Devils 2017-18 team discussion (player news and notes) - Offseason part VII

[StevenToddIves]

I believe Bastian's problem was his move to center. I think you saw it in his game. He is a winger, a big strong RW who i believe will develop into a nice power forward for us. I just hope with how the teams prospects are that the trial at center is over.

I agree.

Bastian's upside is a two-way, physical 3rd line RW who can score 15-20 goals and 35-40 points. Seeing as the Devils lack RWs and physical wingers, that would seem to make him a valuable commodity in the organization.

Strangely, from the same draft I believe that Joey Anderson has more upside as a second line RW. Anderson is faster, a bit smarter and possesses more scoring acumen.

The wild-card at RW for the Devils pipeline is, of course, Nikita Popugayev. Absolutely he has first-line upside, but he is also the most likely of this trio not to make the NHL whatsoever.

Here's my ranking of the Devils RW prospects:

1)Anderson
2Popugayev
3)Speers
4)Bastian
5)Zetterlund
6)Studenic
7)Lappin

 

[JimEIV]

40 points from a RW this season was top 33 in the league.

35 was top 42.

 

[RSeen]

Two-way LW/Cs who can score 25-30 goals do not exactly grow on trees, either. To say that the Ducks can get more for Vatanen than Henrique in this market is a stretch.

I would absolutely add to Henrique to get Vatenen. Henrique scored 30 but the norm is probably somewhere in between the last two seasons.