Todd Cordell: Trading season is open for the New Jersey Devils

None of that sounds very appealing except working out a cap relieve move with the Sharks. I doubt they'd move anyone of value like Leblank. I also am not excited to bail out on Pavel Zacha because I think he'd bring back very little in return and could be a decent 3C. Plus, Zajac is done after this year.

Keep Zacha . Keep Wood...

terrible deals here.

Keep Zacha . Keep Wood...

terrible deals here.
- thechezman

I'd trade Wood for a 3rd in a heartbeat. Zacha has been improving, but odds are he's a career bottom 6 player. Wood just doesn't have the hockey IQ or vision. He generates chances, but the kind of guy many players hate having on their lines as he simply doesn't move the puck.

If anyone wants Wood, trade him. That 2.75M AAV cap savings can be used to retain PK's salary in another trade. Neither of those boys are contibuting in any meaningful capacity, and I'd sooner use the space to take on bad contracts, or target quality UFA's

I like Lawrence Pilut but what would it take to get him.

Todd Cordell: Trading season is open for the New Jersey Devils
- Todd.Cordell

We need 1 or 2 LD desperately. Butch isn't cutting it. When the Islanders are allowed to trade, I'd be happy to land Leddy. His skating is fantastic, and 2 years at 5.5M AAV is a solid cap hit. They have 8 contract expiring, including Barzal/Pullock, and 10M cap space (assuming it remains flat). I would only be on board if Leddy was selling for a bargain (2nd round pick). The isles defensive system really cripples Leddy's skillset, and if given more freedom, I could see him breaking the 40 point barrier for the 5th time.

I'd trade Wood for a 3rd in a heartbeat. Zacha has been improving, but odds are he's a career bottom 6 player. Wood just doesn't have the hockey IQ or vision. He generates chances, but the kind of guy many players hate having on their lines as he simply doesn't move the puck.

If anyone wants Wood, trade him. That 2.75M AAV cap savings can be used to retain PK's salary in another trade. Neither of those boys are contibuting in any meaningful capacity, and I'd sooner use the space to take on bad contracts, or target quality UFA's
- bikeguy99

Do you mean he doesn't move the puck as in passing? He certainly can carry the puck forward and charges up the ice. He just doesn't distribute at all.

That said, I wouldn't trade him for the cap space. We have enough cap space to do whatever we want. If we trade Wood it should be the return that makes sense. Obviously he's not getting you much on his own so possibly as part of a package; but I'm inclined to hang on to people unless there is a compelling reason to move them. When we get a new coaching staff player performances can be affected. Wood had some value when he scored 19 goals but not so much now.

I like the idea of trading for Kevin Labanc. I think he would be a good veteran to ride shotgun with Hughes. That would, at least for next season, only put 2 question marks in the forward group. The Devils can field:

?-Nico-Palms --> Hopefully Boqvist earns the spot on the left side of Nico
?-Hughes-Labanc --> The left side is a big hole
Bratt-Zacha-Gusev --> Let this group ride
Wood-Zajac-Anderson --> Though if Wood is gone it isn't a total loss

If 2 out of the 3 of Boqvist, Merkley, and Kuokkanen can earn spots next year, it would go a long way for this team. If any of them have a 10-15 goal season as full-time roster members next season, I'd be more comfortable with trading Palmieri or Gusev if it had to come down to that. I hope it doesn't, but I would have a lot more confidence with this team's direction towards Stanley Cup contenders.

Don't forget, the Devils will probably draft at least two high-end forwards in this draft. This draft is loaded with small forwards, but most of the projected 1st-rounders have speed and skill.

So, what would it take to get Labanc? Definitely, the Vancouver 1st-round pick to start. I don't know if I would give up the Coyotes pick if it drops in the Top-10. After that, I figure an under-control player. Maybe we take salary back.

What do you think it will take?

There is no bottom 7 team here I would think could help us, period. I know the hate for Zacha, I do not have it. Yes he is a disappointment based on draft pedigree, but he is actually a valuable player, who continues to improve every year and his salary is economical. Wood might be slightly overpaid, but unless we are getting something decent back he is more valuable to us. There is a reason we are part of the sad seven, and mostly they do not have answers for us. We need to be looking at the cash strapped teams for a deal. I am not adverse to trading anyone, but lets not shortchange ourselves.

I agree with redmonster on Zacha and Wood.
And I agree with those lines.. except idk about Lebanc, and Anderson could be flexed out as well. Boqvist should be next to Nico or Hughes. Perhaps this year's 1st rounder will also be next to Nico or Hughes. Hughes HAS to be better. If he is, we can throw a rookie on one side and a veteran on the other. If he's not?.. it'll be another terrible year with him being as effective as a bad 4th line center, which creates an entire "dead" line, which craps on the development of any young players that could be playin next to him. He must be better.

-Nico-Palms --> Hopefully Boqvist earns the spot on the left side of Nico
?-Hughes-Labanc --> The left side is a big hole
Bratt-Zacha-Gusev --> Let this group ride
Wood-Zajac-Anderson

Todd Cordell: Trading season is open for the New Jersey Devils
- Todd.Cordell

Unless we can get a second round pick I don’t really see any reason to trade anyone.

I agree with redmonster on Zacha and Wood.
And I agree with those lines.. except idk about Lebanc, and Anderson could be flexed out as well. Boqvist should be next to Nico or Hughes. Perhaps this year's 1st rounder will also be next to Nico or Hughes. Hughes HAS to be better. If he is, we can throw a rookie on one side and a veteran on the other. If he's not?.. it'll be another terrible year with him being as effective as a bad 4th line center, which creates an entire "dead" line, which craps on the development of any young players that could be playin next to him. He must be better.

-Nico-Palms --> Hopefully Boqvist earns the spot on the left side of Nico
?-Hughes-Labanc --> The left side is a big hole
Bratt-Zacha-Gusev --> Let this group ride
Wood-Zajac-Anderson
- MartysBetter88

Unless we win the lottery it would seem like a longshot to draft anyone who's really NHL ready.

Unless we win the lottery it would seem like a longshot to draft anyone who's really NHL ready.
- Queenie_5_hole

Yeah i agree, especially with whats going on and the likelihood next season doesnt start until December-ish, i dont think any prospect from this draft will be in the nhl next season outside of Lafreniere, and theres even questions about that happening because he may go play in Europe for the year if those leagues start on time. Gotta hope he gets an out-clause in the contract for the NHL if thats the case

Yeah i agree, especially with whats going on and the likelihood next season doesnt start until December-ish, i dont think any prospect from this draft will be in the nhl next season outside of Lafreniere, and theres even questions about that happening because he may go play in Europe for the year if those leagues start on time. Gotta hope he gets an out-clause in the contract for the NHL if thats the case
- vlongo4419

I'm sure he'd get an out clause.

Quinton Byfield seems like he'd have a shot at playing in the NHL also. He's a big kid, so maybe....

I'm sure he'd get an out clause.

Quinton Byfield seems like he'd have a shot at playing in the NHL also. He's a big kid, so maybe....
- Queenie_5_hole

From everything ive heard about Byfield he's still incredibly raw and definitely needs another year in juniors before making the jump to pro, and depending how he grows next season may need a year in the AHL too. He's big but doesn't use his body like he should yet

From everything ive heard about Byfield he's still incredibly raw and definitely needs another year in juniors before making the jump to pro, and depending how he grows next season may need a year in the AHL too. He's big but doesn't use his body like he should yet
- vlongo4419

That's interesting because I read several months ago that some scouts believed Byfield could be as successful as Lafrenier. That said, I gladly admit I have no idea.

That's interesting because I read several months ago that some scouts believed Byfield could be as successful as Lafrenier. That said, I gladly admit I have no idea.
- Queenie_5_hole

Well he definitely could be as good, but that doesnt mean he's there yet. Just because he likely wont be ready for the NHL year 1 doesnt mean he cant/wont be as successful or more successful than Lafreniere. A lot believe he has the highest ceiling in the draft, but also has bust potential. He's an incredible talent, and once he starts to use his body and be physical he's going to be a beast, but hes not there yet. He's pretty much a full year younger than Lafreniere so its not really a big deal, but the knock against him has always been his strength/physicality being such a big kid. I hope this year's world junior championships actually happen because he should be one of THE guys for Canada, i wanna see how he does in major role

Well he definitely could be as good, but that doesnt mean he's there yet. Just because he likely wont be ready for the NHL year 1 doesnt mean he cant/wont be as successful or more successful than Lafreniere. A lot believe he has the highest ceiling in the draft, but also has bust potential. He's an incredible talent, and once he starts to use his body and be physical he's going to be a beast, but hes not there yet. He's pretty much a full year younger than Lafreniere so its not really a big deal, but the knock against him has always been his strength/physicality being such a big kid. I hope this year's world junior championships actually happen because he should be one of THE guys for Canada, i wanna see how he does in major role
- vlongo4419

Well with any luck in the draft and we can have our pick between the two....

Well with any luck in the draft and we can have our pick between the two....
- Queenie_5_hole

We can only hope! As long as we dont move down more than a spot or so, im comfortable staying at the 6-7 range, we're going to be getting a very good player either way. Im way more concerned about the Yotes pick than our own, we're in a good spot with ours

We can only hope! As long as we dont move down more than a spot or so, im comfortable staying at the 6-7 range, we're going to be getting a very good player either way. Im way more concerned about the Yotes pick than our own, we're in a good spot with ours
- vlongo4419

If we don't win any of the top three spots we will pick somewhere between 6th and 9th. While I'm no expert on this it seems there is a significant difference in that range. Top 6/7 would be a major add while 8/9 would just be a quality pick.

This also has ramifications on the Arizona pick which could be 10th to 13th if they lose their play in or anywhere 16-31st.... Or they could win the draft and we have to wait until next year. So we need to hope Minnesota can knock them off; which is far from a given.

If we don't win any of the top three spots we will pick somewhere between 6th and 9th. While I'm no expert on this it seems there is a significant difference in that range. Top 6/7 would be a major add while 8/9 would just be a quality pick.

This also has ramifications on the Arizona pick which could be 10th to 13th if they lose their play in or anywhere 16-31st.... Or they could win the draft and we have to wait until next year. So we need to hope Minnesota can knock them off; which is far from a given.
- Queenie_5_hole

My understanding was that most of the top 10 or so is high level talent. I think the largest difference by far will be between 1 and 2.

If we don't win any of the top three spots we will pick somewhere between 6th and 9th. While I'm no expert on this it seems there is a significant difference in that range. Top 6/7 would be a major add while 8/9 would just be a quality pick.

This also has ramifications on the Arizona pick which could be 10th to 13th if they lose their play in or anywhere 16-31st.... Or they could win the draft and we have to wait until next year. So we need to hope Minnesota can knock them off; which is far from a given.
- Queenie_5_hole

Nah, picking 6/7 or 8/9 isnt a big difference actually. Most people have Lafreniere alone at 1 in his own tier, then theres a big tier at 2-9 which is Byfield, Stutzle, Drysdale, Raymond, Holtz, Rossi, Perfetti, and Lundell where all of these guys are interchangeable across all rankings, its honestly just preference. People are even starting to throw Sanderson into that group too, not sure i would though. After 9 is the slight drop off but still very good talents. You just want someone out of that group and no matter where we pick we're guaranteed to have atleast one on the board. And someone will likely reach on a player or 2 and have one of those players in that tier drop outside of the top 10, which would mean we could get 2 of them if the Arizona pick falls in our favor, like this year i think Sanderson will be the guy to go a lot higher than he actually should. I would just prefer to not drop back to 8 or 9 because i want more of those players available to choose from and it makes us less likely to pick outside of that tier. I have my preference on the players i want/like, but ill be thrilled to land any of those players with our pick. I'm praying we can get 2, which is why im way more worried about the Yotes pick than our own

Nah, picking 6/7 or 8/9 isnt a big difference actually. Most people have Lafreniere alone at 1 in his own tier, then theres a big tier at 2-9 which is Byfield, Stutzle, Drysdale, Raymond, Holtz, Rossi, Perfetti, and Lundell where all of these guys are interchangeable across all rankings, its honestly just preference. People are even starting to throw Sanderson into that group too, not sure i would though. After 9 is the slight drop off but still very good talents. You just want someone out of that group and no matter where we pick we're guaranteed to have atleast one on the board. And someone will likely reach on a player or 2 and have one of those players in that tier drop outside of the top 10, which would mean we could get 2 of them if the Arizona pick falls in our favor, like this year i think Sanderson will be the guy to go a lot higher than he actually should. I would just prefer to not drop back to 8 or 9 because i want more of those players available to choose from and it makes us less likely to pick outside of that tier. I have my preference on the players i want/like, but ill be thrilled to land any of those players with our pick. I'm praying we can get 2, which is why im way more worried about the Yotes pick than our own
- vlongo4419

You're probably right that our spot 6-9 doesn't really matter much.

Totally get the worry about the Yotes pick. I'm not worried about the Vancouver pick because I'm fine with taking an unprotected first next year.

You're probably right that our spot 6-9 doesn't really matter much.

Totally get the worry about the Yotes pick. I'm not worried about the Vancouver pick because I'm fine with taking an unprotected first next year.
- Queenie_5_hole

We will get a good player in that range, yes. But the right player for our team? Take Stutzle (LW) for example, excellent skater, excellent playmaker, with an OK shot. I would pass on him and take Holtz(RW) who is a good skater, good playmaker, but best shot in the draft. So it does matter where we pick so we can pick a great prospect AND fills a need/position. Again, we will be happy with whoever we get there, but some might be BPA and fill a need, which would be a bonus. And I just compared those two, you can make similar arguments among others.. Trust me, if we picked Stutzle I would be happy also.

We will get a good player in that range, yes. But the right player for our team? Take Stutzle (LW) for example, excellent skater, excellent playmaker, with an OK shot. I would pass on him and take Holtz(RW) who is a good skater, good playmaker, but best shot in the draft. So it does matter where we pick so we can pick a great prospect AND fills a need/position. Again, we will be happy with whoever we get there, but some might be BPA and fill a need, which would be a bonus. And I just compared those two, you can make similar arguments among others.. Trust me, if we picked Stutzle I would be happy also.
- redmonsters

I don't think Stutzle should be compared to the rest. IMO:

Laf

Byfield
Stutzle

Raymond, holtz, perfetti, rossi, drysdale in no particular order.