The Devils core

[SeidoN]

I think we are 2 years away from real pretty solid and 4-5 from being a top-end contender

 

[MichaelJ]

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.

Greene is the only true core player but Schneider has to re-sign? Greene's contract is up at the same time and it's just as likely if not more so that he moves to another team.

 

[billingtons ghost]

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)

pretty much spot on. I think someone added Brunner above and I'd agree with that if he can show some consistency.

 

[MichaelJ]

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)

Spot on. This is an honest evaluation of the players on the team and where they fit in IF WE WANT a contender.

Even though Larsson and Gelinas have had chemistry together, I think eventually the top pair will be Merrill-Larsson with Gelinas paired with someone like Santini who is just a beast on defense and can balance out Gelinas's game.

Moving Greene and Fayne and maximizing their trade value when we need young forwards is the logical thing to do, regardless of the fans who would rather hold onto Greene no matter what. He'll bring back the most in trade, we need forwards, and there is no guarantee he returns after next year. Just as the transition was made to Schneider, it's time to transition the D to the younger guys and add young forwards as well.

I also think Henrique COULD develop into a top-line center but the Devils have to add better wingers around him.

 

[Devils Army]

Spot on. This is an honest evaluation of the players on the team and where they fit in IF WE WANT a contender.

Even though Larsson and Gelinas have had chemistry together, I think eventually the top pair will be Merrill-Larsson with Gelinas paired with someone like Santini who is just a beast on defense and can balance out Gelinas's game.

Moving Greene and Fayne and maximizing their trade value when we need young forwards is the logical thing to do, regardless of the fans who would rather hold onto Greene no matter what. He'll bring back the most in trade, we need forwards, and there is no guarantee he returns after next year. Just as the transition was made to Schneider, it's time to transition the D to the younger guys and add young forwards as well.

I also think Henrique COULD develop into a top-line center but the Devils have to add better wingers around him.

I dont know I've been liking him as a top 6 winger lately, but if we don't trade Greene and other vets for a 1st round pick and some offensive talent we will just be the same as we are now, just with even better defense

 

[MichaelJ]

I dont know I've been liking him as a top 6 winger lately, but if we don't trade Greene and other vets for a 1st round pick and some offensive talent we will just be the same as we are now, just with even better defense

I am just fine with Henrique as a Top6 winger, it's the rest of the Top6 I'm worried about.

 

[Devils Army]

I am just fine with Henrique as a Top6 winger, it's the rest of the Top6 I'm worried about.

I think he will play where he is needed of we are lacking in centers he will play center and vice versa

 

[DenisSamson3]

This thread will be helpful in the off season.

Looking back it seems that Schneider is the consensus.