Todd Cordell: Pavel Zacha took a step forward in 2017-18

Zacha has a bug shot but you wouldnt know that since coming to jersey. We need to put him in a position to get that good shot of his off not figuring out how we can make him a better penalty killer. I get he has stuff to learn who doesnt but why do we take guys who can score and be like well forget about that we need you to play defense. We literally draft offensive guys to tame them and theb draft safe players and try and squeeze potential out of them like why not let the scorers worrying about findung open space abd nake them more dangerous instead of trying to nuetralize ever offensive player we bring in. Some guys who cant rely on for defense thats jist how it is but you need to ve getting the most from youre guys no matter what type of player they are lol.

Zacha has a bug shot but you wouldnt know that since coming to jersey. We need to put him in a position to get that good shot of his off not figuring out how we can make him a better penalty killer. I get he has stuff to learn who doesnt but why do we take guys who can score and be like well forget about that we need you to play defense. We literally draft offensive guys to tame them and theb draft safe players and try and squeeze potential out of them like why not let the scorers worrying about findung open space abd nake them more dangerous instead of trying to nuetralize ever offensive player we bring in. Some guys who cant rely on for defense thats jist how it is but you need to ve getting the most from youre guys no matter what type of player they are lol.
- Shampoo

This was a tough, tough read

In the last 10 games of the year I saw him at least 3 times cough the puck right up the opposing team and if not for Kinkaid would have been in the net. I remember the one play Hynes chewed him out in the bench in plain sight. I think this is his make or break year. Another 25 point season will clearly make him a former prospect.

Guys don't worry Kapla resigned

Zacha took a step forward in 2017-18.............baby step (singular)

Ah damnit Henrique resigned in Anaheim for 5 years. Was really hoping he would just come back lol

Ah damnit Henrique resigned in Anaheim for 5 years. Was really hoping he would just come back lol
- willschulme

We did get a 3rd round pick for the extension!!!

We did get a 3rd round pick for the extension!!!
- dmarsden2988

Plus at 6M per season, would we want him. It was a trade that benefited both teams. NJD more so, as Vats was by far our top D. Now please get Dumba, and this will have been a successful off season Ray. As for Zacha, looks like a 3C at best going forward. Good two way game but absolutely no ability to generate chances.

Todd Cordell: Pavel Zacha took a step forward in 2017-18
- Todd.Cordell

My boy

This was a tough, tough read
- devils_30

lol

He's still young, and its good to see he improved in these regards. But, its really tough to see Zacha's ceiling go from "Anze Kopitar" in his draft year to "Travis Zajac with a little more offensive pop". The draft is often a crapshoot, but it is a killer to think they could have Werenski or Provorov on the blueline, or Barzal giving the offense a much needed pop.

All signs are pointing to them running with the guys they have, so I'm sure he is going to be given every opportunity to step up. I'm pulling for the guy, he seems like a great Devil, and the team desperately needs people to come in and take some pressure off Hall and Hischier.

He's still young, and its good to see he improved in these regards. But, its really tough to see Zacha's ceiling go from "Anze Kopitar" in his draft year to "Travis Zajac with a little more offensive pop". The draft is often a crapshoot, but it is a killer to think they could have Werenski or Provorov on the blueline, or Barzal giving the offense a much needed pop.

All signs are pointing to them running with the guys they have, so I'm sure he is going to be given every opportunity to step up. I'm pulling for the guy, he seems like a great Devil, and the team desperately needs people to come in and take some pressure off Hall and Hischier.
- Cmor11794

Lately every first round pick by the Devils besides Hischier has been a disappointment even McLoed doesn’t seem like he will turn into the player the devils thought they drafted had a very dissapointing season in the OHL as a 20 year old almost seems like the Devils are cursed when it comes to first round picks lol

Lately every first round pick by the Devils besides Hischier has been a disappointment even McLoed doesn’t seem like he will turn into the player the devils thought they drafted had a very dissapointing season in the OHL as a 20 year old almost seems like the Devils are cursed when it comes to first round picks lol
- Devils314

You could say "cursed" or perhaps "poop at drafting"?

You could say "cursed" or perhaps "poop at drafting"?
- Pomegrant

DOOMED

Lately every first round pick by the Devils besides Hischier has been a disappointment even McLoed doesn’t seem like he will turn into the player the devils thought they drafted had a very dissapointing season in the OHL as a 20 year old almost seems like the Devils are cursed when it comes to first round picks lol
- Devils314

Don't disagree with you one bit. Other than the concensus #1 overall pick, we have not done well with our 1sts. So.....trade it, and Zacha for Dumba??? At the very least, lets put in an offer sheet on Nurse. 4,059,322M AAV is the max with just a 2nd rd pick penalty. Edmonton can't afford the kid.

This was a tough, tough read
- devils_30

Was done on my phone at break so im not to worried.

Was done on my phone at break so im not to worried.
- Shampoo

Don't worry shampoo I was able to translate and understand your overarching point

Don't disagree with you one bit. Other than the concensus #1 overall pick, we have not done well with our 1sts. So.....trade it, and Zacha for Dumba??? At the very least, lets put in an offer sheet on Nurse. 4,059,322M AAV is the max with just a 2nd rd pick penalty. Edmonton can't afford the kid.
- bikeguy99

Im pretty sure a first is included for that deal.

And Nurse really hasnt done much, I'd pass.

Save your one offer sheet for someone worth it.

Im pretty sure a first is included for that deal.

And Nurse really hasnt done much, I'd pass.

Save your one offer sheet for someone worth it.
- Leniwm1

BUT THE SPREADSHEETS

i'm trying to hard to be optimistic about Zacha..

i'm trying to hard to be optimistic about Zacha..
- MartysBetter88

Bobby Holik comes to mind when I think of his ceiling. Nice complimentary player but would’ve preferred a better pick in the 1st round. (Like the next pick )

What a dark cloud looms over some of the posts here.

I mean, if you're that interested in Barzal or Provorov, cheer on the Islanders or Philly

i'm trying to hard to be optimistic about Zacha..
- MartysBetter88

Zacha's ceiling is a 30 point player. We all knew it wasn't a good pick when they made it. Barzal is amazing and will the the new face of NYI franchise with JT gone. Provorov and Werenski will be top 2 D for the next decade. And we have a player who's like Jay Pandolfo, John Madden, and Travis Zajac combined.

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Rantanen still available as well? Another guy who really took off this past season as well. ugh.

Zacha is one of a handful of players who's performance will determine the Devils fate next season. If Zacha and Bratt can be consistently good as top-9 forwards then the Devils can be better than they were last season. If not, then the Devils will have to hope for some more Taylor Hall magic can either drag them into the playoffs or win them another lottery.

I'm not as worried about the defense because Butcher in a top 4 role gives the Devils 3 legit top-4 defensemen (Severson and Vatanen), even if you can argue all three are probably better served as 2nd pairing guys. I think the blue-line issues will be solved internally with Walsh, Davies, Smith, and apparently the Devils are pretty high on Hellickson as well (which, I guess I'll keep an open mind about).