Devils Team Discussion (team/player news and notes) ‎2015 offseason VI

[Emperoreddy]

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[Lindys Lazy Eye]

Having Zacha play more than 9 games here this upcoming season would be a massive mistake. We can't rush our prospects.

 

[Czech Trio]

Having Zacha play more than 9 games here this upcoming season would be a massive mistake. We can't rush our prospects.

I agree with this. First lets see Zacha in camp and preseason. There is a legitimate possibility that he makes a case for himself that he is ready for the NHL. Zacha is not Matteau. I'm leaning towards Zacha returningt to Sarnia but theres is plenty of time to get a look at him (dev. camp, regular camp, preseason).

 

[Cheddabombs]

Having Zacha play more than 9 games here this upcoming season would be a massive mistake. We can't rush our prospects.

Depends how he does, but generally I agree. If he puts up a PPG in those 9 games it would be awfully difficult to not keep him up. There should be no rushing, but there shouldn't be a clear cut policy in place. Each situation is different, if Zacha proves he's ready then I'm all for keeping him up.

Look back at young guys that forced their way into the lineup in recent years. I don't think many people had Merrill or Severson making the jump when they did, it seemed like they were destined for the AHL. But they proved they could handle it. Obviously different scenarios, but still the same concept.

 

[Wingman77]

While I wouldn't have been opposed to having Gomez back, if none of the other veterans are able to help the younger group we have, well then we have more answers regarding the futures on this team of said veterans right there.

It's become clear that part of this year is going to be about figuring out where we are with certain guys and whether they'll be around moving forward.

 

[tailfins]

The thing is, there are veterans who could help the team.

My issue with the current approach is not that the Devils didn't sign any big FAs, it's that:

1. Shero has set an age cap. Perhaps that's fine for this season because he needs to correct for the sins of the past, but it feels arbitrary.

2. Shero is jettisoning useful FAs such as Gomez.

Player development is important. I want the kids to be ready before they get pushed into the NHL. The NHL isn't a development league. Getting Josefson and Larsson early NHL experience doesn't seem to have helped them.

Expecting Zacha to play this year is a huge red flag. He should only play if there's no other option - i.e., he forces himself onto the team. Perhaps it's better for him to learn in the AHL instead of Sarnia, but I'd rather he learn in Sarnia than get crushed in the NHL. The idea that the Devils let Gomez go to create space for Zacha seems crazy. If Zacha deserves to play, you figure out what to do then. Not

 

[Drewr15]

While I wouldn't have been opposed to having Gomez back, if none of the other veterans are able to help the younger group we have, well then we have more answers regarding the futures on this team of said veterans right there.

It's become clear that part of this year is going to be about figuring out where we are with certain guys and whether they'll be around moving forward.

I agree I think a few guys will really need to show something this year or they will be moved out.

 

[Cheddabombs]

The thing is, there are veterans who could help the team.

My issue with the current approach is not that the Devils didn't sign any big FAs, it's that:

1. Shero has set an age cap. Perhaps that's fine for this season because he needs to correct for the sins of the past, but it feels arbitrary.

2. Shero is jettisoning useful FAs such as Gomez.

Player development is important. I want the kids to be ready before they get pushed into the NHL. The NHL isn't a development league. Getting Josefson and Larsson early NHL experience doesn't seem to have helped them.

Expecting Zacha to play this year is a huge red flag. He should only play if there's no other option - i.e., he forces himself onto the team. Perhaps it's better for him to learn in the AHL instead of Sarnia, but I'd rather he learn in Sarnia than get crushed in the NHL. The idea that the Devils let Gomez go to create space for Zacha seems crazy. If Zacha deserves to play, you figure out what to do then. Not

1. You don't know this. He's looking to build this team long-term, but if someone becomes available that is a little older and can help out then I'm sure Shero wouldn't be opposed to it.

2. Shero jettisoned one useful FA. Gomez is the only one, the other guys were dead weight and absolutely useless.

Just because Shero didn't sign a big name FA doesn't mean anything to me. It was a weak FA class anyway, I don't want him to overpay for someone for no reason just to fill a "void." Besides, we are honestly months away from the season and the team outlook can easily change before the season starts. Heck, we haven't even had development camp yet, and maybe that will help shape Shero's view going into this year.

 

[Zippy316]

The thing is, there are veterans who could help the team.

My issue with the current approach is not that the Devils didn't sign any big FAs, it's that:

1. Shero has set an age cap. Perhaps that's fine for this season because he needs to correct for the sins of the past, but it feels arbitrary.

2. Shero is jettisoning useful FAs such as Gomez.

Player development is important. I want the kids to be ready before they get pushed into the NHL. The NHL isn't a development league. Getting Josefson and Larsson early NHL experience doesn't seem to have helped them.

Expecting Zacha to play this year is a huge red flag. He should only play if there's no other option - i.e., he forces himself onto the team. Perhaps it's better for him to learn in the AHL instead of Sarnia, but I'd rather he learn in Sarnia than get crushed in the NHL. The idea that the Devils let Gomez go to create space for Zacha seems crazy. If Zacha deserves to play, you figure out what to do then. Not

We have the vets though. If all else fails, they will relegate the young guys to lower minutes and play Zubrus, Ruutu, etc the top six minutes or more minutes then they ideally should play. Ideally they don't have to but we have enough older guys right now to shelter the younger guys.

Shero doesn't seem to be expecting anyone to play -- just leaving the door open for the chance they can.

 

[Devil X]

Expecting Zacha to play this year is a huge red flag. He should only play if there's no other option - i.e., he forces himself onto the team. Perhaps it's better for him to learn in the AHL instead of Sarnia, but I'd rather he learn in Sarnia than get crushed in the NHL. The idea that the Devils let Gomez go to create space for Zacha seems crazy. If Zacha deserves to play, you figure out what to do then. Not

Just a little side note. Zacha cant play in the AHL next season its either the NHL or Sarnia.

The kid just needs to earn it. If he comes out and doesnt look good during camp and preseason games and makes then team then the Devils had plans for him to make the team all along.

If he comes out and earns is and shows he belongs i have ZERO issues with him playing this full season in the NHL.

 

[Chessarmy]

I can see why people are apprehensive about signing Semin even if its just a one year deal, but I'm hoping Shero takes the risk and does it. The guy has had just one truly bad season in the NHL (last year), but otherwise has been a consistent offensive threat his entire career. He may not be known as a prototypical two way player, but not everyone on the team needs to be.

Cammalleri-Zajac-Palmieri
Elias-Henrique-Semin

 

[Feed Me A Stray Cat]

http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2015/7/6/8858899/passing-wowys-nj-devils-defense-pairings

A great article from ILWT highlighting the subtle points of Merrill's game that might get glossed over. He's our best passer on defense.

 

[Chessarmy]

Why is Yann Danis listed on the Devils' roster on the website?

Edit: nevermind, saw that he has returned. StanleyCup.jpg

 

[217 Forever]

The thing is, there are veterans who could help the team.

My issue with the current approach is not that the Devils didn't sign any big FAs, it's that:

1. Shero has set an age cap. Perhaps that's fine for this season because he needs to correct for the sins of the past, but it feels arbitrary.

2. Shero is jettisoning useful FAs such as Gomez.

Player development is important. I want the kids to be ready before they get pushed into the NHL. The NHL isn't a development league. Getting Josefson and Larsson early NHL experience doesn't seem to have helped them.

Expecting Zacha to play this year is a huge red flag. He should only play if there's no other option - i.e., he forces himself onto the team. Perhaps it's better for him to learn in the AHL instead of Sarnia, but I'd rather he learn in Sarnia than get crushed in the NHL. The idea that the Devils let Gomez go to create space for Zacha seems crazy. If Zacha deserves to play, you figure out what to do then. Not

I agree 100% with this entire post.

 

[glenwo2]

Why is Yann Danis listed on the Devils' roster on the website?

Edit: nevermind, saw that he has returned. StanleyCup.jpg

Swear it was one of the funniest moments this offseason seeing him back with the Devils.


He's not an awful Goaltender, of course. Just....try to avoid the shootout at all costs.

 

[Billdo]

I still feel like Gomez should've been signed. At worst he takes 3C if JJ can't handle it. At best he's 2C and on the PP units. He's still got the vision to be successful as well as the passing ability.

 

[EliasFTW]

Swear it was one of the funniest moments this offseason seeing him back with the Devils.


He's not an awful Goaltender, of course. Just....try to avoid the shootout at all costs.

The Danis doesnt move in the shootout. The Danis bends the world around him.

 

[Chessarmy]

I still feel like Gomez should've been signed. At worst he takes 3C if JJ can't handle it. At best he's 2C and on the PP units. He's still got the vision to be successful as well as the passing ability.

Completely agree with this, no reason for Shero not to give him a chance especially after an impressive season last year. We're going to regret this decision.

 

[Davegarri]

Can we please stop talking about Gomez not coming back?

:

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

I'd rather see what Jake/Zacha have than sign Gomez. Seems like Shero agrees.

 

[Brooklyndevil]

Completely agree with this, no reason for Shero not to give him a chance especially after an impressive season last year. We're going to regret this decision.

How so?

 

[Emperoreddy]

I still feel like Gomez should've been signed. At worst he takes 3C if JJ can't handle it. At best he's 2C and on the PP units. He's still got the vision to be successful as well as the passing ability.

Because then Zacha has zero chance to make the team because there isn't a spot for him.

They legit want him to have a shot in both camps and preseason to prove he can stay.

They want an open spot in camp for him to fight for. A signed Gomez means zero spots without marginalizing JJ again or sending Zajac to the moon

 

[Chessarmy]

How so?

When the team sucks at offense again, we'll be looking back at this decision. I'm not saying Gomez is the savior by any means, but NJD is in no position to turn him down because of a birth certificate.

Zajac
Henrique
Gomez
Josefson

Would have been nice down the middle.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

When the team sucks at offense again, we'll be looking back at this decision. I'm not saying Gomez is the savior by any means, but NJD is in no position to turn him down because of a birth certificate.

Zajac
Henrique
Gomez
Josefson

Would have been nice down the middle.

so if Gomez is signed, the team won't "suck at offense"? thats what youre telling me?

this team is not a contender. hell, they aren't even a playoff team. so who the hell cares if they sign Gomez or not? lets see what we have in Josefson, for example.

 

[Billdo]

Because then Zacha has zero chance to make the team because there isn't a spot for him.

They legit want him to have a shot in both camps and preseason to prove he can stay.

They want an open spot in camp for him to fight for. A signed Gomez means zero spots without marginalizing JJ again or sending Zajac to the moon

Supposing Zacha isn't ready though, then what? I fully understand the reasoning but I'd rather have Zacha in Sarnia killing it than be on a bottom 5 team and struggling. I mean if he's Calder material so be it but I don't want him anywhere near a team that's essentially as bad as last year in all probability.