State of the Devils Thread (Long Questionnaire)

[glenwo2]

I love the late picks by the Devils scouting staff but early picks are still in question. Yes, Nico and Hughes have both underwhelmed. I love Nico but until he makes the leap he is the 4/5 best player in his draft and fading. Hughes has amazing potential, I hope he wasn’t rushed to the NHL. Jury is out on Smith but McLeod is struggling. I wouldn’t be upset if they keep or let go the current scouting staff. With Shero gone it will be interesting to see if anything gets tweeked.

With the offseason likely shortened, I think Fitz and Castron will stay. Also, Fitz getting the “OK” to search for coaches is a good sign for him. I don’t care for retreads but Gallant is probably the best of them. I would want Palms as the captain if he resigns but Nico would ok. I rather not give him additional pressure until he reaches his potential.

Well if Fitz stays, then you better believe that Castron stays also.

 

[BurntToast]

Well if Fitz stays, then you better believe that Castron stays also.

I said both will probably stay. It will be interesting to see how/if the strategy will change under Fitz.

 

[JrFischer54]

So let's keep with this logic for a while...a full time NHLer with 4 full seasons under his belt with 108 points in 266 games, 32 points in 64 games this season... is a bust because he was a #6 overall?
Ok...

Now Nico a #1 overall had 4 more points this season than the #6 bust...so is Nico the worst bust of them all? Again keeping with the logic...a #6 overall is a harder bust than a #11 overall non-NHL player because #6 is a huge difference than #11...#1 to #6 is a bigger difference than #6 to #11...Nico must be the biggest bust we have? Or does the 4 points make the difference?

I'm sure you can see the nonsense in this...Zacha is not a bust. Not in anyway is he a bust...
Disappointing sure, but he's a regular NHL player with very good attributes. McLeod isn't even a good AHL player.

Reserve judgement until a full season? He hasn't played a full season because he is not good and his window is quickly closing. Next season is last year of his ELC and he's nowhere close to being a regular NHL player.

man you are out there I think you think the #1 pick has to put up mcdavid numbers. I wish that was true but it’s not.

nico still has put up the most points in his draft class. Yeah he had a down year on a down team last year if he didn’t miss time he would’ve probably surpassed his rookie year total. If you think that’s a bust? I dunno.

now look at Zacha draft class and see where he ranks in production for guys taken after him. It isn’t even remotely close! It’s great I’m happy Zacha is a 3rd line player but newsflash he wasn’t drafted to be a 3rd line center and if you consider drafting a 3rd line center at 6 with all that talent left on the board after him? That’s a huge fail and I know you agree with it.

Look at mike where he was drafted and a couple of studs taken after him sure but again no where near the talent in Zacha class. Also when mike was drafted his potential was top 6-9. Double also mike went on to play a full two seasons in the juniors after he was drafted Zacha didn’t.

I’m assuming since smith has played two junior years after his draft that you consider him a bust too? I think your going to be in the minority that think Zacha wasn’t rushed into the nhl and he shouldn’t have played that first season here.

The further you get from 1 the more volatile a pick is going to be that’s just a fact. So if a player is going to bust just from draft position it would be mike and that might very well happen but that still doesn’t mean Zacha isn’t a bigger bust lol. Blowing the 6 pick on a 3rd liner? You aren’t going to build a winning team doing that I’m sorry.

 

[Pitaya]

At least respect Pavel’s name change, use it from now on guys

Pavel ‘50pts next year’ Zacha

 

[MadDevil]

Didn't somebody here once bet that Loktionov would have 50 points? Or was it 40?

 

[glenwo2]

Didn't somebody here once bet that Loktionov would have 50 points? Or was it 40?

Oh yeah....I remember that running gag.

 

[BurntToast]

Not even Covid-19 can dash the annual “Next year is definitely Zacha’s year” hype train.

Every Year:

Poster 1:

Yo, Zacha scored 15pts in two weeks! snd His corsi is amazing.

Poster 2:

Yeah, but he literally only scored 15pts all year..

Poster 1:

Psssh, he is only 23. Next year man, BRAKE-OUT SEASON...

(Pavel’s points the next season 16pts...)

Poster 1:

Still better then last season..

 

[NJ DevLolz]

Not so sure Castron stays long term. Remember, he's Sheros guy, not Tom's. There's a decent chance he follows Ray wherever he goes

 

[NJDevs26]

Not so sure Castron stays long term. Remember, he's Sheros guy, not Tom's. There's a decent chance he follows Ray wherever he goes

Scouts and scouting directors aren’t necessarily wedded to GM’s the way assistant coaches are with a head coach. Castron was in Columbus sixteen years under multiple GM’s before coming here. It depends in part who the new GM is and what he thinks of Castron and the prospect pool.

 

[guitarguyvic]

One would think that if Fitz is being allowed to search for the new coach, that means he is being retained. Would seem non-sensical to have the person you don’t want running the team anymore hire the new coach.

 

[BurntToast]

One would think that if Fitz is being allowed to search for the new coach, that means he is being retained. Would seem non-sensical to have the person you don’t want running the team anymore hire the new coach.

With this bizarre situation, ownerships’ hands are a little tied. The NHL is considering doing the draft in June and the offseason might be split. Which would leave very little time in September to hire a new GM and a Coach. So grain of salt on the coaching search, but I think Fitz should be safe.

 

[TBF1972]

One would think that if Fitz is being allowed to search for the new coach, that means he is being retained. Would seem non-sensical to have the person you don’t want running the team anymore hire the new coach.

who says fitz is hiring the new coach. he is currently evaluating coaching candidates. he assembles information with his interviews, which will be the basis for the decision, whom to hire as the next coach. he might be the person making the decision, he might be involved or he might just hand the information to the next GM and step down.

 

[glenwo2]

Scouts and scouting directors aren’t necessarily wedded to GM’s the way assistant coaches are with a head coach. Castron was in Columbus sixteen years under multiple GM’s before coming here. It depends in part who the new GM is and what he thinks of Castron and the prospect pool.

Well I'm pretty sure that him unearthing a UNICORN like Bratt among other things, would be pretty damn helpful toward a new GM's opinion of him.

 

[JimEIV]

Not even Covid-19 can dash the annual “Next year is definitely Zacha’s year” hype train.

Every Year:

Poster 1:

Yo, Zacha scored 15pts in two weeks! snd His corsi is amazing.

Poster 2:

Yeah, but he literally only scored 15pts all year..

Poster 1:

Psssh, he is only 23. Next year man, BRAKE-OUT SEASON...

(Pavel’s points the next season 16pts...)

Poster 1:

Still better then last season..

He has shown progression every year...Sure we are all left wanting more but considering a large portion of his career has been spent in the bottom 6 with guys like DSP, Bennett and Wood I don't think these numbers are all that bad - Especially for how bad our team has been

19 years old 70 games 24 points - PPG .342 - 8th on the team in points
20 years old 69 games 25 points - PPG .362 - 11th on the team in points
21 years old 61 games 25 points - PPG .409 - 10th on the team in points
22 years old 65 games 32 points - PPG .492 - 4th on the team in points

Now take it in the context of this team -
2020 - This season 45 points is leading our team
2019 - Last season 50 points led our team
2018 - Hall had 93 points and next best was 52 points
2017 - 53 points led the team

So Pavel is a 25 point player playing mostly from the bottom 6 on a team that maxes out at around 50 points. It doesn't look terrible to me?

 

[Billdo]

He has shown progression every year...Sure we are all left wanting more but considering a large portion of his career has been spent in the bottom 6 with guys like DSP, Bennett and Wood I don't think these numbers are all that bad - Especially for how bad our team has been

19 years old 70 games 24 points - PPG .342 - 8th on the team in points
20 years old 69 games 25 points - PPG .362 - 11th on the team in points
21 years old 61 games 25 points - PPG .409 - 10th on the team in points
22 years old 65 games 32 points - PPG .492 - 4th on the team in points

Now take it in the context of this team -
2020 - This season 45 points is leading our team
2019 - Last season 50 points led our team
2018 - Hall had 93 points and next best was 52 points
2017 - 53 points led the team

So Pavel is a 25 point player playing mostly from the bottom 6 on a team that maxes out at around 50 points. It doesn't look terrible to me?

Love this.

 

[Bologna 1]

Staff:

1) Do you want Tom Fitzgerald to remain GM. If not, then who?
Yes, but if he doesn't Gillis of those who are likely options. Mark Hunter if talking anyone.

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

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?
Yes, in the future

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?
Not at this point

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?
Tweener between all three lines of the "top nine"

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?
Subban

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

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?
Assuming Lucas Raymond is off the board, either Cole Perfetti or Alexander Holtz

15) Would you support the decision to take Jake Sanderson with the Coyotes pick at #10?
No

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

Miscellaneous

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

 

[Blackjack]

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?

Indifferent. I thought he did okay in his limited time so far. I'm fine with keeping him, fine with making a change.

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

Also pretty indifferent. I don't think a coach makes a bid difference right now because I don't think we have a good team.

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

I'm fine with him staying.

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?

Greene if he returns. No one on the current roster if he does not.

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

No. Hischier has been in the league for 3 years now and looks like a good player but not a top tier forward. It's hard to imagine how Hughes's rookie year could have gone any worse.

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

Yes.

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

Indifferent. I like Pavel Zacha, he is not going to make or break anything.

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

He is, in my view, clearly the best player on the team.

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?

Probably. I think Palmieri, Hischier, Bratt, and Blackwood are the only good players on the team.

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

Hopefully someone that is not on the 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?

Rossi

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

Sure, why not.

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

No.

Miscellaneous

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

Indifferent. The salary cap will not be a concern for the Devils for the forseeable future.

 

[nugg]

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, though Dean Lombardi would be fun, so we could say "do it Dean!". Gillis would be an interesting hire. He has some new ideas it seems, from that article about him that many have read here.

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

I think he did a pretty admirable job as an interim, but if Gallant is interested you have to hire him. I've always liked Guy Boucher, but I doubt they will hire him.

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

Absolutely! Though it seems he's better with later picks than first rounders. Not sure why. But please do whatever it takes to keep him.

Currently in the organization:

4) Who should be the next captain?

Going out on a limb here, Subban!

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

It's too soon to tell. There has to be more around them, for certain.

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

Yes. My view of his ceiling has lessened, as I no longer see him as borderline generational. Still could be a perennial all star though. Time will tell.

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

Sure, though he might fit better on someone's wing, depending on roster.

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

Top three lines, not necessarily top two. Again, depends on roster.

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

Depends on what he wants, and if a crazy offer comes our way for a trade. He's very streaky, and he doesn't really fit the time line. I do like him though, and he's pretty much a Jerseyan.

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

He should be, unless they draft Askarov.

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

Pietrangelo I hope, but pipe dream. 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?

Drysdale, then Rossi.

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

Not especially. I think there are better options there.

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

Not my favorite option, but it wouldn't kill me.

Miscellaneous

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

I'd rather not. I'm one of the few that think Cory can be good enough to be backup.

 

[Pattysaurus]

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?
Palmieri

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

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

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?
Sure, not the end of the world if he isn’t though

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?
Tweener between 2nd and 3rd lines

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?
Subban

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

The Draft

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

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

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

Miscellaneous

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

 

[longislanddevil]

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?
- With conviction: ABSOLUTELY, YES!!

2) Do you want Alain Nasreddine to remain Head Coach? If not, then who?
- No. He did an OK job but the Devils record under his tutelage was largely bolstered and due to out-of-this world goaltending by Blackwood. My first choice is Gallant and it isn’t particularly close. Boudreaux and Laviolette, in that order but with not much separating them for me, would be secondary options.

3) Do you want Paul Castron to remain as Director of Scouting?
YES. The jury is still out but I think he’s done a nice job for the most part. Unearthing 6th round gem in Jesper Bratt and selecting Nico over Nolan are his biggest draft “wins” thus far. I have a reasonable amount of confidence he is adept in his role.

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?
YES- a terrific 1-2 punch down the middle. They are both only going to get better, too.

6) Did Hughes's rookie season temper his future outlook in your eyes?
NO- it takes time for most young players. Not worried at all about his development.

7) Would you support Pavel Zacha in the 3C role next season?
NO. Let Zajac have that role one more season. I’d like to see Zacha with Hughes or Hischier to see if that untapped offensive potential can be unlocked. If it doesn’t happen, I’m all for Zacha in the 3C role in 2021 and when Zajac is likely gone as a free agent.

8) Does Jesper Bratt play consistently in a top 6 role going forward?
A resounding YES!!

9) Should the Devils re-sign Kyle Palmieri to a new deal next year?
YES. Skilled veteran leaders are needed. A team should not be comprised solely of youngsters. The Devils lack scoring punch as it is.

10) Is Mackenzie Blackwood the Devils starting goalie in 5 years?
YES. Very impressed with his emergence this past season. I believe we finally have our long term answer in net.

11) Which defensemen leads the team in toi next season?
PK Subban. While not the player he once was, I don’t think he was as awful as other people viewed him. He may be an eater of minutes by default but I can envision a bounce back season.

13) Which prospect (less than 50 GP in the NHL) do you think becomes a key contributor in the next 3 years?
Ty Smith, by far. No question. If you’re asking for a prospect that has had the proverbial cup of coffee already in the NHL for <50 GP, my answer is Joey Anderson.

The Draft

14) Assuming the top three goes as expected (Lafrenniere, Byfield, Stutzle), who do you want at #6?
- This is a TOUGH question. It’s between Drysdale and Rossi for me. I would be thrilled with either and have these two ranked evenly. I guess Rossi? Hopefully it’s a moot point as I’d hate Devils’ brass to have to make that decision.

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?
NO. I believe Blackwood is the long term answer. I’d prefer to see the Devils draft a skater.

Miscellaneous

17) If given the option, should the Devils utilize a compliance buyout? If yes, then who? Schneider needs to hit the bricks.

My answers are below the questions. Fun quiz!!

 

[Always A Devil]

I think some times its really good to see ones limits and qualities at the same time.
Schneider to me was never a starter, not even in Vancouver. The battle he had going with Luongo looked really unhealthy from the outside at least to me at the time and he almost pushed himself to be the starting goalie.
Im not blaming him, everyone has aspirations but... but he could have been an amazing back-up, because I believe he has those qualities more within him and the pressure it takes to be a starter along with the focus is just not there with him.
Back in the days it was ok for a goalie to be a career back-up and when they were traded they often took the back up role in the new team as well.
Not everyone can be a starter.
Sometimes its great to be a great #2 as well. Much better than to be a bad #1.

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

I think some times its really good to see ones limits and qualities at the same time.
Schneider to me was never a starter, not even in Vancouver. The battle he had going with Luongo looked really unhealthy from the outside at least to me at the time and he almost pushed himself to be the starting goalie.
Im not blaming him, everyone has aspirations but... but he could have been an amazing back-up, because I believe he has those qualities more within him and the pressure it takes to be a starter along with the focus is just not there with him.
Back in the days it was ok for a goalie to be a career back-up and when they were traded they often took the back up role in the new team as well.
Not everyone can be a starter.
Sometimes its great to be a great #2 as well. Much better than to be a bad #1.

This is one of the strangest posts I have ever seen. An athlete has a short time frame to maximize the money he made. Cory is making $6 mil per year. I doubt he needs any career advice from anyone on this site.

He declined at 30. Nothing surprising about that.

Cory Schneider Stats | Hockey-Reference.com

Conclusion: I’m going to use the Linear aging curve going forward in my Hockey Marcels, but no matter which one you use a few points are still clear:
1. Goalies don’t improve as they get older
2. By age 30, goalie decline starts to get REALLY noticable
3. By mid-30s, even with the aging line, goalies rapidly start to fall apart.

How well do goalies age? A look at a goalie aging curve.

 

[Bleedred]

This is one of the strangest posts I have ever seen. An athlete has a short time frame to maximize the money he made. Cory is making $6 mil per year. I doubt he needs any career advice from anyone on this site.

He declined at 30. Nothing surprising about that.

Cory Schneider Stats | Hockey-Reference.com

Conclusion: I’m going to use the Linear aging curve going forward in my Hockey Marcels, but no matter which one you use a few points are still clear:
1. Goalies don’t improve as they get older
2. By age 30, goalie decline starts to get REALLY noticable
3. By mid-30s, even with the aging line, goalies rapidly start to fall apart.

How well do goalies age? A look at a goalie aging curve.

Because there’s still this strange belief (and it’s not even the first post in the last week implying this) that Cory has mental problems and lacks ability because of it.

When in reality, Cory lacks the physical ability to play in the NHL because injuries caused him to rapidly decline and completely fall apart in his early 30’s. It’s not because he lacks the focus or mental fortitude or whatever to be a starter.

 

[Always A Devil]

This is one of the strangest posts I have ever seen. An athlete has a short time frame to maximize the money he made. Cory is making $6 mil per year. I doubt he needs any career advice from anyone on this site.

Hehe, well... Sometimes you actually benefit from seeing your own limits, thats all Im saying. Yeah, I totally get the money aspect, its a big one. All I am saying is; He never seemed like a starting goalie and his reputation could have been better as a excellent back-up rather than what is now perceived as a failed starter.
I am not trying to give him advice on anything, this is my opionion on making him a starter. Thats all.

 

[Bleedred]

Hehe, well... Sometimes you actually benefit from seeing your own limits, thats all Im saying. Yeah, I totally get the money aspect, its a big one. All I am saying is; He never seemed like a starting goalie and his reputation could have been better as a excellent back-up rather than what is now perceived as a failed starter.
I am not trying to give him advice on anything, this is my opionion on making him a starter. Thats all.

He’s not a failed starter.

He’s just goalie that broke down and fell apart at 30 years old.

He wasn’t a starter before that because he had to share the nets with Luongo and then Brodeur for a year, and he still wound up starting most of his team’s games in the last year he was with Luongo in Vancouver and the year he was with us when Brodeur was still here.

He does not have this reputation of being a failed starter. This is merely something that a very small percentage of people perceive him as.