It would be funny if Saad drove a Saab.

It would be funny if Saad drove a Saab.
- Queenie_5_hole

haahhh

Nobody cares enough for Saad to offer anything for him. Getting Saad solves nothing. If the Hawks want to trade him, a Devils team rebuilding is among the least likely to inquire.
- devilspep

cant assume "nobody cares" for Saad, i dont work for the Hawks organization so i dont know if hes even on the market. I agree, Devils probably wont be calling Hawks for Saad, I was just offering a scenario of what if Hawks called NJ offering Saad.

So Saad+ for Vatanen+ is a big no. its preferrable to re-sign Vatanen. Having him is better than not having him. Or if not re-sign, get better trade offer. im guessing more prospects/younger players and picks?

from Friedman's 31 thoughts:

MSG’s Steve Cangialosi reported last Saturday that Travis Zajac told him, “I’ve thought about the situation a lot. (New Jersey) is where I want to be.”

Reached out to Kurt Overhardt, who represents Zajac. He said, “We were presented with something, but Travis was not willing to waive at this time. We’ll see about the future after the season.”

He’s got one more year at $5.75 million, and a no-trade clause. Overhardt would not discuss the scenario, but I’d bet all of our mortgages it was the Islanders.

from Friedman's 31 thoughts:

MSG’s Steve Cangialosi reported last Saturday that Travis Zajac told him, “I’ve thought about the situation a lot. (New Jersey) is where I want to be.”

Reached out to Kurt Overhardt, who represents Zajac. He said, “We were presented with something, but Travis was not willing to waive at this time. We’ll see about the future after the season.”

He’s got one more year at $5.75 million, and a no-trade clause. Overhardt would not discuss the scenario, but I’d bet all of our mortgages it was the Islanders.
- jimbro83

Just read that... I wish there was a way to find out exactly what it was. Very interesting!

not sure who you mean by "wouldn't trade HIM". do you mean Vatanen for Saad ?

I get it, this team needs defense more than forwards and you might not like Saad for Vatanen, (i wouldn't like just Vatanen for Saad either) but to say that Vatanen will get you a Saad-type player one-for-one is naïve. Need to add more with Vatanen just to get a Saad
- squishy24

Players on expiring contracts rarely get traded for a player 1 for 1. And he literally got traded for a 50 point 2 way player a couple years ago and has only played well since. Doubt his value has gone down significantly.

Have a hard time believing the returns on Zajac would be all that much. He's obviously an excellent defensive player but his offensive output has been pretty bad for a long time.

Have a hard time believing the returns on Zajac would be all that much. He's obviously an excellent defensive player but his offensive output has been pretty bad for a long time.
- Pomegrant

Yes, but Lou Lams loves him. He supposedly tried to trade for him when he was in Toronto also. And he did give him that monster contract he's playing under.

I'm a little surprised because playing out of Long Island isn't much of a move for Zajac and he'd likely get a shot at the cup in the playoffs.

Yes, but Lou Lams loves him. He supposedly tried to trade for him when he was in Toronto also. And he did give him that monster contract he's playing under.

I'm a little surprised because playing out of Long Island isn't much of a move for Zajac and he'd likely get a shot at the cup in the playoffs.
- Queenie_5_hole

"monster" contract is a bit steep. He was the only NHL level center on the roster when he got it. But we all know Lou loves a certain type of player and is always willing to give vets another shot.

would you do this trade now?

Zach Smith + Brandon Saad (+ maybe Gustafsson or Gilbert if you need a dman) for Coleman + J Boqvist + Vatanen (+ picks) ?
- squishy24

The only person even worth considering for NJ would be Gustafsson. But it would be better to resign Sami.

I’d like to see NJ get a 2nd and a legit roster player at the very least. I don’t think Sami will pull a 1st.

"monster" contract is a bit steep. He was the only NHL level center on the roster when he got it. But we all know Lou loves a certain type of player and is always willing to give vets another shot.
- Pomegrant

I won’t say monster contract, but he was a bit overpaid at the time and most took issue with his contract (hopefully not the player, Zajac is a great two-way player all teams need and by all accounts great in the locker room).

Yes, but Lou Lams loves him. He supposedly tried to trade for him when he was in Toronto also. And he did give him that monster contract he's playing under.

I'm a little surprised because playing out of Long Island isn't much of a move for Zajac and he'd likely get a shot at the cup in the playoffs.
- Queenie_5_hole

Which is the MAJOR problem I have with this and now him. He is too comfortable in a losing environment which speaks volumes on the mindset on this team. He would rather be comfortable than have to endure a commute to a winning team. That about sums up the problem with this team, way to comfortable with no drive to win.

Which is the MAJOR problem I have with this and now him. He is too comfortable in a losing environment which speaks volumes on the mindset on this team. He would rather be comfortable than have to endure a commute to a winning team. That about sums up the problem with this team, way to comfortable with no drive to win.
- redmonsters

I get what you’re saying, And i agree NJ needs a culture change and direction. Badly.

But for once someone wants to stay in NJ. So i think for all the UFA that have shunned NJ and all the guys that have gone home or to chase money, we should probably embrace him as a vet that loves NJ, loves the team and community, and be appreciative of that as fans.

Which is the MAJOR problem I have with this and now him. He is too comfortable in a losing environment which speaks volumes on the mindset on this team. He would rather be comfortable than have to endure a commute to a winning team. That about sums up the problem with this team, way to comfortable with no drive to win.
- redmonsters

Perhaps one of the worst takes I've ever heard. Nobody makes the NHL without being a hyper competitive individual and wanting to win. Him sticking with the team through good and bad shows more positive character than negative.

Also, why does his character matter at all? Marty was an bumhole off the ice and we still love him for what he accomplished. Why not respect Zajac for what he has done for the franchise rather than doubt his "competitive spirit".

Perhaps one of the worst takes I've ever heard. Nobody makes the NHL without being a hyper competitive individual and wanting to win. Him sticking with the team through good and bad shows more positive character than negative.

Also, why does his character matter at all? Marty was an bumhole off the ice and we still love him for what he accomplished. Why not respect Zajac for what he has done for the franchise rather than doubt his "competitive spirit".
- Pomegrant

I don't mean to argue with you, I hear your points. But we could finish in last without him. Just as well. If we were trading him to Calgary I would be more accepting, but a move to Brooklyn does not upset his family life and puts him on a team to win now in the waning years of his career. He is too comfortable in a losing environment that wll not change. I have a problem with that. You are free to disagree and appreciate your points.

I don't mean to argue with you, I hear your points. But we could finish in last without him. Just as well. If we were trading him to Calgary I would be more accepting, but a move to Brooklyn does not upset his family life and puts him on a team to win now in the waning years of his career. He is too comfortable in a losing environment that wll not change. I have a problem with that. You are free to disagree and appreciate your points.
- redmonsters

I'm not arguing with either of you on this but I'm just saying it's hard to know what a player is really thinking or what's going on in their life. Maybe Travis just really considers himself a Devil for life. Maybe there are family reasons why he doesn't want to be farther away right now. Maybe he just feels the way we all feel and is like (frank) Long Island. (frank) Long Island in the A$$. Have you ever driven on the belt parkway? I'm not doing that poop by choice no way no how and Travis is getting paid the same either way.

I'm not arguing with either of you on this but I'm just saying it's hard to know what a player is really thinking or what's going on in their life. Maybe Travis just really considers himself a Devil for life. Maybe there are family reasons why he doesn't want to be farther away right now. Maybe he just feels the way we all feel and is like (frank) Long Island. (frank) Long Island in the A$$. Have you ever driven on the belt parkway? I'm not doing that poop by choice no way no how and Travis is getting paid the same either way.
- Queenie_5_hole

I thought you were gonna use this as an opportunity to plug Hobby’s Deli again.

Something like:

“Maybe Travis knows a good thing when he sees it. And what could be better than a venue right near the glorious Hobby’s Deli? A Deli called the ‘Best Kosher-Style Delicatessen’ by the Star Ledger. With amazing corned beef pickled on premises, catering options, and even a vegetarian sandwiches carnivores would die for. Hobby’s Deli...it’s why Travis is staying a Devil for life.”