As the devils are finally starting to show some development and identity within the franchise, they seem to have a good problem. That being, a core I would feel comfortable keeping intact for the next decade or so, but not enough roster spots for the abundance of solid assets they have collected during what feels like almost a decade-long rebuild. Its always good to have guys that can be called up or fill-in, but theres a point where it becomes absurd to keep so many nhl-caliber players out of an NHL lineup. Or, have guys with top-6 ability/potential getting 4th line minutes.
I think there is going to have to be a point where the devils trade 1-3 of these guys + some early round picks in order to maximize talent in the nightly lineup. Not trying to make an EA NHL style trade here where you just trade you last 5 years of 6th round picks for a superstar; however, I think all of the guys on the left side are of a relatively high caliber, and I wanted to visually organize the full extent of NHL-caliber assets within the franchise at this moment.
Left Side are players I would be willing to trade. The top ones in "left wing" I would prefer not to trade, but would be willing to do so as a part of a monumental deal/upgrade. E.g. if you wanted to trade sevo for hamilton or something, That would clearly be an upgrade. Just an example dont get mad please.
Bottom left, under 'scratches,' are the real issue, where the devils have about 10 FWD and 2 D that have either already proven that they can be full-time NHLers, or appear very likely to be full time-NHLers in the next 1-2 years. The level of potential varies of course, with Mercer and Boqvist seeming to have the most offensive upside, and top-6 potential. I would say they are at least B+ prospects if we are considering Holtz Nico and Hughes to be A or A+ prospects/assets.
Right side are the untouchable pieces in Nico, Holtz Hughes, Blackwood, Smith.
Center are players that are probably considered dead weight, or will not be on the team when their contracts expire in 1-2 years. I imagine they have very little trade value at this point in comparison to all of the guys on the left side.
You should try to move some future to acquire a big splashy offensive winger. Thinking about maybe someone like Meier in SJ or Landeskog this summer if he becomes available. I mean you have the goalie, a solid d corp but you clearly need a top winger that you could actually but his face on tickets or something. At least you have a pretty decent center core of Hischier, Hughes, Zacha.... Future is bright and you're not missing a lot NJ's fans. There is a light at the end of the tunnel
Very solid analysis. I agree. The biggest issue is there isn’t much in the D pipeline to move the needle.
Mukhamadullin and Bahl looked decent enough tbh... You also have Smith... You could maybe target one in this year TDL by moving Wood for example who at this point becomes very expendable given the abundance of role players in your bottom 9
These are the main needs for the Devils in my opinion
1. Big Scoring LW next to Hughes (Ovi type player)
2. 2-way/defensive LHD behind Smith
3. 3rd line Energy penalty killer (Hyman/Coleman type player)
Mukhamadullin and Bahl looked decent enough tbh... You also have Smith... You could maybe target one in this year TDL by moving Wood for example who at this point becomes very expendable given the abundance of role players in your bottom 9
The left side has some prospects, the right side is barren!
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
Devil a aimé ceci.
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