Jeff Paul: Nikita Gusev is Now a Devil

Way to Go Shero!

Number 97 hey. Thats cute.

Jeff Paul: Nikita Gusev is Now a Devil
- Jeff Paul

now what? bought out 1 year from now?

What’s the story on this guy ... stud or dud ???

That’s been McPhees M.O.

2 steps forward, 1 step back

For every 2 good moves, He just F’s up another situation for seemingly no reason

Same thing with Tatar. Pays a premium, doesn’t play him then has to retain to move him

Burns Gusevs ELC year without playing him

Signs Reeves to near 3 million and then ends up in a cap crunch

Forced to give away serviceable players like Haula and Miller

Tonnes of good moves, but so many mulligans too

Number 97 hey. Thats cute.
- Leichs

99 was taken

Agreed with the post above about Mcphee, he's made some brilliant moves but also has f'd up things there just as badly. Stastny, while an average 2C, isn't worth the money. Neither is Reeves. Don't think M. Subban is going to get you anywhere as a back-up or if forced into #1 duty when MAF gets hurt. Gusev is probably going to score alot of points on the Devils, and probably would be great on the 2nd line in Vegas setting up Stone instead of Pacioretty, who could be pushed down. I would've looked to trade Pacioretty instead of Gusev.

I have mentioned Pacioretty as a trade chip and people lost their marbles.

I feel the same with Gusev being a better fit with Stone and Stastny.

Pacioretty would be good back with Eakin and Tuch if they could have made the money work. McPhee seemed adamant about being happy with his guys and the chemistry and didn't want to make a move that affected it, just to pay Gusev.

I have mentioned Pacioretty as a trade chip and people lost their marbles.

I feel the same with Gusev being a better fit with Stone and Stastny.

Pacioretty would be good back with Eakin and Tuch if they could have made the money work. McPhee seemed adamant about being happy with his guys and the chemistry and didn't want to make a move that affected it, just to pay Gusev.
- Jeff Paul

I don't think trading Patches for the purpose of signing Gusev is a bad idea at all. It's a bit risky because Gusev is an unknown in the NHL, but I think it's a chance worth taking. Patches can't stay healthy and he is on the wrong side of 30 with 4 more years at $7 mil per. Find a way to move Reaves at the same time or in a separate trade and there is enough to sign a quality defenseman like Gardiner to shore up the defense.

What’s the story on this guy ... stud or dud ???

Who knows? Big fish in the KHL, but them again so is Brandon Kozun.

I don't think trading Patches for the purpose of signing Gusev is a bad idea at all. It's a bit risky because Gusev is an unknown in the NHL, but I think it's a chance worth taking. Patches can't stay healthy and he is on the wrong side of 30 with 4 more years at $7 mil per. Find a way to move Reaves at the same time or in a separate trade and there is enough to sign a quality defenseman like Gardiner to shore up the defense.
- Hockey66

It would likely require a sweetener to get someone to take Patches at this point

What a terrible (frank)ing offseason. McPhee is delusional if he actually believes they’re better than last year.

Lost Miller, Haula, and Gusev and got Roy and draft picks?.

I’m surprised Vegas didn’t negotiate for some cap relief with NJ.

What a terrible (frank)ing offseason. McPhee is delusional if he actually believes they’re better than last year.

Lost Miller, Haula, and Gusev and got Roy and draft picks?.
- Yosimar89

To be fair, Haula was out most of last season and Gusev never played a game for them

Most of the other top teams in the west didn't make substantial positive changes. Vegas is still sitting pretty

Just really, really poor asset management by McPhee

For every great signing (WildBill, March, Tuch) He's wasted money negotiating against himself with guys like Reeves and Fleury. Reeves should have been had for no more than 1.5 million and given Fleury was the face of the team, 34, and loved Vegas, that has to be leveraged into a team friendly deal. 5.5-5.75 at most

Right there is 2.5 Million that could have either kept Haula, or been put towards Gusev

I’m surprised Vegas didn’t negotiate for some cap relief with NJ.
- Queenie_5_hole

I'm surprised someone didn't offer a 1st or a 1st+. NJ will probably be pretty good in a couple of years so that 2nd will likely be pretty far down. Almost gave him away for nothing, really. And yeah, cap relief would have been nice for Vegas, although since he was an RFA, I don't know how or if that could work. It's hard to believe that's the best offer they could get.

I'm surprised someone didn't offer a 1st or a 1st+. NJ will probably be pretty good in a couple of years so that 2nd will likely be pretty far down. Almost gave him away for nothing, really. And yeah, cap relief would have been nice for Vegas, although since he was an RFA, I don't know how or if that could work. It's hard to believe that's the best offer they could get.
- Hockey66

Any team with cap pretty much is in a wait an see game with their rfas so that likely what lowered the competition for him.

If it turns into an 8 goal 23 assist season, McPhee is hailed as a brainiac. Devils squad has improved and Gusev will need to show well or he'll be another KHL bust. Would like to know what the other team offered

What’s the story on this guy ... stud or dud ???
- dozerD10

Nice calculated gamble for the Devils.

One of the few teams where Cap was NOT an issue.

So, two years "Show-me" contract. If the real deal...then bonus!...if not, cut bait and no big harm done. If nothing else it sends a message to Hall. Gusev, Souppan, Hughes, etc....Devils are improving and making the future look bright. It has to help in any possible re-signing....

2 time KHL MVP. Led the league in scoring by 13 points, and was a top scorer for the Russians that had many nhl all-stars on it. If he can take his off-wing talents to the smaller ice and still produce, then the devs got an absolute bargain. Still unproven, but has dominated at every stage until now.