Todd Cordell: New Jersey Devils sign Zetterlund, Maltsev to entry-level contracts

4 points in 16 games is respectable?

4 points in 16 games is respectable?
- shvingter88

For a 19-year-old playing limited minutes in arguably the world's 2nd best league, yes. It's encouraging that he was there at all.

For a 19-year-old playing limited minutes in arguably the world's 2nd best league, yes. It's encouraging that he was there at all.
- Todd.Cordell

Good to know, I know nothing about those euro leagues. Never understood players with single digit points with 20 games and everyone is nuts on them.

Good to know, I know nothing about those euro leagues. Never understood players with single digit points with 20 games and everyone is nuts on them.
- shvingter88

Yeah, I'm not saying Zetterlund is all that but low point production is normal for even highly touted prospects in the SHL, KHL, etc. Just gotta google what some stars in the NHL did when they were in Europe.

Hughes with less than 5 minutes in the first 40!

Hughes with less than 5 minutes in the first 40!
- willschulme

Bust

Todd what do make of Hughes ice time? Everyone here seems to be surprised by it. I assumed with his age and less experience that this was going to happen.

Todd what do make of Hughes ice time? Everyone here seems to be surprised by it. I assumed with his age and less experience that this was going to happen.
- shvingter88

I knew he'd get less, but I don't think he'll break 6 minutes tonight. That's a little much.

I knew he'd get less, but I don't think he'll break 6 minutes tonight. That's a little much.
- willschulme

I figured he would be getting 10, I’ll admit this is a tiny bit surprising. Maybe ray told Hynes not to play him too much so he has less chance of injury.

Wow. They just showed that Kakko has played less time on average so far. Now that's surprising.

I figured he would be getting 10, I’ll admit this is a tiny bit surprising. Maybe ray told Hynes not to play him too much so he has less chance of injury.
- shvingter88

Hynes runs the D. He has no say in the forward deployment, thats Blashill and Bylsma. Hughes is essentially being used as the 13th forward, filling in for someone every other rotation or so on either the 3rd or 4th line only if its an on the fly change or an ozone faceoff, never on a dzone faceoff

Really disappointing game for Hughes. Ganted he didnt get much ice time, and when he did he was with 4th liners for the most part, he just didnt show much when he was actually out there. And in OT he got bulldozed off the puck and Finns held it the entire shift in the US zone. Kakko is an absolute bull on the ice, its crazy how strong he is for only being 18, i'm getting a real Jagr/Forsberg feel to him when i watch him just use his body to consistently protect the puck. Ice time aside, Kakko once against stood out way more than Hughes. Kakko is going to make this a real though decision for Ray, Hughes would still be my pick at this time though, but damn, the Rangers are gonna be getting an absolute stud

Really disappointing game for Hughes. Ganted he didnt get much ice time, and when he did he was with 4th liners for the most part, he just didnt show much when he was actually out there. And in OT he got bulldozed off the puck and Finns held it the entire shift in the US zone. Kakko is an absolute bull on the ice, its crazy how strong he is for only being 18, i'm getting a real Jagr/Forsberg feel to him when i watch him just use his body to consistently protect the puck. Ice time aside, Kakko once against stood out way more than Hughes. Kakko is going to make this a real though decision for Ray, Hughes would still be my pick at this time though, but damn, the Rangers are gonna be getting an absolute stud
- vlongo4419

Agreed. Ice time was a factor, but Kakko was better in every way

I think it's becoming hard to argue that, right now, Hughes is a better/more NHL ready player than Kakko. I think the real debate is about potential and who will be more elite long term.

TOI today:

9:24 for Hughes

18:46 for Kakko

So annoying doesn't Blashill know I'm only watching these games to see Hughes.

Really disappointing game for Hughes. Ganted he didnt get much ice time, and when he did he was with 4th liners for the most part, he just didnt show much when he was actually out there. And in OT he got bulldozed off the puck and Finns held it the entire shift in the US zone. Kakko is an absolute bull on the ice, its crazy how strong he is for only being 18, i'm getting a real Jagr/Forsberg feel to him when i watch him just use his body to consistently protect the puck. Ice time aside, Kakko once against stood out way more than Hughes. Kakko is going to make this a real though decision for Ray, Hughes would still be my pick at this time though, but damn, the Rangers are gonna be getting an absolute stud
- vlongo4419

You have to remember that Hughes is coming from a tournament where he played 7 games in 11 days (or something like that) flew home, flew to Germany then on to this tournament. Kakko, skipped the U18 and has been practicing with his team for the last few weeks. I would assume that Hughes is dealing with some exhaustion at this point. He's more at the tournament to soak up the experience, not lead the team.

Did Blas get canned from Detroit?

Did Blas get canned from Detroit?
- Leniwm1

No.

I think it's becoming hard to argue that, right now, Hughes is a better/more NHL ready player than Kakko. I think the real debate is about potential and who will be more elite long term.
- MannySilvers

Maybe, but Kakko also gets as much playing time as he needs. At what point has anybody been impressed with USA international hockey in terms of personnel decisions and coaching.

Did Blas get canned from Detroit?
- Leniwm1

Extended

Maybe, but Kakko also gets as much playing time as he needs. At what point has anybody been impressed with USA international hockey in terms of personnel decisions and coaching.
- Pomegrant

For sure. I was genuinely impressed with Hughes vs Slovakia despite him not putting up any points. Didn't see the France game but heard he didn't do much and thought he looked forgettable when he played today.

Pretty much everything I've watched of Kakko so far has made me go "wow."

I get it's a small sample size though. I trust the staff to make the right call (and also trust the 95% of the scouting community who has Hughes ranked #1).

AHL

Does anyone know why Bratt isn't playing?

Does anyone know why Bratt isn't playing?
- Devils4ever

D2D.. Prob something minor.