I find this news comforting.
- Wildschwein

Hickey seems like an adequate 7th defenseman. Seems to me like they may not have to go out and spend assets on a depth d-man anymore, so that's good news.

The second round pick was a surprisingly good return in a pre-pandemic hockey league. Not sure how relevant it is... But I think a first and prospect would certainly get it done any year. Might take less this year, but we will see how this shakes out. The division rivalry doesn't matter. We aren't going to be in the playoffs with the Islanders. We have a history with Lou and he and Fritzy can apparently work together.
- Queenie_5_hole

Agreed.
My opinion is if you don’t get the best return in division, conference or not then you doing your team a dis service.

I did find it hilarious that I talked about an (obviously improbable) trade for a package of Palmieri and Wood yesterday and then, sure enough, today the Devils writer for The Athletic had this in his article:

The ‘why they pay you the big bucks’ one
The most fascinating decision for Fitzgerald is not one of the UFAs.

Miles Wood scored his team-leading 11th goal Tuesday night. That matches his total from last season and bests his output from 2018-19. That also puts him at a 26-goal pace over 82 games, well beyond his career-high of 19 from three years ago, which spurred a four-year, $11 million contract that runs through next season.

There are two big questions here. Should the Devils “sell high” on Wood? Would they actually be selling high, or are his gains this season sustainable?

Wood has been a frustrating player the past two seasons, but the tools are obvious. He arrived at training camp and said it was time for him to grow up and be a more consistent player, and he’s done it.

This version of Wood is almost identical to his 2017-18 season, in that he’s better than 50 percent in Corsi For percentage and 51 recent in expected goals percentage at even strength. His production is not part of a shooting percentage bender — his on-ice number could even be better with a little more luck, which would add a few more points.

He’s also cut down on the penalties. Wood has taken eight minor penalties in 34 games, which is one in every 4.25 contests. He went to the box for a minor penalty once every 2.36 games over his first four seasons.

Another factor to consider: Wood is 25 years old. Blake Coleman was 28 when the Devils traded him a year ago.

One more wrinkle: As The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun wrote, the looming Seattle expansion draft could limit the number of GMs looking for a player with term who needs to be protected.

So, what should the Devils do?

Button: Miles Wood is an attractive, attractive player for how he plays and his contract, much in the same way that Blake Coleman was. I’m not suggesting that Tommy Fitzgerald should trade him or is looking to trade him, but I’m saying that if I’m on a team from the outside, Miles Wood is on my radar. Did the Devils sell high on Blake Coleman? It is semantics, but I think when you look at those types of players with those types of contracts, if the price is right, you go back and say this is what we can get, then it becomes really significant.

McGuire: I think he’s one of the most improved players in the league. I think he fits the definition of a power forward. Everyone’s got a different variation of how they view power forwards, but Miles can skate. Miles can hit. Miles can fight. And I think Miles is going to score 15-20 goals this year playing all over the lineup. That’s significant. I think of guys like Milan Lucic in Boston, Patrick Maroon winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in St. Louis and Tampa, Tom Wilson in Washington. You go around the league and see championship teams that have won with those types of players that Miles’ character incorporates. So I would say it might be better to keep a player like that because at one point you’re going to be able to compete at that level and you want those guys and they are really valuable.

Lawton: Miles Wood is one of those decisions that … this is why they pay you the big bucks to manage the team. Every single decision like that is critical. If you want to be a perennial elite team in this league, you’ve got to hit on these decisions as well. It may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Miles Wood, to me, is a guy that if he were to receive a premium — and you have to compliment the Devils for the job they did last year with Blake Coleman — if he were to receive that type of premium, then you’ve really got something to contemplate. It’s not a “go” as much as it was with Blake — that one was obvious. We’re talking about guys who are traditionally going to be in your seven through nine forwards. This is where analytics and macro thoughts come in. If I can get a shot at a star player, which is what a first-round pick can be, those are the important philosophical decisions.

Whatever course Fitzgerald plots over the next two weeks, all three analysts noted there has been demonstrable progress for the Devils with their younger players. They also have attractive players for the trade market, and the cap flexibility to both retain some with their players and absorb some from a contender that is squeezed against the cap ceiling.

To me, they are getting some clear indications of players’ capabilities,” Button said. “And with those clear indications of where the team’s strengths are at, you can go, “OK, what can we look at to add? If teams are phoning us about Player A or Player B, what do we want to consider getting back in a trade?”

Some people will say, “Well, draft picks.” If it’s me, I look differently at the New Jersey situation. Unless you’re just going to go, “Let’s just fill our (draft pick) bounty,” to me now it is about systematic team building. Like I look at Kevin Bahl in the Taylor Hall trade. I thought that was a terrific move because that type of defenseman is unique. So if somebody wants to trade for a certain player, well, what does your organization have, what type of prospect do they have that we don’t have and could be closer to playing for us than a draft pick?

Bellows is a healthy scratch and MDC remains on the IR

Bellows is a healthy scratch and MDC remains on the IR
- Hockeyislife

I did find it hilarious that I talked about an (obviously improbable) trade for a package of Palmieri and Wood yesterday and then, sure enough, today the Devils writer for The Athletic had this in his article:

The ‘why they pay you the big bucks’ one
The most fascinating decision for Fitzgerald is not one of the UFAs.

Miles Wood scored his team-leading 11th goal Tuesday night. That matches his total from last season and bests his output from 2018-19. That also puts him at a 26-goal pace over 82 games, well beyond his career-high of 19 from three years ago, which spurred a four-year, $11 million contract that runs through next season.

There are two big questions here. Should the Devils “sell high” on Wood? Would they actually be selling high, or are his gains this season sustainable?

Wood has been a frustrating player the past two seasons, but the tools are obvious. He arrived at training camp and said it was time for him to grow up and be a more consistent player, and he’s done it.

This version of Wood is almost identical to his 2017-18 season, in that he’s better than 50 percent in Corsi For percentage and 51 recent in expected goals percentage at even strength. His production is not part of a shooting percentage bender — his on-ice number could even be better with a little more luck, which would add a few more points.

He’s also cut down on the penalties. Wood has taken eight minor penalties in 34 games, which is one in every 4.25 contests. He went to the box for a minor penalty once every 2.36 games over his first four seasons.

Another factor to consider: Wood is 25 years old. Blake Coleman was 28 when the Devils traded him a year ago.

One more wrinkle: As The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun wrote, the looming Seattle expansion draft could limit the number of GMs looking for a player with term who needs to be protected.

So, what should the Devils do?

Button: Miles Wood is an attractive, attractive player for how he plays and his contract, much in the same way that Blake Coleman was. I’m not suggesting that Tommy Fitzgerald should trade him or is looking to trade him, but I’m saying that if I’m on a team from the outside, Miles Wood is on my radar. Did the Devils sell high on Blake Coleman? It is semantics, but I think when you look at those types of players with those types of contracts, if the price is right, you go back and say this is what we can get, then it becomes really significant.

McGuire: I think he’s one of the most improved players in the league. I think he fits the definition of a power forward. Everyone’s got a different variation of how they view power forwards, but Miles can skate. Miles can hit. Miles can fight. And I think Miles is going to score 15-20 goals this year playing all over the lineup. That’s significant. I think of guys like Milan Lucic in Boston, Patrick Maroon winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in St. Louis and Tampa, Tom Wilson in Washington. You go around the league and see championship teams that have won with those types of players that Miles’ character incorporates. So I would say it might be better to keep a player like that because at one point you’re going to be able to compete at that level and you want those guys and they are really valuable.

Lawton: Miles Wood is one of those decisions that … this is why they pay you the big bucks to manage the team. Every single decision like that is critical. If you want to be a perennial elite team in this league, you’ve got to hit on these decisions as well. It may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Miles Wood, to me, is a guy that if he were to receive a premium — and you have to compliment the Devils for the job they did last year with Blake Coleman — if he were to receive that type of premium, then you’ve really got something to contemplate. It’s not a “go” as much as it was with Blake — that one was obvious. We’re talking about guys who are traditionally going to be in your seven through nine forwards. This is where analytics and macro thoughts come in. If I can get a shot at a star player, which is what a first-round pick can be, those are the important philosophical decisions.

Whatever course Fitzgerald plots over the next two weeks, all three analysts noted there has been demonstrable progress for the Devils with their younger players. They also have attractive players for the trade market, and the cap flexibility to both retain some with their players and absorb some from a contender that is squeezed against the cap ceiling.

To me, they are getting some clear indications of players’ capabilities,” Button said. “And with those clear indications of where the team’s strengths are at, you can go, “OK, what can we look at to add? If teams are phoning us about Player A or Player B, what do we want to consider getting back in a trade?”

Some people will say, “Well, draft picks.” If it’s me, I look differently at the New Jersey situation. Unless you’re just going to go, “Let’s just fill our (draft pick) bounty,” to me now it is about systematic team building. Like I look at Kevin Bahl in the Taylor Hall trade. I thought that was a terrific move because that type of defenseman is unique. So if somebody wants to trade for a certain player, well, what does your organization have, what type of prospect do they have that we don’t have and could be closer to playing for us than a draft pick?
- eichiefs9

Obviously comes here to see what you are posting
One thing wrong with this trade is they are in the same division so no can do.

Obviously comes here to see what you are posting
One thing wrong with this trade is they are in the same division so no can do.
- nyisles7

This place is dead so, in the spirit of getting everyone fired up and yelling at each other...

I think I'd be willing to do something along the lines of:

2022 1st, 2021 2nd, Beauvillier & Aho for Palmieri and Wood

My reasoning here: Wood is only 25 (Beau is 23). Wood is under contract next year for only $2.75M and Beau is due for a significant (relatively speaking) raise, that has to come this offseason. Wood gives them a similarly-valuable player (albeit different styles) at a very manageable cost for next season which gives them a little breathing room and he's only two years older. Wood is still an RFA when his deal expires after next season too, so he's somewhat controllable.

I love Beau, but I think that's a trade that checks a few different boxes

This place is dead so, in the spirit of getting everyone fired up and yelling at each other...

I think I'd be willing to do something along the lines of:

2022 1st, 2021 2nd, Beauvillier & Aho for Palmieri and Wood

My reasoning here: Wood is only 25 (Beau is 23). Wood is under contract next year for only $2.75M and Beau is due for a significant (relatively speaking) raise, that has to come this offseason. Wood gives them a similarly-valuable player (albeit different styles) at a very manageable cost for next season which gives them a little breathing room and he's only two years older. Wood is still an RFA when his deal expires after next season too, so he's somewhat controllable.

I love Beau, but I think that's a trade that checks a few different boxes
- eichiefs9

Not sure why he would get anything more than 2.75? With that said I believe it’s a bit of an overpayment. Pull the 2nd out and I think it’s close.

This place is dead so, in the spirit of getting everyone fired up and yelling at each other...

I think I'd be willing to do something along the lines of:

2022 1st, 2021 2nd, Beauvillier & Aho for Palmieri and Wood

My reasoning here: Wood is only 25 (Beau is 23). Wood is under contract next year for only $2.75M and Beau is due for a significant (relatively speaking) raise, that has to come this offseason. Wood gives them a similarly-valuable player (albeit different styles) at a very manageable cost for next season which gives them a little breathing room and he's only two years older. Wood is still an RFA when his deal expires after next season too, so he's somewhat controllable.

I love Beau, but I think that's a trade that checks a few different boxes
- eichiefs9

- Wildschwein

Lmao that gif is perfect 🤩 😂😂

I will probably get trashed for this but will anyone consider trading pulock to get a player with term.

I will probably get trashed for this but will anyone consider trading pulock to get a player with term.
- Hockeyislife

Not a chance in hell.

With Ekblad done for the year they need a right handed Dman who has a five million cap hit on florida with 2 years of term

Not sure why he would get anything more than 2.75? With that said I believe it’s a bit of an overpayment. Pull the 2nd out and I think it’s close.
- Cptmjl

There's been a good deal of speculation that it'll be more than that and I believe Beau is eligible for arbitration. I don't think that the Devils are dying to trade Wood, so it'd have to be a good package if we were seriously after both of them.

With Ekblad done for the year they need a right handed Dman who has a five million cap hit on florida with 2 years of term
- Hockeyislife

....are you suggesting we trade them Pulock?

This place is dead so, in the spirit of getting everyone fired up and yelling at each other...

I think I'd be willing to do something along the lines of:

2022 1st, 2021 2nd, Beauvillier & Aho for Palmieri and Wood

My reasoning here: Wood is only 25 (Beau is 23). Wood is under contract next year for only $2.75M and Beau is due for a significant (relatively speaking) raise, that has to come this offseason. Wood gives them a similarly-valuable player (albeit different styles) at a very manageable cost for next season which gives them a little breathing room and he's only two years older. Wood is still an RFA when his deal expires after next season too, so he's somewhat controllable.

I love Beau, but I think that's a trade that checks a few different boxes
- eichiefs9

If you removed the second round pick, I’d consider it.

Wood would (hah) likely be a fit, very North/South with a bit more grit than Beauvillier. But actual results wise, I feel like this would be a somewhat lateral move.

However, if Jersey would be willing to take Komarov, and the Islanders add Bellows (let’s face it, the organization loves him not) rather than a pick, I’d be all over it.

With Ekblad done for the year they need a right handed Dman who has a five million cap hit on florida with 2 years of term
- Hockeyislife

Yes...?

If you’re suggesting we trade them Pulock, what do expect they’d send us in return?

There's been a good deal of speculation that it'll be more than that and I believe Beau is eligible for arbitration. I don't think that the Devils are dying to trade Wood, so it'd have to be a good package if we were seriously after both of them.
- eichiefs9

If that’s the case then I’m all for trading Beauvillier for a player that adds another attribute in Wood. I would rather do that then overpay for a player that broke 20 goals and 40 points once in his career.

With Ekblad done for the year they need a right handed Dman who has a five million cap hit on florida with 2 years of term
- Hockeyislife

Huh?

If you removed the second round pick, I’d consider it.

Wood would (hah) likely be a fit, very North/South with a bit more grit than Beauvillier. But actual results wise, I feel like this would be a somewhat lateral move.

However, if Jersey would be willing to take Komarov, and the Islanders add Bellows (let’s face it, the organization loves him not) rather than a pick, I’d be all over it.
- Wildschwein

Well...if it's a lateral move that gives them the flexibility to ensure that they can sign Pelech and Sorokin, and maybe even Cizikas if they can clear out some more salary, it's one I'd certainly consider making. It's not like Wood is 29 and an impending UFA, if that were the case I wouldn't put Beau in a million years.

Again, not dying to move Beauvillier but it could be reasonable on a few levels. Also, maybe I'm wrong about his next contract, but I've seen a good deal of talk that it'll be more than what Wood will be making next year.

I think it'd be tough to ship out three real bodies, along with a first. As much as I agree that Bellows is just not a fit, in the eyes of the organization, sending out Beau/Bellows/Aho would be tough. I suppose moving Aho would just leave one less player to be selected by Seattle, but that's a lot of guys that are, to varying degrees, NHL players...or at the very least, good call-up options.

I will probably get trashed for this but will anyone consider trading pulock to get a player with term.
- Hockeyislife

Just stop

Well...if it's a lateral move that gives them the flexibility to ensure that they can sign Pelech and Sorokin, and maybe even Cizikas if they can clear out some more salary, it's one I'd certainly consider making. It's not like Wood is 29 and an impending UFA, if that were the case I wouldn't put Beau in a million years.

Again, not dying to move Beauvillier but it could be reasonable on a few levels. Also, maybe I'm wrong about his next contract, but I've seen a good deal of talk that it'll be more than what Wood will be making next year.

I think it'd be tough to ship out three real bodies, along with a first. As much as I agree that Bellows is just not a fit, in the eyes of the organization, sending out Beau/Bellows/Aho would be tough. I suppose moving Aho would just leave one less player to be selected by Seattle, but that's a lot of guys that are, to varying degrees, NHL players...or at the very least, good call-up options.
- eichiefs9

I’m not doubting you have but where? The Athletic? Also, I have absolutely no idea how Beauvillier has earned that? I don’t understand the love affair with this kid. I’ll also add I don’t hate the kid I just don’t see him as some awesome player. He’s not. He’s like a Marty Mcinnis light.

Yes...?

If you’re suggesting we trade them Pulock, what do expect they’d send us in return?
- Wildschwein

Would want a winger with same term and around 5 million in cap.

If that’s the case then I’m all for trading Beauvillier for a player that adds another attribute in Wood. I would rather do that then overpay for a player that broke 20 goals and 40 points once in his career.
- Cptmjl

Wood's only played 1 more NHL season than Beau so far and is having a really strong year on a pretty bad team.

If there was a way to make that trade without Beau I'd certainly be interested, but that might involve moving Bolduc because the Islanders don't have a whole lot else that's going to be attractive to anyone. Maybe the Devils like Holmstrom, but I can't imagine why. That pick has, so far, proven to be pretty atrocious. Especially when you see that Tomasino (a PPG player in his first AHL year) and McMichael (10pts in 18gp in the AHL) were the two picks immediately after him. Holmstrom is currently sitting at 5pts in 12gp in his second AHL season.

Well...if it's a lateral move that gives them the flexibility to ensure that they can sign Pelech and Sorokin, and maybe even Cizikas if they can clear out some more salary, it's one I'd certainly consider making. It's not like Wood is 29 and an impending UFA, if that were the case I wouldn't put Beau in a million years.

Again, not dying to move Beauvillier but it could be reasonable on a few levels. Also, maybe I'm wrong about his next contract, but I've seen a good deal of talk that it'll be more than what Wood will be making next year.

I think it'd be tough to ship out three real bodies, along with a first. As much as I agree that Bellows is just not a fit, in the eyes of the organization, sending out Beau/Bellows/Aho would be tough. I suppose moving Aho would just leave one less player to be selected by Seattle, but that's a lot of guys that are, to varying degrees, NHL players...or at the very least, good call-up options.
- eichiefs9

All true.

That being said, if cap space is a motivator (as suggested by moving Beauvillier), then I’d argue moving Komarov’s contract would outweigh the risk of moving players that the organization already isn’t keen on playing (Aho/Bellows).

But yeah, it would be tough. And I would be concerned how it might affect the room.