The Devils core

[Devils090]

Gio, Harrold and Sal

 

[devilsblood]

Zajac shouldn't be a considered a core player because a third line player can't be a core player.

But he will continue to be on the roster. He's locked in. Like it or not, the team will be built around him, and that I think is the definition of a core player. I think Lou made the decision that he is a core player, and whether he regrets it or not, now has to add Zajac as a core player.


Now I think Cory needs to be treated as if he is a core player until he shows an unwillingness to agree such a role with a team. Can we say he is not a core player but needs to be considered as such? It's an interesting question and if answered yes, an interesting distinction.

 

[NC107*]

Greene is the only true core player.
Schneider must re sign to become a core player
Rookies can't be core players
Henrique, Clowe and Zajac are core players by default, length of contract.

 

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

Greene is the only true core player.
Schneider must re sign to become a core player
Rookies can't be core players
Henrique and Zajac are core players by default, length of contract.

Also add Ryane Clowe to Henrique and Zajac. He has signed for 5 years with a no movement clause.

 

[NC107*]

Also add Ryane Clowe to Henrique and Zajac. He has signed for 5 years with a no movement clause.

Right I forgot him, I will correct..

 

[glenwo2]

I'd like to include Matteau with that core even though he's just a prospect.

Some think he'll turn out to be a better Clarkson, some think he'll be another Ryan Clowe, and some think he'll be a Zubrus clone.

 

[billingtons ghost]

I'd like to include Matteau with that core even though he's just a prospect.

Some think he'll turn out to be a better Clarkson, some think he'll be another Ryan Clowe, and some think he'll be a Zubrus clone.

I agree, but then you should add Boucher too.

I just watched an old game against the Blackhawks a while back and Boucher was one of our best forwards if not our best. It was the game they first put Sislo, Boosh and Lokti together, and they played very well - Boosh even ending up as point on the powerplay for the last two periods.

I think he's got a legit shot at being a very good 2nd liner in the NHL - and ending up as a Michael Ryder or better, a smoother skating Johnny Mac.

 

[devilsblood]

I need to see that these young guys can actually make it in the NHL b4 I consider them core players.

And I like Matteau's prospects, if he can develop a little more scoring touch I think he'll be a pretty darn good player.

Like the 3 d-men more. But again, need to see them stick first(also reluctant to consider them core guys given I'm willing to trade any of them).

 

[NC107*]

rookie and prospects can't be considered core players.

Players will long contracts that don't live up to the contract can't be considered core players except by default.

 

[billingtons ghost]

I need to see that these young guys can actually make it in the NHL b4 I consider them core players.

And I like Matteau's prospects, if he can develop a little more scoring touch I think he'll be a pretty darn good player.

Like the 3 d-men more. But again, need to see them stick first(also reluctant to consider them core guys given I'm willing to trade any of them).

I think it's just turning the question from:
what is the Devil's core?

to
what will the Devil's core be?

But yes - if we are answering the first one, you can't include the kids except the 3 Dmen who have shown that they can stick in the NHL if given a chance.

At this point, I am about 95% that the three Dmen are going to be full time NHLers and play for many years.

 

[tsipka]

Schneider, Greene, Larsson, Zajac, Henrique, Elias

 

[devilsblood]

I think it's just turning the question from:
what is the Devil's core?

to
what will the Devil's core be?

But yes - if we are answering the first one, you can't include the kids except the 3 Dmen who have shown that they can stick in the NHL if given a chance.

At this point, I am about 95% that the three Dmen are going to be full time NHLers and play for many years.

Ya agree, can't say that any will be stars, but all 3 are NHL players. Pretty confident in saying that.

 

[billingtons ghost]

Ya agree, can't say that any will be stars, but all 3 are NHL players. Pretty confident in saying that.

Makes you wonder about how we'll look +Severson if he really is going to be 'better'...

and +Santini?

Wow.

 

[Vilgraining]

Elias

That's it

Schneider if he will stay a bit would also be core. Only other person I would think to add is Greene at this point, but not sure really.

The rest, nah. You hope someone like a Larsson or Henrique will become that, but who knows at this point. Not living up to expectations (either from draft or rookie year).

Just because people are signed long term doesn't mean they are core players, just means Lou foolishly signs guys to long term deals….cough AV and Zajac cough.

 

[day1devilsfan]

I'd throw Brunner into the mix on this...

Henrique, Zajac, Corey, Brunner, Gelly, Larsson, Merrill, Greene

 

[Hockey Sports Fan]

This thread needs more Fayne and less Zajac hate. I hope Fayne will be around for a long time and I'm glad Zajac will be.

 

[Hypernova]

I don't know if Larsson counts as part of the core unless you are talking about Albany. Core players are usually sent to the minors.

 

[Khione]

I'd throw Brunner into the mix on this...

Henrique, Zajac, Corey, Brunner, Gelly, Larsson, Merrill, Greene

Brunner?

:

 

[devilsblood]

Brunner?

:

I hope he can grow into that mold. Not there currently, but not crazy to think he could be one day.

 

[Hockey Sports Fan]

Brunner will be 28 in a week and he might not surpass 100 NHL games by the end of this season. He doesn't have a lot of room to improve.

 

[CKPLAYA]

I'd throw Brunner into the mix on this...

Henrique, Zajac, Corey, Brunner, Gelly, Larsson, Merrill, Greene

Brunner will be lucky to be on the team next year.

 

[NJ CUP*]

its pretty sad that you would list brunner as a "core" player when NO ONE in the nhl wanted to sign this guy to a contract.

 

[Hockey Sports Fan]

Brunner will be lucky to be on the team next year.

Well he has a contract... Which is more than you can say for a lot of Devils going into next season. But depending on who's re-signed and if Matteau or Boucher make a push, I guess Brunner would be the easiest guy to move.

its pretty sad that you would list brunner as a "core" player when NO ONE in the nhl wanted to sign this guy to a contract.

It was more about his asking price than his demand around the league.

 

[Devils Army]

There is DeBoer's core
Sal, Harrold, Gionta
Then there is the real Devils core
Zajac, Elias, Schneider once he signs long term, Henrique the way he has played recently, and Greene

 

[Big PP]

Honestly, the only guys i would consider part of our core if i was building a championship team (that could compete in next 3-4 years) would be:

Zajac as 2nd line C
Henrique as 3rd line C or Top 6 winger
Larsson as Top 2 D
Merrill as Top 4 D
Gelinas as Top 4 D (PP specialist)
Corey as our Starting G

I would hope that Severson/Santini can fill out our top 4 and Boucher can be a Top 6 winger.

Other than that, i wouldnt mind getting rid of the other guys to fill part of the championship puzzle. Still a long way to go but if our D prospects pan out, then we will have a very big and talented defence and very solid goaltending with Corey. We actually arent in that bad of a place but we could really use some young snipers on the wings as well as a true 1C.

I wouldnt oppose Greene and Fayne being part of the future but ideally i would use them as trade chips to get some forwards. Greene is probably our biggest chip since he's signed to a bargain deal and playing like a true top 2 dman (although he was shaky today)