Also in other news, Erik Johnson agreed to waive his NMC so the Avs dont need to protect him. They can now likely go 4-4 and protect all of Makar, Toews, Girard, and Graves. So possibly another potential D off the expansion casualty market
- vlongo4419

if only they'd win a Cup they could start being a dynasty. Tampa could very well do it.

Yes the Fan Expierence sucks when the team sucks. Who cares about the other stuff when he on ice product is boring. The Islanders were so much more fun to watch this year. They announce every internal hire like anyone really cares.
- louietwostep

I agree but I think the on ice product was very entertaining for parts of the year. Lindy Ruff had them playing a much better brand of hockey then what was going on under Hynes. Glad to see the low event hockey era end. Just between Covid and the trade deadline we ended up with a half AHL team again and things went sour.

The Isles are a contending team and they should be more exciting; being competitive every night makes them more fun to watch. Their style of play isn’t particularly entertaining and I think the Devils play a fun brand of hockey. There’s just not enough skill and talent. And I’m not sure it’s a winning brand with the defense pinching in so much. Certainly not til we get better defenders. But man they can really motor…

r u new blogger?
- Eklblad

he's a HB legend

a handful of rumors with the Devils. Really curious what Fitz is going to do in the end of July. How much do we add? What do we trade? Do we really trade the 4th overall pick in a tossup draft? Do we stand pat with developing kids, picking 4th and having next year be the "big add" all-in year? oh such meaningless hoopla.

a handful of rumors with the Devils. Really curious what Fitz is going to do in the end of July. How much do we add? What do we trade? Do we really trade the 4th overall pick in a tossup draft? Do we stand pat with developing kids, picking 4th and having next year be the "big add" all-in year? oh such meaningless hoopla.
- MartysBetter88

I'd imagine Fitz is less interested in trading the pick and more interested in figuring out what it might be worth to other teams. Also, if somebody wants to massively overpay for a pick you got to tell people you're willing to trade it first.

a handful of rumors with the Devils. Really curious what Fitz is going to do in the end of July. How much do we add? What do we trade? Do we really trade the 4th overall pick in a tossup draft? Do we stand pat with developing kids, picking 4th and having next year be the "big add" all-in year? oh such meaningless hoopla.
- MartysBetter88

He's going to do Richard.

We are going to draft someone good at 4OA but be devastated someone (Seattle most likely) took Luke Hughes before our pick. Then we will make a couple of minor trades for spare parts from good teams and then sign a couple bargain basement UFAs and hopefully a legit backup goalie. The moves will all make sense but not have a huge impact. The kids will develop more but we will still be a lottery team and not in the playoffs.

We will hear how we are rebuilding the right way and that ownership will spend when appropriate; but still have a relatively small payroll. Looking forward to the fun pointless but pointless 'weaponize the cap' conversations as we watch contending teams add quality players and we talk about how we are going to have to pay everyone in a few years so we are better of this way.

The season will start with a couple of beat downs and everyone will go bat poop and say it's because of whomever we lost in the expansion draft. Panic will follow and calls for Ruff's head; although ultimately we right the ship and put together a bit winning steak when the season no longer matters. Our ownership will say we would have won the Stanley Cup if not for stumbling out the gate. Trust the process. Make your checks out to New Jersey Devils Hockey and get your picture taken in the locker room with Grant Marshall....

At the end of the season, ownership will sell the franchise to Quebec to free up dates for more profitable events at the Rock. Half the fan base will lose their minds. Others will contend 'It's a business' and defend them....

Ranger fans will rejoice but will remain more focused on their team which makes the playoffs and add Jack Eichel in a crazy cheap deal as Jersey fans talk about how difficult it will be for them to manage the cap, just like they did when the signed the bread man. Surprise surprise, they're fine.

Just a guess.....

a handful of rumors with the Devils. Really curious what Fitz is going to do in the end of July. How much do we add? What do we trade? Do we really trade the 4th overall pick in a tossup draft? Do we stand pat with developing kids, picking 4th and having next year be the "big add" all-in year? oh such meaningless hoopla.
- MartysBetter88

I know this draft is heavy on defensemen early, but I really think he should draft Guenther (providing Anaheim doesn't take him). Getting the top goal scorer who can play both wings and throwing him out there with Hughes, Hischier, Mercer and Holtz in a year or two and maybe this team will score some goals. What I think he will do is draft Hughes and possibly trade pick 29.

BTW Colton White signed so we make get three blogs this week!

He's going to do Richard.

We are going to draft someone good at 4OA but be devastated someone (Seattle most likely) took Luke Hughes before our pick. Then we will make a couple of minor trades for spare parts from good teams and then sign a couple bargain basement UFAs and hopefully a legit backup goalie. The moves will all make sense but not have a huge impact. The kids will develop more but we will still be a lottery team and not in the playoffs.

We will hear how we are rebuilding the right way and that ownership will spend when appropriate; but still have a relatively small payroll. Looking forward to the fun pointless but pointless 'weaponize the cap' conversations as we watch contending teams add quality players and we talk about how we are going to have to pay everyone in a few years so we are better of this way.

The season will start with a couple of beat downs and everyone will go bat poop and say it's because of whomever we lost in the expansion draft. Panic will follow and calls for Ruff's head; although ultimately we right the ship and put together a bit winning steak when the season no longer matters. Our ownership will say we would have won the Stanley Cup if not for stumbling out the gate. Trust the process. Make your checks out to New Jersey Devils Hockey and get your picture taken in the locker room with Grant Marshall....

At the end of the season, ownership will sell the franchise to Quebec to free up dates for more profitable events at the Rock. Half the fan base will lose their minds. Others will contend 'It's a business' and defend them....

Ranger fans will rejoice but will remain more focused on their team which makes the playoffs and add Jack Eichel in a crazy cheap deal as Jersey fans talk about how difficult it will be for them to manage the cap, just like they did when the signed the bread man. Surprise surprise, they're fine.

Just a guess.....
- Queenie_5_hole

Hey man, much like my frustration with the last blogger, I understand and commensurate with your pain on our franchise's lack of direction. While I can't offer you any hope into this ownership groups drive or interest to restore our glory days, I do know Bettman does not want a team that has won a cup to relocate. For reference, he has also expressed a desire to make hockey work in Arizona. While I disagree with his views on Arizona, I sure give him credit for sticking to his guns. So while we may be stuck in suck for years and years and years, as long as Bettman is in place, we will suck in Jersey.

Hey man, much like my frustration with the last blogger, I understand and commensurate with your pain on our franchise's lack of direction. While I can't offer you any hope into this ownership groups drive or interest to restore our glory days, I do know Bettman does not want a team that has won a cup to relocate. For reference, he has also expressed a desire to make hockey work in Arizona. While I disagree with his views on Arizona, I sure give him credit for sticking to his guns. So while we may be stuck in suck for years and years and years, as long as Bettman is in place, we will suck in Jersey.

- JagrBombs19

I appreciate the commiseration.

I was just ranting because it's been frustrating and every year seems to be 'wait until next year; things will be different.' It's a long process and I'm just getting impatient...

I agree with you on Bettman and certainly the NHL prefers expansion team revenue vs. team relocation too. I'm not seriously expecting the team to move BUT I wonder if the league would be more receptive considering there are three teams currently in the NY-NJ Metro area. Hypothetically speaking.

I appreciate the commiseration.

I was just ranting because it's been frustrating and every year seems to be 'wait until next year; things will be different.' It's a long process and I'm just getting impatient...

I agree with you on Bettman and certainly the NHL prefers expansion team revenue vs. team relocation too. I'm not seriously expecting the team to move BUT I wonder if the league would be more receptive considering there are three teams currently in the NY-NJ Metro area. Hypothetically speaking.
- Queenie_5_hole

I agree, area has too many hockey teams. NHL should move the Rags to Quebec.

He's going to do Richard.

We are going to draft someone good at 4OA but be devastated someone (Seattle most likely) took Luke Hughes before our pick. Then we will make a couple of minor trades for spare parts from good teams and then sign a couple bargain basement UFAs and hopefully a legit backup goalie. The moves will all make sense but not have a huge impact. The kids will develop more but we will still be a lottery team and not in the playoffs.

We will hear how we are rebuilding the right way and that ownership will spend when appropriate; but still have a relatively small payroll. Looking forward to the fun pointless but pointless 'weaponize the cap' conversations as we watch contending teams add quality players and we talk about how we are going to have to pay everyone in a few years so we are better of this way.

The season will start with a couple of beat downs and everyone will go bat poop and say it's because of whomever we lost in the expansion draft. Panic will follow and calls for Ruff's head; although ultimately we right the ship and put together a bit winning steak when the season no longer matters. Our ownership will say we would have won the Stanley Cup if not for stumbling out the gate. Trust the process. Make your checks out to New Jersey Devils Hockey and get your picture taken in the locker room with Grant Marshall....

At the end of the season, ownership will sell the franchise to Quebec to free up dates for more profitable events at the Rock. Half the fan base will lose their minds. Others will contend 'It's a business' and defend them....

Ranger fans will rejoice but will remain more focused on their team which makes the playoffs and add Jack Eichel in a crazy cheap deal as Jersey fans talk about how difficult it will be for them to manage the cap, just like they did when the signed the bread man. Surprise surprise, they're fine.

Just a guess.....
- Queenie_5_hole

lol well done. Sounds about right. I'm okay with this. Next year will be the interesting one anyway, even though half the team will still be in their first 2 NHL seasons lol.

You gotta wonder if having 90% of the team developing together is a good thing, or if they'll be hampered by not having talented vets to learn from. If you're gaining experience from someone that also sucks at the NHL, then how much are you really learning?

I feel like they're growing and playing all the kids with hopes that we score some gems and build around them. But maybe we should be trading a few for established players... which would help the other kids that we keep?

or maybe the kids should develop in the minors and whatnot like the good ol days and not enter the NHL as 18-20yr olds.

or maybe my take is off. Last year we did have some NHL players on the team until the deadline. So maybe the plan won't be to just play the kids + Subban, Severson and ... I guess Zacha, Wood and Johnsson are our vets up front?? What gems to learn from. Terrible.

I know this draft is heavy on defensemen early, but I really think he should draft Guenther (providing Anaheim doesn't take him). Getting the top goal scorer who can play both wings and throwing him out there with Hughes, Hischier, Mercer and Holtz in a year or two and maybe this team will score some goals. What I think he will do is draft Hughes and possibly trade pick 29.

BTW Colton White signed so we make get three blogs this week!
- smellmyfinger

I wouldn't be opposed to Guenther. I don't have strong opinions because I haven't looked into these guys or watched much tape. lol "tape".. as if we sit with real to reals and a projector screen. If there is a NHL 40g scorer in the draft, and a Rafalski.. I'm taking the freaking Marian Hossa.

Guenther-Hughes-Holtz
Foote-Hischier-Bratt
Zacha/Wood-Mercer-Sharangovich
Kuokkanen-McLeod-Bastian
Clarke

of course I can't imagine both Zacha/Wood being here.

But imagine if everyone there pans out to where we realistically hope they do? We'd be loaded up front. Playmakers, scorers, grit, 2-way guys. That's a beautiful roster.
But in this scenario, we likely have almost all of these players in the lineup developing at the same time. Guenther, Holtz, Mercer, Foote.. maybe not until next year, but they all should definitely be ready next year.

Smith-Severson
Siegenthaler-Walsh
Bahl/Mukhamadullin-Vukojevic

if those guys all pan out.. could be a B-level defense. Of couse I expect a UFA or 2, or perhaps a trade.

It would not break my heart to add a legit goal-scorer to this team. I feel chances are higher Guenther pans out than a Hughes or Clarke, but that's just a feeling based on belief that developing into a Rafalski is a bit higher risk (especially in this draft) and less useful than developing into a Huberdeau.

They couldn’t have protected Dumba before and just leave suter exposed?

I’d take Parise back.. if he can still skate. Heck I’d take both on 2 yr deals if they can skate lol. Not sure that’s the case tho.
- MartysBetter88

I'd take Suter. Look at his stats since turning 30. 256 points through 449 games with less than 10 games missed. All but one of his 5 seasons since turning 30 he has had 40+ points while being one of their top defensive players and PK specialists. I am a fan and if he wants a 1 year deal, him and Murray could certainly shore us some of our sloppy defensive zone play.

Good for him and Parise. Bought out of their final 4 seasons on a heavily front loaded deal means they averaged 10.5M AAV during their 9 seasons played, and lose just 2.5M of their total 98M to this buyout. I have no doubt they can recoup that money in no time should they choose to play.

He's going to do Richard..
- Queenie_5_hole

Haha. Odds are that is exactly what happens. It would be a massive mistake. Fans and management alike need to understand that acquiring the best players via trade, or free agency is a must for this club. Chances are, we can land better players if we are willing to take on some cap. That is ideal, as our current product looks like my dog friendly backyard come first thaw every spring. So.... Ink some UFA's, and make our guys earn spots. If there isn't a roster spot for Holtz/Mercer/Foote, who cares? They can do a season in the AHL and hopefully develop in meaningful roles. If we need to call them up, then players ahead of them in the lineup can always become tradable assets. I have heard enough about the "pieces being in place" from management, and would like to see a team that can both play and develop. Other teams do it, and yet we bottom in spending, and bottom of the league in PK, PP, high danger scoring chances for and against, and most importantly, the standings. Doing nothing while players are signing for less, and GM's are trying to shed contracts for pennies on the dollar, would be the worst move Fitz could make. I think there is still PLENTY of moves about to be made, so lets hope Fitz pulls his nads out and takes a swing at something.

I'd take Suter. Look at his stats since turning 30. 256 points through 449 games with less than 10 games missed. All but one of his 5 seasons since turning 30 he has had 40+ points while being one of their top defensive players and PK specialists. I am a fan and if he wants a 1 year deal, him and Murray could certainly shore us some of our sloppy defensive zone play.

Good for him and Parise. Bought out of their final 4 seasons on a heavily front loaded deal means they averaged 10.5M AAV during their 9 seasons played, and lose just 2.5M of their total 98M to this buyout. I have no doubt they can recoup that money in no time should they choose to play.
- bikeguy99

Yup, both would be a welcomed addition but neither are coming here. Suter isnt the best defensively anymore, hes actually been a liability and carried by his partners defensively, but he still has a little left in the tank offensively. Both will end up with contenders

Suter will do well playing sheltered minutes for a contender. No way he wants to go back to being a huge minutes eater anymore.

People that complain about the “endless rebuild” forget what actually happened to this team that doesn’t happen with all teams. Let’s begin with the Devils losing 2 star forwards, with several years left in their careers.. for NOTHING.. getting no assets back for either, and one actually costing them what I believe would’ve been 10th overall? That’s kind of a thing. Hard to come back from that. They also acquired a top 10 goalie in his prime.. so when those stars were lost for nothing, we still had Schneider prohibiting us from getting a top 5 pick for a few years. Then the move for Hall did the same. Then Schneider got hurt. And this is why the “endless rebuild”. Since we traded Hall away, it’s been a sensible rebuild. People also forget that most drafted players don’t enter the league, or make an impact, until 4 years after they’re drafted. Since a team consists of more than 1 competent player, math says you may have to wait at least 5 years for a rebuild to be somewhat complete... especially when none of your top picks are generational talents, and you cross your fingers they’re even franchise guys (remains to be seen, unless you can see into the future).

So that’s why it’s an endless rebuild. Misfortune, attempting to win (which I suppose is what you want if you hate an endless rebuild?) and math.

He's going to do Richard.

We are going to draft someone good at 4OA but be devastated someone (Seattle most likely) took Luke Hughes before our pick. Then we will make a couple of minor trades for spare parts from good teams and then sign a couple bargain basement UFAs and hopefully a legit backup goalie. The moves will all make sense but not have a huge impact. The kids will develop more but we will still be a lottery team and not in the playoffs.

We will hear how we are rebuilding the right way and that ownership will spend when appropriate; but still have a relatively small payroll. Looking forward to the fun pointless but pointless 'weaponize the cap' conversations as we watch contending teams add quality players and we talk about how we are going to have to pay everyone in a few years so we are better of this way.

The season will start with a couple of beat downs and everyone will go bat poop and say it's because of whomever we lost in the expansion draft. Panic will follow and calls for Ruff's head; although ultimately we right the ship and put together a bit winning steak when the season no longer matters. Our ownership will say we would have won the Stanley Cup if not for stumbling out the gate. Trust the process. Make your checks out to New Jersey Devils Hockey and get your picture taken in the locker room with Grant Marshall....

At the end of the season, ownership will sell the franchise to Quebec to free up dates for more profitable events at the Rock. Half the fan base will lose their minds. Others will contend 'It's a business' and defend them....

Ranger fans will rejoice but will remain more focused on their team which makes the playoffs and add Jack Eichel in a crazy cheap deal as Jersey fans talk about how difficult it will be for them to manage the cap, just like they did when the signed the bread man. Surprise surprise, they're fine.

Just a guess.....
- Queenie_5_hole

That's not happening! And it will never happen, either!

I appreciate the commiseration.

I was just ranting because it's been frustrating and every year seems to be 'wait until next year; things will be different.' It's a long process and I'm just getting impatient...

I agree with you on Bettman and certainly the NHL prefers expansion team revenue vs. team relocation too. I'm not seriously expecting the team to move BUT I wonder if the league would be more receptive considering there are three teams currently in the NY-NJ Metro area. Hypothetically speaking.
- Queenie_5_hole

You're obviously NOT a real Devils fan if you want them to relocate to Quebec!

Yeah f**k Parise and that commie co**sucker Kovy, they set this team back about ten years

People that complain about the “endless rebuild” forget what actually happened to this team that doesn’t happen with all teams. Let’s begin with the Devils losing 2 star forwards, with several years left in their careers.. for NOTHING.. getting no assets back for either, and one actually costing them what I believe would’ve been 10th overall? That’s kind of a thing. Hard to come back from that. They also acquired a top 10 goalie in his prime.. so when those stars were lost for nothing, we still had Schneider prohibiting us from getting a top 5 pick for a few years. Then the move for Hall did the same. Then Schneider got hurt. And this is why the “endless rebuild”. Since we traded Hall away, it’s been a sensible rebuild. People also forget that most drafted players don’t enter the league, or make an impact, until 4 years after they’re drafted. Since a team consists of more than 1 competent player, math says you may have to wait at least 5 years for a rebuild to be somewhat complete... especially when none of your top picks are generational talents, and you cross your fingers they’re even franchise guys (remains to be seen, unless you can see into the future).

So that’s why it’s an endless rebuild. Misfortune, attempting to win (which I suppose is what you want if you hate an endless rebuild?) and math.
- MartysBetter88

Well, don't forget the NHL piling on for Kovy's not breaking the rules, but breaking the spirit penalties, both financial and rendering a 11thOA to 30thOA (big difference). Teams like Chicago and Tampa have done worse to the "spirit" and nothing happened to them. And now Weber claims he is hurting, so his contract will probably move to LTIR, again "spirit" is not mentioned. Minnesota actually followed the rules (and thus the "spirit") and are screwed for at least 5 years cap wise. Bettman is a joke.

Yeah f**k Parise and that commie co**sucker Kovy, they set this team back about ten years
- FAZOOL

No. If you look at the Kovi deal, the picks appeared to be significant, and obviously we may not have drafted the same as other teams, but the biggest name that was drafted in our spot was Vrana. Not saying he wouldn't be our top LW, but I don't think it was a 10 year setback. Especially when it may have contributed to a couple 1st overalls down the road.

Suter will do well playing sheltered minutes for a contender. No way he wants to go back to being a huge minutes eater anymore.
- Pomegrant

I fully agree. He will have no interest in playing for NH. Clearly money is not his focus at this point in his $105M career. I do however, want guys like him. Mtl had no business being in the finals, and it was on the backs of Price, and their giant/physical D core of Weber/Chiarot/Edmunson/Petry. Take one of those big pieces out of the equation, and I don't think they are remotely close to the team they were this playoff.

Hence why I like Martinez, Oleksiak, Suter, Murray... Guys like that bring so much to the table. It appears Butcher has been de-valued to the point where he is no longer an asset, P.K. as well. Even Sevo is in my dog-house for his sloppy defensive zone play. I really want 1-2 of the above mentioned inked to bring some stability to this passive D core. The toughness sure won't hurt either, because if we get to the point where we are winning games, you can bet more exceptions will be taken on the young talent. If it means developing Shak/Walsh/Bahl in the AHL for a season, that is just fine with me. Give them big roles in Bing and see what they can do for a full season.

McLeod extension is official. 2 years, 975k AAV

Wild buying out both Parise and Suter is pretty crazy.
- Pomegrant

(frank) ‘em

They save 10M this season, but per cap friendly the cap hits the following seasons are:
2021-22: 2.3M each
2022-23: 6.3M each
2023-24: 7.3M each
2024-25: 7.3M each
2025-26: 833k each
2026-27: 833k each
2027-28: 833k each
2028-29: 833k each

So they're getting tagged with like ~14.7M in dead cap during that 3 year span


Also, this likely means Dumba is off the table for trades, as now Minny can protect him alongside Brodin and Spurgeon
- vlongo4419

Yikes