Todd Cordell: Ranking the New Jersey Devils' contracts: Part 1

Hello Todd, thanks, awesome analysis of the forwards contracts. Its why I hope that unless Drysdale falls to them they don't reach for a Dman at 6 or 10, there are far too many forwards that could really help this team. At 17 or 18(?) see what falls there and if nothing appetizing then potentially trade back for some assets.

I like Nico but $7M+ for a guy who’s not even a 20 goal scorer isn’t good value. Hopefully if turns into a good deal.

Zacha put up 32 points this year while Nico was good for 36. I’m not comparing the players but those numbers are what they are.... and Pavel did have the better +\- And we all know whose getting better line mates.

I like Nico but $7M+ for a guy who’s not even a 20 goal scorer isn’t good value. Hopefully if turns into a good deal.

Zacha put up 32 points this year while Nico was good for 36. I’m not comparing the players but those numbers are what they are.... and Pavel did have the better +\- And we all know whose getting better line mates.
- Queenie_5_hole

All fair commentary, but as you note this is an expectation of what Nico can become. This year he was on his ELC. Next year (assuming it is somewhat normal) will be a better assessment of that new contract...I see Nico as a future Selke winner with hopefully 70+ point potential from the second line. If I am wrong (not unusual at this point) this will just prolong the rebuild.

Hello Todd, thanks, awesome analysis of the forwards contracts. Its why I hope that unless Drysdale falls to them they don't reach for a Dman at 6 or 10, there are far too many forwards that could really help this team. At 17 or 18(?) see what falls there and if nothing appetizing then potentially trade back for some assets.
- redmonsters

While I don’t believe drysdale will be available at 6 I think the next option for the devils will be Sanderson at 10 if he’s there.

From a non fan perspective it appears all the devils best young players/prospects are all forwards with the exceptions of smith/bahl. I wouldn’t reach for the next best guy at 10 if Sanderson is gone as the rest are expected go around 17 anyway but I don’t think the devils could afford to pass on the best available D in the draft not named drysdale if he’s there

While I don’t believe drysdale will be available at 6 I think the next option for the devils will be Sanderson at 10 if he’s there.

From a non fan perspective it appears all the devils best young players/prospects are all forwards with the exceptions of smith/bahl. I wouldn’t reach for the next best guy at 10 if Sanderson is gone as the rest are expected go around 17 anyway but I don’t think the devils could afford to pass on the best available D in the draft not named drysdale if he’s there
- RedC21

All excellent points and fair analysis about 10th pick. It all depends on who is there. It might be Sanderson and if so happy to get him. But lets say Rossi falls there due to size concerns, I would rather pick him. Not saying Rossi will be there, rather you draft BPA not pick for a need. I would be OK with Guhle or Schneider (better yet trade back and get them) at 18, but again its BPA on your board.

I’m okay with Zajac not being worth his contract in his later years. He really was a great post season player. He really had been a soldier for this team and a lot of our stars enjoyed playing with him. parise, jags, Kovy, Elias to name a few owe great seasons to Travis. He was one of the kids on those legendary devil teams and the vets accepted him from day 1 because he had the DNA of a devil player.

He had a great career with us. I’ll be sad when he retires. I only wish he could have one more shot at a playoff run.

I like Nico but $7M+ for a guy who’s not even a 20 goal scorer isn’t good value. Hopefully if turns into a good deal.

Zacha put up 32 points this year while Nico was good for 36. I’m not comparing the players but those numbers are what they are.... and Pavel did have the better +\- And we all know whose getting better line mates.
- Queenie_5_hole

Yeah he has times where he can turn it on but I’m not sure where people are getting a 70 point future from, he put up something like 56 points while centering an mvp.

I’ve been watching some NHL beef over on YouTube and I’m wondering if the Subban and Brendan Gallagher beef will effect the Subban and Ty Smith relationship.

Smith has lived and trained with Gallagher the last two seasons. I’m sure Gallagher does not have anything nice to say about Subban to Smith. I wonder if that changes Smith’s perception of Subban.

Would you trade Smith for this year’s Montreal’s pick that sits at #8. What if it’s a 1st and one of their 2nd round picks (let’s say the highest one)?

What if Tampa can’t pay Sergachev and ask the Devils for a trade of Smith for Sergachev. Smith being a cheap defenseman for 3 years for the Lightning. Would you pull the trigger on this trade?

I’ve been watching some NHL beef over on YouTube and I’m wondering if the Subban and Brendan Gallagher beef will effect the Subban and Ty Smith relationship.

Smith has lived and trained with Gallagher the last two seasons. I’m sure Gallagher does not have anything nice to say about Subban to Smith. I wonder if that changes Smith’s perception of Subban.

Would you trade Smith for this year’s Montreal’s pick that sits at #8. What if it’s a 1st and one of their 2nd round picks (let’s say the highest one)?

What if Tampa can’t pay Sergachev and ask the Devils for a trade of Smith for Sergachev. Smith being a cheap defenseman for 3 years for the Lightning. Would you pull the trigger on this trade?
- CardiffGiant

First off, I wouldn't worry about the Smith - Subban thing at all. Even if Smith believes Subban is a jerk from Gallagher, he's going to meet PK in person and decide for himself. (Probably already did in camp last year).

Secondly, Smith is a 20 year old rookie. Subban is a 30 year old vet (turning 31 on May 13th). So there is a clear pecking order and they are unlikely to be defensive partners anway.

Thirdly, even if they were paired together and dislike each other AND assuming we actually see hockey again.... then they'll deal with it. Overall it seems like the Devils generally have few locker room issues.

I’ve been watching some NHL beef over on YouTube and I’m wondering if the Subban and Brendan Gallagher beef will effect the Subban and Ty Smith relationship.

Smith has lived and trained with Gallagher the last two seasons. I’m sure Gallagher does not have anything nice to say about Subban to Smith. I wonder if that changes Smith’s perception of Subban.

Would you trade Smith for this year’s Montreal’s pick that sits at #8. What if it’s a 1st and one of their 2nd round picks (let’s say the highest one)?

What if Tampa can’t pay Sergachev and ask the Devils for a trade of Smith for Sergachev. Smith being a cheap defenseman for 3 years for the Lightning. Would you pull the trigger on this trade?
- CardiffGiant

I would trade subban for any teams 7th round pick in 2030