SBNation.com User Blog: NJGuy

Krys Barch Puts Lockout Into Perspective

NJGuy — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 05:14:56 -0000

Krys Barch Puts Lockout Into Perspective

One of our newest New Jersey Devils took to Social Media last night to express his frustration at the 2012 NHL Lockout.
You can either read his message at Puck Daddy, Fire and Ice, or read them directly from the source at @KrysBarch.

Courtesy of Ilya Kovalchuk's Official Facebook Page.

NJGuy — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:27:30 -0000

Courtesy of Ilya Kovalchuk's Official Facebook Page.

Devils Sign Stefan Matteau to Entry Level Contract

NJGuy — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 20:47:41 -0000

Devils Sign Stefan Matteau to Entry Level Contract

Devils sign 2012 first-round pick Stefan Matteau to three-year, entry-level contract: The Devils have signed 201... bit.ly/O7ZyGS— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) August 14, 2012

Nashville Predators Match Offer Sheet For Shea Weber

NJGuy — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 21:20:25 -0000

Nashville Predators Match Offer Sheet For Shea Weber

Normally the day-to-day business and signings of a Western Conference team doesn't affect us. However, this one does.

A lot of us are familiar with the offer sheet to which the Philadelphia Flyers have signed Nashville Predators' Captain and star defenseman Shea Weber. If Nashville did not match the offer sheet, Shea Weber would have been a Flyer on a 14 year contract, at $110 Million Dollars.

This would have been very bad news for our New Jersey Devils, as one of the top two-way defensemen in the league would be on a rival team in our division.

The news is good for us, as he will be no-where near the Atlantic division except in road-trips and perhaps the playoffs. However, for Shea, by trying to sign a deal that he thought Nashville couldn't match, he has now ensured his that he will presumably spend the next fourteen years in Nashville.

Please feel free to discuss your thoughts on Shea Weber and his new contract in Nashville here. Thanks for reading.

Devils Hire Scott Stevens and Matt Shaw as Assistant Coaches

NJGuy — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:50:13 -0000

Devils Hire Scott Stevens and Matt Shaw as Assistant Coaches

YOU'RE NEXT!

What are your thoughts on Scott Stevens returning to the Devils as an assistant coach?

"Shaw was most recently an assistant with the San Jose Sharks. He will help run the power play, taking up the responsibilities of Adam Oates -- who was named head coach of the Washington Capitals. He ran the Sharks' power play for the past three years. He will most likely run the Devils' PP from upstairs, rather than the bench.

"Matt brings exactly what Adam brought when he was here," Lamoriello said."

Lou Lamoriello elected to U.S. Hockey Hall Of Fame

NJGuy — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 20:51:22 -0000

Lou Lamoriello elected to U.S. Hockey Hall Of Fame

Congratulations to Lou!

Tomáš Hertl: 2012 Draft Prospect Profile

NJGuy — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 03:29:55 -0000

Whether it is NHL, NFL, or MLB, I get absorbed in Entry drafts. I don’t exactly know what it is about them, but I just love scouting out potential players and predicting where they will end up being drafted. The entire reason that I am here at In Lou We Trust is because I was doing research on last year’s NHL Entry draft (Adam Larsson specifically) and came across the site. Until now I haven’t paid too much attention to the majority of this year’s players due to our deep playoff run, but in the last few days I have been scouring NHL.com and thehockeywriters.com amongst other websites, reading up on the prospects that may be drafted in the first few rounds.

It is important to remember that we are not drafting for immediate impact, but instead for a few years down the line. Larsson played from the get-go last season, but that is unlikely with this year's pick. This player will take some time to develop, and hopefully will be a game-changing player.

Who is Tomáš Hertl?

Position: Center/Winger
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 200 lbs
Shoots: Left

Here are Hertl's Career Statistics.

Hertl played in the Czech Extraliga the last two seasons, where he scored 14 goals, 27 assists for 41 points in 2010-11 and 12 goals, 13 assists for 25 points in 2011-12. Hertl shined at the Word Junior Championship U20, were he scored 3 goals and 2 assists in 6 games. He also stood out at the NHL Draft Combine where he tied for 1st in the VO2 MAX Testing and placed second in the Hand-Eye Coordinatoin Test.

What Scouts have said about Tomáš Hertl

Jiří Fischer, Director of Player Development for the Detroit Red Wings, and was Assistant Coach for the Czech Republic during the 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships

Tomas has had a fantastic season thus far. Actually, last year he was the top scorer in the Czech Junior League. This year he’s the top scoring junior player in the Czech Extraliga. In fact, he had just as many points as all other junior players combined at one point before sustaining a shoulder injury. At this tournament, in the tough games where the team was losing focus here and there, he continued to do all the little things well. He’s strong on the puck down low and certainly his skill level and his size; the way he can withstand contact and still hold onto the puck and make plays is impressive. He sees the ice so well. I’m really excited about his future.

Aaron Vickers, Managing Editor - Future Considerations

It’s not hard to see what is immediately impressive with Hertl. He has a big frame and when he isn’t being physically punishing, uses it well to benefit his offensive game. What jumps out after is equally as exciting. Hertl has good vision and a soft touch with the puck. These qualities make the Czech more of a playmaker then a finisher who could develop into a power winger should he address his lack of acceleration.

Ross MacLean, Head Scout - International Scouting Services

"Tomas Hertl has been a very under the radar prospect but brings great skill and a versatile mind to his team. He has the ability to really stand out, even on rosters with higher profile players. He compliments a variety of skill types and can really amplify the availability of space for his teammates. He has developed steadily over the course of the past few seasons and could still improve his offensive output."

A Little Video

Here is a video of Hertl scoring against the United States in the WJC U20. He intercepts a pass, and drives to the net.

http://youtu.be/VjwQBG060uE

Here is Hertl scoring against Denmark in the WJC U20. He puts home a deflection down low. This is an example of his great hands down low.

http://youtu.be/5UYYZfyn2Qw

An opinions of sorts

When scouting players, there are some that you fall in love with. Tomáš Hertl is one of those players. Hertl is one of the top play-making centers in this draft class. He isn’t one of the best at scoring goals, but he has great vision on the ice and hockey sense.

When looking at his strengths listed at thehockeywriters.com, there is a certain player that comes to mind. That would be Patrik Elias. Patrik is known for his play-making abilities, and his creativity on the ice. Hertl seems to emulate that style of play by Elias.

Hertl has good size at 6'2", and he uses that size as he is superb at hanging onto the puck. He is also a good fore-checker. He is also a good two-way player, although reports say that he can improve upon it. The knock against him though is that he isn’t that great of a skater. He has an unorthodox skating style, and he is not that fast. The bright side is that his skating can be improved upon.

Herl is clearly a special player. He is ranked as the 5th best European skater by NHL Central Scouting. Most scouts predict he will be drafted in the mid to late first round. That should be beginning by the 20th overall pick. It is unlikely the Devils will be able to draft Hertl unless they trade up to do so. I'm not sure what our history of trading up to draft players is, but if Lou and David Conte think that Hertl is our guy, they might pull the trigger on a deal to draft him

Your Opinion.

Having read this, what is your impression of Tomáš Hertl? What do you like/dislike about him? Would you like for the Devils to draft him in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft? Thank you for reading.

Devils Options for Draft

NJGuy — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 23:19:40 -0000

Devils Options for Draft

I was searching the web for prospects that the Devils may draft, and I came across this article.
I really really want Brendan Gaunce. HOWEVER. After hearing about Tomas Hertl, I seriously want the Devils to draft him.
What are your opinions?

Tom Gulitti ‏@TGfireandice 8:11 pm It appears at this point that the Devils have decided to hold...

NJGuy — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 01:00:34 -0000

Tom Gulitti ‏@TGfireandice 8:11 pm

It appears at this point that the Devils have decided to hold on to their 2012 first-round pick. Still waiting for official word.
________________________________________________

Tom Gulitti ‏@TGfireandice 8:43 pm

Deadline has passed, Devils have not notified NHL they are giving up 2012 1st rd pick. So, they're not giving it up this year.

https://twitter.com/#!/TGfireandice

Devils make $32.3 MM in Playoff Revenue

NJGuy — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:21:22 -0000

Devils make $32.3 MM in Playoff Revenue

The biggest chunk of playoff money came from $26.2 million in postseason ticket sales, according to the newspaper’s review. Concessions brought in another big piece with the Devils selling $3.75 million worth of hot dogs, soda and beer during playoffs. Sponsors kicked in $1.1 million to the Devils’ bottom line during playoffs. Devils merchandise also gave the team an influx of about $1 million million worth of jerseys, T-shirts, and hats.

ESPN Insider Yankee Prospects Article

NJGuy — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 02:56:33 -0000

ESPN Insider Yankee Prospects Article

Keith Law made a trip to Charleston S.C. where he scouted Mason Williams, Gary Sanchez, and Tyler Austin. It's a nice read, so if you have Insider, you should take a look.

What would you give to have Rambo on the team?

NJGuy — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 02:55:11 -0000

What would you give to have Rambo on the team?

I found this over at Mocking The Draft.
What do you think? Should we have interest in him if he goes for the Supplemental draft?

Nice article about Sanchez and Jets Passing Game.

NJGuy — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 01:02:38 -0000

Nice article about Sanchez and Jets Passing Game.

ESPN Insider has a nice article on the Jets and why we made the correct decision in extending Sanchez. It parallels him to the struggles Namath had in his first few years starting, and offers a suggestion on how to give Sanchez some more responsibility in order for him to step up.

It then goes on to talk about the regression in Vertical Passing (throw of 11 or more yards) had in the last year. Apparently Plax was the reason why we had a regression in it , as it shows that Sanchez had more YPA to all other receivers, tight ends, and running backs than he had with Plax(he had a YPA of 7.9), even though he has a tall frame. Braylon Edwards was fantastic in this stat, having a YPA of 12.7. I personally would love to bring back Braylon and hope that he could be the '09, '10 versions of himself.

The ideal Jets offseaon. A mock draft and free agency .

NJGuy — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:44:40 -0000

My ideal Jets Offseason This is my first fanpost here. I’ve been here a long while following everything, and thought that I might as well do a mock draft and free agency predictions. I’ll do the draft presuming that we stay put at pick 16 and so on, barring any trades.

I’ll take care of free agency first, as it opens before the draft.

Free agency:

Jets resign:

Sione Pouha DT

Robert Turner OT

Aaron Maybin OLB

Pouha is really a no-brainer. Turner provides good depth for the OL, and Aaron Maybin could very well develop into one of our two best pass rushers on the team.

Jets sign through Free Agency:

Michael Griffin S

Demetrius Bell OT

Jason Campbell/Kyle Orton QB

Braylon Edwards WR

Mike Nuggent K

I feel that we have to address our safety issue through free agency, getting a starting safety in Griffin. His play has been spotty during the last few years, he will offer a substantial increase in play ability over what we currently have. I think it could be highly likely he comes to the Jets barring a franchise tag by the Titans, who will try to resign him. Bell would provide a starting right tackle for the Jets, so we wouldn’t have to address it through the draft. I understand that Right Tackle isn’t his natural position, but I’m sure that he would adapt adequately. Jason Campbell would be merely somebody to push Mark Sanchez along. I don’t consider him a threat to the starting job. Otherwise, Kyle Orton would be somebody that could help teach Sanchez and help him out. Amongst others on this site, I would welcome Braylon Edwards back to the team. He offers us a tall target, and the ability to stretch the field. I will address this issue in the draft as well, but I feel that Braylon would offer us a veteran and leadership presence on the team, which we also desperately need. A lot of people aren't high on Nick Folk as he has been inconsistent, and I agree. We might benefit in bringing back somebody like Mike Nuggent, or signing an undrafted free agent.

Now, The Draft.

Round 1, Pick 16

Courtney Upshaw, OLB, 6’1¾", 271, Alabama

Upshaw is one of the best OLB in the draft. This is an area where the Jets need to improve, especially in the pass rush. Upshaw will help contribute heavily in that respect.He is a great tackler, and will be a staple on the defense for years to come.

Round 2,

Markelle Martin, S, 6’0¾", 202, Oklahoma State

Martin is one of the best safeties in the draft. Everybody is high on Mark Baron, but he isn’t likely to be available after the first, so we need to find another player. Martin has top speed. He plays the ball well, and is very athletic. If drafted by the Jets, he will be a fixture on the defense for years.

Round 3

Nick Toon, WR, 6'1½", 213 , Wisconsin

It is no secret that the Jets need help in the receiver corps. I know that here a lot of people are high on taking a Wide Receiver in the first round, but honestly, that is just ridiculous. This draft is deep in WRs, and Nick Toon has the potential to be a top receiver. The Jets Organization is familiar with his family, as his father Al Toon was the Jets’ and League’s best receiver for many years. Toon isn’t as tall as some other receivers in the draft, but he has the top end speed that we need to stretch the field. He is a good blocker, and is a great receiver between the numbers.

Round 4,

Elvis Fischer, OT, 6'4½", 296, Missouri

Fischer played Left Tackle throughout his career so far, but scouts believe that he will do better on the right side. He is rated as an average pass protector and run blocker, but he is tough, and will give his all to sustain blocks.

Round 5,

Jeff Fuller, WR, 6'3¾", 217, Texas A&M

Fuller is a tall wide receiver, which is something that the Jets need. He has good hands, and can grab the ball in traffic. He comes back to the QB in scrambles and has the big play ability that we need to stretch the field. He has had character issues, but he seems to have matured some during the last year.

Comp Pick (Ellis)

Adewale Ojomo, DE, 6'3⅛", 258, Miami (FL

) I know some of you may be questioning on why I’m picking a defensive lineman, but I think that since we really need help on the pass rush front, it would be good to trying to convert a defensive end to an outside linebacker. Having an unusual name isn’t the only stand-out thing about Ojomo, as he is a good pass rusher. He is great against the run, a smart football player, can drop into coverage, and has a great motor. He is an all around great football player by his scouting reports, but from what I’m looking at, he isn’t ranked very highly. If his rank doesn’t increase after the combine, he would be a steal in the later rounds.

Round 6,

Tauren Poole, RB, 5'10⅛", 216, Tennessee

I believe in the philosophy of drafting a running back every year. You can never have too many running backs. Poole is a little taller and heavier than the average runner, but he is a power runner. He holds onto the ball well, and only has a single fumble in his college career. He has great vision, and always gets a few extra yards after an initial tackle. He seems to me like a poor man’s Maurice Jones-Drew, he should do well as a backup in the NFL, and can be a great running back.

Comp Pick (Smith)

Travis Lewis, OLB, 6'1¾", 232, Oklahoma

Lewis makes up for his average height in his great speed. He is a leader on the defense. He doesn’t have great pass rush skills, but he is an excellent tackler. He reads the play very well, and reacts well while in coverage.

Round 7,

Sean Cattouse, S, 6'2", 206, California

Safety is a big need still, so might as well stock up on them. Cattouse is a tall safety, and is considered the QB of his college’s secondary. He is pretty average when it comes to play reading, run support and cover skills, but he is a leader. Cattouse could be a project for us to develop, and could turn into a pretty good safety.

Comp Pick (Coleman)

Brian Stahovich, PT, 5'11½", 193, San Diego State

A good punter is a need, so I sort of just selected one. I wouldn’t really know which to choose, so I winged it. lol

Comp Pick (Edwards)

Cam Holland, OC, 6'2", 290, North Carolina

I pretty much randomized this pick. We could always use depth on the offensive line, so I picked somebody who could fit the bill. I don’t have the stats on him, but hey, I’m sure this pick will be hard to determine.

Please let me know what you think. Please comment on what you like, and what you dislike. If you feel that anything needs some tweaking, or otherwise major overhauls, please also comment on that too. I will probably do a revamped Mock Draft at the time of the Combine, so we have a better idea of where prospects stand. Thanks for reading!

My sources:

Free agency:

http://nfltraderumors.co/nfltr-features/2011022012-nfl-free-agents/

The draft:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/positions/_/id/8/year/2012/quarterback

(I have ESPN insider)

Compensation Picks

http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2012/1/6/2686334/2012-compensatory-draft-pick-predictions

I’ll take care of free agency first, as it opens before the draft.

Free agency:

Jets resign:

Sione Pouha DT

Robert Turner OT

Aaron Maybin OLB

Pouha is really a no-brainer. Turner provides good depth for the OL, and Aaron Maybin could very well develop into one of our two best pass rushers on the team.

Jets sign through Free Agency:

Michael Griffin S

Demetrius Bell OT

Jason Campbell/Kyle Orton QB

Braylon Edwards WR

Mike Nuggent K

Now, The Draft.

Round 1, Pick 16

Courtney Upshaw, OLB, 6’1¾", 271, Alabama

Round 2,

Markelle Martin, S, 6’0¾", 202, Oklahoma State

Round 3

Nick Toon, WR, 6'1½", 213 , Wisconsin

Round 4,

Elvis Fischer, OT, 6'4½", 296, Missouri

Round 5,

Jeff Fuller, WR, 6'3¾", 217, Texas A&M

Comp Pick (Ellis)

Adewale Ojomo, DE, 6'3⅛", 258, Miami (FL

Round 6,

Tauren Poole, RB, 5'10⅛", 216, Tennessee

Comp Pick (Smith)

Travis Lewis, OLB, 6'1¾", 232, Oklahoma

Round 7,

Sean Cattouse, S, 6'2", 206, California

Comp Pick (Coleman)

Brian Stahovich, PT, 5'11½", 193, San Diego State

A good punter is a need, so I sort of just selected one. I wouldn’t really know which to choose, so I winged it. lol

Comp Pick (Edwards)

Cam Holland, OC, 6'2", 290, North Carolina

My sources:

Free agency:

http://nfltraderumors.co/nfltr-features/2011022012-nfl-free-agents/

The draft:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/positions/_/id/8/year/2012/quarterback

(I have ESPN insider)

Compensation Picks

http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2012/1/6/2686334/2012-compensatory-draft-pick-predictions

Poll

How would you rate this draft and free agency? Please explain why.

I would be satisfied with the draft and free agency.

34 votes

I would be satisfied with the draft, but not free agency.

9 votes

I'm not satisfied with the draft, but ok with free agency.

10 votes

I'm not satisfied with either the draft or free agency.

10 votes

63 votes | Poll has closed

Namath Dislikes OC Hire

NJGuy — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:59:15 -0000

Namath Dislikes OC Hire

Quite frankly, I agree with him. My opinion will drastically change if we get Todd Haley, who is more suited for the job.

Figures, Winter Classic

NJGuy — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:28:41 -0000

Figures, Winter Classic

Doesn't look like we're going to be in one for a loooooong time.

Here is a video steam from NHL.com for the game. Scott Wedgewood is in net for Canada and Merrill...

NJGuy — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 01:32:51 -0000

http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=616&id=144596

Here is a video steam from NHL.com for the game.
Scott Wedgewood is in net for Canada and Merrill is playing for team U.S.A.
Feel free to comment here too.

Rags waive Avery again

NJGuy — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:29:06 -0000

Rags waive Avery again

LOL.

Danks signs extension

NJGuy — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 04:11:19 -0000

Danks signs extension

This means that the Yankees won't be trading for Danks.
Cashman's "Pitching, Pitching, Pitching" goal is really being put through the wringing now that options are fewer and further between.

New ECHL Affiliation

NJGuy — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:06:25 -0000

New ECHL Affiliation

Newark, NJ - The National Hockey League’s New Jersey Devils today announced that they have reached an affiliate agreement with the ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings for the 2011-12 season. Under the affiliation arrangement, both New Jersey and Albany may assign players to Kalamazoo. The announcement was made by Devils’ Senior Vice President, Hockey Operations Chris Lamoriello.

"The development of our players at every level has always been a top priority for our organization," said Lamoriello. "We look forward to working with the Kalamazoo Wings to help strengthen this process."

"We are honored to be associated with two of the most prestigious organizations in the NHL (New Jersey and Vancouver)," said K-Wings President Paul L. Pickard. "The Devils have created a culture of winning through their affiliations and we are delighted to be working with them to help develop their players."

Taste of Newark

NJGuy — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 22:05:05 -0000

Taste of Newark

There has been a rumor that we have closed or fired vendors from the "Taste of Newark" section in our arena, this is absolutely not true. We have had 8-10 subcontractors in the Prudential Center since it opened and vendors may change from year-to-year due to contract expiration, product mix or other reasons, but we have a firm commitment to having local flavor in The Rock and will again have 8-10 subcontractors in the facility for the coming season. Look for new and improved product lines this coming season with new vendors!

No Love for Jersey's Team

NJGuy — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:54:51 -0000

No Love for Jersey's Team

I was looking through NHL.com and came across this article. It talks about some star players coming back off of injuries. However, it doesn't mention Parise at all. He is certainly a star player coming back off of an injury, and would at least qualif to be mentioned in it.
This brings me to my point, do you think that this is a continuation of what is seemingly part of the League's dislike for our team. It has seemed over the last year or so following our 'cap circumnavigation' that we have had the short straw in a way from the league. What do you think? I might just be rambling on, but I think I have a point here though.

NHL R&D potential changes

NJGuy — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:24:55 -0000

In case you haven't noticed, on the bottom right side of the page there are some news feeds about the NHL. I noticed this morning there was a new link concerning the NHL Research and Development Camp to Yahoo Sports. There was also an article on NHL.com. This is where the NHL tests potential changes to the rules of the game, equipment changes, or safety precautions. Presiding over this camp is a familiar face to Devils fans, the disciplinarian VP of the NHL, Brendan Shanahan.

This is the second year this camp has been held, and this year they tested some rule changes that people have been insisting on for years, but never implemented.Although we haven't seen many major rule changes since the lockout, this is the place for any possible ones to be lightly tested. Yes, although different rule changes are tested, they aren't tested fully, just briefly in order to get a feel for it.

The changes tested this year included changes to the plexi-glass next to the benches, different overtime and shootout formats, verification lines for determining goals, and a proposal to remove the oh so detested trapeziod.

I personally like the idea of the new glass next to the bench, but think it should be more of a bigger rounded edge instead of being further from the ice, which might lessen some of the ricochets. I would like to see a continuous 4 on 4 for overtime. The shootout is nice, but I don't think it should really be the solution to deciding games. The verification line I think would be a good idea, as I remember a bunch of games where the refs blew the call. And to the stupid trapezoid, GOOD RIDDANCE! I never thought it was a good idea, mostly a way to stop goaltenders like Marty from handling the puck.

What do you have to say about these potential rule changes? Anything that you would add to this? None of these will be coming for next season, but who knows? They might be coming to the rinks in the near future. Thanks for reading.

So who's on our wishlist?

NJGuy — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:35:58 -0000

So, as we all know, we've accomplished mostly all of our obvious Offseason needs. Per Capgeek, we have $5,870,833 left to spend, which barring a trade, I assume will be left open until next offseason. Of course we need to resign Parise, but we're all thinking that an extension will be offered mid season. That brings me to the question, what's next for next year? Who will we have on our Free Agent Wishlist?

According to Capgeek, we will have $25,850,000 to spend in cap space next offseason. We have to keep in mind resigning players that we already have, and those we will offer extensions to in the future.

In the following, I'll be analyzing a few of the free agents from other teams, particullarly younger players, unde 30 years old, as the team has looked to get younger recently. I know that it complicates matters, as younger free agents tend to get their biggest deals around this time.

Immediately, a few names come to mind. Shea Weber for one, but as it is, he'll still be a RFA next year. Following him, there are a few names that stick out.Per CapGeek, here are next year's UFAs: here

First off, forwards.

Alexander Semin's contract is up. He has been a good scorer for Washington, but as there have been trade rumors, he might be going somewhere else, but barring an extension, could he be an option for us to improve the offense? His production has fallen off a bit over the years, but that could just have been due to changes in the lines. He is still a viable forward. In 65 games last year, he had 26 assists and 28 goals. Quite a good player.

Next is Ryan Smythe. He'll be over 35 by the next time he signs a contract, so I wouldn't think we would really pursue him. His production has really fallen off over the last few years, and keeping in mind his demands for a trade back to Edmonton, l I'm not too eager about his prospects.

Ales Hemsky. Previously there was a fanpost about Hensky. I know in it they mentioned that it has seemed he is made of glass. That might be so, but does anybody see us taking a chance on him via free agency or trade. The fanpost emphasized that we need more depth at right wing, and he could provide that. In 47 games last year, he posted 28 assists, and half as many goals. Very productive...

Defensemen:

The first that I would pursue is Ryan Suter. He's a good solid defense man. He doesn't score too much, but he's literally an assist machine! He's had 30+ assist over the last three years, and 130 assists in the last four years. I would look for those numbers to continue to be put up, and for us to pursue him.He also plays with Weber in Nashville, and would be a way to attract Weber here to the Garden state.

Dennis Wideman. Building on from what I said about Suter, Wideman is also a good play maker. In Florida and Washington last year, he had 10 goals and 30 assists. Honestly I don't know too about him, but he really seems like a good defense man.

John-Michael Liles. When I first saw his name, I said who? I wasn't too familiar with hiim, but after looking at his stats, he keeps up the name of "assist machine". Last year he had 40, and throughout his 7 year career, has never been below 20 assist in a season. Amazing.

As another option, do any of you think there is any chance of an Oduya homecoming/return. I would like your thoughts on that.

Goalies:

Marty of course is on this list as an UFA. Most likely he comes back to play while we further develop our goaltending prospects.

Edit add:

Pikka Rinne. I originally didn't include him, but since many people are mentioning that they would like himi on the team, I felt obliged to add him. I still don't think that we would pursue him though, as from what I stated above. He is coming off several good years in Nashville. He has a low salary cap hit for a goaltender of his caliber currently, and if we were to sign him, I'm sure that it would cost quite a bit in cap space, leading me again to say that I think we would be better off with homegrown goaltenders that we have now.

I would like to hear any of your comments on this, but remember, it is mostly speculation. Is there anybody else you would add to this very short list? Anybody you wouldn't add or take off of it? Anybody that we all should eye through trade? Thanks for reading.

Trading Veterans and Prospects for Offense?

NJGuy — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:46:09 -0000

I've been doing some thinking, and I have a few ideas on how the Devils can assist in opening up cap space, while acquiring some potentially top offensive prospects in exchange for some of our veterans, and defensive prospects.

We all know that the Devils are in a small bind in trying to sign Zach Parise to a long term contract due to the cap space we have to deal with. Several options that we have include putting Bryce Salvador on LITR, in order to free up his cap space, which would be more than enough to accomplish our goal. There is also the option of trading at least one of a selection of players in order to free up that precious cap space. This option has been discussed numerous times, and speculates on trading players like Rolston, or Zubrus. They both add important qualities to the team, and trading either one of them as a salary dump could be detrimental to the team. Also acknowledging that if such a trade is a salary dump, we may have to throw in a defensive prospect in order to make it happen.

Now, I will raise the possiblity of going through with a trade, partially as a salary dump, but to instead pick up some good offensive prospects. We all know that our system is just about overflowwing with defensive prospects, I'll list those from the top 20 prospects list just to make the point again:

Adam Larsson, D
Jon Merrill, D
Alexander Urbom, D
Brandon Burlon, D
Eric Gelinas, D
Matt Taormina, D
Maxim Noreau, D
Dan Kelly, D
Joe Sova, D
Curtis Gedig, D
Corbin McPherson, D

On that list, there are only 5 offensive prospects on that list compared to 11 defensive prospects. Now I would say that the top 7 of the defensive prospects on this list are NHL Caliber at this point. For this next season, we are expecting Adam Henrique to make the jump to the NHL. Other than that, we don't have many guys at all. We of course do have the prospects we drafted in this draft, but it will be a few years until they are NHL ready.

I've been looking through the NHL's top prospects list as listed on http://www.hockeysfuture.com/hockey_top_50_prospects/, trying to figure out if there is a team that happens to have good offensive prospects, and in need of defense, as well as at the NHL level. Alas, I haven't really figured anything that strikes me as a great potential trade. This is were I would like everyone's opinions on this. Do you think that we should trade some of our veteran players packaged with prospects for offensive prospects or promising players with low cap hits? If so, which prospects do you think we should be willing to trade, and which veterans? Rolston, Zubrus? Should we consider trading a veteran defenseman? It could be a benefit for the long term. Salvador and White are entering the last years of their contracts, would it be best to call up a young defenseman in order trade for a prospect or future pick? I would like to know what you think.

Personally, I will add, I like the fact that our organization has mainly been home-grown, and would like to keep it that way, but the fact that we lack depth in forwards in the minors should be looked at.

Adam Larsson, D
Jon Merrill, D
Alexander Urbom, D
Brandon Burlon, D
Eric Gelinas, D
Matt Taormina, D
Maxim Noreau, D
Dan Kelly, D
Joe Sova, D
Curtis Gedig, D
Corbin McPherson, D