Darkauron
Registered User
I didnt want Simmonds, but for one year it is a no risk play. Also Simmonds is perfect to protect our young kids and Hall and Subban like him soo..okay I guess.
Confirmed with Link: Devils Sign RW Wayne Simmonds (1 Yr., $5,000,000)
- Thread starter Better Call Sal
- Start date
And with the PK signing should put to bed any notions that the team won't spend as needed to ice a good team. Hall will have to accept that the team will be built around guys 18-22 years old, but as you astutely noted, he can lead them up the ladder the next few years, and then when they mature he can ride that wave to his late 30's as the veteran leader every team wants. The young players all look up to him and he will never have to worry about "what have you done for me lately" syndrome with the NJ franchise since he's built up significant good will already. Shero has proven himself loyal, maybe to a fault, and without the media blitz he'd face in a big market, he can just concentrate on playing. He won't find a better situation long term. Even if he goes to say, COL, he'd be a final piece to the puzzle type of guy and if the team didn't have instant success, he'd be one of the first guys blamed.
I just want him to be honest with Ray no later than August about what he wants to do. Money and term will be there and it's just up to Hall to decide if he wants in or out. I don't see how getting off to a good start next season, or even making the playoffs, changes how Hall needs to look at the next 8 years.
RangerDoggo
The Devils have a culture of failure
I hope Simmonds doesn't play on the second line just for the purposes of protecting Hughes. If he does... well, it's just for one year.
NJDevs26
Once upon a time...
- Mar 21, 2007
- 67,539
- 31,967
A Hall-Hughes or Bratt-Hughes line could use a physical force and garbageman on the other wing tbh.
None Shall Pass
Dano moisturizes
glenwo2
LINDY RUFF NEEDS VIAGRA!!
1-year is fine with me but NO MORE!
And at least he won't be out brutalizing Devils players since he's not a Flyer. Rather have him with us than against us.
And at least he won't be out brutalizing Devils players since he's not a Flyer. Rather have him with us than against us.
RangerDoggo
The Devils have a culture of failure
I'm not going to freak out and say that Shero's lost it, because he had the foresight to make this one year only (unless it goes well and he gets extended). But "we need a big body and snarl for the top two lines" goes against the run-and-gun style he's been wanting since he got here.
Hopefully, Hynes makes him earn that spot.
AfroThunder396
[citation needed]
I don't expect any more moves today tbh, maybe signing a depth guy to fight for a spot/Bingo but this is probably it in terms of regular NHL roster players.
Better Call Sal
Salnalysis
My feeling as well. The top 9 is fairly set depending on how you look at things.
Hall-Hischier-Palmieri
Bratt-Hughes-Simmonds
Wood/Zacha-Zajac-Coleman
Think if we make another move, it's likely a trade that would involve a forward from that group (Bratt, Wood, Zacha)
I expect a borderline AHL/NHL goalie some time soon. Maybe not today, but soon.
MartyOwns
thank you shero
- Apr 1, 2007
- 24,285
- 18,224
just think about the first time a ranger is roughing up hughes, and simmonds comes over to kick his shit in. that alone is worth $5M
RNCDevil
Registered User
Better Call Sal
Salnalysis
You can mix and match these guys however you'd like, it's really a depth chart more than anything.
Emperoreddy
Show Me What You Got!
RangerDoggo
The Devils have a culture of failure
I would have been perfectly happy if we didn't get anyone. I'm estatic that we managed to get someone who fits a need for such a short term.
You may be oversimplifying it. I'm sure opposing teams thought that would happen to Bratt and Nico. Sure they will have trouble getting the puck back at times in the defensive end, but one or two quick transitions and teams will be on the defensive against them to guard against the faster players getting odd man rushes or partial break aways on the counter attack. It probably won't be as bad as you fear over the course of a season even if it is at times. Putting Zacha, instead of Simmonds, with Hughes and Bratt might go a long way to balancing a line with Bratt and Hughes.
It's a great move. This is how you should use your cap space when you have an abundance. Convince a guy coming off a down year, and see if he can get you 20-30 goals. Sure he's declined, but I believe last season was likely a rough one for him coming off surgeries. Last offseason he had a couple surgeries, and maybe those few months weren't an ideal recovery period. Maybe another fresh start will rejuvenate him.
I agree with this. I think based on where he is trending he should be on the 4th line with limited even strength time and get top PP time as a net front presence. That is unless he shows he has more to bring to the table.
Certainly do not think he is a fit anywhere in the top 6 and do not think he would do well in a shut-down role with Zajac and Coleman.
Devilswede
Registered User
- Dec 10, 2006
- 12,264
- 619
I like the Simmonds of old. He was a great player. But I'm really afraid that the current player has completely fallen off a cliff. His body has taken a beating and last season he could barely keep up.
I know there's no risk in the signing. But our top 6 isn't really that much better. It's safer and he adds leadership. But in terms of production on the ice he won't cut it.
I know there's no risk in the signing. But our top 6 isn't really that much better. It's safer and he adds leadership. But in terms of production on the ice he won't cut it.
Offseason Champs
Registered User
- May 16, 2011
- 1,154
- 950
It's hard to argue our top 9 doesn't look markedly better with Simmonds slotted in as 2 or 3 RW
Ad
Upcoming events
-
-
-
BET ON ONLY ONE HORSE WATCH LIVE - FINGER LAKES RACE 1 - Farmington, NYWagers: 4Staked: $815.00Event closes- Updated:
-
-