Can a Trade Save the Season for the Devils?

New Jersey was a great srtory last season. This season has been a tough pill to swallow.
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[@theevilascotcompany9255]

Hoping the Devils and Islanders go on a tear, just to see Leafs fans suddenly nervous about missing the playoffs.

[@Fimbo2222]

With both Saros and Askarov UFA and RFA respectively after next season, I'd try to get one of them at the Draft this summer. Trading for Markstrom or Gibson feels like a desperation just get in the playoff move and the price will be high enough to regret in a year or 2 imo.

[@zachw4829]

You nailed it. 100 percent

[@endertamer3273]

I'll be shocked if the preds let either one go, the one thing they're doing right consistently as an org is goalies

[@doaftheloaf]

@@endertamer3273 i doubt they make that trade this season. if askarov goes, expect it in the summer. likely at the draft, so the preds can move up. they tried last year, apparently, to send askarov and 15 to the habs for 5. if that rumor is true, i probably would have taken that. at 15, wood, barlow, and moore were still on the board. if saros goes, which i expect is more likely, it's either the offseason or during next season, unless they get an offer that blows them away. lankinen is a UFA this summer and i don't expect he'll be back. he should land a job somewhere though. actually, he might be moved at the deadline. the avs badly need a backup.

[@NothingToPointOut24]

The cost for Saros, both in a trade and then contract wise is going to be an overpayment. Markstrom is a really good goalie and is a bigtime upgrade. Gibson not so much anymore.

[@Sharlez123]

This guy knows what he's talking about. Fully agreed.

[@justingillette4643]

Keep giving Schmid and Dawes time. I've watched both of them in Utica the last two years and I don't think Jersey should lose hope yet in them. I definitely don't think they should be trading players away like Holtz to find a goaltender.

[@DevilzFan]

I don't think making a trade is the solution. Any trade for a defenseman or goaltender would be a massive overpayment this season. I think you let the massive amount of injuries heal this season, see what you can get in the off-season via a trade or free agency. Finish this season. It's been good experience for guys like Luke Hughes, Nemec and Bahl. They kind of got thrown to the wolves this season, playing a lot more minutes than expected due to injuries.

[@TotallyDzvil]

Jacob Markstrom is very close to being a devil buddy. That’s exciting for NJ

[@NothingToPointOut24]

I agree with not overpaying. If the cost for a Markstrom is Holtz then screw that. Draft picks Im fine with. Looking at the playoff picture, Detroit and Philly can be overtaken. And if we get in as a WC, I dont think Florida or NYR are going to want to play the Devils in the 1st round.

[@jeffreyc1971]

I don’t want to overpay, but long term the Devils need a better #1 goalie and need to play better team D as well. Including this year we’re looking at 2 out of 3 seasons being undermined by subpar goaltending.

[@johanjotun1647]

expecting to NJ make a run without Hamilton is dumb, who's gonna be big bro?

[@JohnPristas]

If this were a video game i would agree. But this is life, players get older skills drop off and players go where they want, not where you want them to. if you can guarantee output and skills stay the same, stand pat and play the free agent game if not it pays to get a vet goalie with term and nothing wrong with depth or higher defensemen no matter what ya have to give up such as picks and prolly vitek or schmid

[@MarkSmith-ho5yc]

Dougie Hamilton being out for the season really hurts the devils.

[@BrattyNerdGirl]

I forgot he was out for the season.

[@HarrisonHollers]

You think Dougie being injured has led to the goaltending being worse this year? Maybe last season he helped cover the limitations in goal?

[@mrtbay2877]

As a devils fan… the defending has been objectively better without him

[@ritterengine1289]

You can’t be serious. The guy can’t defend and Never uses his size. He can contribute maybe to the PP but that’s it.

[@camc9225]

​@HarrisonHollers I'm not sure where in his comment he mentioned goaltending 🤔

[@pohateos9394]

The Devils have the youngest defensemen in the league (by a fair margin at that) and still one of the youngest group of core players. We have time on our side, and I would rather keep the future intact and not make the playoffs than trade away young promising players. Our window is just opening, so I am in no rush at all.

[@allisone9163]

I'm reasonably encouraged by the team since coming back from the all star break. They changed their defensive structure and got 5 out of 8 points in the games since then. They really should have had 7 out of 8 but Vitek was horrible against Calgary. That being said, with the team getting healthy and finally playing better defensively, I think they have a solid chance at making playoffs

[@connorbeaudet4013]

Can we all agree though on the defensive end, the devils were completely right in not offering the contract severson got. His contract is trifling.

[@666kingdrummer]

The guy was unbelievably inconsistent, and to make matters worse, they were putting him on the top pairing. Why management kept him with the team for as long as he did, I'll never know.

[@seantaylor2683]

I don't think you know what "trifling" means

[@ianhall6614]

It's crazy to see how bad Timo's numbers are this year. Hopefully he can turn it around next year but he might be one of those examples of a player that no matter what just doesn't work out for a specific team. I miss Timo time in overtime.

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

NJ has so many scorers that Timo just is not that important to them as one of the top 2 or 3 main scorers so his numbers are going to be worse on NJ by default.

[@fakedeath13]

Ruff isn't playing him at RW like he did in San Jose, also he's not relied upon as much to carry scoring, he contributes a lot in terms of physical presence in a way many of the Devils forwards cannot, but I think his scoring will come back up eventually, he should probably be scoring around 25 goals a year at least

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

@@fakedeath13 You can get a cheap player who is physical presence who costs 800k to 3 mill a year if you do not care about him shooting. It would have been far more logical to sign / draft players like that and never have traded or paid Timo.

[@RRaquello]

He may be one of those guys who plays better when he's on a lousy team. Those types pop up every nonce in a while.

[@mercywilliams2698]

He doesn’t shine here. What an impactful player with Sharks. Really thought he would be a nice fit with Canes .. but they were not able to work a deal. I believe they tried.

[@grumpybogart]

Thanks for the video on the Devils Shannon!

[@SpectreUSMC]

"gimme fuel gimme fire gimme timo fucking meier" 🤣

[@whoshotashleybabbitt4924]

😂

[@chuckweber542]

Ohhhhhh yeah hea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!let's go rangers!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@j.t.miller1641]

More like "Can a save save the season for the Devils?" As per Jack Hughes' comments

[@doaftheloaf]

maybe if they're wearing their new new jersey jerseys.

[@mobailey6666]

whoever made the schedule hates the devils

[@rnunez6398]

Best to stand pat. This would not be a topic for discussion if veteran defense was healthy. That would've reduced shots/goals and if it made a difference in only 3 games, they would be in a WC spot. Also, cost to trade for goaltender or defenseman is too high.

[@FGHY8]

Their regulation GAA is 1.00 in the past 3 games. Ruff changed the defensive scheme. They're 2-0-1 in those games.

[@Bylethdev]

Timo's numbers are bad yes, as they almost always are for players who get big contracts on those years (idk why lol), coupled with the fact that he's being utilized incorrectly by lindy and some injuries. The defensive numbers are bad because in part it took to long to adjust to the injuries. Goaltending was almost the same as last year, but with way less high danger chances against, both severson and graves were good at preventing those. I thinks its a little too late, almost a bubble team at this point with the rough schedule. Hope they can turn it around, but its ok if not. Their window is just opening.

[@RiotnRespect]

In my opinion they gutted some heart and soul players last offseason and replaced them with better players on paper, but the results and that fire haven’t been there this season so far. A goalie would definitely help, but I don’t want them to overpay for one mid season. We’ll see.

[@billyscarbrough]

I hope Daws works out. Coming from someone who named their cat Nico Paws.

[@benbaxter2061]

I don't like cats but yours sounds pretty awesome.

[@JohnnyReno71]

Just like Akira? Where’s he been last season all the hype about him last year and what happened

[@jamesruscheinski8602]

what can New Jersey trade in exchange for Markstrom and Hanifin from Calgary?

[@dredd2225]

That would be very costly for NJ

[@valeriehowden471]

Waiting for Reillys suspension is killing me!

[@stefan1132]

Looks like 5 games.

[@shawnlewin9057]

Dear Flames, please don’t give Jersey Markstrom. Sincerely Rangers fans

[@doaftheloaf]

maybe they'll get igor instead.

[@robertmuller1344]

Trade Meier to Calgary for Markstrom and Huberdeau, with Calgary retaining 1/2 of Markstrom salary.. Both Meier and Huberdeau have been demoted to 3rd ling LW. The change of scenery could help them both.

[@cmz5847]

Injuries or not this is embarrassing. How many top 5 draft picks do they need to be good? 😂😂😂😂

[@jessArcade]

Too late for a run. I want the Devils to build something that will last a decade, not mortgage the future for a couple of 2nd round appearances.

[@RRaquello]

If I was the Devils I wouldn't mortgage the future to make the playoffs this year. Holtz has shown hopeful signs this year, but with the other players they have he could be looked at as an "extra", so if they could get someone who would be long term help--meaning not a rental--for Holtz, that's a trade I'd look at. Nemec should be untouchable. One thing that might have helped the Devils is if they had picked up Mike Reilly when he was on waivers. (I think the Devils were behind the Islanders at the time so they would have had first dibs on him, but if they weren't, forget this comment.) Reilly has played pretty well for the Islanders in the role they have given him and could have really helped the Devils.

[@judistzoinkiski3395]

Yes and no depend who they give up. Mercer and Holtz should be off the table. They didnt move them for Meier so they shouldnt be moved at all. Devils window just opened no need to close it by trading away young players already on the team. Fitzy has to be smart and not overpay for a goalie(marky is 34 YIKES)

[@TheGreyCrayon]

Playing good for a 34 year old though. Look at Talbot in LA. He's 37 I believe, and he's playing great. 6 Million is a lot though.

[@Justin-n8o]

Holtz is def on the table who are you trying to kid?

[@doaftheloaf]

markstrom's age is not a problem, unless you want to extend him afterward.

[@martinzyka6432]

I completely agree with your analysis. I follow Devils somewhat closely and boy oh boy the devils let their goalies to face some serious chances. especially early in the season Vitek Vanecek got abolsutely wrecked by tip ins, break aways and stuff like that. he had games where he really didn't make any big mistake and left it .850. at some point he just started to let in more and more, but early in the season the Devils defense was abysmal. No surprise, best D is Dougie who is a really good offensive D, Nemec and Luke Hughes are great but they are just too unexperienced.. in the offseason they lost 2 veteran Dmen and what they have instead just doesn't cut it. Marino had a rough start to the season. They would benefit from getting an elite goalie, but that's not where the problem is imho.

[@canesfan1526]

Not with the way the Atlantic is going. Basically Jersey would have to play for 3rd in the metro because it’s becoming clearer that the Atlantic is gonna probably take both wild cards. Do they want to trade all those assets to have a chance to play Carolina who they are 0-2 this year and lost 4-1 in the series last year? Long term I think they need a goalie but, Markstrom just feels like an asset they could revisit for cheaper in the off season.

[@jerseygunz]

There were no good reasonable goalies (Helly was to much) this off season, so they gambled with what they got and assembled the offense. Then the injuries came, what are you gonna do, they lost. Our young d got to learn on the fly and they’ll be better next year for it and with the salary cap going up we are going to get a goalie. Don’t panic and overpay, just ride this out and set up for next year…. But def win Saturday so I don’t freeze my butt off for no reason haha

[@666kingdrummer]

The goaltending situation hasn't really changed from last season. The main reason the Devils were so dominant last year was because of their Defense. The main reason they got as far as they did with only So-So goaltending, was because nothing was getting through their defenders. Go out and get an elite goaltender if you want, but its a band-aid on a gapping wound.

[@patskers1]

They need to heal up and figure a way to get into the postseason. Could be a dangerous team if that happens.

[@josephchirichella761]

Ain't winning shit with that defense and goaltending. They need to upgrade there otherwise they might not even make the playoffs nevermind do any damage in them.

[@HarrisonHollers]

I agree. You can’t let seasons waste away. Sometimes there are guys out there to add who can fill holes in a lineup and everything flips. A hot team can make a run this season as there aren’t any truly dominant teams.

[@thefives7ar]

@@josephchirichella761The Devils have the best two young first year defenseman in hockey, it's mainly the structure that Lindy Ruff plays.

[@ritterengine1289]

Right like their 1 goal against Kings?! It’s coaching that’s the problem.

[@ryanmut239]

Missing the playoffs because of an injury derailed season isn’t a bad thing. Look at Tampa and Vegas, in 2017 and 2022 respectively. Save your assets. Retool in the offseason and come back strong next year

[@44Glendon]

06' Oilers acquired Roloson. Edmonton were really fighting for that final playoff spot and well Oilers fans remember what happened after.

[@williammontroy9024]

Nah let this season go start fresh next year man

[@coloradoslasthope1608]

Also, Hamilton when he was playing was losing pucks at the blue line ALOT........ Which led to alot breakaway chances..... Don't believe me? Watch some of the highlights from earlier this season. He's literally Paul Coffey of the modern NHL.

[@martin9202]

I'm scared that any trade is gonna be based on Lindy Ruff recommendation... Trade for Timo was reasonable at the time and I think it's fine... (He's still young enough to rebounce)... I'm not happy that Yegor went to Calgary for Tofoli... I think Yegor was haunted by Ruff's line shuffling and weird preferences... He made him basically a pure defensive player... he shines in Clagary... The same for Holtz, He is burried playing defense on 4th line... If he's traded he will be 20-25 goal scorer in no time... PLEASE, Ruff was good for this team, but it's time to move on... Bring new wind into the cabin... New opportunities... Leave Goaltending to offseason and get a new coach PLEASE

[@Justin-n8o]

Haters will say no! LFG Devils!

[@tehbeernerd]

It’s too late imo, Fitzgerald waited too long to put Vanacek on a shelf too high for Ruff to reach. It may cost the latter his job.

[@giantessmaria]

if Timo(the dud) Meier, would have been just half the player his was with San Jose, they would've been in much better shape offensively...not sure what happened to him, but he definitely wins this years Jonathan Huberdeau award for under achiever of the year! Jersey's TOAST!

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

NJ doesn't use him like SJ did so why don't you complain to the coach.

[@giantessmaria]

@@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants very true, and thats extremely puzzling to give him such a big contract only to relegate him to third line player... personally, i think Ruff is their problem.

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

@@giantessmaria He gets the 4th most shots and is having one of the worst seasons of his career in shooting percentage. It makes me assume Timo is either playing with an injury or your coach is not using him right. It still was a bad trade for NJ from the start since getting a top defenseman or goalie would have made more sense than Timo. The sharks paying Timo 8 + mill and still being bad anyway would be insane in itself so it was an easy trade to do. I still hope Timo will recover for NJ but it is hard to give a guy who is less accurate more shots.

[@nster3]

@@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants TBF, it could also be that Timo is just not fitting in or adapting. He also has unseen on the stat sheet impact IMO

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

@@nster3 The sharks would do plays where the team would feed him high quality passes or 1 teammate would at least. Paying a guy 8.8 mill the offense should be around the players strengths. Hoping he fits into a different system is risky management at best.

[@coloradoslasthope1608]

It's as of the owners said "screw it, let's make the playoffs by just outscoring the opponent every game!!! Screw defense and goaltending!!!" 😂😂😂😂 Literally the devs have scored the same amount of goals as the rags, but defense exists in Madison square garden.

[@nolankuffner3573]

Yeah, personally call this an overreaction. I get that "statistically" it doesn't happen, but it's also "statistically" unlikely for a player of Ovechkin's age to score in six straight games. But that happened. The Oilers were written out 20 games ago. Things changed pretty fast. Like.. the Leafs fans chanting for a team that was nearly last just last season. Teams go on hot streaks, and for slower starters like the Devils, a hot streak now means they're just harder to slow down. Pittsburgh, the Isles, and Philadelphia are hit and miss. The Caps are poor defensively, and Carolina is inconsistent. I won't bet against the Devils, just like I didn't bet on them when they lost that series vs Philadelphia 🙂

[@personM4N]

Haven't even watched the video: no. It can't. I feel like anytime the Devils try a big name trade lately it just doesn't work out for them. Couple that with the fact that there isn't a goalie on the market that 1) would perform THAT MUCH better behind this young, and injury riddled defense, and 2) wouldn't cost them a chunk of their future and cap that's not worth giving up for the return The organization and fans are just gonna have to swallow the bitter pill that the team didn't perform defensively, for a number of reasons that should correct themselves next season and seasons to come, and either develop Daws and Schmid, or find a goalie in the offseason for a reasonable cost.

[@eman92904]

Agreed with a lot of your analysis. Devils need a veteran strong defenseman to really help this team out, which in return will help their goaltending. Vanaceck for sure is not playing well at all, but the defense isn't helping. I can't tell you how many times the Devils have turned the puck over in their own zone this season, or how many times they've given the other teams 2 on 1 or breakaway opportunities. If the Devils are gonna get ripped off in a trade for a goalie they should hold off until the offseason. Markstrom is 34 and probably will only be good for a few more years. This team, while I love them, is still a ways out from winning the cup. At best they probably win a wildcard slot or 3rd in the metro this season. So they're probably looking at playing the Panthers/Rangers/Canes first round. Which I think they would get pummeled by any of those teams unless they severely turn it around. They should focus on building up their defense and then offseason look at head coach and goalies.

[@billtucker6260]

Rarely comment on videos, but I feel the need to a) thank the Hockey Guy for his amazing work and b) humbly state my beloved New Jersey Devils should stand pat and look to FA for a goalie. I hate giving up on seasons this early, but the price for a Markstrom / Gibson rental is going to be too high, especially if it doesn't get you a deep Cup run. For me, I'd rather miss the playoffs, address the goaltending over the summer and let Luke/Nemec develop than give up a Mercer + picks just to squeak in and get beat in the first round by the Rangers. Losing Hamilton / Vanachek freefall was the killer one-two punch and while a rental could help make the playoffs, I still don't think this team is Cup ready yet. Rather wait a couple of years for the team to mature than risk the future just to get bounced by our mortal enemies.

[@Ykcin978]

Could you imagine if the Devils got Hart before the mess

[@MegaCaptain5]

What do you think a Markstrom (1/3 or 1/2 retained) AND Hanifin would cost the devil's?? Feels like tons of prospects and 1st round picks especially if they add a cap dump

[@SNW8191]

Sometimes I think Chico Resch is the only voice of reason in the Universe. The Devils problems are so much more complicated than get a goalie or get a coach that's the media's lazy quick fix answer to a complicated problem. And everyone is running away with it instead of looking at what's really going on. The biggest difference between this year and last year is a healthy team. We've seen this team struggle before with injuries, and we've seen them thrive when they're healthy. Let them get healthy, then see what they can do. I know ever team has injuries but this team has had 8 players miss at minimum 10 games many of those guys out at the same time. I don't think a team in the league has dealt with that and been anywhere near a wildcard spot. Any top goalie in the league would have struggled with all the breakaways they've allowed and how long they get hemmed in their own zone. Not saying V couldn't be better, but the whole team could. And when the Devils aquire Markström or whoever and that guy gets injured, what's the tandem?

[@evileyeball]

Could you imagine if some how the Dedvils saved this sason, Made the playoffs, Went to the final against Vanouver and it was Jack and Luke Vs Quinn in a final. Even if Vancouver lost I wouldn't be so unhappy there.

[@christianfernandes6593]

Off topic but I have you seen the mlb fanatics gong show? They took over the Jerseys for the mlb and the quality dropped a lot. Even the players are complaining. Next season is going to be really rough for hockey fans

[@closethockeyfan5284]

In the words of Squidward in the premiere episode, "(inhales emphatically) No."

[@christhornycroft3686]

You made a really good point. People can look at those games in hand and think there's a chance, and there is, but you have to win those games, and there's a reason why some teams haven't played as many games - their schedule, presumably, hasn't been as rough and expect a few back to backs and 2 games in 3 nights type of thing coming up. Those are the ones that are incredibly hard to win, no matter who you're playing. Either it's an excellent team that will be a big test or a trap game with a bottom feeder waiting to play spoiler. I'm surprised the Devils aren't playing as well as expected, but they've had Jack Hughes out for a while. Take Pettersson, Miller or even Jack's brother Quinn out of the Canucks lineup and it's going to be tough.

[@tbahama365]

Devils finding a way to package Meier and maybe some picks for Markstrom and Hanafin would be exactly what the Devils need.

[@nokonak9384]

Vitek biggest issue is his rebound control. Add that with the Devils defensive issues which is clearing the crease or in front of the crease you get an large amount of quality chances. Since all-star break Devils have changed their scheme and are now collapsing center down to the goalie. Not sure why it took them 45+ games to make such a switch .

[@BrownKnee666]

Well the marksteom trade ain't happening anymore...Devils should of "overpaid" a bit more this will solidify their team

[@nathanspreitzer6738]

I think it’s probably too late in the season, but they are a good team next year should be fine

[@brettrossi034]

If Edmonton's recent heater proves anything, its that hockey seasons are long and if you turn it up and around at the right time, you can make progress towards the playoffs. I have faith in my home town Devils to do it if they consistently get better at what they poorly execute and stay good at what they do right.

[@Oxmosh]

Id say dont do anything for this season, whatever happen will happen. If we make the playoffs, great. If we dont, use that pick or make a trade in the offseason. Not worth paying alot to maybe still not do the playoffs.

[@ritterengine1289]

Trade won’t help. You need a whole new coaching staff to replace these frauds. Starting with Ruff and Rogalski.

[@nn26376]

I appreciate that Solid Top 9 comment, and as a result I don't want to see the Devils trade that Top 9 for any kind of bandaging this year.

[@mattbelusa2022]

It's absolutely too late for NJ. Every GM in the league knows the Devils are desperate for a goalie and are trying to get then to overpay. Just punt on this season and try again next year.

[@trevorcox7728]

Crazy how prior to the season I predicted either Jersey or Carolina to win this year’s cup…I’ll go grab my clown nose now

[@doaftheloaf]

severson was UFA last year, or at least he would have been. he was as good as gone. ryan graves might have been a bigger loss. they need a defensive dman and a real starter to be taken seriously.

[@NothingToPointOut24]

They are missing Hamilton and Siegenthaler. Yeah Severson and Graves not there hurts but Im glad that the Devils didnt give either one of those guys the contracts they got.

[@doaftheloaf]

@@NothingToPointOut24 siegenthaler’s hurt too? that explains a lot then. he’s very good defensively.

[@nster3]

@@doaftheloaf Yea, I mean his job has often been to cover for Hamilton's poor D sometimes haha

[@kaboom9081]

Boston might go after Flames' D Hanifin but not sure that's what we need.

[@kaboom9081]

@@somebody9889 Agreed - but I haven't heard of any talks

[@HenryHoolington]

They can’t afford him

[@JohnnyReno71]

Wait I thought that after last year that the Devils were back and they just loved the goalie Akira? Where is he playing now. I think they still need a lot of help.

[@Davvv67]

Could they use Alexander Holtz as tradebait or is he untouchable? Teams would certainly be interested.

[@kkacperowski]

Timo's numbers arnt the best, however hes has missed a bunch of time this season and has only recently started getting going because of it. Also, how lindy uses timo hasnt been the best.

[@mmonurdz9456]

So what's the biggest difference between this season's Devils and last season's Devils? Injuries? Meyer not scoring? Goalie slump?

[@peteg2715]

Injuries & Vanecek is ass

[@sst6601]

weak and young defense + Fitzgerald sucks

[@nster3]

Goalie was hot last year, nobody had the Devils on their radar and therefore not prepared (now they exploit Vanecek's weaknesses for example), injuries for sure and constant line shuffling due to them, loss of veterans on the blue line through trade and injuries, which lets your future develop but hurts your today chances

[@Jugglerexe]

The time for a trade for a goalie would have been last off-season. It's early in the window, so i would say no need to overpay for a season and a half of Markstrom.

[@doaftheloaf]

two and a half.

[@BKDBut]

As a Rangers fan i can honestly and unbiasedly say that this Devils team is the worst team in the history of hockey

[@ilai7893]

They just need Nico to have a Dawminant stretch, he can be their backstop if he gets hot

[@petermelville5524]

Too late, they don’t have the assets to grab Markstrom and an impact D.

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

Next Tuesday the Timo Meier tribute game in SJ. Watch the sharks Timo highlights NJ and see how to use Timo properly.

[@MisterMonsterMan]

Nothing is going to get better for the Devils until they have legit goaltending. They dont right now.

[@johanjotun1647]

Detroit is getting the 2nd wild card by bumping the Leafs out, I spent a wish on it when I called at the start of the season 🤞

[@seantaylor2683]

I would laugh hysterically if this comes true :P

[@johanjotun1647]

@@seantaylor2683just that ppl are considering it i'm stoked, when i said this b4 everyone thought it was just a hot start and they wouldnt be in it coming down the streach

[@davefabian2942]

So you talk about the injuries and defense age, and blame the goalies 🙄

[@perrinayebarra]

No last year they caught lightning in a bottle and this is closer to reality for them.

[@ADB358]

The Devils have five 30+ goal scorers, three PPG players, two future norris candidates, and Dougie Hamilton. The rangers only have three 30 goal scorers for comparison. The Devils owned them last year, and won 13 straight games for a reason.

[@logand3957]

So the injuries have nothing to do with it?

[@cash082]

I do not feel it's too late, front load a contract with bonuses off Hamilton's IR if they can as well. Sign a meaningful goaltender & have a good experienced defenseman - and most importantly...keep the Devils out of injuries...and they might have a solid run. Gotta remember how many injuries have happened this year so you are having players that haven't always played together in lineups during many games so far.

[@HockeyMC5989]

Lindy changed the defensive system these past couple games and you can see the difference. Team all around is looking so much better. They are looking prime for a run right now, especially if we get a goalie

[@ritterengine1289]

This is precisely why he should be fired that old pos. He waited 50 games to do anything!

[@devilsarebeastly]

Could Fitz swing Swayman for a 1st or 2nd and Seamus Casey? Swayman is gonna be an RFA again after a reportedly rough arbitration (players don't stick with teams long after going through them). Idk what UPL would cost from Buff, I wouldn't pay as much as I would for Swayman but maybe a 2nd a Stillman/Clarke? Kahkonen if he could be had for like a 2nd or a 3rd and meh prospect. Or Fleury for like a 3rd/4th.

[@jma.87]

Absolutely possible. Especially with how they've played since the all-star break. Bad goaltending against CGY, but aside from that all 5 gms have been very solid team efforts with a simplified D scheme. It's working. They are supporting the middle MUCH better now. Siegenthaler isn't too far off, Smith just came back, they are starting to get that D insulation they need and that you referenced, Shannon. Ideally adding another would help, but that's costly and at this point - IF Dougie would be back for a hypothetical Rd 1 - I think they keep playing Bahl, Luke, and Nemec for development and you rotate Miller or Smith as 7 D. Forward group, minus he who shall not be named, is essentially fully healthy. They're starting to get their stuff together. DET, TBL, TOR, and PHI should all have NJ on their radar rn.

[@yoholmes273]

It is too little too late. NJ GM Tom Fitzgerald had the motive & cap space to get ANYTHING done before the impending deadline. He failed to do so & it has cost the season. Tom Fitzgerald & Martin Brodeur all knew NJ desperately needed to solidify the goaltending for some time. NJ also always giving up the first goal showcases a poorly coached team that is consistently not ready to play. And still, with the worst goaltending, 3 rookies on the blueline, shabby GMing, & shotty coaching ...The Devils STILL have a punchers chance!

[@BrattyNerdGirl]

I had New Jersey finishing top 3 in the Metro along with NYR & CAR. I didn’t anticipate them losing Hamilton for the season along with Hughes missing time.And the goaltending has been absolutely atrocious.

[@pulpmystic]

It’s imperative the Devils make the playoffs this year. History says that teams in their position typically don’t. But that’s because teams down the stretch are usually the same team that got them into their position in the first place. They don’t fundamentally change as a team just because the math is against them now. But the Devils can fundamentally change, through getting guys back from injury, and potentially a big trade. This is why I think it would be a home run for them to pick up Markstrom and Hanifin in some kind of Blockbuster deal.

[@chrisbelos2834]

teams still have a month before the trade deadline. plenty of time to trade a whole draft for some top9 rental. all the teams that traded a whole draft last year (NY Rangers, Toronto, Tampa, Columbus) didn't won the cup or even made it to their Conference finals. staying put is the best plan unless you're a seller. Devils might be sellers in a month who knows

[@danleschinskysax]

i honestly don’t think they will make any moves this season. everyone was saying they were gonna pick up gibson but they never did. this season has been a learning experience for a young team with specifically young D, and the worst season injury-wise i can remember as a fan. i think this season could just be a write off

[@todddavis5433]

Carolina has been tops in the league in shots against for the past 3-4 seasons so their save% isn't a huge problem..their goals against is the more important stat

[@noiisserpmii]

I hate how Gallant made the Devils look so great.

[@bobbydrex5268]

Only thing that could've saved this season is if the team stayed healthy. It's not worth wasting draft capital on this season when we probably can't win the cup let alone make the playoffs. Re-group, make deals over the summer and lets go after it next year.

[@hughjass1044]

Can a trade save their season? Well, something had better do it and quickly too, because if it's not already too late to make the playoffs, it darn soon will be. This is not acceptable for a team as good as this.

[@ADB358]

Hamilton isn't exactly the most reliable all round defenseman. I think his absence may be overblown.

[@RiotnRespect]

He eats some big minutes, but his absence is more felt offensively on the backend as well as on the power play. Dougie is a menace on that first PP

[@benbaxter2061]

We're all wrong from time to time, it's ok

[@RRaquello]

I'm not a big Hamilton fan, but his loss is big because losing him pushes everyone up in the rotation and you have guys playing more minutes than they can fill effectively. So you have a 4 playing 3, a 3 playing 2 and a 2 playing 1 and it's thrown the whole team off all year. It may be good in the long run because Hughes & Nemec are learning the hard way, but it's not good for this season.

[@ADB358]

@@RRaquello Having watched Hughes, and Nemec; both look better in their own end. They are also better skaters than Dougie. But neither Hamilton, nor said potential goalie, would help this team play heavier. We are a bottom team in shots blocked. We are too easy to play against.

[@Fallout3131]

Canucks will trade Petterson for Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes

[@MrGnarVar]

I love that you included Holtz in the top 9 but our coach refuses to play him anywhere but the forth line and it has been immensely frustrating all year as Holtz has looked good in his limited minutes

[@theBatmanGoeth2]

Getting rid of Lindy Ruff for a real coach would benefit them more, but that's not happening

[@benbaxter2061]

Its crazy how different this team is to last year. Last year's team was so awesome it made me want to be a better person. This team makes me regret all the decisions I've ever made on the off chance they indirectly led to this monstrosity.

[@brandon-ej3zl]

Flames are in the playoff race so wont tradr marky.. I also doubt jersey has the assets to give up and also Calgary does not want to retain any salary

[@brandonreimer1041]

I felt like last season was too early for the devils. To be as good as they were. I don’t doubt they get into the playoffs though can’t bet against them at least

[@killhouse6130]

I thought losing graves and severson was a little much in one year but everyone was so sold on luke hughes after a couple playoff games

[@jahmanoog461]

Hockey content like no other. Thanks Shannon. Comment added for goo tube metrics.

[@mattgrassi5293]

Sharks did win the Meier trade that’s crazy

[@VictorYTMusic811]

Felt like they were way to confident in theirselves this season. All started when they took Dougie off PP1 to slot in a rookie for fun