State of the Devils Thread (Long Questionnaire)

[NJ DevLolz]

What's up, guys. With the current landscape of the world, and by extension, sports world, on hold, I thought this would be an interesting spot to have a discussion on the state of the franchise- both current and in the future. Mods, feel free to merge this with another thread if you feel it isn't thread-worthy on its own.

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?

15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?

16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?

Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who?

Click to read more...

 

[Billdo]

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?
Yes

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?
No. Gallant, Boudreau, or Gronborg (that's who I'd love but won't happen).

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?
1,000% yes.

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?
Nico

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?
Yes, not yet, but yes provided we find actual goal scorers to play with them.

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?
Nope, it wasn't what I expected but you could see why he's held in the regard that he is.

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?
1,000% yes and he needs to play with Bratt and Gusev.

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?
Not necessarily if Zacha and Goose are with him it doesn't matter, that line should stay together.

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?
Yes, I don't care that people think he's aging out of this cores window of contention, plus he's probably the only legit goal scorer on the team.

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?
Yes, but they've got to find a reliable backup who can start between 20 and 30 games next year though.

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?
Subban or Severson

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?
Joey Anderson or Boqvist. I hope Boqvist but think it'll be Anderson.

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?
Rossi or Drysdale

15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?
Sure but there will be wild cards taken earlier than 10 allowing us to have a better chance at landing a higher ceiling player.

16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?
No, I believe he'll be good but I think taking a goalie that early is a bad idea with how absolutely impossible it is to predict goalies long term development.

Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who?
Schneider

 

[Davegarri]

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?
Yes

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?
No, but I do respect what he's done as HC. I would like to hire Gallant.

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?
Yes

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?
Nico

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?
Not even close with Hughes' current production. However, I think he'll get up to 50 points in the next two seasons.

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?
Not really, he'll be fine. He just needs to figure it out.

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?
Meh, lukewarm about it, but I guess

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?
I thought he was solid this year, injuries really derail him for some time. If he can stay consistently healthy I think he can play a top 6 role consistently

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?
I guess it really all depends on the numbers and the return. I will say, I'm not attached to him, but I do think he is an important piece to the team.

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?
I actually think he will be unless the Devils draft someone that takes the reins from him.

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?
Ugh. Damon Severson most likely

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?
Ty Smith and/or Kevin Bahl

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?
Rossi, Drysdale, Holtz, Raymond

15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?
I haven't seen enough of him to say yes. I have been eyeing Jack Quinn in this spot for a while.

16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?
If he is BPA, then yes

Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who?
Schneider for sure

 

[Cheddabombs]

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?
Yes

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?
No. Gallant or Boudreau

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?
Yes 100%

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?
Nico Hischier

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?
Too soon to say, though I believe so.

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?
Nope, he's 18.

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?
Yes

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?
Yes

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?
Yes

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?
Yes

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?
Severson

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?
Boqvist/Smith

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?
Rossi

15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?
Yes, though he may go sooner.

16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?
Yes, though he may go sooner.

Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who?
Schneider

 

[Devilsfan992]

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?

Yes

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?

No - Gallant

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?

Yes

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?

Palmeiri

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?

No

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?

Slightly

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?

Yes

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?

Yes

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?

Yes

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?

Yes

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season

Hopefully someone not on the current roster

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?

Ty Smith

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?

Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who?

Cory

 

[Bleedred]

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?
I'm a bit undecided on that. I wouldn't hate it, but he needs to not repeat some of the same patterns that cost Shero his job. i.e. taking too long to get into the playoffs, not buying out Schneider/keeping him on the roster, etc.

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?
No. There should be several options better. Nasreddine would be fine to come back and return in an assistant role again, but I think if he's not the head coach (and I don't think he will) he almost assuredly won't be a coach on the staff or in the ogranization of any kind. There's at least 3-4 experienced head coaches that I'd rather bring in. I don't think we need another Hynes (rookie head coach in the NHL) either.

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?
Yes.

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?
Hischier or Palmieri. Don't really care.

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?
Not sure yet. Need to see what Hughes does next season, but Nico as a 2C is DEFINITELY good enough to contend and maybe he even has a breakout next year into the 1C territory.

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?
Maybe a little bit. Let's see what happens next year.

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?
Yes. Zacha as a 3C probably isn't bad.

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?
Top 6 or top 9. I've been saying for years now that I'd like to see there not be much of a difference between a 2nd and 3rd line, other than the players are a bit better on the 2nd line. So Bratt as a ''3rd liner'' isn't a big deal.

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?
I think so.

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?
I need one more year to see for sure, but I think he CAN be. Just give him a good backup next year and Schneider and Domingue are NOT good backups or NHL caliber. And next year's version of Louis Domingue doesn't count either. f*** all those bums.

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?
Either Severson or Subban. Wild card for Pietrangelo if we sign him.

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?
Ty Smith.

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?
I have to admit. I'm not very educated about any of the prospects in this year's draft.

15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?
Not sure yet.

16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?
Not sure yet.

Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who?
On Schneider definitely. Subban just had one down year, which is not yet a trend. He could easily bounce back next year to at least something better than what he was this past year. The odds of the 34 year old that's been bad for FOUR years now bouncing back next year or DRASTICALLY LOWER than the odds of Subban bouncing back and VERY LOW overall.

 

[None Shall Pass]

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?
Yes

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?
No; I don't know, an established NHL coach.

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?
Yes

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?
Nico

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?
In 2 or 3 years

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?
Nope

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?
If we have to. He's not good enough defensively.

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?
Yeah

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?
Yes; who else will score goals.

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?
Yes

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?
PK or Severson, maybe a UFA signing or trade acquisition

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?
Ty Smith

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?
Best available defenseman

15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?
Draft defensemen

16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?
Draft defensemen

Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who?
Cory​

 

[My3Sons]

What's up, guys. With the current landscape of the world, and by extension, sports world, on hold, I thought this would be an interesting spot to have a discussion on the state of the franchise- both current and in the future. Mods, feel free to merge this with another thread if you feel it isn't thread-worthy on its own.

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?

Yes

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?

No but I don’t have a good idea on who should be coach

3) Do you want Paul Castro's to remain as Director of Scouting?

Yes

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?

Nico

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?

eventually I expect so. Maybe two more years for Jack to assert himself.

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?

Long term no but I expect a longer time until he ascends.

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?

It depends upon the coach and the system and the line mates. A firm maybe.

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?

As others have noted playing with Zacha and Gusev may be a defacto second line. I could see him play with Nico again also. I think he’s a 2LW eventually.

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?

With an older player it depends upon dollars and term. I’d probably go to $6 mil for five years. If that isn’t good enough I’d move him at the TDL.

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?

Probably. He needs to still refine his game but you can see the talent. At least I think I do.

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?

Probably Sverson unless they add a top pair guy.

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?

probably this year’s first pick.

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?

Probably Rossi.

15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?

Only if STI supports it.

16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?

Probably not

Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who?

Probably on Schneider although Bleed seems to think he has many years left as a legit NHL starter and his stubborn insistence that NJ should sign him to an extension.

 

[glenwo2]

What's up, guys. With the current landscape of the world, and by extension, sports world, on hold, I thought this would be an interesting spot to have a discussion on the state of the franchise- both current and in the future. Mods, feel free to merge this with another thread if you feel it isn't thread-worthy on its own.

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?

15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?

16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?

Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who?

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?

YES


2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?

HELL NO! (Give me Gerard Gallant!)


3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?

He found a GEM (and basically a Home Run) in Jesper Bratt so...YES.


Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?

NICO, NICO, NICO!!


5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?

Not as of yet.

While Hischier has shown more development this season, Hughes understandibly struggled at times mainly due to him being overpowered (nothing a trip to the gym won't fix) and not being with Linemates that aren't pathetic.

Basically, this team needs a few more gamebreakers to contend, imo.


6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?

No, because I wasn't foolishly thinking he'd be Mario Lemieux off the bat or something crazy.

I knew he would have some good moments and not-so-good(rookie) moments.

I think that if it wasn't for all the hype, he may have spent the entire season in Bing(or whatever Minor league he would go to) developing instead of starting off the bat.


7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?

Only if we don't have anyone better (ie Free Agency, Draft Pick, etc.) 'cause to me, Pavel is supposed to be a SCORER, not a playmaker.


8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?

Depends on where Goose and Zacha play.

As it so happens to be the case, Chemistry matters and those 3 have chemistry in spades.

And if they are the 3rd line, so be it.

It doesn't matter where Jesper plays so long as it's with teammates that think Hockey the same way as him.


9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?

Only if it's a REASONABLE deal and not a totally-nuts one.


10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?

YES.


11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?

Probably PK and....(hope you're sitting down for this)....Dakota Mermis!


13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?

Ty Smith


The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?

Rossi, followed by Drysdale, followed by anyone else that @StevenToddIves deems the best of the rest.


15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?

It depends on what players are still available by then.

If there is a player in the top 8 that fell, I would be hard-pressed to pass on that player for Jake.

However, if no player falls, then I'd be okay with JS at #10, though admittedly I'd be a bit disappointed as well that we didn't get another offensive player.


16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?

See #15's first sentence.

If there are slim-pickings by then(which could be the case), I would take a shot at Askarov.


Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who?

YES, and it would be for Cory Schneider.

 

[Better Call Sal]

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?

Yes, I think he has sufficient experience to be given a chance and did well with the trades he made. Letting him go would be a mistake in my mind.

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?

No, I like the job Nas has done but would rather bring in a coach with a more proven track record. Bruce Boudreau would be number 1 for me, as I don't think Gerard Gallant realistically will be available if Yzerman comes calling in Detroit.

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?

Yes, I think he has done a good job of replenishing the pipeline with talent.

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?

If extended, Palms. If not, Nico.

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?

To Be Determined. I think they absolutely have the talent and ability to do so, it's just a matter of whether it comes to fruition or not.

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?

No. Not only is he a unique player having been the first to jump from the US National Development Program straight to the NHL, but any first year player would have had a tough time with the amount of significant organizational changes that took place in his first year. The talent is clearly there, he just needs to mature physically and get more acclimated to the league.

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?

Yes, I think he's capable of holding that role moving forward.

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?

I think he certainly deserves the opportunity to do so. His stretch to end this season was the best and most confident he's looked since his early rookie year. Give him the chance. Ideally, I'd put him with Nico or Zacha.

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?

Yes, he's a proven goal scorer and brings our young team necessary leadership. Keep him in NJ.

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?

Yes, and for even longer than that.

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?

Damon Severson

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?

I truly hope that Nolan Foote becomes the elite winger to Hughes. Slick skilled center with a big, scoring power forward winger. Please be true.

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?

Raymond or Holtz

15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?

Yes

16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?

Yes

Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who?

If I had to say yes, as much as it'd pain me, it'd be Cory. I don't think we have to necessarily buy anyone out though. It'll depend if we really need to get a contract like his off the books.

 

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?
Yes. He has done his time as a AGM, and did well at trade deadline. It's time give an young executive a shot.

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?
No. Gallant or Laviolette would be my choice.

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?
Yes. I don't see a reason to change. Drafting has been solid.

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?
Travis Zajac. Its too soon for Nico, I dont want to burden him with responsibilty when his game still has to develop. I like Zajac as a temporary placeholder for a season or two.

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?
Yes. But they both need more development time at least another 2-3 seasons.

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?
No. He will become a PPG star.

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?
Firm No. Zajac is a better 3C and it's time to give McLeod the 4C role.
I'll play Zacha 3LW and potentially shop him as trade bait. Dont let his late season production with Bratt and Gusev fool you. He will always flatten to deceive and he is absolutely not a top 6 player. Hughes with Bratt and Gusev is a much better fit.

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?
He will get the first shot and if he produces, he'll stay in that role.

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?
I'll make him a fair offer but if he doesn't re-sign straight away, he 100% gets traded by deadline.

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?
Yes, but they've got to manage his minutes better. Ideally if we can find a co-no.1 and split starts. It will make Blackwood even more effective.

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?
Subban

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?
Ty Smith will be a NHL top pairing Dman within 3 years.

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?
Drysdale

15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?
Yes, if he is best player available.

16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?
Yes, if he is best player available.

Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who?
I love the guy but Cory Schneider.

 

[glenwo2]

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?
I'll make him a fair offer but if he doesn't re-sign straight away, he 100% gets traded by deadline.

Fitz, is that you?

 

[McDuffz88]

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?
Tom Fitz
2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?
I really like Nas but I believe we need a veteran coach who could use players better
3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?
Fine for me
4) Who should be the next captain?
At the moment I would say nobody. Not until someone truly proves himself. I would of said Coleman but he's gone. It's most prob gonna be Nico but it's too early for him right now.
5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?
Jack Hughes clearly has potential but its too early to gauge wether what he is capable of being. Nico on the other hand has proven himself as a 50point man who plays all feet of the ice. In his prime I picture him around 60+ points as a defensive center & you can certainly contend with that.
6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?
Yes & no. He clearly needs to get muscle as he gets thrown around like a ragdoll. He has the skills to be that elite player though.
7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?
Yes
8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?
Yes
9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?
No they should not. I like the guy but when he's not scoring a goal he's a ghost. If we have to choose between resigning him or Gusev I go with Gusev 10/10.
10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?
It's looking like it but let's not jinx ourselves
11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?
Who knows being that half of them will be players who didn't play for us this year
13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?
Who knows 14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?
Drysdale
15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?
Depends if we land Drysdale, also probably not because I feel like a forward will fall to us at this spot.
16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?
It wouldn't bother me being it's our 3rd 1st round pick but I would rather use the #17 pick as trade bait.

 

[JimEIV]

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?
Have no idea about Fitzgerald. If I were the owner, I wouldn't hire him... I'd want experience someone with some battle scars to move this team forward from the stagnation Shero left behind.

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?
Nas is not a a good coach. Your if not then who annoys me because no one really knows who is available outside the industry...it's not a reasonable question same for Fitz.

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?
Don't know...not impressed with his picks so far. NJ has hardly ever had picks as high as we have in the last few years or the shear number of picks and what we've got out of it has been disheartening. Not every year is going to be a home run but the McLeod pick was f***ing horrible it's hard to be patient with other mediocre picks.

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?
Zajac. Mainly because no one else is qualified.

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?
No. Not even remotely close...if you combined the two's production this season you'd have one good player.

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?
Not sure. I wouldn't try to predict his progress. His game was so subpar it's hard to tell where he goes from here.

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?
Line numbers throughout the course of a entire season are usually meaningless for an individual player. They usually play multiple roles on different lines... I am not sure what the point of this question even is.

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?
Predicting progress is precarious. But I think Jesper is a good player. He needs to progress and round out his game.

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?
Yes depending on asking price... he's easily a top 20 (probably higher) RW in the league. But I wouldn't break the bank for him because the state of the team wouldn't warrant signing a player his age and we are no where near competing.

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?
Predicting the progress of a goalie is a fools game.

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?
Severson. Unless we sign a real top pairing Dman. Which I doubt is possible. Subban is garbage.

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?
No one.
Less than 50 games played ? We hardly have a player available. I would say Joey Anderson has the best shot but he's played 52, Seney is over 50 NHL games. The pipeline is really shallow in terms of NHL ready players. Smith and Bahl are probably your next best choices and hardly any D men are "key contributors" within their first 3 years pro...Maybe Bastian? No...I will stick with no one.

The state of the team is not good. Things can change quickly but with what we have today we are going nowhere. We need a major overhaul. Hopefully the next GM is capable.

 

[glenwo2]

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?
Don't know...not impressed with his picks so far. NJ has hardly ever had picks as high as we have in the last few years or the shear number of picks and what we've got out of it has been disheartening. Not every year is going to be a home run but the McLeod pick was f***ing horrible it's hard to be patient with other mediocre picks.


8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?
Predicting progress is precarious. But I think Jesper is a good player. He needs to progress and round out his game.

Yeah it was a bad pick for where he was drafted....BUT that same draft Mr. Bratt was selected in the 6th round so while you can crap on Gaston for striking out with Mikey, you also have to give credit where credit is due as well with him finding what looks to be a virtual Home-Run pick in a round you don't expect NHL players to come out of, let alone Talented ones.

 

[Spoiled Bratt]

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?
Have no idea about Fitzgerald. If I were the owner, I wouldn't hire him... I'd want experience someone with some battle scars to move this team forward from the stagnation Shero left behind.

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?
Nas is not a a good coach. Your if not then who annoys me because no one really knows who is available outside the industry...it's not a reasonable question same for Fitz.

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?
Don't know...not impressed with his picks so far. NJ has hardly ever had picks as high as we have in the last few years or the shear number of picks and what we've got out of it has been disheartening. Not every year is going to be a home run but the McLeod pick was f***ing horrible it's hard to be patient with other mediocre picks.

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?
Zajac. Mainly because no one else is qualified.

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?
No. Not even remotely close...if you combined the two's production this season you'd have one good player.

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?
Not sure. I wouldn't try to predict his progress. His game was so subpar it's hard to tell where he goes from here.

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?
Line numbers throughout the course of a entire season are usually meaningless for an individual player. They usually play multiple roles on different lines... I am not sure what the point of this question even is.

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?
Predicting progress is precarious. But I think Jesper is a good player. He needs to progress and round out his game.

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?
Yes depending on asking price... he's easily a top 20 (probably higher) RW in the league. But I wouldn't break the bank for him because the state of the team wouldn't warrant signing a player his age and we are no where near competing.

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?
Predicting the progress of a goalie is a fools game.

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?
Severson. Unless we sign a real top pairing Dman. Which I doubt is possible. Subban is garbage.

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?
No one.
Less than 50 games played ? We hardly have a player available. I would say Joey Anderson has the best shot but he's played 52, Seney is over 50 NHL games. The pipeline is really shallow in terms of NHL ready players. Smith and Bahl are probably your next best choices and hardly any D men are "key contributors" within their first 3 years pro...Maybe Bastian? No...I will stick with no one.

The state of the team is not good. Things can change quickly but with what we have today we are going nowhere. We need a major overhaul. Hopefully the next GM is capable.

This was so predictable

 

[Ripshot 43]

What's up, guys. With the current landscape of the world, and by extension, sports world, on hold, I thought this would be an interesting spot to have a discussion on the state of the franchise- both current and in the future. Mods, feel free to merge this with another thread if you feel it isn't thread-worthy on its own.

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?

Yes, he is highly sought after for a reason and he knows our system better than someone new coming in.

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?

No. I would like a fresh start here with a coach that is good with young players. I want a supporting staff that will help grow our players and implement a system that makes sense for the team we have in place.

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?

Yes. No one is perfect but he’s done a good job of later round quality players selected.

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?

Nico

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?

Absolutely.

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?

It’s easy to think it would’ve but with the dumpster fire of a coach and system that was being run everyone gets a pass last year. Watch a rookie season highlight reel and you will see how much that 18 year old created in the most competitive league in the world. I see more and more of the 17 year old that was the best player in the USA vs Russia game.

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?

Yes.

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?

Top 9. Depends on how the lines and pairings work. Is he top line Bratt moving forward? I’m not sold on a full season just yet.

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?

Yes, 4 year deal preferably. If he’s pushing for a long term deal that will hurt the team later then you move on and pick up some more futures.

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?

I believe we have a stud.

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?

Depends on the coach. I will say Severson because we find him a reliable defensive pairing partner.

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?

Ty Smith is the easy answer here.

Aarne Talvite is my dark horse to blow people away in a Coleman/Carter way. He will be loved in the playoffs.

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?

Rossi or Drysdale

15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?

If he’s the BPA yes.

16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?

If he’s the BPA I like having a good goaltending prospect but if his stock dropped so much last year as it might have then I would rather shoot for another scoring forward and take a goalie later.

Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who?

Cory is the only option. You Subban haters are out of your minds. If we don’t buyout Cory they need to set in place that he is the backup. My hope is that we find a good enough backup to buyout Cory because buying out Cory and then having the backup turds we had this year after his injury wouldn’t make sense.

 

[JrFischer54]

There isn’t a single devil worth a buyout. The team will have the most cap space in the nhl and they are in the bottom of the nhl in points. What purpose will buying out cory have? If you don’t think he’s an nhl goalie anymore fine put him in the ahl maybe he can be a tutor down there. He certainly isn’t going to be holding back any goalie development down there.

 

[Bleedred]

There isn’t a single devil worth a buyout. The team will have the most cap space in the nhl and they are in the bottom of the nhl in points. What purpose will buying out cory have? If you don’t think he’s an nhl goalie anymore fine put him in the ahl maybe he can be a tutor down there. He certainly isn’t going to be holding back any goalie development down there.

So if we get a compliance buyout there’s still no reason for a buyout? Why not? Why do you care about the owners money that much?

In the end, they’d be saving money anyway, as they’d only owe Schneider $8 million instead of $12 million.

 

[My3Sons]

I think some of the compliance buyout confusion may stem from the idea of the lingering cap hit associated with a standard buyout. If buying out Cory doesn’t impact the cap in future seasons then you are just opening a slot at goalie. If you don’t see playing Cory in the AHL as insulting to him then sure keep him. If you want Cory to be given a chance to catch on with another team rather than play him in Bingo then buy him out. Either way it’s unlikely to be franchise altering.

 

[glenwo2]

nevermind.

 

[guitarguyvic]

This was so predictable

Just as predictable as the answers of 95% of the rest of the board.

 

[JimEIV]

This was so predictable

What some more predictability...

Our two number #1's sucked so bad this season that Elias Petterson had 9 more points than both of them COMBINED...a 19 year old Svechnikov had 5 more points than both of them COMBINED and Cale Makar a freakin Rookie Dman from Nico's class only had 7 fewer points than Hischier and Hughes COMBINED.

There is nothing good about this team...Nothing at all.


Hischier #1 overall 2017 - 21 years old
58 games 36 points
J. Hughes #1 overall 2019 - 18 years old
61 games 21 points
Combined 119 games 57 points (This is a crap sandwich)


Elias Petterson 68 games 66 points - 21 years old 2017 draft
Patrik Laine 68 games 63 points - 21 years old 2016 draft
Andrei Svechnikov 68 games 61 points 19 years old
Q. Hughes 68 games 53 points 20 years old
Cale Makar 57 games 50 points - 21 years old 2017 Draft

 

[New Jersey Devils]

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?
- Yes

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?
- No, either Gallant or Laviolette

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?
-Yes

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?
- Palmieri

5) Based on what we know now, do you think the Hischier and Hughes duo is good enough to contend?
- Yes

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?
- No

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?
- Yes

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?
- Hell yes

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?
- Yes

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?
- Yes

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?
- Severson

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?
- Ty Smith

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?
- Raymond, Rossi, Perfetti, Holtz

15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?
- 110%

16) Would you support the decision to take Yaroslav Askarov with Vancouver's pick at #17?
- Yes

 

[glenwo2]

What some more predictability...

Our two number #1's sucked so bad this season that Elias Petterson had 9 more points than both of them COMBINED...a 19 year old Svechnikov had 5 more points than both of them COMBINED and Cale Makar a freakin Rookie Dman from Nico's class only had 7 fewer points than Hischier and Hughes COMBINED.

There is nothing good about this team...Nothing at all.


Hischier #1 overall 2017 - 21 years old
58 games 36 points
J. Hughes #1 overall 2019 - 18 years old
61 games 21 points
Combined 119 games 57 points (This is a crap sandwich)


Elias Petterson 68 games 66 points - 21 years old 2017 draft
Patrik Laine 68 games 63 points - 21 years old 2016 draft
Andrei Svechnikov 68 games 61 points 19 years old
Q. Hughes 68 games 53 points 20 years old
Cale Makar 57 games 50 points - 21 years old 2017 Draft

I wonder if Petterson and/or Laine would've had the same success with Hynes / Nas (with Kowalski, Grier, and door #3) like they have over where they play now?

Put Hischier on either of their teams and he'd have just about the same amount of points.

Coaching does matter, you know.