Todd Cordell: Reilly Walsh returning to Harvard for senior season

All set in the undersized defenseman category anyway

This is disappointing news, but not entirely unexpected. Devs would be smart if they can get a similar to Canes/Fox/Rags deal done.

Well there is certainly plenty of opportunity for a quality defender on the NJ Devils Blueline. That said, yeah it's probably a loss for the Red and Black.

At some point teams are going to have to decide if it's worth picking up college kids who they might lose vs. safer picks. There were a lot of defenseman taken just before and after Walsh so it's not like there aren't choices.

All set in the undersized defenseman category anyway
- Durwood

6 foot talk 185 pounds doesn't seem real undersized in today's NHL.

Just saying.

Well there is certainly plenty of opportunity for a quality defender on the NJ Devils Blueline. That said, yeah it's probably a loss for the Red and Black.

At some point teams are going to have to decide if it's worth picking up college kids who they might lose vs. safer picks. There were a lot of defenseman taken just before and after Walsh so it's not like there aren't choices.
- Queenie_5_hole

Could be, and it might already exist that teams shy away from NCAA committed kids. I cannot blame a kid for taking this route but something should be said from the kid to the team so they can get some compensation through trade value OR the team that signs him has to give compensation (say a pick in the round the kid was drafted in).

I remember the moment we drafted him someone said this would happen, I can't remember who it was in here, but whoever it was, must be feeling smug right now.

I remember the moment we drafted him someone said this would happen, I can't remember who it was in here, but whoever it was, must be feeling smug right now.
- cu45161

It wasn't me but I wouldn't feel smug about it. I would feel pissed off that I knew this was going to happen but the Devil's organization did not use better asset management to prevent something like this from happening.

Being a losing franchise located in Newark NJ doesn't exactly scream dream scenario for places to get drafted. Especially for someone like Walsh who grew up in New Hampshire and is attending Harvard. It seems like a highly suspect decision to draft him.

He gone

All set in the undersized defenseman category anyway
- Durwood

He's 6' tall. Not small, not large. And we could certainly use a good RD prospect to compliment Smith and Bahl as their roles grow. If you're concerned about the physicality aspect, I don't blame you. The College route is strictly skill/speed, and hits are a rarity, especially in the ivy league circuit. Regardless, he has become a great 3rd round selection, and it would be a shame to lose the kid.

This is a major issue within the league that needs to be addressed. Happens every year, yes we lost Kerfoot, but we snagged Butcher. It shouldn't be happening, but is a regular off-season dispute. It is not fair for a franchise to pressure these kids into abandoning their education, but at the risk of losing them, they have to. The league needs to come up with some sort of system that allows these guys to go to college for 4 years, and if they re-sign with a different club, compensation is rewarded.

I say, to the team that poaches these players, they are forced to give up 2 picks. The rd in which the player was selected, as well as one round earlier. So for Walsh, if a team should sign him, they have to award the Devs with a 2nd and 3rd. It needs to somewhat reflect and RFA offer, but obviously these prospects aren't getting big $$, so their relative draft positions is the best I can think of.

It sucks for many reasons. Most of the hockey news is other teams signing up their prospects or NCAA free agents, and all we get is more squat. Its tough being a Devil fan the last few years.

Todd Cordell: Reilly Walsh returning to Harvard for senior season
- Todd.Cordell

Lets just hope the kid signs after his degree is complete. Otherwise, focus on inking Gustafsson, Sbisa, Edmonson, Shatts, maybe Bogo if we are desperate for a #3 RD........

There is quality players likely available at low risk contracts. And lets face it, are Butcher or Severson noticeably better than these guys?

Not surprised at all. I predicted that he would test free agency from the day we drafted him. Shame. The "play four years of college and be able to pick your own team" rule should be changed. What a waste of a draft pick these kids are for the teams that draft them - what's the point of drafting them if you they can just run out their draft team's control of them anyway?