- Dec 20, 2018
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I do cut late stage Conte some slack because of financial issues and how little he had to work with in terms of early picks. The earlier 1st round picks under 20 before Zacha were Larson (4th in 2011), Parise (17th in 2003) and Ward (10th in 1996). I realize we were contenders but other top teams seemed to pull off an occasional trade for a spare 1st or traded up to grab someone special in an off year. It’s something Lou didn’t do for a couple of decades.
Without a doubt the Devils drafted badly for a long while, I remember a good article breaking down drafts had NJ or Vancouver as the team with the least drafting success 2000-2016. But context is important.
In 1999-2002 Conte had several extra 2nds and later picks but unfortunately those were some bad drafts. It sounds bad to have 4 2000 2nd round picks and only hit on Paul Martin until you look at the 2000 2nd round. Holy crap, it’s real slim pickings and Martin is arguably the best player in that round unless your a big Nick Shultz, Antione Vermette and/or Jarret Stoll fan.
Without a doubt the Devils drafted badly for a long while, I remember a good article breaking down drafts had NJ or Vancouver as the team with the least drafting success 2000-2016. But context is important.
In 1999-2002 Conte had several extra 2nds and later picks but unfortunately those were some bad drafts. It sounds bad to have 4 2000 2nd round picks and only hit on Paul Martin until you look at the 2000 2nd round. Holy crap, it’s real slim pickings and Martin is arguably the best player in that round unless your a big Nick Shultz, Antione Vermette and/or Jarret Stoll fan.
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