NFT: NHL Thread - One Quarter Through the Season

With what they've had to deal with in net.

Detroit has played some good hockey too.

Barzal back to being a ppg player and the Isles have actually been scoring a bunch now that Trotz is gone

holds just two teams in each conference fall out of the playoffs and two different ones get in.

I do think DET has been playing well and I love their young nucleus, but I think they are one, no clue who the other one is.

In the West I doubt STL hangs on, and I think EDM makes it. Also not sure on the other one.

....NHL record which Bruins of course can continue to build on.

Big change with Bruins: defense pushing it and jumping into plays and Montgomery a player's coach (different than Julien or Cassidy).

Will be interesting to see if it lasts but the Bruins do appear pretty deep.

Is New Jersey, expected a good team, but not this good. Podcaster/one-time Montreal radio host Tony Marinaro says Devils rumored to covet Josh Anderson.
2nd biggest surprise is the Habs killing the “tank hard for Bedard” vibe. (So far)

In comment 15922425 kevken60 said:

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Is New Jersey, expected a good team, but not this good. Podcaster/one-time Montreal radio host Tony Marinaro says Devils rumored to covet Josh Anderson. 2nd biggest surprise is the Habs killing the “tank hard for Bedard” vibe. (So far)

The Devils are definitely the biggest surprise. I thought it they stayed healthy, especially Blackwood and Vanecek, then they might compete for the 8th seed but were probably a year away.

can really intentionally tank even a new coach/GM can't really pull it off.

I'd love Bedard on the Habs though. In fact any of the top 3 would be awesome.

has to be New Jersey. Thought they would get better gradually, but they've gone from the bottom to the top of the Metro.

Not a big surprise, but I thought the Rangers would be better than they are. You have to think that their #2 and #1 draft choices start playing like it. Not even close. And, Lafrienere seems to have regressed from his 19 goal season. He's on pace for 8 goals. That won't cut it.

In comment 15922425 kevken60 said:

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Podcaster/one-time Montreal radio host Tony Marinaro says Devils rumored to covet Josh Anderson.

Anderson's contract will prevent the Devils from acquiring him. They can't afford to add a $5.5 million dollar cap hit for the rest of this season and the next four years. They are reportedly in talks with Bratt's agent about an extension plus Graves is a FA at season's end. They need to keep cap space open for the eventual extensions for Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, Yegor Sharangovich, and Fabian Zetterlund.

In comment 15922444 pjcas18 said:

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can really intentionally tank even a new coach/GM can't really pull it off. I'd love Bedard on the Habs though. In fact any of the top 3 would be awesome.

Agreed. But a number of fans believe it’s a “thing”.
In football too.

Akira Schmid with another good game increasing his record to 4-0 with a .953 save %.

Just by how dominant they've been so far. The Bruins have been so good for so long, but with the coaching change and Marchand and McAvoy out to start the season I don't think anyone thought they'd be this good. Seattle has been a huge surprise too so far especially because Shane Wright can't even crack the lineup. On the negative side, Florida has taken a big step back as well as Calgary. I think after the off season we thought both would be better than this.

In comment 15922612 Jay on the Island said:

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Akira Schmid with another good game increasing his record to 4-0 with a .953 save %.

Yeah definitely what you said the other day Jay, Schmid could make things really difficult for Blackwood if he keeps playing like this. They probably send him down because he's still so young, but he looks so much more mature and confident than last season. with him.and Dawes they have some nice young talent in the goalie pipeline. Frankly old man Anderson was superb for Buffalo tonight, the Devs easily should have had 3 more goals. Man the 4th line- Wood, Bastain and McLeod have been great. A testament to that is they had very similar ice time to Jack & Bratt tonight. They deserve it. Almost every shift they reak havoc out there.

After December. They have had a very soft schedule to start the year and December they have to play a bunch of division and conference games. Not saying they’re bad but I think they aren’t in 1st come January 1.

gets "revenge" in his return to CHI. I put revenge in quotes because I did not think there was any bad blood, just a trade/change of scenery kind of thing.

but Dach is showing every bit the #3 overall pick in his draft class in MTL and I guess has a chip.

Habs give up GT goal with a few min left in regulation, scoreless to the shootout and he puts away the win in the shootout and lets the crowd know about it. lol. I love players showing emotion (most of the time).

In comment 15922721 pjcas18 said:

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gets "revenge" in his return to CHI. I put revenge in quotes because I did not think there was any bad blood, just a trade/change of scenery kind of thing. but Dach is showing every bit the #3 overall pick in his draft class in MTL and I guess has a chip. Habs give up GT goal with a few min left in regulation, scoreless to the shootout and he puts away the win in the shootout and lets the crowd know about it. lol. I love players showing emotion (most of the time).

I was thinking he might score a goal or two against his former team, but he only had one SOG the entire game. I guess someone on Chicago was told to make sure that doesn’t happen (score a goal or two).

The Bruins and Islanders both dump really good coaches from veteran teams and both really step it up from last year. You rarely see good teams in other sports dump an established coach and bring in someone inexperienced with largely the same team and have this kind of improvement.

I guess there is definitively something to this “just needed a new voice in the room” thing.

someone I never would have thought of with Jack Adams near his name at least not in the past 15 years, but my many accounts he's the favorite (a lot of hockey to play obviously).

And I was so impressed with the Devils system - the layers that team employed were suffocating. Least space the Habs have had all year.

rounding in to form, Sorokin on fire

definitely did not expect Ullmark on this list, with Swayman back that is a nice tandem.

Lose in regulation 4-3.

As fun as last year was this team is as painful as it gets. Time to start making changes.

giving up a 3 goal 3rd period lead. I wonder if Igor has ever done that before.

Need to shake things up like I said in the other thread. Players too comfortable. Some times a day in the press box helps to gain perspective.

and to not even get a point! I couldn't catch the third and in my brain had 2 pts penciled in. AWFUL loss

Jack Hughes with the hat trick in what was his best game of the season. Vanecek played great against his former team with 38 saves.

Not a typical Devs effort in that they got out shot and got territorially dominated at times but cashed in their chances. I know they weren't playing great teams the last 2 nights, but I love the bounce back after finally losing the win streak. I get the post that they've had a relatively soft schedule so far but I don't care who your playing, 18-2-0 is what it is, it's a quarter of the season no matter who you're playing. Of course they'll come back to earth, but banking the points is so huge in hockey. With the loser point now it's much harder to make up ground than in other sports. As PJ pointed out teams in their position overwhelmingly make the playoffs in the NHL.

In comment 15923444 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Not a typical Devs effort in that they got out shot and got territorially dominated at times but cashed in their chances. I know they weren't playing great teams the last 2 nights, but I love the bounce back after finally losing the win streak. I get the post that they've had a relatively soft schedule so far but I don't care who your playing, 18-2-0 is what it is, it's a quarter of the season no matter who you're playing. Of course they'll come back to earth, but banking the points is so huge in hockey. With the loser point now it's much harder to make up ground than in other sports. As PJ pointed out teams in their position overwhelmingly make the playoffs in the NHL.

I didn't respond to that post as it is somewhat accurate but
let's not pretend that the Devils have beaten up on Chicago and Arizona.

The Devils have beaten the Avalance, Islanders, Caps, Oilers 2x, Calgary 2x, and Toronto. Now a couple of those teams are off to slow starts but many expect(ed) them to be playoff teams.

The analytics also show that the Devils are incredibly balanced. I don't know if they will finish in first place but this is a playoff team unless injuries strike to their key players.

In comment 15923448 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 15923444 Stu11 said: Quote: Not a typical Devs effort in that they got out shot and got territorially dominated at times but cashed in their chances. I know they weren't playing great teams the last 2 nights, but I love the bounce back after finally losing the win streak. I get the post that they've had a relatively soft schedule so far but I don't care who your playing, 18-2-0 is what it is, it's a quarter of the season no matter who you're playing. Of course they'll come back to earth, but banking the points is so huge in hockey. With the loser point now it's much harder to make up ground than in other sports. As PJ pointed out teams in their position overwhelmingly make the playoffs in the NHL. I didn't respond to that post as it is somewhat accurate but let's not pretend that the Devils have beaten up on Chicago and Arizona. The Devils have beaten the Avalance, Islanders, Caps, Oilers 2x, Calgary 2x, and Toronto. Now a couple of those teams are off to slow starts but many expect(ed) them to be playoff teams. The analytics also show that the Devils are incredibly balanced. I don't know if they will finish in first place but this is a playoff team unless injuries strike to their key players.

I picked the Devils last year to be better than the Rangers, evidently I was a year off, as of now. Are you guys (Devs fans) nervous about the young guys hitting a wall in a few weeks? Or are you just happy for the ride and what happens in a few weeks is the future's problem

In comment 15923466 JayBinQueens said:

Quote:

In comment 15923448 Jay on the Island said: Quote: In comment 15923444 Stu11 said: Quote: Not a typical Devs effort in that they got out shot and got territorially dominated at times but cashed in their chances. I know they weren't playing great teams the last 2 nights, but I love the bounce back after finally losing the win streak. I get the post that they've had a relatively soft schedule so far but I don't care who your playing, 18-2-0 is what it is, it's a quarter of the season no matter who you're playing. Of course they'll come back to earth, but banking the points is so huge in hockey. With the loser point now it's much harder to make up ground than in other sports. As PJ pointed out teams in their position overwhelmingly make the playoffs in the NHL. I didn't respond to that post as it is somewhat accurate but let's not pretend that the Devils have beaten up on Chicago and Arizona. The Devils have beaten the Avalance, Islanders, Caps, Oilers 2x, Calgary 2x, and Toronto. Now a couple of those teams are off to slow starts but many expect(ed) them to be playoff teams. The analytics also show that the Devils are incredibly balanced. I don't know if they will finish in first place but this is a playoff team unless injuries strike to their key players. I picked the Devils last year to be better than the Rangers, evidently I was a year off, as of now. Are you guys (Devs fans) nervous about the young guys hitting a wall in a few weeks? Or are you just happy for the ride and what happens in a few weeks is the future's problem

Also - your speed did the Isles in when you beat us. We didn't have the horses to keep up

In comment 15923466 JayBinQueens said:

Quote:

I picked the Devils last year to be better than the Rangers, evidently I was a year off, as of now. Are you guys (Devs fans) nervous about the young guys hitting a wall in a few weeks? Or are you just happy for the ride and what happens in a few weeks is the future's problem

I'm not nervous about them hitting a wall. This is Hughes 4th season, Nico's 6th, Bratt's 5th, etc. The Devils now have a nice combination of youth and veterans such as Dougie Hamilton, Siegenthaler, Palat, Tatar, Haula, Severson, and Graves.

Even though the goaltending has been much better than expected it will take more time for me to buy in that they can be the answer.

In comment 15923468 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 15923466 JayBinQueens said: Quote: I picked the Devils last year to be better than the Rangers, evidently I was a year off, as of now. Are you guys (Devs fans) nervous about the young guys hitting a wall in a few weeks? Or are you just happy for the ride and what happens in a few weeks is the future's problem I'm not nervous about them hitting a wall. This is Hughes 4th season, Nico's 6th, Bratt's 5th, etc. The Devils now have a nice combination of youth and veterans such as Dougie Hamilton, Siegenthaler, Palat, Tatar, Haula, Severson, and Graves. Even though the goaltending has been much better than expected it will take more time for me to buy in that they can be the answer.

Whatever it is - even if they collapse in the 2nd half (they prob won't) at least you're having fun now.

I use the Mets as an example - had a great time during the regular season. They didn't win in the playoffs, but I still had a better season than I've had in years.

as tv analyst right as the Devils completed their 4 game sweep of the Rangers in 2006. The Rangers had just made the playoffs for the first time in a long time. They had great regular season but collapsed at the end, lost 1st place then got swept by the Devs. He said it was a very important season because the team re-connected with their fan base. It's what you described as a Mets fan. I think when a team struggles for most of a decade like The Devs have the fans start getting frustrated and fade away a bit. I think the most important thing right now is the atmosphere of excitement has returned around the team and the building for home games. I never condone fans throwing things on the ice in anger at all and I would never do it. However part of me kind of was intrigued by what happened the other night vs Toronto. It showed passion and atmosphere. Win or lose the rest of the way the Devs have become must watch tv again. I look insanely forward to every game. I think they make the playoffs, now playoff hockey it a whole different animal. The Devs could very well struggle with the intensity and physicality of the playoffs but I'm gonna enjoy the ride of whatever this season brings.

in PHI vs NYI.

I am so tired of players having to answer for clean hits. Romanov hit Hayes to trigger it. Clean hit and it's not like he hit Johnny Gaudreau or Jack Hughes, Hayes is a big dude who maybe isn't as physical as I feel he should be but he will use his body.

TDA tried to "mug" Oliver Wahlstrom during the melee and Wahlstrom took him to school, good to see since it was a punk move by TDA, he came in throwing punches to an unsuspecting Wahlstrom.

I support fighting in the league, but not the kind where after laying a totally clean hit you are forced to defend yourself. I'd like to see them get that BS out of the game.

and I didn't watch live so I might have missed something.

Looks like a Stars player high sticks an Avs player - pretty clearly. the ref says the play was blown dead due to injury but because there is no injury there is no penalty.

I have really never heard that before is there something I am missing?

Here is a clip on twitter
link - ( New Window )

In comment 15923584 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

in PHI vs NYI. I am so tired of players having to answer for clean hits. Romanov hit Hayes to trigger it. Clean hit and it's not like he hit Johnny Gaudreau or Jack Hughes, Hayes is a big dude who maybe isn't as physical as I feel he should be but he will use his body. TDA tried to "mug" Oliver Wahlstrom during the melee and Wahlstrom took him to school, good to see since it was a punk move by TDA, he came in throwing punches to an unsuspecting Wahlstrom. I support fighting in the league, but not the kind where after laying a totally clean hit you are forced to defend yourself. I'd like to see them get that BS out of the game.

Also dk how Deslauriens didn't get an instigator at the end. These teams play again on Tuesday, so should be a fun one!

is as tough as they come too, maybe a tiny notch below Reaves, Xhekaj (wifi) fought him - same thing as Romanov - Clean hit by Wi-fi and Deslauriers needs to justify his salary.


link - ( New Window )

If you look at the highlights, or the condensed games they put out, you will never see a hit or a fight.

I understand wanting sideshow bullshit out of the game. I understand preventative measures for concussions. Pretending there is no physicality is a joke.

Let players settle problems on the ice. It's a natural pressure release valve. Martin and Ristolainen were squared off willing combatants, and the linesman wouldn't let them go. Ditto Anders Lee and Sanheim, refs jumped in. This led to 10 minutes of cheap shots and chippy play.

In comment 15923584 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

TDA tried to "mug" Oliver Wahlstrom during the melee and Wahlstrom took him to school, good to see since it was a punk move by TDA, he came in throwing punches to an unsuspecting Wahlstrom.

Tony D Is such a piece of shit. Gloves off and chucking before Wahlstrom even turned his head. I'm so glad Wahlly wrecked him. Even if he never becomes a top line sniper, wahlstrom has been reborn hard and embraced being physical. He'll be a useful top 6 wing at worst who can pop double digit PP goals with that shot even with his skating limitations and occasional floating.

In comment 15923847 Diversify yo bonds said:

Quote:

In comment 15923584 pjcas18 said: Quote: TDA tried to "mug" Oliver Wahlstrom during the melee and Wahlstrom took him to school, good to see since it was a punk move by TDA, he came in throwing punches to an unsuspecting Wahlstrom. Tony D Is such a piece of shit. Gloves off and chucking before Wahlstrom even turned his head. I'm so glad Wahlly wrecked him. Even if he never becomes a top line sniper, wahlstrom has been reborn hard and embraced being physical. He'll be a useful top 6 wing at worst who can pop double digit PP goals with that shot even with his skating limitations and occasional floating.

I think that's a better role for Wahlstrom anyway, he could always score, but with his size and physicality he should fit on any line and he's such a smart player if you can get him to buy into the system/his role.

In comment 15923494 Stu11 said:

Quote:

as tv analyst right as the Devils completed their 4 game sweep of the Rangers in 2006. The Rangers had just made the playoffs for the first time in a long time. They had great regular season but collapsed at the end, lost 1st place then got swept by the Devs. He said it was a very important season because the team re-connected with their fan base. It's what you described as a Mets fan. I think when a team struggles for most of a decade like The Devs have the fans start getting frustrated and fade away a bit. I think the most important thing right now is the atmosphere of excitement has returned around the team and the building for home games. I never condone fans throwing things on the ice in anger at all and I would never do it. However part of me kind of was intrigued by what happened the other night vs Toronto. It showed passion and atmosphere. Win or lose the rest of the way the Devs have become must watch tv again. I look insanely forward to every game. I think they make the playoffs, now playoff hockey it a whole different animal. The Devs could very well struggle with the intensity and physicality of the playoffs but I'm gonna enjoy the ride of whatever this season brings.

I am genuinely concerned about the playoffs when it comes to the physicality and goaltending. Goaltending is so important in the playoffs and while Vanecek has been very good so far we still don't know how he will perform in the postseason.

While I wasn't a fan of the Palat signing because of the term and AAV I liked it for his leadership and playoff experience.

(the Canadian actor) is spearheading investment groups to buy the Senators. From what I read he appears to be the front-runner.

I don't know his net worth but it sounds like it would be like Jeter and the Marlins (though Jeter played pro baseball).

In comment 15924462 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

(the Canadian actor) is spearheading investment groups to buy the Senators. From what I read he appears to be the front-runner. I don't know his net worth but it sounds like it would be like Jeter and the Marlins (though Jeter played pro baseball).

His net worth is an estimated $150 million.

especially for an original 6 team

StatsCentre
@StatsCentre
·
Nov 23
With an assist vs CBJ tonight, Kirby Dach gives the @CanadiensMTL
3 different players younger than 24 with 17+ points so far in 2022-23 (Others: Nick Suzuki- 23, Cole Caufield- 20). It's the 1st time in franchise history that it's happened in the team's first 20 games of a season

I'll comment here to not rub salt in the wound in the other thread. Obviously happy with the W especially after that rocky start. Didn't love the 3rd period, I thought it was one of the weakest periods they've played in awhile. They took too many bad penalties and I thought we had some great looks but were too nonchalant and didn't get enough quality rubber on a shaky Shesterkin once it was 4-2. Vanacek made the big save when we needed it and it was great to hold on and bank another 2 points.
On a personal note this great run has come at a time when I really needed it. I just put my Mom in hospice tonight. After months spent in hospitals, rehab even assisted living for a few days these Devils games have really given me 3 hours to put my mind on something else. In the middle of it all a few weeks back I had to have emergency surgery to get my gallbladder out! At age 54 It was the first time I've spent the night in a hospital as a patient. It really is true sports can give us a break from the real world for a few hours.

.

prayers for your mom, and agree on sports being a needed distraction some times.

Jason Robertson really has reached a different level in Dallas. What a great goal last night. Blocked a shit at his own faceoff dot and took it the whole way down and finished with a perfect snipe low far side.
Link - ( New Window )

I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. I’m glad that the Devils have provided a small distraction during this difficult time.

In comment 15926064 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Jason Robertson really has reached a different level in Dallas. What a great goal last night. Blocked a shit at his own faceoff dot and took it the whole way down and finished with a perfect snipe low far side. Link - ( New Window )

absolutely, I said before, and I don't think I was exaggerating, I can absolutely see Robertson when it's all said and done, winding up the best player from a loaded draft class.

He'd be being hyped in a level just below Connor Mac and Syd

They simply don't change their game. Down 2, up 2 no difference. It will lead to some blown leads in the 3rd, but it also puts you in better position to not panic and recover once you've blown the lead.

extend Roope Hintz 8 years. 8 x $8.45M

Another underrated player for the Stars due to playing in obscurity (for hockey at least).

game in LA, Kraken win on the PP in OT, 9 - 8.

Matt Beniers is legit (if there was any doubt), though the Kraken are surprisingly good.

Ovi passes Gretzky for most road goals in history.

That's like our old street hockey games lol

some of these teams like SEA, OTT and MTL are putting on a clinic in integrating your youth. But it's much easier when you have no expectations to win now.

That it's easier to play the kids. Seattle is a big shocker though. Boy them and Vegas have shown it's not so hard to be an expansion team any more.

.

In comment 15927499 Anakim said:

Quote:

.

His second one. Not expected to be life or career threatening fortunately.

arena passed the city council vote and now goes to public referendum.

Part of me feels like Hartford not having an NHL team but Tempe having one sucks and is stupid, but also Tempe having and NHL team is great to grow the game and Hartford failed once already - as did Quebec for that matter.

alternate jerseys are awful.

remind me of the Thunder Bay Bombers.

Power play with 2.5 minutes left in the game to try and ice it, end up surrendering the lead with 8 seconds left.

Really bad turnover in own zone in OT and Nashville makes them pay. 8 seconds from 2 points to an OT loss in about 45 seconds of game time.

Chychrun rumors have started (continued?) he is rumored to be on the move, BUF is mentioned as a possible destination, I have to believe TOR is interested, just not sure they can make it work from a cap standpoint.

without him, the Islanders are a .500 ish team.

In comment 15923584 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

in PHI vs NYI. I am so tired of players having to answer for clean hits. Romanov hit Hayes to trigger it. Clean hit and it's not like he hit Johnny Gaudreau or Jack Hughes, Hayes is a big dude who maybe isn't as physical as I feel he should be but he will use his body. TDA tried to "mug" Oliver Wahlstrom during the melee and Wahlstrom took him to school, good to see since it was a punk move by TDA, he came in throwing punches to an unsuspecting Wahlstrom. I support fighting in the league, but not the kind where after laying a totally clean hit you are forced to defend yourself. I'd like to see them get that BS out of the game.

I mean, it's the Flyers...some things never change.

In comment 15928690 islander1 said:

Quote:

without him, the Islanders are a .500 ish team.

They remind me more of last year's NYR team than the NYI teams under Trotz that were contenders. Good news it that if they can improve a bit internally (or at the deadline) and get better at 5on5, there's a ton of upside with a stud like Sorokin in net cleaning everything up.

In comment 15928690 islander1 said:

Quote:

without him, the Islanders are a .500 ish team.

He's clearly the best goaltender in the NHL this season and it's not close IMO. If he stays healthy he is a lock for the Vezina.

In comment 15928690 islander1 said:

Quote:

without him, the Islanders are a .500 ish team.

He is on pace for a record (i believe) in goals saved above expected.

Sorokin has 16 through 17 games, which would be ~80 for the season or basically in laymen terms he's stealing a goal per game. I believe it's a historic pace.

Last year, Shesterkin led the NHL with 34.

Tim Thomas in 2010-2011 has 39.6

comparisons like this they always conveniently leave out some detail. Like in this case McDavid was 20 when he completed his 152nd game and Robertson was 23, but still impressive.

Gino Hard
@GinoHard_
·
12h
This side-by-side comparison of Jason Robertson and Connor McDavid's first 152 NHL games 😳

(via allhockeyculture/ IG)

send Zac Jones to Hartford.

In comment 15929762 pjcas18 said:

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send Zac Jones to Hartford.

OP: What suprises? How bad the Rangers are.

In comment 15932665 Percy said:

Quote:

In comment 15929762 pjcas18 said: Quote: send Zac Jones to Hartford. OP: What suprises? How bad the Rangers are.

Yes, the Rangers qualify as a surprise - at least to me.

Boeser and his agent given the green light to find a new home (via trade).

No idea what's going on there, but he's got a lot of offensive skill.

Not a fit for MTL given their state and I think he wants a US team, but I would expect a market for him.

all thee players won't make it, but....

Canada notables:
Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli (2023 draft eligibles) and very likely the top 2 picks in the 2023 draft plus 8 1st round NHL draft picks from the past couple drafts including

Zachary Bolduc (St. Louis Blues, No. 17, 2021)
Zach Dean (Vegas Golden Knights, No. 30, 2021)
Nathan Gaucher (Anaheim Ducks, No. 22, 2022)
Brennan Othman (New York Rangers, No. 16, 2021)
Reid Schaefer (Edmonton Oilers, No. 32, 2022)
and defensemen
Kevin Korchinski (Chicago Blackhawks, No. 7, 2022)
Carson Lambos (Minnesota Wild, No. 26, 2021)
Nolan Allan (Chicago Blackhawks, No. 32, 2021)

plus more...

USA
2023 draft eligibles:
Charlie Stramel (University Wisconsin)
Will Smith (USA Hockey NTDP U-18 team)
Ryan Leonard (USA Hockey NTDP U-18)
Gavin Brindley (University of Michigan)


7 1st round picks:

Logan Cooley (Arizona Coyotes, No. 3, 2022)
Luke Hughes (New Jersey Devils, No. 4, 2021)
Tyler Boucher (Ottawa Senators, No. 10, 2021)
Cutter Gauthier (Philadelphia Flyers, No. 5, 2022)
Chaz Lucius (Winnipeg Jets, No. 18, 2021)
Rutger McGroarty (Winnipeg Jets, No. 14, 2022)
Jimmy Snuggerud (St. Louis Blues, No. 23, 2022)

Other notables Lane Hutson who said he sees his game as slightly better than Cale Makar, lol. He is fun to watch, but he's small.

Should both be in the running if they get good goal tending.


link - ( New Window )

Habs go up 4-0 after 1. Canucks get 2 in the 2nd, get 3 straight in the 3rd to go up 5-4, Habs strike with 2 to go up 6-5 only to have Vancouver tie it with a minute left on a Kuzmenko tip, and then Pederson wins it in OT for Vancouver. I thought Montreal has a beef in OT as there looked to be a definite trip on the D who went down and coughed up the puck for the game winner.

In comment 15935270 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Habs go up 4-0 after 1. Canucks get 2 in the 2nd, get 3 straight in the 3rd to go up 5-4, Habs strike with 2 to go up 6-5 only to have Vancouver tie it with a minute left on a Kuzmenko tip, and then Pederson wins it in OT for Vancouver. I thought Montreal has a beef in OT as there looked to be a definite trip on the D who went down and coughed up the puck for the game winner.

Matheson, who is a great skater, coughed the puck up all game, but I thought it was a trip in OT too.

if Logan Mailloux ever makes it to the NHL. He did sign his ELC in the fall, but with the way the NHL handled Mitchell Miller and all the scrutiny for Hockey Canada and the sexual assault coverup odds are against it, but man he's a good hockey player.

Not just for this one play, but in general.

link - ( New Window )

In comment 15936577 pjcas18 said:

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if Logan Mailloux ever makes it to the NHL. He did sign his ELC in the fall, but with the way the NHL handled Mitchell Miller and all the scrutiny for Hockey Canada and the sexual assault coverup odds are against it, but man he's a good hockey player. Not just for this one play, but in general. link - ( New Window )

Will be interesting to see if they ever let him play in the NHL. I suspect they will. Bettman never made as strong comments about him as he did with Miller right? Either way it was a worthwhile gamble for the Habs. With Devs playing Chicago last night Patrick Kane made some interesting comments after the morning skate yesterday about the Devs organization. Said the year they are having reminded him of his young Hawks team that burst onto the scene they're first big year when they had a run to the conference finals. I doubt the Devs will be in on it but I wonder where he ends up. You have to think there's no way he finishes the year in Chicago. With how competitive the East is you'd think he'd go to somewhere there. Lou is rumored to have always loved him (he has a big sweet spot for American players) could be a showdown between the Rangers and Islanders.

and Toews IMO both get moved. Toews looked good too the games I saw - and he's a veteran center (obviously) and both players come with cup experience.

CHI is in a good spot, would be better if they didn't miss-calculate where they were and sign Seth Jones to that massive deal.

they have two 1sts (one top 10 protected), two 2nds and two 3rds in a loaded draft coming up - I think they add to that at this deadline. They also already have two 2nd's and two 3rds in 2024.

In comment 15936689 Stu11 said:

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Will be interesting to see if they ever let him play in the NHL. I suspect they will. Bettman never made as strong comments about him as he did with Miller right? Either way it was a worthwhile gamble for the Habs. With Devs playing Chicago last night Patrick Kane made some interesting comments after the morning skate yesterday about the Devs organization. Said the year they are having reminded him of his young Hawks team that burst onto the scene they're first big year when they had a run to the conference finals. I doubt the Devs will be in on it but I wonder where he ends up. You have to think there's no way he finishes the year in Chicago. With how competitive the East is you'd think he'd go to somewhere there. Lou is rumored to have always loved him (he has a big sweet spot for American players) could be a showdown between the Rangers and Islanders.

I think Kane ends up with the Islanders by the deadline. It makes too much sense assuming the price is fair.

In comment 15936783 pjcas18 said:

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and Toews IMO both get moved. Toews looked good too the games I saw - and he's a veteran center (obviously) and both players come with cup experience. CHI is in a good spot, would be better if they didn't miss-calculate where they were and sign Seth Jones to that massive deal. they have two 1sts (one top 10 protected), two 2nds and two 3rds in a loaded draft coming up - I think they add to that at this deadline. They also already have two 2nd's and two 3rds in 2024.

Yeah there was an article in the Athletic today how the Hawks want to copy the Devils blueprint of building through the draft with mainly speed and skill players. They already had 5 picks in the first 2 rds last year and as you pointed out already have a ton of picks this year and will probably substantially add to that when they deal Kane and Toews. It really is the way to go along with the lottery luck we have had if they get the 1st or 2nd pick this year. The draft is such a crap shoot, the more stabs you have the better your odds of hitting. The Devs have drafted well but they've had some clunks as well with guys like Zacha and maybe even Holtz, though he has looked much better in this 3 game stint since he was recalled. The jury is still out on Shak Mukhamadullin but supposedly he's having a breakout season in the KHL but of the 3 picks in that first rd Dawson Mercer looks like the sure hit as a top/middle 6 type fwd with a long NHL career so the more top 60 picks the better your chances.

The depth of the defensive talent in the Devils pipeline is staggering. On top of Hughes and Nemec I mentioned Shak Mukhamadullin and I was just reading about Finnish guy Topias Vilen who at 19 is having a complete breakout season offensively in Europe. He's gonna be on the Finns top pairing at the Junior Worlds coming up definitely gonna check it out. This doesn't even include guys like Kevin Bahl and Reilly Walsh who can't even find a consistent spot with the big club. Obviously Severson is most likely a goner in the off season. Honestly he's a 3rd pairing guy right now who's minutes are shrinking. There are probably teams around the league who see him as a top 4 guy. I'd look to move him. Bahl and later on L. Hughes can probably fill his spot. Ryan Graves is also an upcoming UFA and while he's been really good as a top 4 guy, the Devs will have to think long and hard about keeping him as the $ may be better spent elsewhere like on Bratt and another top/middle 6 fwd.

In comment 15937062 Stu11 said:

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The depth of the defensive talent in the Devils pipeline is staggering. On top of Hughes and Nemec I mentioned Shak Mukhamadullin and I was just reading about Finnish guy Topias Vilen who at 19 is having a complete breakout season offensively in Europe. He's gonna be on the Finns top pairing at the Junior Worlds coming up definitely gonna check it out. This doesn't even include guys like Kevin Bahl and Reilly Walsh who can't even find a consistent spot with the big club. Obviously Severson is most likely a goner in the off season. Honestly he's a 3rd pairing guy right now who's minutes are shrinking. There are probably teams around the league who see him as a top 4 guy. I'd look to move him. Bahl and later on L. Hughes can probably fill his spot. Ryan Graves is also an upcoming UFA and while he's been really good as a top 4 guy, the Devs will have to think long and hard about keeping him as the $ may be better spent elsewhere like on Bratt and another top/middle 6 fwd.

I just read about Vilen a week ago. He is certainly turning heads with his offensive game which was his considered his weakness in the draft. He is a very smart player who was considered a likely stay at home defenseman at best but now his stock has skyrocketed as he leads all defensemen in goal scoring.

The Devils will likely keep Severson past the deadline but I wouldn't be the least bit upset if he was traded. I agree that Graves unless he is willing to sign a Siegenthaler type of contract. With Luke Hughes and Nemec on the way plus Bahl and possibly Mukhamadullin the Devils have plenty of options to replace him. The D pairings next season might look like this:
Siegenthaler Hamilton
Hughes Marino
Bahl Nemec

I hope that the Devils focus more on forwards in the 2023 draft. Of course I hope that they continue to draft a goalie each year but the forward prospect depth is getting a bit thin.

Nolan Foote still hasn't earned a full time NHL role which is concerning.

I know you're not a huge fan of Holtz at the moment but I still think that he turns into a good top 6 forward in a year or two.

I am excited about Arseni Gritsyuk. He was the KHL rookie of the season last year and after a slow start this season he's been red hot lately.

Yeah it's true I'm tough on Holtz. I think it's Zacha flashbacks that I'm having seeing as they're euros drafted in basically the same identical spot. I will say he has definitely looked better this latest stint. Much more sure with the puck and that PP snipe from the face-off circle vs Nashville was sweet. He really can't be fully evaluated till he's given some kind of significant run with top 6 guys. Just might be harder now with the team being a contender. He's really gonna have to earn that spot. I agree the focus this year should be fwds in the draft. It will be interesting to see if they retain Wood. He has become a leader. His comments after the first few games about being sick and tired with playing for a losing team opened some eyes, but the sure as hell have played well since. He gives them that size and some snarl they sorely lack.

In comment 15937374 Stu11 said:

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Yeah it's true I'm tough on Holtz. I think it's Zacha flashbacks that I'm having seeing as they're euros drafted in basically the same identical spot. I will say he has definitely looked better this latest stint. Much more sure with the puck and that PP snipe from the face-off circle vs Nashville was sweet. He really can't be fully evaluated till he's given some kind of significant run with top 6 guys. Just might be harder now with the team being a contender. He's really gonna have to earn that spot. I agree the focus this year should be fwds in the draft. It will be interesting to see if they retain Wood. He has become a leader. His comments after the first few games about being sick and tired with playing for a losing team opened some eyes, but the sure as hell have played well since. He gives them that size and some snarl they sorely lack.

Yes Wood has been a key bottom 6 guy this season and his speed and toughness is a welcomed addition. I am just concerned about giving him a long term deal and paying $4+ million a year for a 4th line LW. The Devils need to be very smart with their cap allocation especially when you consider that Bratt needs a long term deal which will cost at least $8 million IMO. The Devils will then have Hischier, Bratt, J. Hughes, Hamilton, and Palat making $6-9 million AAV. Also Sharangovich, Mercer, Zetterlund, Holtz, Luke Hughes, and Nemec new deals are on the horizon.

Beast mode. 4 goals in the first. UConn alum is a superstar

In comment 15937739 pjcas18 said:

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Beast mode. 4 goals in the first. UConn alum is a superstar

What a season that kid is having especially when you consider that he did very little during his first four years in the NHL.

I wonder if Gaudreau is still happy that he chose Columbus over NJ.

In comment 15938066 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 15937739 pjcas18 said: Quote: Beast mode. 4 goals in the first. UConn alum is a superstar What a season that kid is having especially when you consider that he did very little during his first four years in the NHL. I wonder if Gaudreau is still happy that he chose Columbus over NJ.

Last year he blossomed. He's still just 25.

But at 6'7" he's one of those guys who feeds the narrative "big guys take longer to develop".

I remember watching him in the World Juniors and U18 (he was part of gold medal teams for both) and felt like man if this kid ever puts it all together he's going to give teams some problems. I felt like then though his aspiration was a checking line grinder.

Part of that expectation from me though is because his gold-meal winning U-18 team had Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Clayton Keller, Colin White, Charlie McAvoy, and more.

but when Hutson was asked how his game compares to Cale Makar I want to say he said he thinks he can be better than Cale. Lofty goals for a 5'8" kid in college, but he's tearing up the NCAA.

He has 17 points in 14 games.

Look forward to seeing him at the World Juniors.

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Lassi Alanen @lassialanen · 6h Lane Hutson (MTL) has been absolute dynamite to start the season, probably the best offensive defenceman in the NCAA. Literally off-the-charts level of output in many offensive categories. Also a monster in transition. The excitement is warranted. #GoHabsGo

Sorokin still on crazy pace, Hellebuyck dialed in too, Shesterkin rounding into form.

Vejmelka keeping ARI out of the Bedard pageant (for now)