Todd Cordell: New Jersey Devils: On Eric Gelinas & The Possibility Of Trading A Defenseman

His offense is great, but his defense is often lacking. It takes being on a line with a defensive player like merill to keep the puck out of the net. I can only think Mozik means Gelinas is on a thin leash. If he doesn't keep up, he's gone.

Shero will do his due-diligence this summer and i wouldn't be surprised if he pulls a Garth Snow and snags up a quality player from a cap strapped team for mere peanuts. I see this happening. Gelly stays, Merrill should be the one to be traded if we do trade a defender; then we slide up Moore to play with Severson, i can see them playing well together, and then get a defensive anchor to play next to Gelly on the third pairing to allow him to play to his strengths and have that vet help him on D. When Merrill and Gelly played together last year, it was a sore sight to see, so we'll never see that. Maybe Merrill just had a bad year and will turn out to be a solid top-4 guy, but im sure Shero is weighing his options and will do something that makes sense.
In Ray we Pray

I think Shero is going to assess what assets he has before deciding if and when to move one of these young dman for a forward. I agree with Todd that they don't HAVE TO move a dman right now.

Gelly will play #5/#6 dman and PP time. Why would we move out a 24 yr old when that what we've been trying to ADD,,,,? Biggest thing with Gelly might be arbitration as he has a pretty rough negotiation last contract and eventually got what Larsson got. That will not likely happen this time as Larsson showed improvement this year whereas I think Gelly slightly regressed. He may only get a 1 year deal for like $2 mil as a "show me" type of contract but I think he'll want more $ and longer term...this could be a big disconnect that eventually lands them in arbitration. - That situation wouldn't be good for either side and I think would be the trigger to force Shero to have to move him.

Santini and Gelinas would make a good pair, NJ should hold onto him.

Unless you think you are going to make the playoffs, no point in trading any young defensmen. Let them play this season, see what you have, then decide.

The problem is Gelly and Merill haven't shown anything that great which means their return (right now) would not be good. I'd rather wait and let them develop/improve this year and then when their stock is higher (hopefully) then attempt to trade them for a forward.

Todd, while it won't happen (except maybe if he requested a trade), what do you think the Devils could get in a hypothetical trade of Cory if Shero assumes next 2-3 years are rebuild? I understand Cory will still be young in goalie years after that.
Thanks!

I hate to say this, but Shero should trade Santini to the Rangers. He is a rags fan. We could get Stepan or a good prospect.

Todd Cordell: New Jersey Devils: On Eric Gelinas & The Possibility Of Trading A Defenseman
- Todd.Cordell

What about trading gelly for someone like trocheck or Grimaldi from Florida?

I hate to say this, but Shero should trade Santini to the Rangers. He is a rags fan. We could get Stephan or a good prospect.
- PapaSquat

Throw in Palmieri while we're at it

I hate to say this, but Shero should trade Santini to the Rangers. He is a rags fan. We could get Stephan or a good prospect.
- PapaSquat

And deal with santini destroying all of our guys? No thanks.

I hate to say this, but Shero should trade Santini to the Rangers. He is a rags fan. We could get Stephan or a good prospect.
- PapaSquat

Sounds reasonable.

What about trading gelly for someone like trocheck or Grimaldi from Florida?
- shvingter88

Your boys

What about trading gelly for someone like trocheck or Grimaldi from Florida?
- shvingter88

I'd like Trochek, don't really want grimaldi though..

Your boys
- Nucker101

Yes

I'd like Trochek, don't really want grimaldi though..
- rmdevil313

Yeah I think Grimaldi wouldn't be the best return, I'm struggling to think of an offer that would make sense for both team to get trocheck. Kempe from LA would be good too.

The Devils have other defenseman that may be ready to jump to the NHL in Helgeson, Hrabarenka, Mozik and maybe, Scarlett. Building defensive depth is something the Devils a great job with.

I can't wait for camp to open and for the pre-season to get underway to see these defensemen challenge for a spot on the NHL roster. A strong camp and pre-season by any or several of the above mentioned defenseman will give Ray Shero options.

Gelinas is still so raw. He is consistently out of position and goofy in his own end. He's got all the tools, but its getting late for him to still be making the mistakes he's making.

That's why despite all Merrill's mistakes last year, I'd still take him over Gelinas. Merrill had a sophomore slump. Gelinas isn't getting better in his own end after 5 years of professional hockey now.

Wondering if a Larsson for Eberle deal would be of interest?

Wondering if a Larsson for Eberle deal would be of interest?
- mbell

Normally, yes, but we're trying to do a full rebuild and Larsson's too important in that.

Normally, yes, but we're trying to do a full rebuild and Larsson's too important in that.
- Springsteen

Yes

Wondering if a Larsson for Eberle deal would be of interest?
- mbell

NO

NO
- Nucker101

Your boys

Yes
- shvingter88

- Springsteen

lol