Todd Cordell: New Jersey Devils: February's Three Stars of the Month

Should of gave Binghamton Devils the 3rd star...

With how bad of a start they had, and how good they been of late is really impressive and is a good sign..

any love for Zacha? He's playing so well.

Really getting frustrated watching this team get pushed around on the ice. We take too many hits and teams are making runs at our smaller forwards regularly. Not saying other teams are playing dirty, we just have nobody out there to defend. Why isn't Miles Wood dropping gloves anymore? Ducks' Gibson thrown an elbow, 2 defenders jump on Hayden and our team casually strolls up to see him getting mugged! Only Joey was in the mix... Nas needs to teach these kids to mix it up!

Jack has had some amazing passes in last 2 games that should've resulted in 2-3 primary assists. I feel bad for the kid.

At least Bratt, Nico, Palmieri, Goose and Zacha are playing well.

Really getting frustrated watching this team get pushed around on the ice. We take too many hits and teams are making runs at our smaller forwards regularly. Not saying other teams are playing dirty, we just have nobody out there to defend. Why isn't Miles Wood dropping gloves anymore? Ducks' Gibson thrown an elbow, 2 defenders jump on Hayden and our team casually strolls up to see him getting mugged! Only Joey was in the mix... Nas needs to teach these kids to mix it up!

Jack has had some amazing passes in last 2 games that should've resulted in 2-3 primary assists. I feel bad for the kid.

At least Bratt, Nico, Palmieri, Goose and Zacha are playing well.
- ShoresideDevil

Don't worry. Bahl, Foote and to a lesser extent, Kuokkanen will fill out the roster nicely size wise.

Jack has had some amazing passes in last 2 games that should've resulted in 2-3 primary assists. I feel bad for the kid.
- ShoresideDevil

I feel like more needs to be made of this. He's had his share of games where he looked every bit of an undersized 18 year old playing in the NHL. But far and away he's been good this season and while his counting totals aren't eyepopping, I really do think alot of it is due to the linemates he has had.
There's no value using him as a LW. He should be centering wingers that can keep up with him and finish.

I feel like more needs to be made of this. He's had his share of games where he looked every bit of an undersized 18 year old playing in the NHL. But far and away he's been good this season and while his counting totals aren't eyepopping, I really do think alot of it is due to the linemates he has had.
There's no value using him as a LW. He should be centering wingers that can keep up with him and finish.
- robvl22

I feel as if ownership is content to ride out this year and focus on development in the offseason.

Can the junior and college kids get in a couple of games before the season ends? Specfically Ty Smith, Kevin Bahl, Nolan Foote, and Reilly Walsh (if he signs).

I'd like to see the Devils throw a blender line of Foote-Hughes-Kuokkanen and take it from there. Maybe they can be next year's sheltered "3rd line".

Ugh, another year of talking about next year. Worst part is that there are so many unknown pieces or the kids haven't grown. What's in store for the forwards for next year?

Boqvist-Hischier-Palmieri
Bratt-Zacha-Gusev
Foote-Hughes-Kuokkanen (If Foote can't crack the line-up move Anderson up or roll with McLeod-Hughes-Bastian)
Wood-Zajac-Anderson (I would prefer Merkley over Wood in this spot. If Zajac gets moved during the season call up Maltsev).

Can the junior and college kids get in a couple of games before the season ends? Specfically Ty Smith, Kevin Bahl, Nolan Foote, and Reilly Walsh (if he signs).

I'd like to see the Devils throw a blender line of Foote-Hughes-Kuokkanen and take it from there. Maybe they can be next year's sheltered "3rd line".

Ugh, another year of talking about next year. Worst part is that there are so many unknown pieces or the kids haven't grown. What's in store for the forwards for next year?

Boqvist-Hischier-Palmieri
Bratt-Zacha-Gusev
Foote-Hughes-Kuokkanen (If Foote can't crack the line-up move Anderson up or roll with McLeod-Hughes-Bastian)
Wood-Zajac-Anderson (I would prefer Merkley over Wood in this spot. If Zajac gets moved during the season call up Maltsev).
- CardiffGiant

Smith and Bahl can get some time in either the AHL or NHL depending when their seasons end, but Bahl's team is expected to go deep in the playoffs so not likely for him unless they get upset. Smith has a decent chance but just depends when they get bounced. Zero chance for Foote getting a shot this year because his team is hosting the Memorial Cup, so he'll be playing in that. Walsh could see some AHL time after their season ends AND if he decides to sign, but im not sure he will.

I feel like more needs to be made of this. He's had his share of games where he looked every bit of an undersized 18 year old playing in the NHL. But far and away he's been good this season and while his counting totals aren't eyepopping, I really do think alot of it is due to the linemates he has had.
There's no value using him as a LW. He should be centering wingers that can keep up with him and finish.
- robvl22

Totally agree with this. Every game he is throwing passes that demonstrate how well he sees the ice, and how far ahead he already is from the average player in terms of thinking the game. He puts the puck in dangerous areas, and far more often than not there is no one there. Very clearly he needs to be surrounded by shooters, not other pass first guys. While it was good value regardless of who he eventually plays with, I think the Foote trade was particularly made with Jack in mind.

Totally agree with this. Every game he is throwing passes that demonstrate how well he sees the ice, and how far ahead he already is from the average player in terms of thinking the game. He puts the puck in dangerous areas, and far more often than not there is no one there. Very clearly he needs to be surrounded by shooters, not other pass first guys. While it was good value regardless of who he eventually plays with, I think the Foote trade was particularly made with Jack in mind.
- Cmor11794

Foote is a smart player but lacks the wheels of Hughes. I doubt it'll be an issue, especially in his prime, but something I've considered. If size isn't important in the NHL, speed certainly is.

Smith and Bahl can get some time in either the AHL or NHL depending when their seasons end, but Bahl's team is expected to go deep in the playoffs so not likely for him unless they get upset. Smith has a decent chance but just depends when they get bounced. Zero chance for Foote getting a shot this year because his team is hosting the Memorial Cup, so he'll be playing in that. Walsh could see some AHL time after their season ends AND if he decides to sign, but im not sure he will.
- vlongo4419

I for one, completely expect Walsh to return to Harvard for his senior year and then test free agency. I'll even bet on it.

Foote is a smart player but lacks the wheels of Hughes. I doubt it'll be an issue, especially in his prime, but something I've considered. If size isn't important in the NHL, speed certainly is.
- MartysBetter88

Unless you're Gusev of course and can just think the game at another level.

Totally agree with this. Every game he is throwing passes that demonstrate how well he sees the ice, and how far ahead he already is from the average player in terms of thinking the game. He puts the puck in dangerous areas, and far more often than not there is no one there. Very clearly he needs to be surrounded by shooters, not other pass first guys. While it was good value regardless of who he eventually plays with, I think the Foote trade was particularly made with Jack in mind.
- Cmor11794

WHile I don't disagree, the passes we have been referring to landed on the sticks of Palmieri and Nico. I like him on the wing b/c it simplifies his game. He needs to shoot more and play with confidence. He looks rattled out there a lot of the times, afraid he will get hit.

It'll come, but was hopeful he would do more his first year.

I for one, completely expect Walsh to return to Harvard for his senior year and then test free agency. I'll even bet on it.
- Eliasforpresident

I think he'll return as well, idk if he'll definitely test free agency because he likely wont be incredibly sought after but he needs that last year for development for sure. It'd be nice to sign him and throw him into Bingo next year, but im also not against him going back to his last year because hes not ready to turn pro yet. Him staying or leaving isnt the end of the world either because his upside just isnt that high. He had a very good year last year but stagnated a bit this year and didnt step up into the bigger that was presented to him with Fox leaving, and got passed on their depth chart. It'd still be nice to have him in our system but its not the end of the world if he doesnt sign and leaves next year

WHile I don't disagree, the passes we have been referring to landed on the sticks of Palmieri and Nico. I like him on the wing b/c it simplifies his game. He needs to shoot more and play with confidence. He looks rattled out there a lot of the times, afraid he will get hit.

It'll come, but was hopeful he would do more his first year.
- ShoresideDevil

Jack needs to drop the mitts once. It'll get rid of those jitters he has.

Don't worry. Bahl, Foote and to a lesser extent, Kuokkanen will fill out the roster nicely size wise. - willschulme

That doesn't mean they are going to be Fighters just because they are big I.E Zacha, More so peoples expectations for bahl are way to high.

WHile I don't disagree, the passes we have been referring to landed on the sticks of Palmieri and Nico. I like him on the wing b/c it simplifies his game. He needs to shoot more and play with confidence. He looks rattled out there a lot of the times, afraid he will get hit.

It'll come, but was hopeful he would do more his first year.
- ShoresideDevil

While I agree he does need to play with a bit more confidence, which will come with experience, I think the results the Hughes Nico Palms line have yielded are meaningful enough to show that it is not a good trio. Hughes isn't a sniper, playing him on the wing and asking him to start picking corners is not his game. He's a creator, putting him with bigger, quality wings who can shoot like Foote, and to an extent Kuokkenen if hes the real deal, allows him to use the best parts of his game and not have to get into the physical stuff which is not where he shines.

Jack needs to drop the mitts once. It'll get rid of those jitters he has.
- Leniwm1

That’s a terrible idea

That’s a terrible idea
- shvingter88

Not saying hes gonna win.

That doesn't mean they are going to be Fighters just because they are big I.E Zacha, More so peoples expectations for bahl are way to high.
- cu45161

My expectation for Bahl is firmly as a middle pairing defensive defenseman, but that kid doesn't play soft. He lays people out and can rag doll people in fights if necessary.

I for one, completely expect Walsh to return to Harvard for his senior year and then test free agency. I'll even bet on it.
- Eliasforpresident

I read somewhere that he wanted to play with Fox in NY. Baseless source, but wouldn't exactly surprise me.

Does anyone else feel Nico and Jack handled their rookie seasons with different attitudes? Maybe I'm just being a hater? I feel like Nico knew he was drafted by a bad team but presented as excited to be in the league and with a focus to work hard and better himself. Hughes seems to have more of a passive attitude, like he knew he'd be in this league, and kind of bummed he's on a bad team so.. "well.. i'll try my best, but this sucks." Maybe its just me.

Does anyone else feel Nico and Jack handled their rookie seasons with different attitudes? Maybe I'm just being a hater? I feel like Nico knew he was drafted by a bad team but presented as excited to be in the league and with a focus to work hard and better himself. Hughes seems to have more of a passive attitude, like he knew he'd be in this league, and kind of bummed he's on a bad team so.. "well.. i'll try my best, but this sucks." Maybe its just me.
- MartysBetter88

I think you're reading too far into it. He has his own reputation to uphold as well.

Does anyone else feel Nico and Jack handled their rookie seasons with different attitudes? Maybe I'm just being a hater? I feel like Nico knew he was drafted by a bad team but presented as excited to be in the league and with a focus to work hard and better himself. Hughes seems to have more of a passive attitude, like he knew he'd be in this league, and kind of bummed he's on a bad team so.. "well.. i'll try my best, but this sucks." Maybe its just me.
- MartysBetter88

That’s the way these kids are today

He’ll sign with the nucks in two seasons and win a cup