He didnt specifically say anything about Blackwood being shipped out or if they'd run 3 goalies, but later in the conversation he quickly mentioned they're trying to find someone to play with Vanecek. Also said the Devils should've just cut ties with Blackwood last summer, saying they didnt trust him back then.
- vlongo4419

Well I don't agree with the last part, we didn't have any prospect that is really ready and would be best in Binghamton
Bernier may never play again
And there was no guarantee that Vitek would be able to play as well as he has been

Would have needed a back up and blackwood was coming off injury so a trade wouldn't have given a return

You'd have to think that Fitz is looking to use Blackwood as trade bait to one of the teams who have horrible goaltending to get a winger then a backup for Vitek.
- Pomegrant

Only reason I don’t like this is if something happens to one of our goalies. Schmid is “good” but I don’t know about playoffs good.

However, teams may overpay for Blackwood.

Only reason I don’t like this is if something happens to one of our goalies. Schmid is “good” but I don’t know about playoffs good.

However, teams may overpay for Blackwood.
- RubberBiscuitz

Over the past few years we know goaltending has been our issue therefore I am ok with the depth on G looking like 1. Vitek, 2. Blackie(No.1 if he proves it) 3. Traded-for-goalie.

And have them carry 3 goalies this season until things become more clear in the offseason.

If that means Blackie walks for nothing, so be it. He seems to be injury prone so maybe we wouldn't have gotten a lot for him. I'd rather the team be a little more cautious with an extra G in this special season we are having.

Only reason I don’t like this is if something happens to one of our goalies. Schmid is “good” but I don’t know about playoffs good.

However, teams may overpay for Blackwood.
- RubberBiscuitz

Yeah I agree with this. I would prefer Schmid to stay down in Utica and cook a bit more. Remember that he's only 22, and has been pretty up and down in the AHL. No reason to rush him up.

Either way, if Vanecek gets hurt we're most likely in trouble. If we need to rely on Blackwood being our 1, this team isn't going anywhere. I have zero faith in him returning to any kind of 3-year ago form and I would flat out waive him if it meant we could bring in another goalie. I've seen some interesting trade proposals going around from other Devils fans where we get Vejmelka and Crouse from the Yotes for Blackwood and picks/prospects. Fills 2 needs with one move, and helps the Yotes tank more while adding future assets.

An update on Pagnottas trade watch board. Along with Tarasenko and Domi, he now has the Devils linked to Bo Horvat and Brock Boeser. Adding onto him linking us to Horvat, some guy named Irf in Canucks media(on 'Canucks Central') has said that the Devils have been interested in Horvat for a while.

An update on Pagnottas trade watch board. Along with Tarasenko and Domi, he now has the Devils linked to Bo Horvat and Brock Boeser. Adding onto him linking us to Horvat, some guy named Irf in Canucks media(on 'Canucks Central') has said that the Devils have been interested in Horvat for a while.
- vlongo4419

I think we would have drafted Bo if we didn't do the Cory trade..

I think we would have drafted Bo if we didn't do the Cory trade..
- Leniwm1

I think so as well.

I think we would have drafted Bo if we didn't do the Cory trade..
- Leniwm1

All we would need to do is trade for lemieux and Provorov and then we can have everyone we “should” have drafted

All we would need to do is trade for lemieux and Provorov and then we can have everyone we “should” have drafted
- shvingter88

Definitely could use a guy who bites the other team right now

Any thoughts on bringing home #14?

Lines in practice today:

Palat-Nico-Bratt
Haula-Jack-Mercer
Sharangovich-Boqvist-Tatar
Wood-McLeod-Bastian
Foote-Zetterlund-Holtz

Same D with Marino skating with Bahl in a non-contact jersey.

Any thoughts on bringing home #14?
- Leniwm1

I'd love to. Seems like a next year thing to do though given his contract.

Any thoughts on bringing home #14?
- Leniwm1

This has started to pop up a ton recently, and I'd be perfectly fine bringing him back depending on the cost. The issue is we already have a very good 3C, who Ruff refuses to actually play at 3C. In a perfect world, McLeod is forced off the roster and we trade for Henrique then run Rico/Haula as our 3C/4C. But unless we send a somewhat similar salary player going the other way/the Ducks eat salary, adding him takes us out of getting a big time winger which is a much bigger need.

We'll see what Fitz ends up doing, but I truly feel like any kind of big move won't happen until the summer. Would love to be wrong, but I dont think he's going big game hunting by the deadline unfortunately.

Any thoughts on bringing home #14?
- Leniwm1

I'm all for this type of move. Veteran player who can do a lot of different things well.

While on the topic, the trade deadline is about 6 weeks away (~16 games played in that time). I know it doesn't happen often, but as tight as the Metro division is, I would love to see Fitzy break through and acquire a player sooner, rather than later, even if it means overpaying.

First, you get the "pick of the litter" from the available rentals. Sure, more may become available as teams fall out of contention as the season progresses. But by and large, the players that are going to be moved at the deadline are already being discussed. So, why not get a jump.

Next, you maximize the time with your rental (hopefully we get someone with a bit of term, not just for this season). But you go from having them for only 22 regular season games, to 38 games - that is a massive difference down the stretch of what will likely be a battle to the end in a loaded division.

I'm all for this type of move. Veteran player who can do a lot of different things well.

While on the topic, the trade deadline is about 6 weeks away (~16 games played in that time). I know it doesn't happen often, but as tight as the Metro division is, I would love to see Fitzy break through and acquire a player sooner, rather than later, even if it means overpaying.

First, you get the "pick of the litter" from the available rentals. Sure, more may become available as teams fall out of contention as the season progresses. But by and large, the players that are going to be moved at the deadline are already being discussed. So, why not get a jump.

Next, you maximize the time with your rental (hopefully we get someone with a bit of term, not just for this season). But you go from having them for only 22 regular season games, to 38 games - that is a massive difference down the stretch of what will likely be a battle to the end in a loaded division.
- hockeybocc

If you think about it, "overpaying now" could also end up being the same after a bidding war at the deadline.

So getting the pick of the litter is very enticing.

I'm ok with Holtz + 1st + (and lesser assets) for Timo if he has an extension ready to go.

Though because this was kind of a surprise season, I hope Fitz doesn't go out and get all these veterans for a run (pass on Kane), while losing assets. I'd rather him going after younger, (possibly with term) and continue to build slowly just as he has been. And however far we go, that's it. Build off that for next season.

But whatever we do, I hope its a quality winger for jack. He is doing everything pretty much himself at 5v5. You get him someone that knows how to finish and this 21 year old I have no doubt can carry us far in the playoffs. If the team gets to that dominant game we had earlier, it'll be tough for the opposition.

Yep. Holtz, a 1st, and another piece for Meier is exactly what I'd do. Holtz was literally drafted to specifically play with Jack, but now that he's here they literally do not ever play him with Jack. We say we need a shooter for him, well arguably the best shooter on the team never gets a chance with him. If you're gonna keep him buried on the 4th line or in the press box, then trade him.

I would love Timo, I just don't think Fitz makes a splash mid season. At this point im just hoping Meier doesnt end up on the Rangers. I've already accepted that if we're going to get a big time winger, it won't happen until the offseason. Fitz will likely add at the deadline, but i think he'll be conservative and it'll most likely be middle 6/depth additions.

Yep. Holtz, a 1st, and another piece for Meier is exactly what I'd do. Holtz was literally drafted to specifically play with Jack, but now that he's here they literally do not ever play him with Jack. We say we need a shooter for him, well arguably the best shooter on the team never gets a chance with him. If you're gonna keep him buried on the 4th line or in the press box, then trade him.

I would love Timo, I just don't think Fitz makes a splash mid season. At this point im just hoping Meier doesnt end up on the Rangers. I've already accepted that if we're going to get a big time winger, it won't happen until the offseason. Fitz will likely add at the deadline, but i think he'll be conservative and it'll most likely be middle 6/depth additions.
- vlongo4419

Im okay with the Rags giving up a lot for him, only to see him walk across town to sign in Jersey longterm.

Im okay with the Rags giving up a lot for him, only to see him walk across town to sign in Jersey longterm.
- Leniwm1

Rangers don't have the cap flexibility to add players like Meier. They have their group and this is what they're stuck with.

Im okay with the Rags giving up a lot for him, only to see him walk across town to sign in Jersey longterm.
- Leniwm1

I'd still prefer them to be stupid with their assets and trade for someone massively overrated like Kane instead of getting someone borderline elite like Meier. The best case scenario for us is that Meier isn't moved at all by the deadline though, makes it way more likely Fitzy can snag him if he's still a shark come the summer.

Looks like Bastian could be back tonight. Ruff says he available.

Blackwood expected to start.

The Devils are believed to be one of the team's who are kicking the tires on Gustav Nyquist, per the Fourth Period/Pagnotta.

The Devils are believed to be one of the team's who are kicking the tires on Gustav Nyquist, per the Fourth Period/Pagnotta.
- vlongo4419

lol why?

lol why?
- Devils91

Because that's the type of move Fitz is most likely going to make at the deadline. Middle 6/depth addition(s).

Because that's the type of move Fitz is most likely going to make at the deadline. Middle 6/depth addition(s).
- vlongo4419

Too many people think it's the big ticket or no moves

If a move makes sense and helps the team without giving up much then do it

I hope we start losing early so I can go to bed.