NFT: NHL Thread - 1 month from camp, farm systems.....

crushed the NCAA as a true freshman. He was just behind Fantilli (another true Freshman) in points. Only 5 months separate Cooley and Fantilli but they were in different draft classes due to the Sept 15 (?) cut off.

I was glad Quinnipiac beat them in the finals though.

I think Shane Wright was still the expected #1 up until the draft combine.

Slafkovsky looked like Ivan Drago, a man among boys, and you can see how that is attractive to teams. He didn't even do the fitness tests but still stood out as special.

from Hockey Canada. If you haven't heard about the 2018 Canada World Junior Team scandal, google it. The net is a woman claims she was sexually assaulted by 8 hockey players including members of team Canada Juniors Team after a team event.

Today, Hockey Canada said anyone affiliated with that 2018 World Juniors team is excluded from international competitions with Team Canada until the investigation is complete. No timeline from what I have seen. And others, like Seravelli has said it's likely the result will be NHL suspensions for at least 5 players. Some reporters (such as Andy Strickland) know the names but fortunately will not share them until the process is over.

That Canada team (whose players cannot participate in any Team Canada functions and are on the list of players who if involved would be suspended) includes Cale Makar, Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Sam Steel, Max Comtois, Tyler Steenbergen, Drake Batherson, Michael McLeod, and more...


Strickland has only said "there are significant players facing suspension"

And if they did what they are accused of, good riddance.

I do wonder if this story has played into the decision for teams not to acquire Carter Hart. Who knows how long this suspension would last, if not forever. If you don't know if Hart was involved or not would you take the risk?

then I wouldn't want him for free.

In comment 16214371 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Wasn't a fan of the Quick signing, I don't understand why we didn't re-sign Halak. I don't get why switching wings is so difficult. I prefer my off-hand but don't really care that much.

Signing Quick didn’t make much sense to me either, but Allaire has my complete trust.

In comment 16219483 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

then I wouldn't want him for free.

Of course, my point was until this gets finalized I wouldn't even trade for him if I didn't know. If he's involved you don't acquire him, but if he's not, he's a good young goalie. I'm now willing to roll the dice.

I think NHL teams probably know the players though if reporters do.

is definitely a questionable decision.

Halak is such a good backup IMO.

Quick obviously has the pedigree, so who knows if he thrives in a pure backup situation, but I thought Halak was fine.

Mollie Walker
@MollieeWalkerr
·
8s
#NYR trim roster to 48.

Maxim Barbashev, Seth Barton, Zach Berzolla, Ryan McCleary, and Sahil Panwar have been assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Joe Arntsen, Bryce McConnell-Barker, Max McCue, James Petrovski, and Dylan Roobroeck will return to their respective junior teams.

is apparently recovering rapidly from his hip surgery and is looking for an NHL destination.

Many sites still list him as a top 20-30 RW which by math makes him a 1st liner, but even if he's in the top 64 he's a 1st/2nd liner on most teams. I know it doesn't work that way but point is he is not a bottom 6 player.

He's "only" 34 which for today's athletes (generally speaking) is not old. And if healthy he'd be a great addition to most teams.

In comment 16223476 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

is apparently recovering rapidly from his hip surgery and is looking for an NHL destination. Many sites still list him as a top 20-30 RW which by math makes him a 1st liner, but even if he's in the top 64 he's a 1st/2nd liner on most teams. I know it doesn't work that way but point is he is not a bottom 6 player. He's "only" 34 which for today's athletes (generally speaking) is not old. And if healthy he'd be a great addition to most teams.

The key with Kane is how quick he looks off the surgery. Last spring he had really slowed down. The problem is when you look at the contenders and his potential destinations like even his home town Sabres is they ay fast- the Devils, Sabres, Colorado, Carolina etc...they all play too fast for the way he was skating last spring. Maybe Toronto?

In comment 16218683 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 16214782 pjcas18 said: Quote: fan, but he delivered last year before there were expectations. Now, with expectations, can he still deliver? I would have kept him as a lame duck for the year then extended him based on the results (or not). but then who says he comes back if you play that game. I would have done the same. Don't extend him until you see how the team performs this season.

Thing is Lindy isn't some kid coach. He has a decades long track record. He is what he is. At this point you either want him or you don't. He won't crumble under expectations. I've never been the biggest fan, but I think when you have the talent and style the Devils roster has the biggest concern with a veteran coach is he's gonna try and impose his old ways and style on them and it won't fit like a Torts is want to do. However Lindy proved last year he's gonna let them play towards their strengths. His day to day lineup decisions will always be curious at times, but big picture he deserves a shot to see if he can bring them to the promised land.

played all last year with the hip and was still on a 60+ point pace. His defense was more the problem IMO and I don't think that's quickness, but the injury probably contributed.

even with the Rangers as slow as he appeared he had 6 pts in 7 playoff games (good for 3rd on the team).

He'll find a home.

hate to say it but his best fit is probably with the NYR - with a Chytil (or some one to open up cap) trade.

But I'm not sure how they make that work.

I thought he was a bit of a scapegoat last year.

Out 8-10 weeks. Huge blow for Tampa.

also out 4-6 weeks - hand surgery - in WAS.

Obviously not as big a loss as Vas, but less depth there too.

In comment 16223516 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Thing is Lindy isn't some kid coach. He has a decades long track record. He is what he is. At this point you either want him or you don't. He won't crumble under expectations. I've never been the biggest fan, but I think when you have the talent and style the Devils roster has the biggest concern with a veteran coach is he's gonna try and impose his old ways and style on them and it won't fit like a Torts is want to do. However Lindy proved last year he's gonna let them play towards their strengths. His day to day lineup decisions will always be curious at times, but big picture he deserves a shot to see if he can bring them to the promised land.

I understand what you're saying but my concern is if the Devils underachieve this season and barely make the playoffs or miss it all together. I would have let Ruff play out the season and if they start off hot then I would offer him a 1-2 year extension. I am curious to see how the Devils do without Brunette on the bench. Hopefully he won't prove to be a big loss.

So excited for this season. Man you better take care of the puck at the Devs blue line or just inside their zone because they will be off to the races if you turn it over. Tafolli has been practicing and playing a lot with Hughes and Bratt and seems to fit right in. Luke Hughes looked real comfortable. Nemec showed a little feistiness and looks a little bigger than I thought. The plan may be to start him in the AHL but he may force their hand.

is so underrated IMO, one of those guys who flies under the radar but every champion has someone like him.

He can play in every situation and he's great for the locker room.

In comment 16224771 Stu11 said:

Quote:

So excited for this season. Man you better take care of the puck at the Devs blue line or just inside their zone because they will be off to the races if you turn it over. Tafolli has been practicing and playing a lot with Hughes and Bratt and seems to fit right in. Luke Hughes looked real comfortable. Nemec showed a little feistiness and looks a little bigger than I thought. The plan may be to start him in the AHL but he may force their hand.

That was a brilliant acquisition by Fitzgerald. Toffoli is a bonafide top 6 RW. It is likely a 1 year rental but that was a shrew move by NJ.

I thought it was guaranteed that Nemec would begin in Utica due to the Colin Miller acquisition but he might force their hand as you said. I am hoping he continues to impress and the Devils waive Brendan Smith and go with Miller as the 7th dman. There is no reason for Smith to get any playing time on this team.

waive Lassi Thomson.

Never turned into the player they hoped when he was drafted in the 1st round 4 years ago, but he has shown value IMO. I expect him to be claimed.

Chris Snow lost his battle with ALS this weekend.

I had been following his story on social media via his wife who shared a lot. Heartbreaking disease, and heartbreaking for his wife and young children.

Thomson claimed by ANA who had the 2nd waiver claim.

Kind of a crowded blue line, but maybe he can re-establish some value.

with Rangers effort.

article today in the Athletic re: Rangers panic level with the slow pre-season start.

Alex Killorn out 4-6 weeks in ANA.


One week from NHL opening day Eve

Of course it's pre-season so you can't take it too seriously, but it definitely simulates the regular season more so than the other sports. The regulars play a lot more even if it's not the same intensity. Nothing analytical to back it up but I feel like the Devils pre-seasons have sometimes been pretty indictive of how the season is gonna go.

In comment 16227247 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Of course it's pre-season so you can't take it too seriously, but it definitely simulates the regular season more so than the other sports. The regulars play a lot more even if it's not the same intensity. Nothing analytical to back it up but I feel like the Devils pre-seasons have sometimes been pretty indictive of how the season is gonna go.

I don't put much stock in it for most teams. Especially teams like the Rangers with a new coach and new system or rebuilding teams with a lot of open roster spots, but I guess for a veteran team it may be more indicative of the regular season.

I feel it's more of a tone setter than other sports where they treat it as a joke

has looked very good for NJ so far and has outplayed both Brendan Smith and Colin Miller by a wide margin. Now it will be interesting to see if they reward him with a roster spot and put Smith on waivers.

hopefully it is successful and results in more than once.

Mark Scheig
@mark_scheig
On the ESPN call. They say they will have a version of “Red Zone” on ESPN/ESPN2 the night all 32 teams play. It will be called “Frozen Frenzy.”

This will be neat to see unfold.

In comment 16227699 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

has looked very good for NJ so far and has outplayed both Brendan Smith and Colin Miller by a wide margin. Now it will be interesting to see if they reward him with a roster spot and put Smith on waivers.

Yep Jay he's definitely made it a tough decision for them. I just think in the end they're gonna be squeamish about playing 3 rookies/near rookies in Bahl/Luke and Nemec regular minutes for a team without elite goaltending that has designs on competing to win the conference. I think they start Nemec at Utica and he's the first call up once Luke and Bahl get some more games under their belt.

In comment 16232894 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

hopefully it is successful and results in more than once. Mark Scheig @mark_scheig On the ESPN call. They say they will have a version of “Red Zone” on ESPN/ESPN2 the night all 32 teams play. It will be called “Frozen Frenzy.” This will be neat to see unfold.

Curious how that'll work - NFL is easy to know when to switch to which game. Will be cool to see

In comment 16232936 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Yep Jay he's definitely made it a tough decision for them. I just think in the end they're gonna be squeamish about playing 3 rookies/near rookies in Bahl/Luke and Nemec regular minutes for a team without elite goaltending that has designs on competing to win the conference. I think they start Nemec at Utica and he's the first call up once Luke and Bahl get some more games under their belt.

While I think Nemec should begin in NJ I would be very surprised if he doesn't start in Utica as you said. Now that Miles Wood is gone Brendan Smith has taken over as my least favorite devil. I look forward to the day when he is gone and Colin Miller is the 7th Dman.

In comment 16232990 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 16232936 Stu11 said: Quote: Yep Jay he's definitely made it a tough decision for them. I just think in the end they're gonna be squeamish about playing 3 rookies/near rookies in Bahl/Luke and Nemec regular minutes for a team without elite goaltending that has designs on competing to win the conference. I think they start Nemec at Utica and he's the first call up once Luke and Bahl get some more games under their belt. While I think Nemec should begin in NJ I would be very surprised if he doesn't start in Utica as you said. Now that Miles Wood is gone Brendan Smith has taken over as my least favorite devil. I look forward to the day when he is gone and Colin Miller is the 7th Dman.

Haha while Smith doesn't quite reach the stupid level of Wood he does share Wood's affection for taking stupid penalties at the worst times...

I'm going to the Bruins game next Wednesday (work event).

Opening night for the B's plus, more importantly, Connor Bedard's second game.

Looking forward to seeing Bedard.

Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
From NHL BoG: Commissioner Gary Bettman says “very preliminary” estimate for cap next year is between $87-$88M. He stresses it is very preliminary

healthy and the goaltending holds up, the Devils are going to be a tough team to play this year.

captain obvious?

not many flaws in that team right now.

In comment 16234252 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I'm going to the Bruins game next Wednesday (work event). Opening night for the B's plus, more importantly, Connor Bedard's second game. Looking forward to seeing Bedard.

Very cool PJ enjoy. That should be fun.

but the Devils have 12 players averaging a ppg or more (with a min of 3 games played). 6 over a ppg and 2 averaging 2 ppg or more.

the above came from the twitter account below.

James Nichols
@JamesNicholsNHL
·
8m
#NJDevils preseason point leaders:

but NYR are the best fit.

Yves Fredette, 160 IQ, I optimize everything 📈
@fredette
·
1m
#NHL Teams reportedly interest in Patrick Kane

#Sabres
#Leafs
#NYR
#Canes
#FlaPanthers
#LGRW

.

is your 2-RW

Here is what I do if I was the NYR for forwards:

Kreider Mika Kane
Kakko Chytil Lafreniere
Panarin Trocheck Wheeler
Vesey Bonino Goodrow

Pitlick 13th F

the 3rd line scoring should be increased 20% and I bet the kid line increases theor production by 20%.

and that's as good a 4th line as there is in the league.

In comment 16235431 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

is your 2-RW Here is what I do if I was the NYR for forwards: Kreider Mika Kane Kakko Chytil Lafreniere Panarin Trocheck Wheeler Vesey Bonino Goodrow Pitlick 13th F the 3rd line scoring should be increased 20% and I bet the kid line increases theor production by 20%. and that's as good a 4th line as there is in the league.

No chance Panarin would be on the 3rd line

fans want it both ways. They say "these kids better start showing something or they're busts" but do not support any proposal to actually get that line more minutes.

If you separate them, that's one thing, but if you keep them together as a 3rd line what do you expect?

it's less about the line more about the minutes.

I support all proposals to give the kids more minutes.

Sit Panarin and Kreider, I don't give a shit.

Their development is priority #1 for the first 60 games for me.

Kane is going to put up points. My issue is that he doesn't give the Rangers what they need. They need a fast forechecker, someone with speed and who is sound defensively.

In comment 16235452 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Kane is going to put up points. My issue is that he doesn't give the Rangers what they need. They need a fast forechecker, someone with speed and who is sound defensively.

Sure, but not everyone has to be that mode.

this structure provides much more balance through 4 lines.

And the 2nd line will bring that intensity IMO.

Lafreniere is a beast, he, maybe more than fans realize is that forechecker. Kakko is great defensively. They just need to put up more points and I think they will with time. the only thing I'd possibly suggest is flipping Chytil and Trocheck - because Trocheck is a little better about playing the greasy game and he can take a face off.

PJ - thoughts on him making the team and playing beyond the 9 games max?

Does he learn anything going back to the OHL and playing with kids?

Also want to think of their young d-man Lohrei? Makes team?

In comment 16235731 BillKo said:

Quote:

PJ - thoughts on him making the team and playing beyond the 9 games max? Does he learn anything going back to the OHL and playing with kids? Also want to think of their young d-man Lohrei? Makes team?

Poitras already crushed the OHL.

I don't know if he exceeds the 10 games or not, maybe depends on how the Bruins start and how he plays.

Not much downside to keeping him up IMO. The Bruins have an old team.

Lohrei I think depends on the other D. I hate to see 22 years olds in the press box and unless someone is injured I am not aware of, the top 6 for BOS on D are locked in. Probably the strength of the team. I think he winds up in PVD.

Beecher is the guy for Bruins fans to dream on IMO.

In comment 16235437 JayBinQueens said:

Quote:

No chance Panarin would be on the 3rd line

A lot of people are guessing that Panarin is not going to be a Laviolette favorite.

In comment 16235746 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16235731 BillKo said: Quote: PJ - thoughts on him making the team and playing beyond the 9 games max? Does he learn anything going back to the OHL and playing with kids? Also want to think of their young d-man Lohrei? Makes team? Poitras already crushed the OHL. I don't know if he exceeds the 10 games or not, maybe depends on how the Bruins start and how he plays. Not much downside to keeping him up IMO. The Bruins have an old team. Lohrei I think depends on the other D. I hate to see 22 years olds in the press box and unless someone is injured I am not aware of, the top 6 for BOS on D are locked in. Probably the strength of the team. I think he winds up in PVD. Beecher is the guy for Bruins fans to dream on IMO.

I like what I have seen from Beecher - really good speed and he might claim the 4th line center spot.

I would consider teaming Lohrei with McAvoy and give him minutes but not sure if he's ready but he's played really well in the preseason. B's have done this before with young D men (McLaren, even McAvoy himself), pairing with the top guy.

Shatterkirk has not looked good in preseason but he's a vet and it's preseason - but he's going to be on the third pairing.

They are going to make some room on defense IMO.

In comment 16235463 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16235452 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Kane is going to put up points. My issue is that he doesn't give the Rangers what they need. They need a fast forechecker, someone with speed and who is sound defensively. Sure, but not everyone has to be that mode. this structure provides much more balance through 4 lines. And the 2nd line will bring that intensity IMO. Lafreniere is a beast, he, maybe more than fans realize is that forechecker. Kakko is great defensively. They just need to put up more points and I think they will with time. the only thing I'd possibly suggest is flipping Chytil and Trocheck - because Trocheck is a little better about playing the greasy game and he can take a face off.

I agree with you on all points. The Laf one is a good one. Laf is faster than fans think.

I'm not the biggest Trocheck fan.

Also, glad someone mentioned Shattenkirk--I'm happy he's still in the league. He got a little screwed by the Rangers.