We now have 2 confirmed players going to the World Championship, Nico for Switzerland and Sharangovich for Belarus. Kuokkanen says he wont be going for Finland.

Wonder how many more, if any, go.
- vlongo4419

There is the 3rd player. Tennyson will be playing for USA. Lol

Ty Smith was asked to play for Canada, but his shoulder injury will prevent him from playing

Stay the course fitz!!!
Let ruff keep teaching the kids.
One more year of learning and not spending on bad contracts will go a long way.
Draft luck maybe get 1 of the big 3 defenders.
Need to sign a better backup goalie.

Foote holtz nico jack bratt are the core . The other kids are great bottom six.

There is the 3rd player. Tennyson will be playing for USA. Lol

Ty Smith was asked to play for Canada, but his shoulder injury will prevent him from playing
- vlongo4419

4th player. Siegenthaler will join Nico on team Switzerland

I like wood, but putting that A on him neutered him. He's rarely been that "tough" guy we've all seen in him prior. He def plays smarter, doesnt run people. He leads the team in goals so that change def worked, but it seemed to take away his tough guy play as well.
- Leniwm1

Fair assessment. His hits and blocked shots took a big dip for sure. However, as sad as it is, he is still one of our "tough guys". Haha. We need so p-ricks in our roster or we will be the same spineless squad that the Rangers were exposed for. We really aren't much better in that department. Not calling for goons, but just guys who aren't afraid to drop the mitts 2-3 times a year while standing up for themselves.

- dmarsden2988

WOW!!!

There is ZERO chance we get a new coach. Ruff has been a pleasant surprise and he deserves to get a full, more normal season. Ruffs only issue with TOI is that he preferred the "4th line" of McLeod/Wood/Bastian over the "3rd line" no matter who was on it and i dont even know if thats an issue? The line was good together. But for the most part he was very good with giving the kids ice time and not cutting their ice when mistakes happen.
- vlongo4419

I agree that Ruff is very likely our coach going into next season. He's on the payroll. I just don't get how you can say he was a pleasant surprise? What about our teams performance was acceptable this season? We finished 27th in goals for, 28th on the PP, 27th in faceoffs, 27th in GAA, 31st in PK, 3rd last in the league, dead last in hits, 2nd last in fights, 5th last in blocked shots. I think guys like Sharan/Kuokk/Smith were pleasant surprises, but I can't see how this is due to Ruff. I think any coach in this league would need blinders to not increase their TOI while they were obviously better than the rest of this unmotivated club.

You could argue that the area Coaches can impact the most is special teams. We were the worst team in the league when you look at the PP, and the PK combined. And to be this bad, while playing this soft is something I put on Ruff. I need to see a much more motivated team committed to ANY system rather than this soft and passive play.

I agree that Ruff is very likely our coach going into next season. He's on the payroll. I just don't get how you can say he was a pleasant surprise? What about our teams performance was acceptable this season? We finished 27th in goals for, 28th on the PP, 27th in faceoffs, 27th in GAA, 31st in PK, 3rd last in the league, dead last in hits, 2nd last in fights, 5th last in blocked shots. I think guys like Sharan/Kuokk/Smith were pleasant surprises, but I can't see how this is due to Ruff. I think any coach in this league would need blinders to not increase their TOI while they were obviously better than the rest of this unmotivated club.

You could argue that the area Coaches can impact the most is special teams. We were the worst team in the league when you look at the PP, and the PK combined. And to be this bad, while playing this soft is something I put on Ruff. I need to see a much more motivated team committed to ANY system rather than this soft and passive play.
- bikeguy99

Lmao man i cant tell if you come to this site to troll or you just dont understand hockey. I really dont know. I mean pretty much every time you post something it just screams you dont actually know what you're talking about.

Everybody knows special teams were a problem, but thats not fully on Ruff. The special teams coaches are to blame there, but at the same time there was barely any practice to actually improve. So they get a pass this season. With that out of the way, are you just going to ignore the facts that the Devils were one of the better 5v5 teams in the league up until the deadline? Thats on Ruff. Thats a product of Ruffs system. He deserves credit for that. The team clearly had big time finishing and goaltending issues, but up until the deadline they were 7th in the league in CF%, and top-12 in all of xGF%, SCF%, and HDCF%. They had a system that they were committed to, and were good at executing what Ruff wanted. For a team as young as this one, thats damn impressive, and if you dont see that as a significant success then idk what to tell you

Everything that could have gone wrong for this team this season actually went wrong. From their 1b goaltender retiring right before the season starts, to not having their captain for 2/3 of the season, to having the entire team get rampaged by covid, it just all went wrong. With a normal offseason, training camp, and hopefully a healthy team next year, this team is a bubble team next season if they improve special teams and just get league average goaltending.

There were a lot of bright spots this season. The whole point of this season if your expectations were realistic was a developmental year for the young kids. That went as well, or even better than expected. Ruff is good for this young group and he deserves to be back next season after how this season went.

Not a surprise but Bahl, Foote, and Thompson were assigned to Bingo to finish up the season down there. I think they have 3 or 4 games left

Lmao man i cant tell if you come to this site to troll or you just dont understand hockey. I really dont know. I mean pretty much every time you post something it just screams you dont actually know what you're talking about.

Everybody knows special teams were a problem, but thats not fully on Ruff. The special teams coaches are to blame there, but at the same time there was barely any practice to actually improve. So they get a pass this season. With that out of the way, are you just going to ignore the facts that the Devils were one of the better 5v5 teams in the league up until the deadline? Thats on Ruff. Thats a product of Ruffs system. He deserves credit for that. The team clearly had big time finishing and goaltending issues, but up until the deadline they were 7th in the league in CF%, and top-12 in all of xGF%, SCF%, and HDCF%. They had a system that they were committed to, and were good at executing what Ruff wanted. For a team as young as this one, thats damn impressive, and if you dont see that as a significant success then idk what to tell you

Everything that could have gone wrong for this team this season actually went wrong. From their 1b goaltender retiring right before the season starts, to not having their captain for 2/3 of the season, to having the entire team get rampaged by covid, it just all went wrong. With a normal offseason, training camp, and hopefully a healthy team next year, this team is a bubble team next season if they improve special teams and just get league average goaltending.

There were a lot of bright spots this season. The whole point of this season if your expectations were realistic was a developmental year for the young kids. That went as well, or even better than expected. Ruff is good for this young group and he deserves to be back next season after how this season went.
- vlongo4419

Why am I a troll? For bringing up actual stats? Look it up yourself. You can say not everything lies 100% on him and that is fine, but the totality of the situation screams that this team hit the ice, lost, and took it sitting down without a pulse. I want to see more fight our of this club, to at least show that they are not content with being doormats. As a fan, I feel this criticizm is more than fair when you look at the analytics, eyeball test, or our position in the standings.

Now why the personal attacks? I don't assume you are some kid who lives in his parents basement and has a short wick? I never personally attack you or any of our fellow bloggers. I am also a devs fan, which should negate the "troll" concept. Do you understand your opinion is not fact?

As for your claim that I clearly don't understand hockey...... My down payment for my home was purchased via my hockey income. I was able to get 2 university degrees, 4 of the total 6 years were full ride scholarships. I even made pro swiss (just training camp. 2012 saw a rush of NHL'ers dispersed during the lockout and I got the bump). I have even tilted with Jordan Staal and Asham (Staal whooped me, but I think I got the edge on Asham), and many others who names you likely have never heard of. So I do have some experience. Still play NAFN tournaments in Canada, as they pay upwards of 1000 per game on imports like myself. Didn't want to go into personal info, but you really seem to hate my takes and take it way too personally. It's ok to admit our team is soft, and I agree that our prospect pool looks good, but this season was a terrible outing for 75% of the players.

Why am I a troll? For bringing up actual stats? Look it up yourself. You can say not everything lies 100% on him and that is fine, but the totality of the situation screams that this team hit the ice, lost, and took it sitting down without a pulse. I want to see more fight our of this club, to at least show that they are not content with being doormats. As a fan, I feel this criticizm is more than fair when you look at the analytics, eyeball test, or our position in the standings.

Now why the personal attacks? I don't assume you are some kid who lives in his parents basement and has a short wick? I never personally attack you or any of our fellow bloggers. I am also a devs fan, which should negate the "troll" concept. Do you understand your opinion is not fact?

As for your claim that I clearly don't understand hockey...... My down payment for my home was purchased via my hockey income. I was able to get 2 university degrees, 4 of the total 6 years were full ride scholarships. I even made pro swiss (just training camp. 2012 saw a rush of NHL'ers dispersed during the lockout and I got the bump). I have even tilted with Jordan Staal and Asham (Staal whooped me, but I think I got the edge on Asham), and many others who names you likely have never heard of. So I do have some experience. Still play NAFN tournaments in Canada, as they pay upwards of 1000 per game on imports like myself. Didn't want to go into personal info, but you really seem to hate my takes and take it way too personally. It's ok to admit our team is soft, and I agree that our prospect pool looks good, but this season was a terrible outing for 75% of the players.
- bikeguy99

Just stop talking my man. You say this team is soft and you bring up a bogus fight stat which is completely meaningless, and wrong. This team was middle of the pack in fights and fights per game. Idk what more you want with the way this team was built. You mention analytics, but the analytics say this team was actually pretty good up until the deadline, which i just pointed out to you. You put nothing into context and just talk out of your ass.

I call you a troll because most of your talking points are completely irrelevant. You bring up +/- and PIMs as an argument as to whether someone is playing well or not, which is just stupid. You bring up pointless stats which has essentially zero impact on the outcome of games. And your hockey knowledge just seems not great, which was just brought to light a day or so when you literally said Columbus should let Laine become a UFA so they could sign him cheaper.

If you had proper expectations coming into the season, this season was a success. Its that simple. And anybody with a brain can see the direction and future of this team is bright.

Why am I a troll? For bringing up actual stats? Look it up yourself. You can say not everything lies 100% on him and that is fine, but the totality of the situation screams that this team hit the ice, lost, and took it sitting down without a pulse. I want to see more fight our of this club, to at least show that they are not content with being doormats. As a fan, I feel this criticizm is more than fair when you look at the analytics, eyeball test, or our position in the standings.

Now why the personal attacks? I don't assume you are some kid who lives in his parents basement and has a short wick? I never personally attack you or any of our fellow bloggers. I am also a devs fan, which should negate the "troll" concept. Do you understand your opinion is not fact?

As for your claim that I clearly don't understand hockey...... My down payment for my home was purchased via my hockey income. I was able to get 2 university degrees, 4 of the total 6 years were full ride scholarships. I even made pro swiss (just training camp. 2012 saw a rush of NHL'ers dispersed during the lockout and I got the bump). I have even tilted with Jordan Staal and Asham (Staal whooped me, but I think I got the edge on Asham), and many others who names you likely have never heard of. So I do have some experience. Still play NAFN tournaments in Canada, as they pay upwards of 1000 per game on imports like myself. Didn't want to go into personal info, but you really seem to hate my takes and take it way too personally. It's ok to admit our team is soft, and I agree that our prospect pool looks good, but this season was a terrible outing for 75% of the players.
- bikeguy99

I made decent coin playing xbox too

grit/60 is the only stat that ever mattered.

Just stop talking my man. You say this team is soft and you bring up a bogus fight stat which is completely meaningless, and wrong. This team was middle of the pack in fights and fights per game. Idk what more you want with the way this team was built. You mention analytics, but the analytics say this team was actually pretty good up until the deadline, which i just pointed out to you. You put nothing into context and just talk out of your ass.

I call you a troll because most of your talking points are completely irrelevant. You bring up +/- and PIMs as an argument as to whether someone is playing well or not, which is just stupid. You bring up pointless stats which has essentially zero impact on the outcome of games. And your hockey knowledge just seems not great, which was just brought to light a day or so when you literally said Columbus should let Laine become a UFA so they could sign him cheaper.

If you had proper expectations coming into the season, this season was a success. Its that simple. And anybody with a brain can see the direction and future of this team is bright.
- vlongo4419

Clearly you are triggered by my take on this squad. I really don't take things this personal but you keep sounding off on me for things like Laine, and how I was disappointed with Ruff. That means I don't understand hockey? Where did you play puck?

Anybody with a brain can see that the future is bright? I never said it wasn't. I said our veterans under-performed and gave credit to Sharan/Kuokk/Smith for their great play.

And ya, If Laine's qualifying offer is north of 7M AAV, I'd be skeptical. Why is that take so upsetting to you? In the past year, who has inked a deal of 7M+? Chances are that player brings alot more to the table than Laine.

My expectations of this squad was to see the team compete. Compete doesn't mean win, but simply try your absolute best. I didn't see that. Sorry that my opinion irks you, but they were not showing any passion or grit. This doesn't mean I am not excited about Mercer/Shak/Holtz/Walsh/Bahl/Foote etc.... But I needed to see more out of our current NHL club to be consider this season a success.

Cheers bud, and don't take it personal. Its a blog after all. Meant for discussion and not just your one opinion.

I made decent coin playing xbox too
- Theathletic is for libs

Haha hey some people do. Just read a article talking about kids who are making serious money playing in tournaments online. That one kid made just over 5M from the last PUBG tournament. Gaming is becoming a serious thing it seems. Too bad the only game I play is Zelda on N64. haha

And ya, If Laine's qualifying offer is north of 7M AAV, I'd be skeptical. Why is that take so upsetting to you? In the past year, who has inked a deal of 7M+? Chances are that player brings alot more to the table than Laine.

My expectations of this squad was to see the team compete. Compete doesn't mean win, but simply try your absolute best. I didn't see that. Sorry that my opinion irks you, but they were not showing any passion or grit. This doesn't mean I am not excited about Mercer/Shak/Holtz/Walsh/Bahl/Foote etc.... But I needed to see more out of our current NHL club to be consider this season a success.
- bikeguy99

I'm legit only responding to this just to prove my point. You literally said you think they will try to sign him as a UFA in stead of qualifying him. Thats is incredibly dumb to think they would even consider. If they let him become a UFA so they dont need to qualify him at 7M, he will just walk and sign elsewhere. Dont be stupid. Also, 7M+ isnt an overpay for Laine, i'd give that to him all day long on a max year deal.

You didnt see this team compete? Have you not watched the games? Thats a yikes for me my guy. So essentially in your eyes, if they arent out-hitting and out-fighting the opposition every night they arent competing? What a load of poop lmao. If you actually think thats true, i just gotta block you, because thats complete trash.

I'm legit only responding to this just to prove my point. You literally said you think they will try to sign him as a UFA in stead of qualifying him. Thats is incredibly dumb to think they would even consider. If they let him become a UFA so they dont need to qualify him at 7M, he will just walk and sign elsewhere. Dont be stupid.

You didnt see this team compete? Have you not watched the games? Thats a yikes for me my guy. So essentially in your eyes, if they arent out-hitting and out-fighting the opposition every night they arent competing? What a load of poop lmao
- vlongo4419

You see man. You are an angry little soul over on that keyboard. I don't call you "idiot, dumb, nor stupid". But you only spew "facts" that you read on guys twitters so you are a pretty sharp dude.

No. I think we did not compete. Not sure what stats you have on hand, but I think when just Buffalo and Anaheim are under us in the standings, it says we did not compete. Being outshot, outhit, and outscored should sum that up for ya. This team lacked passion and was a team many enjoyed to play against. But keep being condescending, and insulting. I am sure you carry yourself this way in bars too right......Everybody is a little taller at their keyboards eh. Cheers from the North.

You see man. You are an angry little soul over on that keyboard. I don't call you "idiot, dumb, nor stupid". But you only spew "facts" that you read on guys twitters so you are a pretty sharp dude.

No. I think we did not compete. Not sure what stats you have on hand, but I think when just Buffalo and Anaheim are under us in the standings, it says we did not compete. Being outshot, outhit, and outscored should sum that up for ya. This team lacked passion and was a team many enjoyed to play against. But keep being condescending, and insulting. I am sure you carry yourself this way in bars too right......Everybody is a little taller at their keyboards eh. Cheers from the North.
- bikeguy99

Im not angry at all. I just call people out on their BS and when they say stupid poop

Damn, Vancouver got poop on tonight. Down to 5 games left for them to get 1 more point.

grit/60 is the only stat that ever mattered.
- Pomegrant

Don’t forget height/60

Im not angry at all. I just call people out on their BS and when they say stupid poop
- vlongo4419

What BS is that? And was is so stupid of being concerned about Laine making 7M+? It is a risk and seemingly everyone but you would agree it is far from a safe bet.

Based on your vocabulary, you shouldn't be calling people "stupid, dumb, or idiot", and I genuinely wonder what your line of work is? What your education is? and What level of hockey you played/coached/scouted to acquire such a vast level of absolute knowledge. No room for opinions that don't match yours, or they are clearly just stupid right? It's an ignorant approach and people don't tend to talk to others like this face to face for some odd reason.....

Don’t forget height/60
- shvingter88

Height or Grit/60........ Doomed

Im not angry at all. I just call people out on their BS and when they say stupid poop
- vlongo4419

You sound angry all the time. And disagreeing with people is fine but you are condescending when people have an opinion different then yours. Seems like many posters here have noticed that.

I think you're like the type of guy who would hit his girlfriend and then say "she made me hit her". Which admittedly is a stretch because I don't know you; but that is how you come across in this forum.

I was hoping we could be friends. Discuss some hockey for the team we both like. Maybe meet up at Hobby's Deli for Pastrami and share stories of spotting Erika Wacther at the arena. I could have told you a great story about meeting Ken Danyeko at a NJ Devils food drive during the lock out year right after he was in rehab with my nephew. But you ruined all that. Just like special teams ruined the NJ Devil's season.

Instead of just typing back angry and then saying you weren't angry and lining up some clever insults; perhaps this is a moment to do some soul searching. Maybe it's time to decide if you want to be a (suspected) wife beater or better man.

Maybe it's time to switch to decaf coffee because it has all the full flavor you love but with the caffeine you can do with out. I don't know the answers. Just trying to help....

Damn, Vancouver got poop on tonight. Down to 5 games left for them to get 1 more point.
- vlongo4419

We're tied in points currently, but they have more Wins. They are finishing higher than us even if they don't get another point in their last 5 games

Don’t forget height/60
- shvingter88

Nobody has mentioned SAB/60 and SAG/60 stats. Shots at boards and shots at glass.