I'm not sure the exact % you can go over the cap in FA signings but they might still be able to sign to contracts and then bring players up through the system. They might have to move a small contract in the end but nothing too serious.
- Pomegrant

10% of the Upper limit until teams have to be cap compliant coming out of training camp.

I'm pretty amazed that he took a 1-year deal.

Very little risk for the Devils.

I'm going to throw this one in the "good signing" box.
- Atomic Wedgie

I don't think anyone was willing to give him that amount over multiple years after last season.

He is probably hoping for PP time, and hope he can muster 20 goals and someone might bite next year.

I love it!

In front of the net he is just like Parise. Handeye, quick to the rebound. Our PP is gonna be out of this world with this team we got.

I don't think anyone was willing to give him that amount over multiple years after last season.

He is probably hoping for PP time, and hope he can muster 20 goals and someone might bite next year.
- VT001

I’m trying to think positively that this is better then Drew Stafford... and maybe pray a little for Nathan Bastian.

So any word on that big Kevin Rooney deal getting done soon?

I love it!

In front of the net he is just like Parise. Handeye, quick to the rebound. Our PP is gonna be out of this world with this team we got.
- Leniwm1

I'm not sure Simmonds is quick at anything anymore. i should hold my opinion though until we see him play. Parise was on another level from Simmonds.

I'm not sure the exact % you can go over the cap in FA signings but they might still be able to sign to contracts and then bring players up through the system. They might have to move a small contract in the end but nothing too serious.
- Pomegrant

My quick math says if you take Clarkson's contract off the books that gives them about 2.5 of space left, with only 1 goalie and 5 dmen signed. Even if all 3 remaining players get signed for league minimum it would only give the about 400k in space. SO if gusev gets the 4 mil he wants then they would need to free up just about 4 mil themselves.

Not sure the term he wants, but I would rather have seen Michael Ferland from CAR in this role

Not sure the term he wants, but I would rather have seen Michael Ferland from CAR in this role
- Crushers68

which role, Simmonds' role? Me too. Not sure if the term/money is what Ray wanted though. Trying to trust Shero.

which role, Simmonds' role? Me too. Not sure if the term/money is what Ray wanted though. Trying to trust Shero.
- MartysBetter88

Yes, Simmonds role.

which role, Simmonds' role? Me too. Not sure if the term/money is what Ray wanted though. Trying to trust Shero.
- MartysBetter88

How do you know ferland wasn’t offered a contract before Simmonds?

How do you know ferland wasn’t offered a contract before Simmonds?
- shvingter88

No idea what transpired but obviously a 1 year deal is pretty easy to like.

It's been a remarkably quiet day. 9 signings so far vs. 125 yesterday per Capfreindly.com. I was expecting the remaining 'better' free agents to start getting scooped up.

I'd guess Ray Ray is taking the same approach as last year: We have our roster pretty filled out and if a couple of the kids continue to develop there is no reason to add. Exactly how we ended up a with a goat (frank) of a lineup once injuries set in and we had no depth.... but that's just my guess.

How do you know ferland wasn’t offered a contract before Simmonds?
- shvingter88

the operative words in my quote are "not sure". What I meant was I don't know if Ferland was or wasn't offered a contract before Simmonds. Idk if maybe Ferland wanted more money or term, or maybe Ray didn't know anything about Ferland and strictly wanted to grab Simmonds for 1 year. I need to be more thorough in these contentious times, just can't bare the thought of writing essays again that no one wants to read lol.

Actions speak louder then words, but this is good to hear:

https://www.nj.com/devils...ving-everybody-wrong.html


When you consider the extent of his injuries and surgery it doesn't sound crazy to think he can bounce back a good amount.


Other good and bad news: Hobbie's Deli is reopening after a fire destroyed the dinning area.

https://www.nj.com/essex/...wntown-newark-eatery.html

Love that its only 1 yr..stats a bit concerning though...1 goal in 17 games?? Can't hate the move when it's one yr tho..wayne has always been a goalscorer more than playmaker which is what nj needs. They have jack nico hall the jespers for playmaking

You're right. At the very least, Simmonds should bump up the PP. He gave Fleury nightmares that year in the playoffs.

No idea what transpired but obviously a 1 year deal is pretty easy to like.

It's been a remarkably quiet day. 9 signings so far vs. 125 yesterday per Capfreindly.com. I was expecting the remaining 'better' free agents to start getting scooped up.

I'd guess Ray Ray is taking the same approach as last year: We have our roster pretty filled out and if a couple of the kids continue to develop there is no reason to add. Exactly how we ended up a with a goat (frank) of a lineup once injuries set in and we had no depth.... but that's just my guess.
- Queenie_5_hole

Ray has never been a big FA guy. The NJ guy that writes for the athletic said this is the first FA contract ray has handed out since the Paul Martin to Pitt over 5 mil.

How do you know ferland wasn’t offered a contract before Simmonds?
- shvingter88

Don’t know what goes on behind the scenes, but if achievable I would’ve liked Ferland over Simmonds even if we had to give 2-3 years

Ray has never been a big FA guy. The NJ guy that writes for the athletic said this is the first FA contract ray has handed out since the Paul Martin to Pitt over 5 mil.
- K-dizzle

He signed Boyle 2 years ago

Don’t know what goes on behind the scenes, but if achievable I would’ve liked Ferland over Simmonds even if we had to give 2-3 years
- Crushers68

I dont think Ferland will sign at only a couple years, it seems like he's gonna be getting atleast 4. I'd rather have Simmonds at only 1 year compared to Ferland at what he's rumored to be getting/wanting term-wise

I dont think Ferland will sign at only a couple years, it seems like he's gonna be getting atleast 4. I'd rather have Simmonds at only 1 year compared to Ferland at what he's rumored to be getting/wanting term-wise
- vlongo4419

Would you sign Ferland at a 5 year 6 mil per year? I would, love his game.

He signed Boyle 2 years ago
- Devils314

Over 5mill

Boyle was less than 5mill

Would you sign Ferland at a 5 year 6 mil per year? I would, love his game.
- Dj3668

I wouldn't, thats a huge overpay for him. Signing him long term is a concern for teams, combining his play style with his concussion/injury concern is a recipe for disaster on a long term deal. He's a fine player, and brings a nice physical presence, but its not worth choking on that contact in 2-3 years. Like i said, i prefer the 1 year Simmonds deal over a 4+ year deal for Ferland, especially if he'd be getting over 6M per

I wouldn't, thats a huge overpay for him. Signing him long term is a concern for teams, combining his play style with his concussion/injury concern is a recipe for disaster on a long term deal. He's a fine player, and brings a nice physical presence, but its not worth choking on that contact in 2-3 years. Like i said, i prefer the 1 year Simmonds deal over a 4+ year deal for Ferland, especially if he'd be getting over 6M per
- vlongo4419

The Devs will need to overpay, would you go 4 years at 5.7?

The Devs will need to overpay, would you go 4 years at 5.7?
- Dj3668

Exactly, we would need to overpay. Which is why i agree with what Ray is doing by staying the hell out of free agency for the most part and building through trades and the draft. You should only be overpaying for guys who will move the needle, neither a Dzingel or Ferland are those players. Stay away from them. Which is why i like the Simmonds signing, its only one year and could have a very nice reward. If we bring in another forward it'll be through trade, ie Gusev hopefully

Exactly, we would need to overpay. Which is why i agree with what Ray is doing by staying the hell out of free agency for the most part and building through trades and the draft. You should only be overpaying for guys who will move the needle, neither a Dzingel or Ferland are those players. Stay away from them. Which is why i like the Simmonds signing, its only one year and could have a very nice reward. If we bring in another forward it'll be through trade, ie Gusev hopefully
- vlongo4419

Interesting. So you kinda see Ferland as perhaps a bad Clarkson singing by Toronto. I totally understand where you are coming from as we need to build through trade utilizing our picks and cap space.

Ferland is just one of those guys I want to play in the red and black as he reminds me of Madden.

He is the one player I would take a chance on. If we could get him at 5.5 mil over 3 year term, he can and will protect Hughes and Hirsh. That is what I’m looking for... Protecting our assets.