Never skip an opportunity to call an old guy old
- shvingter88

Get off my lawn you rotten hoodlums

The thing is we had been very bad but you knew everyone was trying to win. Trying to get better; and it was harder to improve because of limited player movement. Now we are bad and an organizational mess.
- Queenie_5_hole

Couldn’t agree more

I'd take Stutzle at 2.
- rmdevil313

Byfield at 3?

Lindy ruff, despite being ok earlier in his days with buffalo, is literally the last guy I would make head coach..i would take alain over him 1000 percent of the time, at least he knows the players..why devils why?? And he is not even good at assistant..the rangers have been awful at defense with him imo

It certainly makes sense that a coach would have reservations about taking a contract with a question mark for a boss.

The hockey, the fans and atmosphere were so different back then. I remember my first playoff game vs. Islanders when we finally made it and there were fights in the concourse between Devil and Islander fans. Not saying a lot but it was just crazy at times.

The thing is we had been very bad but you knew everyone was trying to win. Trying to get better; and it was harder to improve because of limited player movement. Now we are bad and an organizational mess.
- Queenie_5_hole

That's a dark take. Devils have made TONS of moves. Who has made more? We acquired PK (bust but at the time I was thrilled), have 3 1st round selections potentially coming up shortly, acquired the KHL's best player of the past 5 seasons (and he was great in the NHL!), and are poised to be one of the most CAP flexible teams going forward. Why so negative. Our interim GM and Coach have both done a fantastic job. Goaltending was great down the stretch, we just need 2 top 4D, and one good RW to elevate this team another level. It is alot to ask, but our management has made plenty of trades that I consider clean wins. There is plenty to be excited about!

That's a dark take. Devils have made TONS of moves. Who has made more? We acquired PK (bust but at the time I was thrilled), have 3 1st round selections potentially coming up shortly, acquired the KHL's best player of the past 5 seasons (and he was great in the NHL!), and are poised to be one of the most CAP flexible teams going forward. Why so negative. Our interim GM and Coach have both done a fantastic job. Goaltending was great down the stretch, we just need 2 top 4D, and one good RW to elevate this team another level. It is alot to ask, but our management has made plenty of trades that I consider clean wins. There is plenty to be excited about!
- bikeguy99

So basically Holtz and Sanderson/Schneider? + Dillon and maybe another UFA up front? 2022-23 will be the year to get excited about.

Byfield at 3?
- MartysBetter88

If I were to rank them yes.

I feel like a kid on the night before Christmas. We've all been very good this year... enduring the year we had. PLEASE give us some presents!!

Get off my lawn you rotten hoodlums
- Crushers68

lol

That's a dark take. Devils have made TONS of moves. Who has made more? We acquired PK (bust but at the time I was thrilled), have 3 1st round selections potentially coming up shortly, acquired the KHL's best player of the past 5 seasons (and he was great in the NHL!), and are poised to be one of the most CAP flexible teams going forward. Why so negative. Our interim GM and Coach have both done a fantastic job. Goaltending was great down the stretch, we just need 2 top 4D, and one good RW to elevate this team another level. It is alot to ask, but our management has made plenty of trades that I consider clean wins. There is plenty to be excited about!
- bikeguy99

We have the lowest payroll in the league and have not brought in any notable free agents. The guy who did that great horse trading was just fired and our one legit star player was traded away early... and says he was never offered a contract.

We are conducting a coaching search with only one great candidate while we don’t even have a GM. Or a plan. This isn’t usually a multi month process. We lack direction. We have been way too excited about the draft every year because our season is over early almost every year. We have an AHL defense.

The draft picks and kids are exciting but that’s potential, not reality yet. We could struggle for a long time. And we don’t know that ownership has much interest in building a winner. Lindy Ruff as a candidate says we are in trouble. Firing Haynes and not bringing a legit coach was questionable; although Nas did OK.

We have the lowest payroll in the league and have not brought in any notable free agents. The guy who did that great horse trading was just fired and our one legit star player was traded away early... and says he was never offered a contract.

We are conducting a coaching search with only one great candidate while we don’t even have a GM. Or a plan. This isn’t usually a multi month process. We lack direction. We have been way too excited about the draft every year because our season is over early almost every year. We have an AHL defense.

The draft picks and kids are exciting but that’s potential, not reality yet. We could struggle for a long time. And we don’t know that ownership has much interest in building a winner. Lindy Ruff as a candidate says we are in trouble. Firing Haynes and not bringing a legit coach was questionable; although Nas did OK.
- Queenie_5_hole

I really dont understand the notion that ownership wont spend money then go to the "we dont bring in free agents" card. What notable free agents have there been over the past few years? JT? It was known he was going to Toronto, so we had no shot. Panarin? It was known he was only going to the Rangers or Panthers, we had no shot. That's pretty much it for notable guys. We offered JVR a similar contract to the one the Flyers gave him, he chose them over us. We made an offer to De Haan, he chose elsewhere. Just because we dont bring in free agents doesnt mean ownership isnt willing to spend. Why would free agents ever want to come here with the position the team was the last few years? Everybody knows our one sole playoff run since 2012 was a fluke. Ray "made a push" this past offseason and the owners spent what he wanted them to, so i dont understand this argument whatsoever yet some people keep trying to bring it up. We were NOT in a position to be bringing in any big free agents, nor did any want to come here. Also, Ray said multiple times he wasnt a fan of free agency, and going out to overpay players when the team wasnt in a position to win now. Ownership is an absolute mess and a disgrace because of how they actually handle and run the team, not because they "dont spend money".

People need to stop focusing on free agents and realize the only way this team will get better is if our draft picks start turning into actual good NHL players. Thats the only way. Until that happens, i dont give (frank) all about what we do or dont do in free agency, because adding in free agency for no reason will only make us suck a little less, still miss the playoffs, and get a worse pick. Bandaid fixes arent what this team needs. If we end up getting 3 1sts to use in this draft, and we blow it, the future of this team is in jeopardy. If we get the picks, this first round will determine the direction of this team. End of discussion.

Even if we dont get the picks this year, we have 4 1sts over the next 2 years, maybe a 5th depending on what happens with Palms next deadline. We NEED to hit on them. While we've built up a decent prospect pool, as of now, this team is only going as far as Nico and Jack take us.

I really dont understand the notion that ownership wont spend money then go to the "we dont bring in free agents" card. What notable free agents have there been over the past few years? JT? It was known he was going to Toronto, so we had no shot. Panarin? It was known he was only going to the Rangers or Panthers, we had no shot. That's pretty much it for notable guys. We offered JVR a similar contract to the one the Flyers gave him, he chose them over us. We made an offer to De Haan, he chose elsewhere. Just because we dont bring in free agents doesnt mean ownership isnt willing to spend. Why would free agents ever want to come here with the position the team was the last few years? Everybody knows our one sole playoff run since 2012 was a fluke. Ray "made a push" this past offseason and the owners spent what he wanted them to, so i dont understand this argument whatsoever yet some people keep trying to bring it up. We were NOT in a position to be bringing in any big free agents, nor did any want to come here. Also, Ray said multiple times he wasnt a fan of free agency, and going out to overpay players when the team wasnt in a position to win now. Ownership is an absolute mess and a disgrace because of how they actually handle and run the team, not because they "dont spend money".

People need to stop focusing on free agents and realize the only way this team will get better is if our draft picks start turning into actual good NHL players. Thats the only way. Until that happens, i dont give (frank) all about what we do or dont do in free agency, because adding in free agency for no reason will only make us suck a little less, still miss the playoffs, and get a worse pick. Bandaid fixes arent what this team needs. If we end up getting 3 1sts to use in this draft, and we blow it, the future of this team is in jeopardy. If we get the picks, this first round will determine the direction of this team. End of discussion.

Even if we dont get the picks this year, we have 4 1sts over the next 2 years, maybe a 5th depending on what happens with Palms next deadline. We NEED to hit on them. While we've built up a decent prospect pool, as of now, this team is only going as far as Nico and Jack take us.
- vlongo4419

Well Nico can’t break 20 goals and Jack can’t play in the NHL so I guess we are (frank)ed...

Yes these owners blow because of how they run this poop show of a team. But they also blow because they don’t spend on this team despite the arena the DEVILS built make a ton of money.

And the way you get free agents to come we here is MONEY! Sure we made offers but if you aren’t an attractive option then you need to attract people with CASH. It’s not that complicated. And really it’s not all about free agency. It’s just an example of how we aren’t really trying to compete.

Right now it seems like we aren’t hiring a president, GM or head coach to save money.

Well Nico can’t break 20 goals and Jack can’t play in the NHL so I guess we are (frank)ed...

Yes these owners blow because of how they run this poop show of a team. But they also blow because they don’t spend on this team despite the arena the DEVILS built make a ton of money.

And the way you get free agents to come we here is MONEY! Sure we made offers but if you aren’t an attractive option then you need to attract people with CASH. It’s not that complicated. And really it’s not all about free agency. It’s just an example of how we aren’t really trying to compete.

Right now it seems like we aren’t hiring a president, GM or head coach to save money.
- Queenie_5_hole

At this point I'm convinced you'd love if we brought Lucic in because he makes a lot of money.

Well Nico can’t break 20 goals and Jack can’t play in the NHL so I guess we are (frank)ed...

Yes these owners blow because of how they run this poop show of a team. But they also blow because they don’t spend on this team despite the arena the DEVILS built make a ton of money.

And the way you get free agents to come we here is MONEY! Sure we made offers but if you aren’t an attractive option then you need to attract people with CASH. It’s not that complicated. And really it’s not all about free agency. It’s just an example of how we aren’t really trying to compete.

Right now it seems like we aren’t hiring a president, GM or head coach to save money.
- Queenie_5_hole

I assume your first sentence is satire? Because Nico broke 20 his rookie year, and Jack literally played this entire year as an 18 year old where it was expected that he'd struggle. But yes you're right, if they dont continue to grow and take steps forward and be our legitimate #1 and 2 centers like we hope they can be then yes, we are (frank)ed.

Like i said, you also need to be an attractive team and have a plan/be going somewhere to also bring in free agents. Which we were nowhere near doing the past couple of free agencies. Nobody wants to go join a dumpster fire, even if its for a ton of money. Most players want to actually go win a cup. I continue to say it and ill say it again, i have zero issue with the lack of spending in free agency, this team doesnt need horrible contracts in the way when we're actually ready to compete. Which is what most free agent contracts become, boat anchors. Keep the space open for our own guys and for when we're actually ready to compete. Because this team is nowhere near being ready to compete for a playoff spot. Next season we're looking at what, maybe an 80 point team at best? And after that we'll still likely be bad for another 2 or 3 years. Realistically this team SHOULD be ready to make a run for the playoffs and be competitive in 4ish years? Once Nico/Jack are in their primes and our 1st round picks from this year and/or next are ready to get into the lineup. Thats likely our timetable, and once again it largely depends on nailing these upcoming 1st round picks. Why the hell would we spend now to just suck a little less, still miss the playoffs, and just give ourselves a worse draft pick? Doesnt make sense to me

I dont think the owners arent hiring those positions to save money at all, i think they're just completely incompetent and dont how to actually run an NHL franchise. The fact that GM candidates needed to tell them they cant hire a coach before a GM is just mind blowing that it even needed to be brought up in the first place. These guys are way too involved and its frustrating to see happen

Here's how I look at it. In 3 playoffs from now, our top 6 could, and should, consist of..

32yr old Palmieri, 30yr old Gusev, 24yr old Hischier, 22yr old Hughes, and a pair of 21yr old kids that hopefully consist of an A- level and B level player.
Then we'll have speedy 24yr old Bratt and defensively sound 26yr old Zacha on the 3rd line with 24yr old Boqvist? 22yr old Foote?

the 4th line, who cares. "grinders", but also perhaps including Boqvist or Foote.

The defense will be "veteran" 28yr old Severson, 23yr old Smith, 22yr old Bahl, "veteran" 32yr old Dillon, and perhaps a 21yr old from this year's draft??

I say this to say 3 things.
First: We should be a formidable, young, hungry team after just 2 more full seasons. Even the year after next year should get interesting with Hughes hopefully hitting his stride, Nico having solidified himself, and this year's picks having a year under their belts already. Going into 22-23 I'm expecting an underdog playoff push. The future is bright.. IF we hit on this draft.

Second: EVERY player is 26 and younger except Severson, Palmieri and Gusev.. plus Dillon. That's pretty incredible.

Third: Palmieri will be 32. That's not "old". It's definitely older, but old is a 35yr old Getzlaf, or freaking 40yr old Marleau, or Spezza, Koivu, Greene, or 38yr old Justin Williams- who can still contribute. Palmieri will be our Justin Williams, or our Eric Staal who's 35 but still a decent piece. I feel like 35 is where you hope guys can still get done, and they usually can. We should bring him back. I know he'll be 32 when we're looking to make a push, but even at 33 and 34.. I still see him being valuable. I'd sign him to a 5yr deal after this season. Gusev too. I think Palms is a crucial piece moving forward for this team. Zajac will eventually be gone, and Palmieri and Severson will be THE guys up front and on defense. Palmieri is a great example for these kids and works hard. I'm HOPING Hughes emerges as a legit #1 center and we can have Hischier and Palmieri on the 2nd line. But even when Palms is.. say 35 and slowing, he'd still have savvy 27yr old Hischier in the middle, and I think that'll be a great 2-way line.

The 95, 00, and 03 teams had veterans on them.. there's no reason Palmieri can't be that for us. I know we could get a 1st for him, but I think our shelves should be stocked after this year and next year's draft.. the kids and thus the team and future of the team will benefit more from having him in the room and in the lineup than getting a 20th overall pick for him and being without that perfect type of player in the room.

we'll see how Zajac does next year. If he's absolute trash then let him go. If not.. 4th line/PK center for a decent price on a 1yr deal? Help bring along the kids in 2021-2022? Depends on what he looks like next year IMO, and what our kids look like in camp and how they develop through the season.

We have to pick up Braden Schneider with our second pick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3_K_zCXg_g

At this point I'm convinced you'd love if we brought Lucic in because he makes a lot of money.
- rmdevil313

That’s just ridiculous. I’m not advocating spending to throw money out the window. But it is ridiculous that we can’t add any free agent talent. All teams do this and not every time is a disaster. I’m just hammering free agency because there are only three ways to improve. Draft, Trade and Free Agency. And we are essentially choosing not to use one of those resources.

I assume your first sentence is satire? Because Nico broke 20 his rookie year, and Jack literally played this entire year as an 18 year old where it was expected that he'd struggle. But yes you're right, if they dont continue to grow and take steps forward and be our legitimate #1 and 2 centers like we hope they can be then yes, we are (frank)ed.

Like i said, you also need to be an attractive team and have a plan/be going somewhere to also bring in free agents. Which we were nowhere near doing the past couple of free agencies. Nobody wants to go join a dumpster fire, even if its for a ton of money. Most players want to actually go win a cup. I continue to say it and ill say it again, i have zero issue with the lack of spending in free agency, this team doesnt need horrible contracts in the way when we're actually ready to compete. Which is what most free agent contracts become, boat anchors. Keep the space open for our own guys and for when we're actually ready to compete. Because this team is nowhere near being ready to compete for a playoff spot. Next season we're looking at what, maybe an 80 point team at best? And after that we'll still likely be bad for another 2 or 3 years. Realistically this team SHOULD be ready to make a run for the playoffs and be competitive in 4ish years? Once Nico/Jack are in their primes and our 1st round picks from this year and/or next are ready to get into the lineup. Thats likely our timetable, and once again it largely depends on nailing these upcoming 1st round picks. Why the hell would we spend now to just suck a little less, still miss the playoffs, and just give ourselves a worse draft pick? Doesnt make sense to me

I dont think the owners arent hiring those positions to save money at all, i think they're just completely incompetent and dont how to actually run an NHL franchise. The fact that GM candidates needed to tell them they cant hire a coach before a GM is just mind blowing that it even needed to be brought up in the first place. These guys are way too involved and its frustrating to see happen
- vlongo4419

I meant Nico can’t get past the 20 goals he scored as a rookie; not he can’t hit 20.

And I really like him as a player. I just feel like the organizational expectations for him are beyond what he’s likely to develop into. Nico will be an high end player in this league but realistically probably not be elite.

We have to pick up Braden Schneider with our second pick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3_K_zCXg_g
- cu45161

No, not our second pick, if we can trade down from our third pick sure. No, and I mean no, offensive upside. Great checker though.

OK everyone. Start praying to the lotto gods or whatever else you believe in. At best a lotto win, at worst don't fall back, and a side benefit none of the play-in teams gets a lotto ticket. Have a great DAY!

Here's how I look at it. In 3 playoffs from now, our top 6 could, and should, consist of..

32yr old Palmieri, 30yr old Gusev, 24yr old Hischier, 22yr old Hughes, and a pair of 21yr old kids that hopefully consist of an A- level and B level player.
Then we'll have speedy 24yr old Bratt and defensively sound 26yr old Zacha on the 3rd line with 24yr old Boqvist? 22yr old Foote?

the 4th line, who cares. "grinders", but also perhaps including Boqvist or Foote.

The defense will be "veteran" 28yr old Severson, 23yr old Smith, 22yr old Bahl, "veteran" 32yr old Dillon, and perhaps a 21yr old from this year's draft??

I say this to say 3 things.
First: We should be a formidable, young, hungry team after just 2 more full seasons. Even the year after next year should get interesting with Hughes hopefully hitting his stride, Nico having solidified himself, and this year's picks having a year under their belts already. Going into 22-23 I'm expecting an underdog playoff push. The future is bright.. IF we hit on this draft.

Second: EVERY player is 26 and younger except Severson, Palmieri and Gusev.. plus Dillon. That's pretty incredible.

Third: Palmieri will be 32. That's not "old". It's definitely older, but old is a 35yr old Getzlaf, or freaking 40yr old Marleau, or Spezza, Koivu, Greene, or 38yr old Justin Williams- who can still contribute. Palmieri will be our Justin Williams, or our Eric Staal who's 35 but still a decent piece. I feel like 35 is where you hope guys can still get done, and they usually can. We should bring him back. I know he'll be 32 when we're looking to make a push, but even at 33 and 34.. I still see him being valuable. I'd sign him to a 5yr deal after this season. Gusev too. I think Palms is a crucial piece moving forward for this team. Zajac will eventually be gone, and Palmieri and Severson will be THE guys up front and on defense. Palmieri is a great example for these kids and works hard. I'm HOPING Hughes emerges as a legit #1 center and we can have Hischier and Palmieri on the 2nd line. But even when Palms is.. say 35 and slowing, he'd still have savvy 27yr old Hischier in the middle, and I think that'll be a great 2-way line.

The 95, 00, and 03 teams had veterans on them.. there's no reason Palmieri can't be that for us. I know we could get a 1st for him, but I think our shelves should be stocked after this year and next year's draft.. the kids and thus the team and future of the team will benefit more from having him in the room and in the lineup than getting a 20th overall pick for him and being without that perfect type of player in the room.

we'll see how Zajac does next year. If he's absolute trash then let him go. If not.. 4th line/PK center for a decent price on a 1yr deal? Help bring along the kids in 2021-2022? Depends on what he looks like next year IMO, and what our kids look like in camp and how they develop through the season.
- MartysBetter88

I like this outlook, I can't keep having the same conversation on the team not spending money. I think people forget that we got Foote in the Coleman trade, a first rounder with a wicked shot and a much higher ceiling than the 3rd liner we lost. We are definitely picking in top 9 this year and there are more high ceiling wingers than I can remember. Adding 2 young shooters to Nico/Hughes and keeping Goose/Plms is a big deal.

We get this draft right and we are in a great spot offensively. We need help on D, yes, and I think a vet FA signing would be a good move. I also think we should overpay to sign Barrie. PK off the books in 2 and Seversen/Barrie as the Vets to go alongside SMith/Bahl and whoever we draft this year.

There is a chance we get Holtz, Quinn and Schneider this draft. That'd be amazing!

We have to pick up Braden Schneider with our second pick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3_K_zCXg_g
- cu45161

I don't think we should take him with the 2nd pick but i'd love him with the Canucks pick if we end up keeping it

He won't be there with our third pick, with so few defenders people are going to reach, and I feel he is the second best defender in the draft, you're getting the same defensive ability's as Sanderson if not better plus he actually brings some offense, and isn't playing college hockey. He has the best chance of any defensmen in the draft of playing next year.

Ill take Seth Jarvis with our third.

No, not our second pick, if we can trade down from our third pick sure. No, and I mean no, offensive upside. Great checker though. - redmonsters

This statement is bizarre, first of all Schneider has five points less than Drysdale, two more points in less games than kaiden-guhle who plays in the same league so other than Drysdale who has more Offence than Schneider in the first round besides Drysdale ?

Not only that we have enough offensive defencemen we need defensive defencmen who like to hit, clear pucks, and who don't make mistakes.... To often.