I understand the point about Subban but we did that because we desperately needed to upgrade our defense. I just don't see the same need for a 3rd line winger.

I agree Frolik is a better player but I'd rather spend the money (and obviously more) on someone higher up the food chain to play in the top 6. IF Ray Ray wants to do both that's great too.
- Queenie_5_hole

You guys need a little perspective. A 4th rounder for Frolik is an absolute steal. He drives play, capable of playing 2nd line & against the tough competition & be able to drive play. Defensively responsible. I realize you guys are euphoric about Hughes & getting Subban but I wouldnt call your selves contenders just yet. In fact, lots has to go right to even make the playoffs. Frolik could be flipped for at least a 2nd & 3rd at the trade deadline to a contender. If we didnt need the damn cap space there is no way a 4th would cut it. If you guys are in the playoff hunt come February, he will be a piece you wont even consider selling off. This should be a no brainer.

This entire rebuild has been odd its like someone said something. That changed what was originally the plan. We drafted Zacha at 6 to start things off then we get Mcleod at 11 or 12 then Nico at 1.... Then we trade for Hall add mojo and boyle and lovejoy and pretty much after one top five pick one top ten and another top 15 we decided we had a high enough caliber of prospect pools to start building yet we still likely ranked in the bottom 20 of the league in farm systems.

I just think we never full got that farm and prospect system as full as we should have when you look at other rebuilding teams they all mostly had multiple first round picks in one draft or another we never did and if we didnt win the lottery 2 times now we could of been in a lot more trouble for not fully stocking those cupboards with elite talent.

I get the Rangers had way more to sell off but cant help but look at all the high end prosoects they have added abd its almost double ours...
- Devilish4

The prospect pool is unfairly scrutinized b/c 4 of the picks went Right To the NHL and were never part of the pool. Zacha, Nico, Bratt and Hughes don’t contribute and now we are taking Smith and Boqvist our as well. We have very high end young talent that are all developing in real time.

You guys need a little perspective. A 4th rounder for Frolik is an absolute steal. He drives play, capable of playing 2nd line & against the tough competition & be able to drive play. Defensively responsible. I realize you guys are euphoric about Hughes & getting Subban but I wouldnt call your selves contenders just yet. In fact, lots has to go right to even make the playoffs. Frolik could be flipped for at least a 2nd & 3rd at the trade deadline to a contender. If we didnt need the damn cap space there is no way a 4th would cut it. If you guys are in the playoff hunt come February, he will be a piece you wont even consider selling off. This should be a no brainer.
- Kevin R

Thanks for the perspective. Obviously you've seen him play a lot more.

It's just surprising because we are usually a team with lots of third line talent and pretty limited top 6 talent.

I don't think we're calling ourselves contenders yet. We euphoric about the probably of not sucking. We are also nervous as (frank) about Hall signing.

Like him as player but I don't like Frolik for them. I think that spot on the third line with Zajac and Coleman needs to be saved to see if they have anything in McLeod, Anderson etc. The trade they really really need to target and see through is Jason Zucker. Would be a long term solution on the 2nd line and really help to add character/scoring. 4 yrs left on his deal at 5.5m is a bit on the high side, but wouldn't kill them in trying to resign everyone that will need a deal later on. I'd do Vatanen, a 2nd, and the odd man out of these young guys looking to slot in (maybe McLeod if they dont like him on the wing) in a heartbeat, even if it feels like a slight overpayment.

Like him as player but I don't like Frolik for them. I think that spot on the third line with Zajac and Coleman needs to be saved to see if they have anything in McLeod, Anderson etc. The trade they really really need to target and see through is Jason Zucker. Would be a long term solution on the 2nd line and really help to add character/scoring. 4 yrs left on his deal at 5.5m is a bit on the high side, but wouldn't kill them in trying to resign everyone that will need a deal later on. I'd do Vatanen, a 2nd, and the odd man out of these young guys looking to slot in (maybe McLeod if they dont like him on the wing) in a heartbeat, even if it feels like a slight overpayment.
- Cmor11794

dont forget zetterlund... he gonna open eyes

The prospect pool is unfairly scrutinized b/c 4 of the picks went Right To the NHL and were never part of the pool. Zacha, Nico, Bratt and Hughes don’t contribute and now we are taking Smith and Boqvist our as well. We have very high end young talent that are all developing in real time.
- ShoresideDevil

Im aware of who we have but that doesnt mean they where ever highly ranked prospects even Ty Smith was ranked well outside the top ten on top prospects not in the NHL. I was just saying you take a look at some teams and they have the same and more if you minus the two lotto wins.

Its also fair to point out that so far we have sucked during weaker drafts. Look at some of the young talent the Canes have drafted recently and they still have a lot more making their way up Rangers have quite a bit of high end prospects playing on their team and making their way up the Leafs arguably snagged more prospects then we did during one of their many rebuilds so yeah we have enough where we dont need to complain about it but my point was more so that a lot of teams that havent been as bad as us recently have managed to stack their cuoboards just as if not more full then us.

The flyers stocked a ton of high end prospects and have graduated a lot recently to stack up what we have against some of the others is a little eye opening.

You guys need a little perspective. A 4th rounder for Frolik is an absolute steal. He drives play, capable of playing 2nd line & against the tough competition & be able to drive play. Defensively responsible. I realize you guys are euphoric about Hughes & getting Subban but I wouldnt call your selves contenders just yet. In fact, lots has to go right to even make the playoffs. Frolik could be flipped for at least a 2nd & 3rd at the trade deadline to a contender. If we didnt need the damn cap space there is no way a 4th would cut it. If you guys are in the playoff hunt come February, he will be a piece you wont even consider selling off. This should be a no brainer.
- Kevin R

We have younger guys developing into similar players is the issue. Wether he is better then them today isnt the point when that area of the roster is crowded.

I would rather the team focus their energy on adding legit difference makers. If that costs a lot to get a young star on a decent contract then so be it we can groom our failes first rounders into two way depth.

If Zacha or Mcleod to reach their offensive ceilings then why not keep them for the depth everyone thinks we need.

If you add good talent to youre team then the other players become depth.

Im aware of who we have but that doesnt mean they where ever highly ranked prospects even Ty Smith was ranked well outside the top ten on top prospects not in the NHL. I was just saying you take a look at some teams and they have the same and more if you minus the two lotto wins.

Its also fair to point out that so far we have sucked during weaker drafts. Look at some of the young talent the Canes have drafted recently and they still have a lot more making their way up Rangers have quite a bit of high end prospects playing on their team and making their way up the Leafs arguably snagged more prospects then we did during one of their many rebuilds so yeah we have enough where we dont need to complain about it but my point was more so that a lot of teams that havent been as bad as us recently have managed to stack their cuoboards just as if not more full then us.

The flyers stocked a ton of high end prospects and have graduated a lot recently to stack up what we have against some of the others is a little eye opening.
- Devilish4

First off (frank) the Flyers and the Rangers.

Secondly, the Canes have sucked ass for like a decade now. I don’t care what their prospect pool looks like I wouldn’t trade places with them for what they’ve endured. We made the cup final with a geriatric team in 2012 and crapped along for a few years. This has been a pretty quick turn around for us. They’ve suffered a long time.

The Rangers were a good team that traded a lot of quality players for a lot of quality prospects and picks. They’ve done an impressive job. But we aren’t starting in the same place.

Every team is doing their best to get better. Drafts are educated guesswork. poop happens but Ray Ray has done a great job.

Hextall did so well they fired him. Yes they have some great prospects. They’ve been unable to be successful either.

First off (frank) the Flyers and the Rangers.

Secondly, the Canes have sucked ass for like a decade now. I don’t care what their prospect pool looks like I wouldn’t trade places with them for what they’ve endured. We made the cup final with a geriatric team in 2012 and crapped along for a few years. This has been a pretty quick turn around for us. They’ve suffered a long time.

The Rangers were a good team that traded a lot of quality players for a lot of quality prospects and picks. They’ve done an impressive job. But we aren’t starting in the same place.

Every team is doing their best to get better. Drafts are educated guesswork. poop happens but Ray Ray has done a great job.

Hextall did so well they fired him. Yes they have some great prospects. They’ve been unable to be successful either.
- Queenie_5_hole

De rebuilds take time and when others dont the guys taking time get fired.

I think we agree that rebuilds are a crapshoot im just trying to point out that out of all the rebuilding teams our prospects pool was never considered near the top ( thats an observation not a complaint).

That has to do with what we had to sell off but also what we did with a lot of the picks. We stopped rebuilding for a year and started adding real NHL talent then did another quick sell off and are back to square two again.

As for the Canes I more so meant recently they have done a lot of good. Prospects they have drafted the last 4 years have little to do with how they did the previous 10 as they are starting to get a bevy of young good talent.

My point was even teams that retooled on fly seemingly added as much talent as we did minus the two lotto wins the Bs had 3 firsts in one draft and although they could of done some serious damage if they selected chabot barzal ect instead they still managed to gather an impressive group of young players without even really rebuilding.

You guys need a little perspective. A 4th rounder for Frolik is an absolute steal. He drives play, capable of playing 2nd line & against the tough competition & be able to drive play. Defensively responsible. I realize you guys are euphoric about Hughes & getting Subban but I wouldnt call your selves contenders just yet. In fact, lots has to go right to even make the playoffs. Frolik could be flipped for at least a 2nd & 3rd at the trade deadline to a contender. If we didnt need the damn cap space there is no way a 4th would cut it. If you guys are in the playoff hunt come February, he will be a piece you wont even consider selling off. This should be a no brainer.
- Kevin R

Exactly. Why is this even an issue for a team that has 25 million to spend? It’s a one year deal! I will go as low as 4 knowing if I have to recoup a 3 or 4 at the tread deadline game on.

Exactly. Why is this even an issue for a team that has 25 million to spend? It’s a one year deal! I will go as low as 4 knowing if I have to recoup a 3 or 4 at the tread deadline game on.
- Dj3668

Im not sure of the contract situations but if it where to affect who we send down and who would need to be exposed to waivers then why bother ? We are all in agreement that we arent contending next year so why do the Devils need to add this guy ? There are 30 other teams in the league that he would be an upgrade over at least one player so let them get the bargain of the century and let us continue to grow and develop guys we have invested draft picks in.

Im not sure of the contract situations but if it where to affect who we send down and who would need to be exposed to waivers then why bother ? We are all in agreement that we arent contending next year so why do the Devils need to add this guy ? There are 30 other teams in the league that he would be an upgrade over at least one player so let them get the bargain of the century and let us continue to grow and develop guys we have invested draft picks in.
- Devilish4

Because he's an established sound top 9 RW that you will be able to flip for a profit in a worse case scenario.

Because he's an established sound top 9 RW that you will be able to flip for a profit in a worse case scenario.
- Kevin R

Its still a risk. You make it sound all rainbows and sunshine but what if he sucks then he is a 30+ player making 4 million and no takers at the deadline.

If im just looking to get a pick at the deadline then I like the idea of taking a flyer on a player for 1 mil or on a pto and if he plays well flip him for a pick ala Stempniak.

There is no certainty that he does well or fits in with this group/coach and if that were to happen I would rather it be on a low risk high reward f/a then a player over thirty with a cap hit of over 4 million.

If you guys are going to give us picks to take him off youre hands in a cap dump sure but we dont need to clear cap and it looks like they do so chances are the flames are more desperate to make a deal the NJ is.

I remember when Ryder put up 20 or almost 20 goals on one of the worse teams we have iced and no one wanted him.

De rebuilds take time and when others dont the guys taking time get fired.

I think we agree that rebuilds are a crapshoot im just trying to point out that out of all the rebuilding teams our prospects pool was never considered near the top ( thats an observation not a complaint).

That has to do with what we had to sell off but also what we did with a lot of the picks. We stopped rebuilding for a year and started adding real NHL talent then did another quick sell off and are back to square two again.

As for the Canes I more so meant recently they have done a lot of good. Prospects they have drafted the last 4 years have little to do with how they did the previous 10 as they are starting to get a bevy of young good talent.

My point was even teams that retooled on fly seemingly added as much talent as we did minus the two lotto wins the Bs had 3 firsts in one draft and although they could of done some serious damage if they selected chabot barzal ect instead they still managed to gather an impressive group of young players without even really rebuilding.
- Devilish4

I think we agree on a lot of stuff. I just think when Ray Ray took over we had the oldest team in the league and one of the worst ranked farm system. And had a pretty big payroll when Lou left. So When you think of where we started it was in a pretty horrible place.

There are things that could have gone better. Beau Bennett. The Grabner trade. The wasted goalie picks each year (except Blackwood). It happens. You try and nothing is guaranteed.

I think we agree on a lot of stuff. I just think when Ray Ray took over we had the oldest team in the league and one of the worst ranked farm system. And had a pretty big payroll when Lou left. So When you think of where we started it was in a pretty horrible place.

There are things that could have gone better. Beau Bennett. The Grabner trade. The wasted goalie picks each year (except Blackwood). It happens. You try and nothing is guaranteed.
- Queenie_5_hole

I loved Maroon and was bumbed he didnt resign but I dont think I would have added at that deadline. We were still in build mode and should have just let the chips fall where they did but then maybe we take someone else not named Smith that year.

First off (frank) the Flyers and the Rangers.

Secondly, the Canes have sucked ass for like a decade now. I don’t care what their prospect pool looks like I wouldn’t trade places with them for what they’ve endured. We made the cup final with a geriatric team in 2012 and crapped along for a few years. This has been a pretty quick turn around for us. They’ve suffered a long time.

The Rangers were a good team that traded a lot of quality players for a lot of quality prospects and picks. They’ve done an impressive job. But we aren’t starting in the same place.

Every team is doing their best to get better. Drafts are educated guesswork. poop happens but Ray Ray has done a great job.

Hextall did so well they fired him. Yes they have some great prospects. They’ve been unable to be successful either.
- Queenie_5_hole

we are DOOMED

also what has Hughes chosen a number yet? i'm curious which one he goes with.

we are DOOMED

also what has Hughes chosen a number yet? i'm curious which one he goes with.
- Mordecai

86

86
- vlongo4419

ooooo very nice. i like it.

NJ has plenty of bottom 6 players.
Just because something seems like a deal doesn’t mean you have to buy it.
NJ isn’t struggling to get over the cap floor and his $4m could be better used to get an actual top 6 FW for this team. That’s what they really need.

Dumpster diving for deals won’t get you to the Cup unless you already have a solid team that was contending without that piece.

ooooo very nice. i like it.
- Mordecai

Nobody knows what 86d means or we. Just don’t care?

Nobody knows what 86d means or we. Just don’t care?
- Queenie_5_hole

I don’t care. He could wear the poop emoji as a number as long as he lives up to the hype.

I don’t care. He could wear the poop emoji as a number as long as he lives up to the hype.
- smellmyfinger

lol

No way...
2 1sts and Bratt.

Laine will get you 40-50 goals every year, especially with Hughes.

If Laine isnt that good, in Winn. eyes, then he can be had for less.
- Leniwm1

I love nhl 19

I definitely agree we need someone who is at least proven to be a middle 6 scorer and that is why Frolik's name has popped up. It's not like the 3rd and 4th lines outside of Coleman and Zajac have been driving play with any regularity.

Do we need a 2nd line scoring winger? YES! Do we also need a middle 6 winger? YES! Boquist is unproven and Woods has not stepped up since signing his monster contract. Zacha isn't scoring either and IMHO is a bust for a first rounder. If he can improve his game with some consistent scoring, he may end up being Zajac 2.0 (def needed but not a good 1st rd draft choice).

Based on that information, multiple moves need to be made whether they be through a trade with Calgary, Vegas or another cash strapped team and/or signing a UFA like Donskoi, Nyquist, Ferland, Panik, Pirri.
- DownwiththeDevil

Woods monster contract lmao yeah that thing is crippling this team