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

[Devils731]

Shero just spoke with the Fan Club. This is my unedited and not proof read recap for people.

—————

Was a great camp. Felt first year they have a roster to play the style they want.
Glad Butcher selected Devils over 5 or 6 teams. Still holes in defense. Expects Butcher to play Saturday.

Q&A

Nico’s physical conditioning lacking? Nico is in fantastic shape. On and off ice training, nutrition, mental game are things all new players get more instruction on.

Process to select Nico? Wasn’t on radar when team was selecting 6-8. In March spent a lot of time with Castron. Spent time visiting with first 4 picks and those were the guys on the radar. Nico’s ability to think the game was bringing something the Devils hadn’t had in a long time.

Nervous about having so many new, young players? He’s excited that the process is in motion. Young players bring excitement and energy. Young players push older guys and the older guys responded in training camp. Still more young guys in the pipeline.

Players leaving for the Olympics? It’s a league wide decision. Players love it and it’s a big financial risk for the owners. He understands both sides.

Can Devils advertise the fan club more? Thinks growing the fan club is important.
Team philosophy has always been defense. All teams need one go to guy. Devils need a sniper? Shero agrees game is more about speed and offense now. Penguins have won with offense. Teams need to play to their strengths. Playing fast is about offense and defense. 2012 has non-descript defense but had the scorers.

Input on Pavel Zacha and Jesper Bratt? Why Bratt over Blandisi? Bratt looked great at development camp. Bratt looked great in international play after. Bratt came in and looked great in practice and games. Blandisi, Q, and Lappin are a part of the future. Gibbons/Coleman makes the roster because they fill a need on the PK that Blandisi and Q don’t fill. Blandisi and Q had good camps and it’s not about them not being good enough it’s just about not having a role open for them. Zacha has great preseason. Last year when Zacha would skip a game it was to teach him and help him improve, it didn’t mean Luke Gadzic was a better player.

What if Bratt struggles? Bratt can play nhl, AHL, or juniors. Taking it day by day. Bratt can stay an impact guy, whether he’s 19 or 29.

Do you worry about drafting college guys since players can leave? When do these players get on your radar? Everyone knows Butcher. You start getting serious on them when they start their senior year. Really likes Kerfoot; felt Kerfoot didn’t see a future at center with the Devils having drafted a bunch of young centers. Hynes did a video session with Butcher that Butcher really took to.

Analytics? Has grown a lot in the last 5 years. No player tracking in the NHL makes it harder than NBA. None of these really exist in AHL or Juniors. It’s all about watching video to make these stats. Team uses in house and outside analytics. Compare team to the league. Players to players. Have to use scouting and analytics together. The more information the better. Wish League has player tracking like NBA. NHLPA won’t allow trackers in the jersey.
Faceoff violation crackdowns? Integrity of the faceoff was really bad. Compare face offs in the 80s to now and it’s like a rugby scrum now. League wants cleaner draws. First preseason game the league memo came out at 4:15 with no video and games started 3 hours later.

With Marty gone will league get rid of trapezoid? When rule started everyone thought it was stupid. League talks about removing the trapezoid to protect defenseman. Won’t go away any time soon.

Was there ever a time between the lottery and the draft where a trade of the pick was considered? Not really. This was a good draft. A lot of picks from this draft made the 23 man rosters. Never came close to trading. A few teams called.

Las Vegas expansion draft, could Devils make a move to take advantage of that? Shero thought there would be moves to make but Vegas cut all the deals so teams wouldn’t lose anything too major. Teams decided losing 1 guy would be better than making a bad trade and losing a guy. Knew Washington had cap issues. Uses picks in that fashion which was probably better than any expansion draft related move would have. Vegas has all those defenseman on their roster now and nobody is willing to help them out now.

How do trades come together? Friends? Texts? Do crazy GMs call at 3 AM? Definitely you have relationships. Some guys are more straight up and others are shadier. Deals have been done by text or calls but no 3 AM call. Deals are definitely not a 9-5 job. Minn trade guy to buffalo Devils were talking to them about. It was 2 of Ray’s former assistant GMs.

Ever get trade offers you laugh at? No, but there are deals that don’t seem to make sense. He does get some ideas from staff that seem crazy that he won’t even approach the other GM with. Other teams needs not taken into consideration in those cases.

Winter Classic? Devils do a game at Liberty State park? Thinks experiences like that are great. All the teams trying to get games like that. It’s the league that chooses those games.

Earlier games? To help the Swiss audience? This was the best game to showcase league in Europe. Colorado is playing a game in Europe later this year.

How did the PEI game go? How were the Devils chosen? Bill Daly chose the Devils. All the players wanted to play in that game.
How about a Euro team doing a preseason game here? NHL decision. If there is money to be made the league would probably like to do it.

Double header preseason games? First game is AHL and second game is NHL? Shero likes those. 5 year relationship with Binghamton. Their supporters group is strong.

Devils alumni dream camp? Shero thinks things like that are cool.

Goalie tryout for emergency backup? League mandate but it’s hard to find someone of somewhat NHL caliber. There was a lot of interest. 8 or 9 guys will be rotating through as the emergency goalie.

All star game at prudential center? That’s a Hugh Weber thing

 

[Billdo]

Shero just spoke with the Fan Club. This is my unedited and not proof read recap for people.

—————

Was a great camp. Felt first year they have a roster to play the style they want.
Glad Butcher selected Devils over 5 or 6 teams. Still holes in defense. Expects Butcher to play Saturday.

Q&A

Nico’s physical conditioning lacking? Nico is in fantastic shape. On and off ice training, nutrition, mental game are things all new players get more instruction on.

Process to select Nico? Wasn’t on radar when team was selecting 6-8. In March spent a lot of time with Castron. Spent time visiting with first 4 picks and those were the guys on the radar. Nico’s ability to think the game was bringing something the Devils hadn’t had in a long time.

Nervous about having so many new, young players? He’s excited that the process is in motion. Young players bring excitement and energy. Young players push older guys and the older guys responded in training camp. Still more young guys in the pipeline.

Players leaving for the Olympics? It’s a league wide decision. Players love it and it’s a big financial risk for the owners. He understands both sides.

Can Devils advertise the fan club more? Thinks growing the fan club is important.
Team philosophy has always been defense. All teams need one go to guy. Devils need a sniper? Shero agrees game is more about speed and offense now. Penguins have won with offense. Teams need to play to their strengths. Playing fast is about offense and defense. 2012 has non-descript defense but had the scorers.

Input on Pavel Zacha and Jesper Bratt? Why Bratt over Blandisi? Bratt looked great at development camp. Bratt looked great in international play after. Bratt came in and looked great in practice and games. Blandisi, Q, and Lappin are a part of the future. Gibbons/Coleman makes the roster because they fill a need on the PK that Blandisi and Q don’t fill. Blandisi and Q had good camps and it’s not about them not being good enough it’s just about not having a role open for them. Zacha has great preseason. Last year when Zacha would skip a game it was to teach him and help him improve, it didn’t mean Luke Gadzic was a better player.

What if Bratt struggles? Bratt can play nhl, AHL, or juniors. Taking it day by day. Bratt can stay an impact guy, whether he’s 19 or 29.

Do you worry about drafting college guys since players can leave? When do these players get on your radar? Everyone knows Butcher. You start getting serious on them when they start their senior year. Really likes Kerfoot; felt Kerfoot didn’t see a future at center with the Devils having drafted a bunch of young centers. Hynes did a video session with Butcher that Butcher really took to.

Analytics? Has grown a lot in the last 5 years. No player tracking in the NHL makes it harder than NBA. None of these really exist in AHL or Juniors. It’s all about watching video to make these stats. Team uses in house and outside analytics. Compare team to the league. Players to players. Have to use scouting and analytics together. The more information the better. Wish League has player tracking like NBA. NHLPA won’t allow trackers in the jersey.
Faceoff violation crackdowns? Integrity of the faceoff was really bad. Compare face offs in the 80s to now and it’s like a rugby scrum now. League wants cleaner draws. First preseason game the league memo came out at 4:15 with no video and games started 3 hours later.

With Marty gone will league get rid of trapezoid? When rule started everyone thought it was stupid. League talks about removing the trapezoid to protect defenseman. Won’t go away any time soon.

Was there ever a time between the lottery and the draft where a trade of the pick was considered? Not really. This was a good draft. A lot of picks from this draft made the 23 man rosters. Never came close to trading. A few teams called.

Las Vegas expansion draft, could Devils make a move to take advantage of that? Shero thought there would be moves to make but Vegas cut all the deals so teams wouldn’t lose anything too major. Teams decided losing 1 guy would be better than making a bad trade and losing a guy. Knew Washington had cap issues. Uses picks in that fashion which was probably better than any expansion draft related move would have. Vegas has all those defenseman on their roster now and nobody is willing to help them out now.

How do trades come together? Friends? Texts? Do crazy GMs call at 3 AM? Definitely you have relationships. Some guys are more straight up and others are shadier. Deals have been done by text or calls but no 3 AM call. Deals are definitely not a 9-5 job. Minn trade guy to buffalo Devils were talking to them about. It was 2 of Ray’s former assistant GMs.

Ever get trade offers you laugh at? No, but there are deals that don’t seem to make sense. He does get some ideas from staff that seem crazy that he won’t even approach the other GM with. Other teams needs not taken into consideration in those cases.

Winter Classic? Devils do a game at Liberty State park? Thinks experiences like that are great. All the teams trying to get games like that. It’s the league that chooses those games.

Earlier games? To help the Swiss audience? This was the best game to showcase league in Europe. Colorado is playing a game in Europe later this year.

How did the PEI game go? How were the Devils chosen? Bill Daly chose the Devils. All the players wanted to play in that game.
How about a Euro team doing a preseason game here? NHL decision. If there is money to be made the league would probably like to do it.

Double header preseason games? First game is AHL and second game is NHL? Shero likes those. 5 year relationship with Binghamton. Their supporters group is strong.

Devils alumni dream camp? Shero thinks things like that are cool.

Goalie tryout for emergency backup? League mandate but it’s hard to find someone of somewhat NHL caliber. There was a lot of interest. 8 or 9 guys will be rotating through as the emergency goalie.

All star game at prudential center? That’s a Hugh Weber thing

Scandella wouldve been nice, assuming that's who they're talking about.

 

[NJDevs26]

lol someone actually asked him about Nico's conditioning? Glad he had a good answer for that.

The earlier times question is that referring specifically to Saturday's game? That would seem to confirm the time switch was to make the game primetime in Switzerland if it was.

That's really telling about the memo coming out on faceoffs three hours before the preseason, typical NHL. No wonder nobody knew what the hell was going on that first night.

 

[Bleedred]

Thanks for that! I really appreciated his answer on Blandisi/Quenneville, as opposed to Hiney Head's vague answer.

 

[Darkauron]

Interesting to see that we were probably in on Scandella. That would have been nice.

 

[NJDevs26]

Scandella wouldve been nice, assuming that's who they're talking about.

The irony is we traded for Mueller who the Sabres were also in on a couple weeks before the Scandella trade.

I do wonder if Butcher signs here if we traded for Scandella as well.

 

[My3Sons]

Why would they give him a three year deal? If he has 20 goals at the deadline he's as good as gone with a bow on his head for a 2nd

They shouldn’t. My point was why play guys with one year deals if it hinders the development of a player who might have an actual future with the team. STAFFORD may not be a great example but Blandisi and JQ need to start getting some NHL minutes if they are going to develop. Why can’t a fourth line be given a few more 5 on 5 minutes and some special teams minutes? Aren’t sheltered minutes better at first for younger players? Hopefully they play great in Bingo and get called up soon. One should replace Bratt at some point and one maybe replaces Coleman if he doesn’t pan out

 

[Billdo]

They shouldn’t. My point was why play guys with one year deals if it hinders the development of a player who might have an actual future with the team. STAFFORD may not be a great example but Blandisi and JQ need to start getting some NHL minutes if they are going to develop. Why can’t a fourth line be given a few more 5 on 5 minutes and some special teams minutes? Aren’t sheltered minutes better at first for younger players? Hopefully they play great in Bingo and get called up soon. One should replace Bratt at some point and one maybe replaces Coleman if he doesn’t pan out

I think Blandisi is up for game 10 and Bratt will be sent away. JQ didn't impress me at all, Blandisi did though.

 

[BenedictGomez]

A lot of people were up in the air over whether or not Gaudreau could play in the NHL at his size. ..... If it was 1998 he most likely wouldn't have even been drafted.

Not a chance. A player like Gaudreau couldn't have played in the NHL in 1998.

He'd graduate from Boston and be working an anonymous office job right now. As the cliche goes, timing is everything in life.

 

[Emperoreddy]

They shouldn’t. My point was why play guys with one year deals if it hinders the development of a player who might have an actual future with the team. STAFFORD may not be a great example but Blandisi and JQ need to start getting some NHL minutes if they are going to develop. Why can’t a fourth line be given a few more 5 on 5 minutes and some special teams minutes? Aren’t sheltered minutes better at first for younger players? Hopefully they play great in Bingo and get called up soon. One should replace Bratt at some point and one maybe replaces Coleman if he doesn’t pan out

It doesn't hinder their development at all. First off you are using RWs as an example when JQ and Blender are LWs. If the staff felt they could handle top 9 duty at RW they would have gotten it.

Again playing top minutes with both PP and PK time is better for them then 8 minutes on the 4th line.

 

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

I hope Shero will be active this season with calling up players from AHL.

Don't just wait for injuries. If the power play is in a slump then I expect Blandisi & Quenneville to be called up and play ahead of Hayes, Coleman Gibbons etc.

We have enough talent on the roster to not rely them for the PK.

 

[Emperoreddy]

I hope Shero will be active this season with calling up players from AHL.

Don't just wait for injuries. If the power play is in a slump then I expect Blandisi & Quenneville to be called up and play ahead of Hayes, Coleman Gibbons etc.

We have enough talent on the roster to not rely them for the PK.

No one you named will ever see Power Play time.

 

[The Wumpus]

Shero is a great interview. Very candid.

 

[My3Sons]

Shero just spoke with the Fan Club. This is my unedited and not proof read recap for people.

—————

Was a great camp. Felt first year they have a roster to play the style they want.
Glad Butcher selected Devils over 5 or 6 teams. Still holes in defense. Expects Butcher to play Saturday.

Q&A

Nico’s physical conditioning lacking? Nico is in fantastic shape. On and off ice training, nutrition, mental game are things all new players get more instruction on.

Process to select Nico? Wasn’t on radar when team was selecting 6-8. In March spent a lot of time with Castron. Spent time visiting with first 4 picks and those were the guys on the radar. Nico’s ability to think the game was bringing something the Devils hadn’t had in a long time.

Nervous about having so many new, young players? He’s excited that the process is in motion. Young players bring excitement and energy. Young players push older guys and the older guys responded in training camp. Still more young guys in the pipeline.

Players leaving for the Olympics? It’s a league wide decision. Players love it and it’s a big financial risk for the owners. He understands both sides.

Can Devils advertise the fan club more? Thinks growing the fan club is important.
Team philosophy has always been defense. All teams need one go to guy. Devils need a sniper? Shero agrees game is more about speed and offense now. Penguins have won with offense. Teams need to play to their strengths. Playing fast is about offense and defense. 2012 has non-descript defense but had the scorers.

Input on Pavel Zacha and Jesper Bratt? Why Bratt over Blandisi? Bratt looked great at development camp. Bratt looked great in international play after. Bratt came in and looked great in practice and games. Blandisi, Q, and Lappin are a part of the future. Gibbons/Coleman makes the roster because they fill a need on the PK that Blandisi and Q don’t fill. Blandisi and Q had good camps and it’s not about them not being good enough it’s just about not having a role open for them. Zacha has great preseason. Last year when Zacha would skip a game it was to teach him and help him improve, it didn’t mean Luke Gadzic was a better player.

What if Bratt struggles? Bratt can play nhl, AHL, or juniors. Taking it day by day. Bratt can stay an impact guy, whether he’s 19 or 29.

Do you worry about drafting college guys since players can leave? When do these players get on your radar? Everyone knows Butcher. You start getting serious on them when they start their senior year. Really likes Kerfoot; felt Kerfoot didn’t see a future at center with the Devils having drafted a bunch of young centers. Hynes did a video session with Butcher that Butcher really took to.

Analytics? Has grown a lot in the last 5 years. No player tracking in the NHL makes it harder than NBA. None of these really exist in AHL or Juniors. It’s all about watching video to make these stats. Team uses in house and outside analytics. Compare team to the league. Players to players. Have to use scouting and analytics together. The more information the better. Wish League has player tracking like NBA. NHLPA won’t allow trackers in the jersey.
Faceoff violation crackdowns? Integrity of the faceoff was really bad. Compare face offs in the 80s to now and it’s like a rugby scrum now. League wants cleaner draws. First preseason game the league memo came out at 4:15 with no video and games started 3 hours later.

With Marty gone will league get rid of trapezoid? When rule started everyone thought it was stupid. League talks about removing the trapezoid to protect defenseman. Won’t go away any time soon.

Was there ever a time between the lottery and the draft where a trade of the pick was considered? Not really. This was a good draft. A lot of picks from this draft made the 23 man rosters. Never came close to trading. A few teams called.

Las Vegas expansion draft, could Devils make a move to take advantage of that? Shero thought there would be moves to make but Vegas cut all the deals so teams wouldn’t lose anything too major. Teams decided losing 1 guy would be better than making a bad trade and losing a guy. Knew Washington had cap issues. Uses picks in that fashion which was probably better than any expansion draft related move would have. Vegas has all those defenseman on their roster now and nobody is willing to help them out now.

How do trades come together? Friends? Texts? Do crazy GMs call at 3 AM? Definitely you have relationships. Some guys are more straight up and others are shadier. Deals have been done by text or calls but no 3 AM call. Deals are definitely not a 9-5 job. Minn trade guy to buffalo Devils were talking to them about. It was 2 of Ray’s former assistant GMs.

Ever get trade offers you laugh at? No, but there are deals that don’t seem to make sense. He does get some ideas from staff that seem crazy that he won’t even approach the other GM with. Other teams needs not taken into consideration in those cases.

Winter Classic? Devils do a game at Liberty State park? Thinks experiences like that are great. All the teams trying to get games like that. It’s the league that chooses those games.

Earlier games? To help the Swiss audience? This was the best game to showcase league in Europe. Colorado is playing a game in Europe later this year.

How did the PEI game go? How were the Devils chosen? Bill Daly chose the Devils. All the players wanted to play in that game.
How about a Euro team doing a preseason game here? NHL decision. If there is money to be made the league would probably like to do it.

Double header preseason games? First game is AHL and second game is NHL? Shero likes those. 5 year relationship with Binghamton. Their supporters group is strong.

Devils alumni dream camp? Shero thinks things like that are cool.

Goalie tryout for emergency backup? League mandate but it’s hard to find someone of somewhat NHL caliber. There was a lot of interest. 8 or 9 guys will be rotating through as the emergency goalie.

All star game at prudential center? That’s a Hugh Weber thing

Great write up and thanks! Can anyone imagine Lou doing this? Just imagine....

Fan Club - Why were Blandisi and JQ sent down?
Lou - Next question.

Fan Club - Some folks are questioning Nico’s conditioning. Any comment?
Lou - Next question.

Fan Club - will Lovejoy be re-signed when his contract is up?
Lou - status quo.

Fan Club - When do you see the team competing for a playoff spot?
Lou - when you have time you use it.

 

[MadDevil]

Two weeks into the season it's entirely possible Bratt, Gibbons, and Butcher all end up in Binghamton (or London in Bratt's case) so I'm not going to hand wring over the opening night lineup. Outside of Lovejoy it's not like the players on the roster didn't earn their spots with good camps. Bratt basically stole Blandisi's job with his play. Coleman was solid and is a natural center, whereas both Blandisi and Quenneville are likey better suited to LW spots, of which there are none remaining between Hall, the addition of MoJo, Bratt's strong showing, and Wood, who plays more of the prototypical 4th liners style of game.

Now, if you want to argue that the prototypical 4th line isn't what we should be going for, then maybe you slot Blandisi and Quenneville into Wood and Coleman's spots.

 

[My3Sons]

I think Blandisi is up for game 10 and Bratt will be sent away. JQ didn't impress me at all, Blandisi did though.

Fair enough. JQ was not as good as Blandisi and that may be enough for now to have him down in Bingo. That said if he is borderline ready I’d be disappointed if a player without a future takes time from him.

 

[Billdo]

Fair enough. JQ was not as good as Blandisi and that may be enough for now to have him down in Bingo. That said if he is borderline ready I’d be disappointed if a player without a future takes time from him.

Positionally I really only see Bratt and Wood as the guys taking away JQ and Blenders spot and they both have as much a future as JQ and Blandisi. If I had my way I'd rather Blandisi be 4C but I understand the reasoning behind giving him top mind in Binghamton. Like I've said though, I strongly believe he will be up here by game 10.

 

[My3Sons]

No one you named will ever see Power Play time.

I thought there has been some speculation that Hayes may see some second unit PP time as a big body sticking his butt in the goalie’s face? Not saying I’d do it but I think I’ve read something about that?

 

[My3Sons]

Positionally I really only see Bratt and Wood as the guys taking away JQ and Blenders spot and they both have as much a future as JQ and Blandisi. If I had my way I'd rather Blandisi be 4C but I understand the reasoning behind giving him top mind in Binghamton. Like I've said though, I strongly believe he will be up here by game 10.

If he continues like he did in preseason he certainly would seem to have earned it. He played with some purpose hustle and heart in addition to showing some offense. Given what he has overcome to get this far he has to be tougher than he gets credit for.

 

[NJDevs26]

Great write up and thanks! Can anyone imagine Lou doing this? Just imagine....

Fan Club - Why were Blandisi and JQ sent down?
Lou - Next question.

Fan Club - Some folks are questioning Nico’s conditioning. Any comment?
Lou - Next question.

Fan Club - will Lovejoy be re-signed when his contract is up?
Lou - status quo.

Fan Club - When do you see the team competing for a playoff spot?
Lou - when you have time you use it.

lol to be fair Lou was often a little more forthcoming with the fan club too. That's one of the best things about the fan club town hall meetings with management, you get a slightly more unedited version of events that's not generally for public consumption.

 

[Triumph]

No idea how this is going to work - Multi-quote was way more intuitive on the old site -

It is not Hynes's job to explain roster moves to the media - he has some input, no doubt, but the final authority is Shero's. We have no idea if he'd rather have Blandisi.

Hayes is going to play on the PP from Day 1 - he's a right-handed shot and the Devils need that on their PP.

 

[Emperoreddy]

No idea how this is going to work - Multi-quote was way more intuitive on the old site -

It is not Hynes's job to explain roster moves to the media - he has some input, no doubt, but the final authority is Shero's. We have no idea if he'd rather have Blandisi.

Hayes is going to play on the PP from Day 1 - he's a right-handed shot and the Devils need that on their PP.

Stafford

 

[Triumph]

Stafford

Did you even look at the practice lines today? Hayes is on the power play. He's actually on unit 1, though it's hard to tell which is which.

 

[Emperoreddy]

Did you even look at the practice lines today? Hayes is on the power play. He's actually on unit 1, though it's hard to tell which is which.

And they are going to change.

 

[Blender]

And they are going to change.

From Gross' blog post, Severson wasn't even being used on the power play. Seems odd to me.