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Forums :: Blog World :: Todd Cordell: We should probably temper expectations for Nolan Foote in 2020-21
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Todd Cordell
New Jersey Devils
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 09.05.2011

Apr 28 @ 10:29 AM ET
Todd Cordell: We should probably temper expectations for Nolan Foote in 2020-21
RedC21
Calgary Flames
Joined: 01.18.2013

Apr 28 @ 10:51 AM ET
Probably should start in the ahl and give him a couple cups of coffee in the league throughout the year. Watching this guy at the juniors he reminded me a lot of Tom Wilson, if the devils can get him to develop he’ll be a stud.

On another note I am curious as to how important underlying analytics are at the junior level. Can you really make a good projection as to how good a player will be when they are posting good numbers as a 19/20 year old against 16 year olds out of AAA/junior B as well as going up against goalies that for the most part a step behind the skaters in terms of development.
Todd Cordell
Location: Barrie, ON
Joined: 02.10.2014

Apr 28 @ 10:59 AM ET
Probably should start in the ahl and give him a couple cups of coffee in the league throughout the year. Watching this guy at the juniors he reminded me a lot of Tom Wilson, if the devils can get him to develop he’ll be a stud.

On another note I am curious as to how important underlying analytics are at the junior level. Can you really make a good projection as to how good a player will be when they are posting good numbers as a 19/20 year old against 16 year olds out of AAA/junior B as well as going up against goalies that for the most part a step behind the skaters in terms of development.

- RedC21


I mean, his numbers were solid in his draft year and his draft+1. It's not like he was an OA or something.

Plenty of players on Kelowna were in their D+1, D+2, or D+3 years and they were a much better team with Foote on the ice than without. That's encouraging.
shvingter88
New Jersey Devils
Location: Puljujarvi makes draisitil and mcdavid better, CT
Joined: 10.12.2009

Apr 28 @ 11:15 AM ET
Todd Cordell: We should probably temper expectations for Nolan Foote in 2020-21
- Todd.Cordell

That’s fine, not like he turns us into a contender over night. Let him develop more, no rush.
Queenie_5_hole
New Jersey Devils
Joined: 05.01.2015

Apr 28 @ 11:17 AM ET
I'd be more worried about the injury then the missed games because I think guys are finding creative ways to train during the stoppage. Plus everyone is dealing with the same situation in the layoff.

That said, the team has real choices at LW so there is no reason to push Nolan into the lineup. RW is very thin.
RedC21
Calgary Flames
Joined: 01.18.2013

Apr 28 @ 11:18 AM ET
I mean, his numbers were solid in his draft year and his draft+1. It's not like he was an OA or something.

Plenty of players on Kelowna were in their D+1, D+2, or D+3 years and they were a much better team with Foote on the ice than without. That's encouraging.

- ToddCordellCGY


True, I’m not saying the numbers are useless I’m just curious as to how sustainable numbers put up junior are when a player transitions to pro. Foote’s a top prospect so it’s no wonder he’s the best player on their team, it’s more of a question of does the level of competition create an accurate measuring stick when trying to evaluate a player.

Realistically I think we need to overhaul our major junior system by splitting the 3 leagues into a U18 half and a U20 half at least that’s if they continue to deem players young enough for junior to be ineligible for the AHL.

CardiffGiant
New Jersey Devils
Joined: 04.05.2018

Apr 28 @ 11:40 AM ET
The final year of Hughes' entry-level contract is going to be interesting. Foote, Boqvist, and their 1st-round pick (I'm hoping for Holtz or Raymond if their lotto pick stays at 6-8) from this year should be on the team by the time Hughes' contract ends. This team is going to be incredibly young and have an interesting look. Perhaps 2021-22 may look like:

Boqvist-Hischier-Palmieri (he re-ups for between $6-7with NTC and gets years)
Foote-Hughes-Free Agent? (though I would like for Anderson or 2020 1st-round lotto pick at this spot)
Bratt-Zacha-2020 1st-round lotto draft pick (if Gusev stays that would be awesome)
Kuokkanen-Maltsev-Anderson
Spare -?, ?

UFA or possible trade -Subban (last year of his contract)
Smith-Severson
Butcher-?
Spare D - ?

I think one of Wood, McLeod, or Bastian will be taken by Seattle. The rest will be the extra forward or move on from the organization. Though I would like the team to keep Gusev, if they're not competitive next year he's their biggest trade chip after Palmeri. Also, Gusev is going to do the "Russian" thing and show me the money. Unfortunately, Zajac will jump on a contender and play 4th line minutes by 2021-22.
shvingter88
New Jersey Devils
Location: Puljujarvi makes draisitil and mcdavid better, CT
Joined: 10.12.2009

Apr 28 @ 12:16 PM ET
The final year of Hughes' entry-level contract is going to be interesting. Foote, Boqvist, and their 1st-round pick (I'm hoping for Holtz or Raymond if their lotto pick stays at 6-8) from this year should be on the team by the time Hughes' contract ends. This team is going to be incredibly young and have an interesting look. Perhaps 2021-22 may look like:

Boqvist-Hischier-Palmieri (he re-ups for between $6-7with NTC and gets years)
Foote-Hughes-Free Agent? (though I would like for Anderson or 2020 1st-round lotto pick at this spot)
Bratt-Zacha-2020 1st-round lotto draft pick (if Gusev stays that would be awesome)
Kuokkanen-Maltsev-Anderson
Spare -?, ?

UFA or possible trade -Subban (last year of his contract)
Smith-Severson
Butcher-?
Spare D - ?

I think one of Wood, McLeod, or Bastian will be taken by Seattle. The rest will be the extra forward or move on from the organization. Though I would like the team to keep Gusev, if they're not competitive next year he's their biggest trade chip after Palmeri. Also, Gusev is going to do the "Russian" thing and show me the money. Unfortunately, Zajac will jump on a contender and play 4th line minutes by 2021-22.

- CardiffGiant

He’s going to sign with Vancouver
redmonsters
New Jersey Devils
Location: NY
Joined: 06.23.2015

Apr 28 @ 1:26 PM ET
I hope they take their time with him. Year in AHL then if he can, up with the big team. If he can turn into a second or third line left winger its a big win for us.
Thunder_daddy
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Van isle ferda, BC
Joined: 09.06.2015

Apr 28 @ 4:04 PM ET
I am hoping that Foote can be a player but I dont know if I can see him ever turning into a top 6 forward in the NHL.
I live in a WHL city and have seen him play multiple times and he doesn't really stick out. You can tell hes better than most of the players but he doesn't dominate by any means.
I saw a game while I was in kelowna vs the vancouver giants. Bowen Byram had 2 guys stuck at the hip all night long and it didnt matter, made big plays all night and controlled play. Didnt even really notice when Foote was on the ice. I realize Byram was taken 4th and Foote 27th, but I would of expected more from a first rounder.
Saw him as more of a complimentary player, not one that drove the play.
Crushers68
New Jersey Devils
Location: Hilton Head Island, SC
Joined: 02.17.2009

Apr 28 @ 5:36 PM ET
You could certainly make a case that Jack should have spent the year in the minors too
brodeurman89
New Jersey Devils
Location: Point Pleasant, NJ
Joined: 05.31.2010

Apr 28 @ 10:15 PM ET
If we are talking about Devils' high level prospects, I just assume they turn out like Josefson and Zacha. Useful for the ELC and maybe a 2nd contract and that's it. Let him "develop" and flame out in about 5 years. One thing I have always thought is that the Devils farm system can't develop highly touted prospects. I just don't know why. I get more excited with what talent the Devils get (or trade for) in the later rounds.
bruceflyers
Joined: 06.16.2012

Apr 28 @ 11:48 PM ET
Why temper?

Definitely a generational player!
bikeguy99
New Jersey Devils
Joined: 09.05.2017

Apr 29 @ 12:35 AM ET
Probably should start in the ahl and give him a couple cups of coffee in the league throughout the year. Watching this guy at the juniors he reminded me a lot of Tom Wilson, if the devils can get him to develop he’ll be a stud.

On another note I am curious as to how important underlying analytics are at the junior level. Can you really make a good projection as to how good a player will be when they are posting good numbers as a 19/20 year old against 16 year olds out of AAA/junior B as well as going up against goalies that for the most part a step behind the skaters in terms of development.

- RedC21


Ya we have an absolute log jam on at LW, so let the kid play a season in the NHL as a #1LW with quality pp time. If he notches 20+ goals, he will be ready to make the leap. We are desperate for a good shooter to help out Palms. But I am not convinced he is up for a big NHL role quite yet.
bikeguy99
New Jersey Devils
Joined: 09.05.2017

Apr 29 @ 12:42 AM ET
If we are talking about Devils' high level prospects, I just assume they turn out like Josefson and Zacha. Useful for the ELC and maybe a 2nd contract and that's it. Let him "develop" and flame out in about 5 years. One thing I have always thought is that the Devils farm system can't develop highly touted prospects. I just don't know why. I get more excited with what talent the Devils get (or trade for) in the later rounds.
- brodeurman89


That is your contribution to the blog? Not anything but pessimism? The kid is 19, and one of the top snipers in the WHL, lets not write him off quite yet. At least back up your statement with ANYTHING about this player, whether you don't like his release (which is unreal), or his skating (most likely his biggest weakness). Our drafting wasn't great, but Bratt/Boq/Nico/Blackwood/Smith have all done excellent at meeting or exceeding my expectations. Your living in the pre-shero days, and even Ray is in the past now. I am quite happy with our past 3 drafts, and even more thrilled with our overall trade acquisitions. Relax bud, we are in for another draft, and you may be surprised one day.
brodeurman89
New Jersey Devils
Location: Point Pleasant, NJ
Joined: 05.31.2010

Apr 29 @ 10:56 AM ET
That is your contribution to the blog? Not anything but pessimism? The kid is 19, and one of the top snipers in the WHL, lets not write him off quite yet. At least back up your statement with ANYTHING about this player, whether you don't like his release (which is unreal), or his skating (most likely his biggest weakness). Our drafting wasn't great, but Bratt/Boq/Nico/Blackwood/Smith have all done excellent at meeting or exceeding my expectations. Your living in the pre-shero days, and even Ray is in the past now. I am quite happy with our past 3 drafts, and even more thrilled with our overall trade acquisitions. Relax bud, we are in for another draft, and you may be surprised one day.
- bikeguy99


I'm not writing him off per se. He is looking good in the WHL. I'm more or less questioning players from the second they enter the Devils system. Right now he is still in the WHL. The same can be said for Ty Smith. They are preforming quite well in the WHL but the Devils haven't been able to screw them up yet. Bratt has been great considering he is a later round pick but nobody thought of him as "future core" when he was drafted. Nico went straight to the big club from day one. I never doubt the player themselves. I doubt the system that develops them. I have high hopes for every prospect when they are drafted.

To be honest our drafts has been better as of recently. I wouldn't even say that drafting is the problem here. There is nothing that really bothers me about any of these guys that we draft. At the time they are drafted they fill in obvious holes. But somewhere between leaving juniors and getting to the big club is my concern. One huge change Ray did during his time was improve at drafting and I will not complain about that. And his trades were usually one sided in our favor that he should be applauded. But when I see a huge change from the higher level prospect we drafted to when they step on NHL ice is so different, that is what bothers me.
Queenie_5_hole
New Jersey Devils
Joined: 05.01.2015

Apr 29 @ 1:07 PM ET
That is your contribution to the blog? Not anything but pessimism? The kid is 19, and one of the top snipers in the WHL, lets not write him off quite yet. At least back up your statement with ANYTHING about this player, whether you don't like his release (which is unreal), or his skating (most likely his biggest weakness). Our drafting wasn't great, but Bratt/Boq/Nico/Blackwood/Smith have all done excellent at meeting or exceeding my expectations. Your living in the pre-shero days, and even Ray is in the past now. I am quite happy with our past 3 drafts, and even more thrilled with our overall trade acquisitions. Relax bud, we are in for another draft, and you may be surprised one day.
- bikeguy99



I'm not arguing but this team hasn't developed any star players in a long time. There isn't one guy who's been a stud. Bratt couldn't stay in the lineup. Nico crapped out at 14 goals. Blackwood was killer after a horrific start. I mean I like all these guys but they aren't striking fear in other teams hearts... yet. It's been pretty bleak around here for a long time.

This season we traded away out top player (Hall) and our most Devilish player (Coleman). We don't have a permanent GM or Coach. We do have the smallest payroll in the league; not to mention a mostly AHL caliber defense. Things are a mess and every year it's wait til the draft.... and our draft record is still TBD at best. Everyone was so excited for when we won the LOSE FOR HUGHES Sweepstakes. Hell, I went to the draft party in Newark. But wow, we still stink. Instead of jumping on this guy for being pessimistic ask why the (frank) should any of us be optimistic about how this goat (frank) of a team is run?
redmonsters
New Jersey Devils
Location: NY
Joined: 06.23.2015

Apr 29 @ 3:37 PM ET
Just to play devils advocate, your development system can only develop so far. You have to have some talent to deal with and then be patient in training and education. I believe the Devil's drafting was the issue, which made development program almost not relevent. Remember Stephan Mattieu (Sp?), no development was teaching him anything. And there were far too many drafts like that at the end of Lou's term. Of course not having first round picks and picking in the 20s when you do is not really sustainable unless you get lucky.

The above is why this years draft could be a turning point for this team. With center position (Hughes, Hischer, Zacha) pretty well set, if they can get some scoring talent (two of: Holtz, Perfetti, Raymond, Rossi, Quinn, Jarvis) and one decent d-man out of those three picks it would be awesome. That is of course assuming we do not win any lotto picks - that just cannot happen again....can it?

Queenie_5_hole
New Jersey Devils
Joined: 05.01.2015

Apr 29 @ 5:08 PM ET
Just to play devils advocate, your development system can only develop so far. You have to have some talent to deal with and then be patient in training and education. I believe the Devil's drafting was the issue, which made development program almost not relevent. Remember Stephan Mattieu (Sp?), no development was teaching him anything. And there were far too many drafts like that at the end of Lou's term. Of course not having first round picks and picking in the 20s when you do is not really sustainable unless you get lucky.

The above is why this years draft could be a turning point for this team. With center position (Hughes, Hischer, Zacha) pretty well set, if they can get some scoring talent (two of: Holtz, Perfetti, Raymond, Rossi, Quinn, Jarvis) and one decent d-man out of those three picks it would be awesome. That is of course assuming we do not win any lotto picks - that just cannot happen again....can it?

- redmonsters


It CAN happen again. It's just very unlikely to happen.

Definitely have to agree that there was a general lack of talent drafted for years.

MartysBetter88
New Jersey Devils
Location: 94Nevermore, NJ
Joined: 07.01.2010

Apr 29 @ 5:40 PM ET
not worried about Foote, or anyone really. The reason being is we have quite a handful of prospects that we're hopeful on, but only have so much reasonable confidence in. If Foote doesn't make it, fine- Boqvist probably will. And we can say that about several other players. Some will make the team, others will develop elsewhere.. and that's fine. We won't know till we get there, whenever that is.

all this is stating the obvious, but it's how I'm managing expectations right now.
MartysBetter88
New Jersey Devils
Location: 94Nevermore, NJ
Joined: 07.01.2010

Apr 29 @ 5:44 PM ET
I am hoping that Foote can be a player but I dont know if I can see him ever turning into a top 6 forward in the NHL.
I live in a WHL city and have seen him play multiple times and he doesn't really stick out. You can tell hes better than most of the players but he doesn't dominate by any means.
I saw a game while I was in kelowna vs the vancouver giants. Bowen Byram had 2 guys stuck at the hip all night long and it didnt matter, made big plays all night and controlled play. Didnt even really notice when Foote was on the ice. I realize Byram was taken 4th and Foote 27th, but I would of expected more from a first rounder.
Saw him as more of a complimentary player, not one that drove the play.

- Thunder_daddy

then he'll fit in just fine here. just about every one of our players is currently a complimentary player on a playoff team. what's one more?
bikeguy99
New Jersey Devils
Joined: 09.05.2017

Apr 30 @ 12:40 AM ET
I'm not arguing but this team hasn't developed any star players in a long time. There isn't one guy who's been a stud. Bratt couldn't stay in the lineup. Nico crapped out at 14 goals. Blackwood was killer after a horrific start. I mean I like all these guys but they aren't striking fear in other teams hearts... yet. It's been pretty bleak around here for a long time.

This season we traded away out top player (Hall) and our most Devilish player (Coleman). We don't have a permanent GM or Coach. We do have the smallest payroll in the league; not to mention a mostly AHL caliber defense. Things are a mess and every year it's wait til the draft.... and our draft record is still TBD at best. Everyone was so excited for when we won the LOSE FOR HUGHES Sweepstakes. Hell, I went to the draft party in Newark. But wow, we still stink. Instead of jumping on this guy for being pessimistic ask why the (frank) should any of us be optimistic about how this goat (frank) of a team is run?

- Queenie_5_hole


I get that our recent (past few years) have yet to produce stars. But is it our developement? Sometimes its simply draft years. McD would thrive in any organization, Nico would still be an unreal 2-way C in any organization.

-Yes we traded our best forward away, but we acquired him with a D we developed.
-Bratt never deserved to be scratched, that's just not a fair argument, and his ppg is fantastic given his TOI and the fact that he 5th rounder shows he has developed quite nicely.
-Of course blackwood struggled in the beginning. What 20 year old goalies dont?
-Elias was an absolute underrated all-star talent, and some would argue Parise was as well.
-Brodeur, Niedermayer, Stevens...... I know they have been retired for some time, but we can't forget those beauties.
- It wasn't that long ago we were in the finals vs LA, so naturally a regression happens to many teams, and now we are doing a terrific job stock-piling picks and prospects.
-Yes we traded coleman, but for an epic haul. Lets not forget he was a fringe NHL player at 26 years old.....
-Smith deserves a lot more respect. I know he hasn't played a game in the NHL, but winning WHL D of the year, CHL D of the year, breaking scoring records, and potentially repeating it again this year has certainly earned some potential to become a star in the league. Blackwood too.
- PLEASE TELL ME WHO VEGAS DEVELOPED IN THEIR FIRST SEASON EVER!!!!!!!!!
Queenie_5_hole
New Jersey Devils
Joined: 05.01.2015

Apr 30 @ 1:29 PM ET
I get that our recent (past few years) have yet to produce stars. But is it our developement? Sometimes its simply draft years. McD would thrive in any organization, Nico would still be an unreal 2-way C in any organization.

-Yes we traded our best forward away, but we acquired him with a D we developed.
-Bratt never deserved to be scratched, that's just not a fair argument, and his ppg is fantastic given his TOI and the fact that he 5th rounder shows he has developed quite nicely.
-Of course blackwood struggled in the beginning. What 20 year old goalies dont?
-Elias was an absolute underrated all-star talent, and some would argue Parise was as well.
-Brodeur, Niedermayer, Stevens...... I know they have been retired for some time, but we can't forget those beauties.
- It wasn't that long ago we were in the finals vs LA, so naturally a regression happens to many teams, and now we are doing a terrific job stock-piling picks and prospects.
-Yes we traded coleman, but for an epic haul. Lets not forget he was a fringe NHL player at 26 years old.....
-Smith deserves a lot more respect. I know he hasn't played a game in the NHL, but winning WHL D of the year, CHL D of the year, breaking scoring records, and potentially repeating it again this year has certainly earned some potential to become a star in the league. Blackwood too.
- PLEASE TELL ME WHO VEGAS DEVELOPED IN THEIR FIRST SEASON EVER!!!!!!!!!

- bikeguy99


Jon Merrill!

Maybe Brandon Piri....

But really how do you develop someone in one year? A lot of guys were a lot more productive on Vegas then they had been elsewhere. I don't know if that gives them a claim to development. Why are we talking about who Vegas developed anyway? (serious question).

shvingter88
New Jersey Devils
Location: Puljujarvi makes draisitil and mcdavid better, CT
Joined: 10.12.2009

May 1 @ 12:19 PM ET
Jon Merrill!

Maybe Brandon Piri....

But really how do you develop someone in one year? A lot of guys were a lot more productive on Vegas then they had been elsewhere. I don't know if that gives them a claim to development. Why are we talking about who Vegas developed anyway? (serious question).

- Queenie_5_hole

Talking about Vegas’s development isn’t wild, this is where we are at with no sports.