Shat will be at least $7 mil for 6-8 years. I want it done. He is far and away better than any D man on our roster and is ready to assume a big role immediately. We have the money right now, why not? A shut down D man would be required also, but there aren't any worth going after at the moment. Maybe trade for one, but otherwise Shattenkirk is the target and should be.
- SnipeDevil6

He was exposed in the playoffs, he is at best a second pairing D man who can QB the powerplay (again not in the latest playoffs). He will be 36 at the end of a 7 year deal (max allowed for anyone other than Caps). His best years are behind him - why would you want to cripple your cap structure for a declining asset(as he ages, as all players do)? Let the Rags do that and it helps the Devils in the long run. At $6 million he is still a risk.

If Ray traded Kovy to the Rangers and god forbid they won the Stanley Cup there would be absolute mutiny and mayhem among the Devils faithful. And I think it would really damage the fanbase which is already enduring years of mediocrity.
- Queenie_5_hole

I think the team would legitimately lose some longtime fans, on the level of Subban-Montreal. It would be a mess.

What? Kovalchuk can sign anywhere next season, without the Devils approval.

Also, the Devils can do something that signing Kovalchuk next season can't be done and that is retain up to 50% cap, which if we look at ANA would be Vatanen,a 1st, and one of Ritchie/Steel for retaining 50%.
- Devils9503

This is insane. I don't care if they cover all the salary Ana would never give this much up for him. You can't possibly be serious with this.

I think the team would legitimately lose some longtime fans, on the level of Subban-Montreal. It would be a mess.
- MannySilvers

It'd be worse. At least MTL shipped Subban to Nashville. I think the better comparison is if Montreal dealt him to Toronto and they won a cup.

He was exposed in the playoffs, he is at best a second pairing D man who can QB the powerplay (again not in the latest playoffs). He will be 36 at the end of a 7 year deal (max allowed for anyone other than Caps). His best years are behind him - why would you want to cripple your cap structure for a declining asset(as he ages, as all players do)? Let the Rags do that and it helps the Devils in the long run. At $6 million he is still a risk.
- redmonsters

Shattenkirk was tied to the anchor that's Brooks Orpik. He's 28, he'll be fine. And it's really the only option. Brendan Smith was the only other UFA defenseman worth signing and the Rags just extended him.

The cost of trading for a guy is worth exploring, but only for depth guys and players who are undervalued, since anyone with a halfway recognizable name costs a fortune.

Seth Jones or nothin.

Seth Jones or nothin.
- SRam19

Like your thinking, never gonna happen.

Shattenkirk was tied to the anchor that's Brooks Orpik. He's 28, he'll be fine. And it's really the only option. Brendan Smith was the only other UFA defenseman worth signing and the Rags just extended him.

The cost of trading for a guy is worth exploring, but only for depth guys and players who are undervalued, since anyone with a halfway recognizable name costs a fortune.
- CaptCrankypants

I just am of the opinion that $7 for 7 will have more regrets than positive attributes in the long run.

This is insane. I don't care if they cover all the salary Ana would never give this much up for him. You can't possibly be serious with this.
- jersey1414

Brayden Schenn was traded for 2 1st and had 4 ESG.

I think St. Louis was an option before they made that horrible Schenn trade.

If Columbus is committed to beating Cindy and the boys they must be willing to trade Dubois for the guy who will improve their power play and is hungry to prove all of the naysayers wrong. I believe 17 comes back with a chip on his shoulder.

If the Jackets win the cup, Torts and Kovy will be hugging like 2 fat guys at the breakfast buffet.

Also, I believe there is another team who is just sitting back and gauging the interest and will provide the return the Devils want.

I just am of the opinion that $7 for 7 will have more regrets than positive attributes in the long run.
- redmonsters

Maybe, but if he's Marek Zidlicky at the end of his contract, I'd still take that. Hopefully during that time the Devils have developed a few defensemen so that he can be transitioned into a role where he can still be a net positive.

Maybe, but if he's Marek Zidlicky at the end of his contract, I'd still take that. Hopefully during that time the Devils have developed a few defensemen so that he can be transitioned into a role where he can still be a net positive.
- CaptCrankypants

I'd prefer to wait til next year to spend that on a d man. No way Washington will be able to afford John Carlson after this year.

Maybe, but if he's Marek Zidlicky at the end of his contract, I'd still take that. Hopefully during that time the Devils have developed a few defensemen so that he can be transitioned into a role where he can still be a net positive.
- CaptCrankypants

Agreed, I might be too overly cautious, and we need some one like him. I might suggest waiting to see what Kovy brings, but that might be too late. Its all in Ray's hands right now. Saturday could be almost as much fun as last Friday/Saturday.

I'd prefer to wait til next year to spend that on a d man. No way Washington will be able to afford John Carlson after this year.
- smellmyfinger

Shattenkirk>Carlson

Shattenkirk>Carlson
- CaptCrankypants

Idk if you know how good Carlson is.

Idk if you know how good Carlson is.
- tomburton99

There's definitely a perception out there that he's really good.

Idk if you know how good Carlson is.
- tomburton99

No way they let Carlson get free....

There's definitely a perception out there that he's really good.
- CaptCrankypants

He is the Caps best d-man. He's probably a better version of Ryan Mcdonagh. Plus he shoots RH.

He is the Caps best d-man. He's probably a better version of Ryan Mcdonagh. Plus he shoots RH.
- tomburton99

That's pretty sexy. Don't think he's going anywhere outside DC and if he is it's likely not the Garden State.

Am I crazy, or is 4.35/4yrs crazy for Brendan Smith?

unless we can get a 28 or younger dman to move forward with, there's really no point in making any moves. Really, we should be looking at the 25 range. We're not contending this year, and probably not next year. We need to suck this year, not load up on more Lovejoys (who said that was terrible?? surly not I..) and finish with the 8th overall pick. It's either younger promising D or nothing.

That's pretty sexy. Don't think he's going anywhere outside DC and if he is it's likely not the Garden State.
- Queenie_5_hole

He grew up in NJ. Hmm

He is the Caps best d-man. He's probably a better version of Ryan Mcdonagh. Plus he shoots RH.
- tomburton99

You say that when Mcdonagh has been lugging around Girardi for the last 5 years or whatever it's been. While I'd find it hilarious if they went and gave Marc Staal Girardi's minutes, you should wait to see what Mcdonagh does with an NHL defenseman as his partner before saying that.

And I'm not saying Carlson is a bad player, just that he's overrated, especially given how bad he is at suppressing shots. Niskanen was their best dman last year. He generates shots at a similar rate as Carlson while suppressing shots at an elite level. And they get similar usage.

Am I crazy, or is 4.35/4yrs crazy for Brendan Smith?
- MartysBetter88

It's higher than I thought it'd be but it's not bad. Better than giving Alzner or Stone that money.

That's pretty sexy. Don't think he's going anywhere outside DC and if he is it's likely not the Garden State.
- Queenie_5_hole

He was born in NJ...