- Oct 22, 2002
- 9,436
- 4,055
Cammallieri: B - Only played half a season due to injury so I can't give more than a B. Finished the teams 4th leading scorer. Injuries are unfortunately still going to be a concern.
Zajac: B - Nice bounce back season after a horrible 2014-15. Still excellent defensively. As the talent around him gets better, I think it will help Zajac just to concentrate on playing a shut down game. It suits him better than a scoring role.
Henrique: B+ - Hit the 30 goal mark and showed excellent leadership during the year, stepping up in Elias'absence. He played all situations PK, PP and top line. With a full season of Cammy and a better right winger (no knock on Stempniak who was great) he can become a legit no. 1 NHL center albeit a low end one of around 60-65 points.
Palmieri: A - Offseason trade acquisition that came off in spades. Great on the PP. Ran one of the points and his shot was superb, dare I say it, Kovalchuk lite. A big reason why we had a top 10 PP. Got his just rewards in hitting the 30 goal mark in the last game of the season. As impressive offensively as he was (he finished the team leader in points and equal leader in goals), I thought defensively he was very solid and responded well to playing against opposition top lines, which is expected of you when your a linemate of Zajac. Hopefully he can continue on and build on a great start to his New Jersey career.
Boucher: C+ - Did well in his 2nd stint in NJ after his callup from Albany. He can't get complacent because we have a few younger guys looking to break through and take his roster spot. Blandisi pretty much did that out of training camp but eventually Boucher took Blandisi's top 6 role in the 2nd half of the season as Blandisi tired/cooled down after a hot start. I think we learnt from Boucher that it is a top 6 role or bust. He just couldn't find any chemistry with Josefson on the 3rd line and its only when he moved up to Zajac's line in where he started to show his talent.
Elias: D - Largely disappointing due to injury. Only played 16 games and I question if it is in the best interests of this team going forward to keep him for another season whereby his body is probably going to be unreliable again and it may halt the progress of a younger talent like Boucher or Blandisi. A true devils legend it was great to see him perform so well in the season finale. I personally think that game and the reactions from the crowd is a great send off for a stellar career.
Gionta: C - His teammates love him, you could consider a guy that you need to have to keep locker room morale high. For all those great personality traits he has, he does have flaws in which the team could be better suited in looking elsewhere. Very poor on the faceoff dot and non existent offensively. You can't question his hustle and coach Hynes likes him on the 2nd PK unit. Ray Shero has a tough decision whether to bring him back given he is in his 30s and the team is going down the youth path.
Kalinin: C+ - Good first season in North America. Tall and strong. Good defensively. He has the right attributes to be a checking / 4th line player. Versatile in that he can play both center and wing. A restricted free agent, he should get an offer from Shero no doubt to stay next season.
Kennedy: C - Solid 4th liner who does his role without minimal fuss. Unrestricted free agent. If he signs again for a veteran minimum, it would be an good depth move by Shero
Tootoo: D - The team's resident goon with an ugly team worst -26. I think he lost his job next year to a younger version of himself in Bobby Farnham. I wish Toots well for the future but he shouldn't be coming back. Shero must cut him loose.
Blandisi: C+ - The team's rookie of the year ahead of Kalinin. Excellent training camp who was unlucky to not make the team out of camp. Was excellent in the AHL prior to his NHL callup where he became a 10 game ppg revelation. He cooled down significantly after his hot start as he may of struggled with the pace of the game and a few undisciplined diving acts showed he lost some early confidence gained. He can motor on his skates but can be very unstable at times, falling over. Needs to work on in the offseason and could probably use more AHL time to refine his game, especially defensively whereby he was sub-standard. Has a very good future as an NHL pro ahead. Devils got lucky signing him. We got a free top prospect who vaulted himself to no. 2 on our prospects list behind Pavel Zacha.
Josefson: D - The questions about Josefson heading into this season were well and truly answered come the end of the season. If given ice time, could he play a top 6 role? What about if we give him PP time too? Well Hynes gave Josefson a shot at all of that and he was largely disappointing except on the PP (for slowing the play down mainly on the half boards) and in the shootout. His shootout skills alone will mean that he gets re-signed again but he probably should only be a 4th line center next season, taking Gionta's role at even strength and on the 2nd unit PK.
Smith-Pelly: B+ - Kudos to DSP. He took over Lee Stempniak's role on the top line and ran with it. I don't expect the scoring pace to continue next season but hopefully he should become a important cog at wing on the 3rd line, that can move up to top 6 when called upon. There a spot open on the PP to screen the goalie and he may fill that role too.
Stempniak: A - Team leading scorer until he was dealt at the trade deadline. He was a great signing by Shero who like Henrique, played in all situations. Good chemistry with Rico and Cammy. I wonder if Shero gives him a call to come back in the offseason. The chemistry with his teammates is there. And we know he can play any roles from line 1 to line 3. The only thing against him is the team direction of youth.
Farnham: C - 8 goals is not bad from a waiver wire pickup playing on the 4th line. I like his game. We need a player like him that isn't afraid to mix it up. I think he is a better version of Tootoo. Plus I think he knows is role after being an AHL lifer for most of his career. I don't think he would mind sitting in the press box for multiple games. To me he seems like a perfect 13th forward for next season.
Ruutu: F - LOL one point and it had to come in the last game of the season too. I can't believe Carolina gave him a $5m per season contract. We shall be so glad to rid of him. He is definitely done at New Jersey.
Tlusty: F - Just didn't work out. Signed for a veteran minimum, a low risk high reward signing in which we got no reward. I can't see him returning. I think he would rather play overseas.
O'Neill: F - Like Tlusty, O'Neill was a low risk, low cost acquisition that just didn't work out. It was worth a shot because he was a monster in the AHL last season. You are not going to know what he is in the NHL unless you play him. We gave him 20 games and got nothing. Even if he did look like he was hustling on the ice.
Matteau: F - Spent most of the year in the press box. A disaster first round pick by Lou that somehow Shero's rescued in getting a decent NHL player in return in DSP. Even if DSP completely flames out and is only a 4th liner going forward, that still better than what Matteau was doing. He is not an NHL player and even in the AHL was largely unimpressive.
Sislo: D - The only thing Sislo is good for is scoring in the AHL and substituting his name for Phil Collins songs:
There's this girl that's been on my mind
All the time, Su-Su-Sislo oh oh
Now she don't even know my name
But I think she likes me just the same
Su-Su-Sislo oh oh
Ah if she called me I'd be there
I'd come running anywhere
She's all I need, all my life
I feel so good if I just say the word
Su-Su-Sislo, just say the word
Oh Su-Su-Sislo
Now I know that I'm too young
My love has just begun
Su-Su-Sislo oh oh
Oh give me a chance, give me a sign
I'll show her anytime
Su-Su-Sislo oh oh
Ah, I've just got to have her, have her now
I've got to get closer but I don't know how
She makes me nervous and makes me scared
But I feel so good if I just say the word
Su-Su-Sislo, just say the word
Oh Su-Su-Sislo, oh
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Greene: B+ - Great choice as captain. Solid and reliable as ever.
Larsson: A - It was great to see him build on an impressive 2nd half of last season after the firing of DeBoer to play this season as a legit top pairing d-man. And he was stellar defensively posting a equal team best +15. I think he slightly edges Greene as the teams top defenceman and there is still scope in his game to improve further. He got zero PP time so there is untapped potential there on whether he can run a PP. His calling next season may be to anchor a brand new d pairing away from Greene who is probably best suited to help Severson get back on track.
Severson: C+ - Tough 2nd season who still finished the teams top point scoring d-man despite his struggles. He is going to be a very good d-man when he figures it out but I have a feeling it may not be on this team. Despite his offensive talent, he was largely overlook for Schlemko on the no. 1 PP unit and spent most of his time on the 2nd unit. With the team having a glaring needs for top 6 forwards, could he be used by Shero as trade bait? If he isn't traded, he probably needs to play with Andy Greene to get him back on track. That might not sit well with Hynes who has trust issues and isn't afraid to bench Severson for multiple games, like he did do for a stint during the season.
Schlemko: B+ - Very good signing. I thought he would be a solid bottom pairing defensive d-man. I didn't know how good of skater he was and how he became a mainstay on the PP. He did finish with an ugly -22 though. Unrestricted free agent should be re-signed by Shero.
Moore: C+ - Solid first season. He can be a liability at times but for a bottom pairing d-man, I thought we got good value from him. He is much better than Warsofky and Heleguson so his spot is assured for next season.
Merrill: D - Injury interrupted season. I haven't lost faith but he badly needs some consistency in his game or having the same d partner. It seems he constantly moves around the bottom 2 pairings playing both left and right. I don't think he is comfortable on the right at all so he needs to find a spot on the left with the right D partner. At the start of the season, I would of thought he and Severson would be a good pairing but with both of them struggling it is not a good idea. Merrill, like Severson, could potentially be trade bait this offseason. He won't return much as Severson but we could get a nice player in return with potential. A trade proposal mooted on these boards was a Teemu Pulkkinen for Jon Merrill swap. I think that is a trade that can help both team. Devils needs Pulkkinen scoring talent and big shot. Red Wings need a defenseman and Merrill also has ties in Michigan given his college career.
Helgeson: D - He was OK in his call up but he is very limited. If he keeps his game simple he can be a useful depth player. Is on a one way contract for next season so will likely be on the team full time. His role could be 7th d-man which I am fine with.
Gelinas: F - He just wasn't working out and when Hynes did play him, he didn't get much PP time. You might as well move him on and Shero got good value in a 3rd round pick.
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Schneider: A+ - Team MVP and got his just desserts as a first time NHL all star this season. A Vezina nomination will soon follow. If not this season and surely in the next season or two. I'll bet on it.
Kinkaid: D - Took a step back this season in which his save percentage dropped from .915 to .904. After Wedgewood's very good cameo, he has a real battle at training camp to keep the backup spot. Competition is going to be good for Keith. He knows he must improve or else he will be out of the NHL.
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Hynes: A - I liked him a lot. A refreshing game style and change from DeBoer regime. While it is quite clear we lack talent in some areas (especially goalscoring), Hynes installed a never quit mentality that rubbed off on his team. We had more comeback wins this season and less blown leads which was pleasing as a fan. And the special teams was excellent, top 10 for both PP and PK, which suggests Hynes made great decisions in his support staff, Ward and Nasareddine. As Shero adds more talent to the team and some better luck with injuries, we will be back in the playoffs very soon.
Shero: A+ - The trade of Palmieri was fantastic. The signings of Stempniak, Schelemko and even Moore was very good. The trade deadline moves were excellent. The offseason re-signing of Adam Larsson may be is best deal yet. That contract has been proven to be a steal. Shero had a superb first year as New Jersey's GM. I am excited to see what further he can do in this upcoming offseason.
Zajac: B - Nice bounce back season after a horrible 2014-15. Still excellent defensively. As the talent around him gets better, I think it will help Zajac just to concentrate on playing a shut down game. It suits him better than a scoring role.
Henrique: B+ - Hit the 30 goal mark and showed excellent leadership during the year, stepping up in Elias'absence. He played all situations PK, PP and top line. With a full season of Cammy and a better right winger (no knock on Stempniak who was great) he can become a legit no. 1 NHL center albeit a low end one of around 60-65 points.
Palmieri: A - Offseason trade acquisition that came off in spades. Great on the PP. Ran one of the points and his shot was superb, dare I say it, Kovalchuk lite. A big reason why we had a top 10 PP. Got his just rewards in hitting the 30 goal mark in the last game of the season. As impressive offensively as he was (he finished the team leader in points and equal leader in goals), I thought defensively he was very solid and responded well to playing against opposition top lines, which is expected of you when your a linemate of Zajac. Hopefully he can continue on and build on a great start to his New Jersey career.
Boucher: C+ - Did well in his 2nd stint in NJ after his callup from Albany. He can't get complacent because we have a few younger guys looking to break through and take his roster spot. Blandisi pretty much did that out of training camp but eventually Boucher took Blandisi's top 6 role in the 2nd half of the season as Blandisi tired/cooled down after a hot start. I think we learnt from Boucher that it is a top 6 role or bust. He just couldn't find any chemistry with Josefson on the 3rd line and its only when he moved up to Zajac's line in where he started to show his talent.
Elias: D - Largely disappointing due to injury. Only played 16 games and I question if it is in the best interests of this team going forward to keep him for another season whereby his body is probably going to be unreliable again and it may halt the progress of a younger talent like Boucher or Blandisi. A true devils legend it was great to see him perform so well in the season finale. I personally think that game and the reactions from the crowd is a great send off for a stellar career.
Gionta: C - His teammates love him, you could consider a guy that you need to have to keep locker room morale high. For all those great personality traits he has, he does have flaws in which the team could be better suited in looking elsewhere. Very poor on the faceoff dot and non existent offensively. You can't question his hustle and coach Hynes likes him on the 2nd PK unit. Ray Shero has a tough decision whether to bring him back given he is in his 30s and the team is going down the youth path.
Kalinin: C+ - Good first season in North America. Tall and strong. Good defensively. He has the right attributes to be a checking / 4th line player. Versatile in that he can play both center and wing. A restricted free agent, he should get an offer from Shero no doubt to stay next season.
Kennedy: C - Solid 4th liner who does his role without minimal fuss. Unrestricted free agent. If he signs again for a veteran minimum, it would be an good depth move by Shero
Tootoo: D - The team's resident goon with an ugly team worst -26. I think he lost his job next year to a younger version of himself in Bobby Farnham. I wish Toots well for the future but he shouldn't be coming back. Shero must cut him loose.
Blandisi: C+ - The team's rookie of the year ahead of Kalinin. Excellent training camp who was unlucky to not make the team out of camp. Was excellent in the AHL prior to his NHL callup where he became a 10 game ppg revelation. He cooled down significantly after his hot start as he may of struggled with the pace of the game and a few undisciplined diving acts showed he lost some early confidence gained. He can motor on his skates but can be very unstable at times, falling over. Needs to work on in the offseason and could probably use more AHL time to refine his game, especially defensively whereby he was sub-standard. Has a very good future as an NHL pro ahead. Devils got lucky signing him. We got a free top prospect who vaulted himself to no. 2 on our prospects list behind Pavel Zacha.
Josefson: D - The questions about Josefson heading into this season were well and truly answered come the end of the season. If given ice time, could he play a top 6 role? What about if we give him PP time too? Well Hynes gave Josefson a shot at all of that and he was largely disappointing except on the PP (for slowing the play down mainly on the half boards) and in the shootout. His shootout skills alone will mean that he gets re-signed again but he probably should only be a 4th line center next season, taking Gionta's role at even strength and on the 2nd unit PK.
Smith-Pelly: B+ - Kudos to DSP. He took over Lee Stempniak's role on the top line and ran with it. I don't expect the scoring pace to continue next season but hopefully he should become a important cog at wing on the 3rd line, that can move up to top 6 when called upon. There a spot open on the PP to screen the goalie and he may fill that role too.
Stempniak: A - Team leading scorer until he was dealt at the trade deadline. He was a great signing by Shero who like Henrique, played in all situations. Good chemistry with Rico and Cammy. I wonder if Shero gives him a call to come back in the offseason. The chemistry with his teammates is there. And we know he can play any roles from line 1 to line 3. The only thing against him is the team direction of youth.
Farnham: C - 8 goals is not bad from a waiver wire pickup playing on the 4th line. I like his game. We need a player like him that isn't afraid to mix it up. I think he is a better version of Tootoo. Plus I think he knows is role after being an AHL lifer for most of his career. I don't think he would mind sitting in the press box for multiple games. To me he seems like a perfect 13th forward for next season.
Ruutu: F - LOL one point and it had to come in the last game of the season too. I can't believe Carolina gave him a $5m per season contract. We shall be so glad to rid of him. He is definitely done at New Jersey.
Tlusty: F - Just didn't work out. Signed for a veteran minimum, a low risk high reward signing in which we got no reward. I can't see him returning. I think he would rather play overseas.
O'Neill: F - Like Tlusty, O'Neill was a low risk, low cost acquisition that just didn't work out. It was worth a shot because he was a monster in the AHL last season. You are not going to know what he is in the NHL unless you play him. We gave him 20 games and got nothing. Even if he did look like he was hustling on the ice.
Matteau: F - Spent most of the year in the press box. A disaster first round pick by Lou that somehow Shero's rescued in getting a decent NHL player in return in DSP. Even if DSP completely flames out and is only a 4th liner going forward, that still better than what Matteau was doing. He is not an NHL player and even in the AHL was largely unimpressive.
Sislo: D - The only thing Sislo is good for is scoring in the AHL and substituting his name for Phil Collins songs:
There's this girl that's been on my mind
All the time, Su-Su-Sislo oh oh
Now she don't even know my name
But I think she likes me just the same
Su-Su-Sislo oh oh
Ah if she called me I'd be there
I'd come running anywhere
She's all I need, all my life
I feel so good if I just say the word
Su-Su-Sislo, just say the word
Oh Su-Su-Sislo
Now I know that I'm too young
My love has just begun
Su-Su-Sislo oh oh
Oh give me a chance, give me a sign
I'll show her anytime
Su-Su-Sislo oh oh
Ah, I've just got to have her, have her now
I've got to get closer but I don't know how
She makes me nervous and makes me scared
But I feel so good if I just say the word
Su-Su-Sislo, just say the word
Oh Su-Su-Sislo, oh
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Greene: B+ - Great choice as captain. Solid and reliable as ever.
Larsson: A - It was great to see him build on an impressive 2nd half of last season after the firing of DeBoer to play this season as a legit top pairing d-man. And he was stellar defensively posting a equal team best +15. I think he slightly edges Greene as the teams top defenceman and there is still scope in his game to improve further. He got zero PP time so there is untapped potential there on whether he can run a PP. His calling next season may be to anchor a brand new d pairing away from Greene who is probably best suited to help Severson get back on track.
Severson: C+ - Tough 2nd season who still finished the teams top point scoring d-man despite his struggles. He is going to be a very good d-man when he figures it out but I have a feeling it may not be on this team. Despite his offensive talent, he was largely overlook for Schlemko on the no. 1 PP unit and spent most of his time on the 2nd unit. With the team having a glaring needs for top 6 forwards, could he be used by Shero as trade bait? If he isn't traded, he probably needs to play with Andy Greene to get him back on track. That might not sit well with Hynes who has trust issues and isn't afraid to bench Severson for multiple games, like he did do for a stint during the season.
Schlemko: B+ - Very good signing. I thought he would be a solid bottom pairing defensive d-man. I didn't know how good of skater he was and how he became a mainstay on the PP. He did finish with an ugly -22 though. Unrestricted free agent should be re-signed by Shero.
Moore: C+ - Solid first season. He can be a liability at times but for a bottom pairing d-man, I thought we got good value from him. He is much better than Warsofky and Heleguson so his spot is assured for next season.
Merrill: D - Injury interrupted season. I haven't lost faith but he badly needs some consistency in his game or having the same d partner. It seems he constantly moves around the bottom 2 pairings playing both left and right. I don't think he is comfortable on the right at all so he needs to find a spot on the left with the right D partner. At the start of the season, I would of thought he and Severson would be a good pairing but with both of them struggling it is not a good idea. Merrill, like Severson, could potentially be trade bait this offseason. He won't return much as Severson but we could get a nice player in return with potential. A trade proposal mooted on these boards was a Teemu Pulkkinen for Jon Merrill swap. I think that is a trade that can help both team. Devils needs Pulkkinen scoring talent and big shot. Red Wings need a defenseman and Merrill also has ties in Michigan given his college career.
Helgeson: D - He was OK in his call up but he is very limited. If he keeps his game simple he can be a useful depth player. Is on a one way contract for next season so will likely be on the team full time. His role could be 7th d-man which I am fine with.
Gelinas: F - He just wasn't working out and when Hynes did play him, he didn't get much PP time. You might as well move him on and Shero got good value in a 3rd round pick.
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Schneider: A+ - Team MVP and got his just desserts as a first time NHL all star this season. A Vezina nomination will soon follow. If not this season and surely in the next season or two. I'll bet on it.
Kinkaid: D - Took a step back this season in which his save percentage dropped from .915 to .904. After Wedgewood's very good cameo, he has a real battle at training camp to keep the backup spot. Competition is going to be good for Keith. He knows he must improve or else he will be out of the NHL.
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Hynes: A - I liked him a lot. A refreshing game style and change from DeBoer regime. While it is quite clear we lack talent in some areas (especially goalscoring), Hynes installed a never quit mentality that rubbed off on his team. We had more comeback wins this season and less blown leads which was pleasing as a fan. And the special teams was excellent, top 10 for both PP and PK, which suggests Hynes made great decisions in his support staff, Ward and Nasareddine. As Shero adds more talent to the team and some better luck with injuries, we will be back in the playoffs very soon.
Shero: A+ - The trade of Palmieri was fantastic. The signings of Stempniak, Schelemko and even Moore was very good. The trade deadline moves were excellent. The offseason re-signing of Adam Larsson may be is best deal yet. That contract has been proven to be a steal. Shero had a superb first year as New Jersey's GM. I am excited to see what further he can do in this upcoming offseason.
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