. Regardless of rebuild.

I’d like to cut ties with the management team altogether. Get Fitz out. Also want an established coach who can implement a system and develop players. Laviollette or Guy Boucher would be at the top of my list.
- smellmyfinger

This is the grossest thing I’ve ever read

Yeah, but trading Vats isn’t going to get us the next McDavid. Hughes has been fine for a first year 18 year old, Bratt is a very nice surprise stepping into the NHL after being drafted in the 6th round. Nico is playing very well.

The defense is horrific and I’m in favor of keeping Vats around, unless you believe a window isn’t going to open for this team in the next 3 or so years.
- smellmyfinger

I dont think the window for this team is in the next 3 years maybe 5 from really competing.

Lets get this clear before it becomes a poop show lol i dont think we should blow it up ill happily keep Palms and colemen and goose they are signed. Vats is a ufa though it makes a little sense to trade him.

Yeah, but trading Vats isn’t going to get us the next McDavid. Hughes has been fine for a first year 18 year old, Bratt is a very nice surprise stepping into the NHL after being drafted in the 6th round. Nico is playing very well.

The defense is horrific and I’m in favor of keeping Vats around, unless you believe a window isn’t going to open for this team in the next 3 or so years.
- smellmyfinger

I didnt say Vats would get us Mcdavid or anything close to that but he isnt going to push the needle much remember he is already part of this mess. Also he is our best d so how do we get a better one if we dont draft him? And if he is still the best d on the team come the end of his next deal then we wont have gotten anywhere anyways.

Im not disagreeing with much of what you are saying but I think it should be held off a year.

Im curious what would youre plan be then if gm. You extend vats and then what ? Where do you expect to be in the standings next year and the year after and what if no prospects make the jump to NHL next year ? What is it you are solely relying on to make this team a contender in 2 to 3 years or less ? Seems to me that teams that finish 30 pts below the rest are usually more then one or two significant upgrades away from even sniffing the play offs and I doubt the addition of one top 4 d or top 6 foward boosts a team 15 pts. I guess what I am saying is sometimes you can seem so close but yet be soo far away.
- Devilish4

The way the team is going, you can sorta see three solid lines of players. Hischier-Palmieri and somebody, Gusev-Zajac-Coleman, then we need to put players around Hughes. This is a pretty solid core the way I see it. We need to add maybe one top six forward, then sure up the defense. If you have Blackwood and competent backup, there's a team. You're not winning a cup with it but it's a good starting point for improvement.

Also, Louis is having himself a hell of a game on a back to back.

Lets get this clear before it becomes a poop show lol i dont think we should blow it up ill happily keep Palms and colemen and goose they are signed. Vats is a ufa though it makes a little sense to trade him.
- Devilish4

Yeah this is how i feel about it. Keep everyone on contract past this season. If we can get Vats extended before the deadline then im all for it, but if hes not signed by the deadline i think we need to move him, especially because he will be the best rental D available. The last thing we want is to lose our best defenseman in free agency for nothing. It rarely happens but i could honestly even see him coming back in the summer if we move him as a rental too

The way the team is going, you can sorta see three solid lines of players. Hischier-Palmieri and somebody, Gusev-Zajac-Coleman, then we need to put players around Hughes. This is a pretty solid core the way I see it. We need to add maybe one top six forward, then sure up the defense. If you have Blackwood and competent backup, there's a team. You're not winning a cup with it but it's a good starting point for improvement.

Also, Louis is having himself a hell of a game on a back to back.
- Pomegrant

Louis has a wicked curve on that stick lol and yes he is doing well.

So you get a top six forward and a top four d and roll out that ? How long will it take to get those pieces and how old is the now Palms and Vats when you first expect us to enter the play offs ? I just think they will be closer to 32 ish when we start to make the playoffs for good.

All this Shero talk aside, man is Gusev insane. Even if that doesn't count, he's unreal.