NJ Devils Remain At 10th Overall Pick In NHL Draft Lottery: A Deep Discussion On What To Do

The NHL held it's 2024 Draft Lottery earlier tonight. The New Jersey Devils remain in the #10 Overall spot.
What do we do from here?
Steve The Maniac calls into the show to make his Runnin With The Devils debut!
We discuss what we would do with the pick and much more surrounding this NJ Devils team.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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#njdevils #newjerseydevils #nhldraft #nhldraftlottery #nhldraftlotto #devils #bradytkachuk #tkachuk #juusesaros #saros #njdevilspodcast #newjerseydevilspodcast #nhl #hockey

[@stikfigzz]

The show's now hosting live phone calls. We've come so far in less than a year. Dangle of the Devils right here.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@stikfigzz Thanks if that is a compliment, lmao. I hate that dude after that nonsensical attack on Marty for his opinions on the state of goaltending today. I find him gimmicky as well, but he is very successful for sure.

[@stikfigzz]

@@runninwiththedevils Oh yeah Dangle only in channel growth. Stevie just got lucky that he's serving a Canadian market. You don't need to hit new notes every time you recap a game.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@stikfigzz The difference between hockey in Canada and most US markets is astonishing. He really built something special. Good for him.

[@LouieNJ]

Devils fans get the draft lotto and the rags win in OT. This franchise is killing me. EDIT: My big issue with trading Casey is that I think he is going to be really good and I'll 100% be sour grapes if Fitz trades him for Ullmark or Markstrom and the team doesn't win anything. Tkachuk is a different story but I think for that to happen, in the long run, we need to find a way to dump Palat in the next 1-2 seasons for cap reasons and that is also going to cost something.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@LouieNJ The tale of two franchises. What a difference a year makes. BUT, you can relieve a few glorious moments from last season below: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6rMhXaDdruCgJo kzbin.info/www/bejne/mme5lJSrjdOfaM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2qpfqWYeaeMZ5I

[@p00l95]

Rangers are gonna win the cup this year. So much depth and Igor is playing like Prime Hank.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@p00l95 Obsessedddddddddddddddddddddddddddd. The Blueskirts look good though

[@CollectRecords732]

Apologies for the off-topic comment, but stickers of the Steve the Maniac graphic need to happen

[@runninwiththedevils]

@CollectRecords732 HAHAHAHAHA! Great idea

[@joerazz91]

To add what LouieNJ said, watching the rangers makes me hate our dumb team more because it’s taking over a decade to figure out our goaltending situation and the freaking rangers figure it out in TWO YEARS! 🤬

[@runninwiththedevils]

@joerazz91 Hopefully Fitz handles it appropriately this summer! Once that is in place, he has a few more moves to make to get the team back on track...

[@LouieNJ]

Not to mention they had another goalie that they traded and is now starting for the Avs... In the playoffs.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@LouieNJ Georgiev is lucky he plays for the Avalanche!

[@sst6601]

@@runninwiththedevils Vanecek could've also been lucky if Devils had that kind of roster

[@runninwiththedevils]

@sst6601 I was waiting for it. I ALMOST said our former friend Vitek would win some games on this Avalanche juggernaut!

[@stikfigzz]

30:00 The dread we all shared at the very real chance that Fitz does nothing about goaltending

[@runninwiththedevils]

@stikfigzz A fear we all share! Big Game Hunt came up empty...

[@anson.meadows]

Another important question: What UFAs are worth targeting? **UFAs** 1. Sam Reinhart (RW) - Florida Panthers 2. Jake Guentzel (LW) - Carolina Hurricanes 3. Patrick Kane (RW) - Detroit Red Wings 4. Steven Stamkos (C/RW) - Tampa Bay Lightning 5. Jonathan Marchessault (LW) - Vegas G. Knights 6. Joe Pavelski (C/RW) - Dallas Stars 7. Matt Duchene (C) - Dallas Stars 8. Tyler Toffoli (RW) - Winnipeg Jets 9. Sean Monahan (C) - Montreal Canadiens 10. Brady Skjei (D) - Carolina Hurricanes 11. Teuvo Teravainen (LW) - Carolina Hurricanes 12. Chandler Stephenson (C/LW) - Vegas G. Knights 13. Brandon Montour (D) - Florida Panthers 14. Adam Henrique (C/LW) - Anaheim Ducks 15. Jonathan Drouin (LW) - Colorado Avalanche 16. Nikita Zadorov (D) - Calgary Flames 17. Vladimir Tarasenko (RW) - Ottawa Senators 18. Shayne Gostisbehere (D) - Detroit Red Wings 19. Tyler Bertuzzi (LW) - Toronto Maple Leafs 20. Jake DeBrusk (LW) - Boston Bruins 21. Max Domi (C/LW) - Toronto Maple Leafs 22. Elias Lindholm (C) - Vancouver Canucks 23. Anthony Mantha (RW/LW) - Washington Capitals 24. Warren Foegele (LW/RW) - Edmonton Oilers 25. Brett Pesce (D) - Carolina Hurricanes 26. Anthony Duclair (LW) - San Jose Sharks 27. David Perron (LW/RW) - Detroit Red Wings 28. Dakota Joshua (LW) - Vancouver Canucks 29. Sean Walker (D) - Philadelphia Flyers 30. Alexandre Carrier (D) - Nashville Predators

[@runninwiththedevils]

@anson.meadows There are many on that list, and some not listed that are worth pursuing. You can't get everyone, but it is not impossible to dramatically improve the roster with 3-4 signings/trades. The talent is out there and available to be had...

[@sst6601]

Saros will ask 8.5-9M next year ( 3.5-4M jump from his current salary), Luke will be paid around 3-3.5M( (2.2-2.7M jump). That's 5.7-6.7M raise on the team cap. The cap next year will only go up by 4-5M. So how are you gonna fit Saros? And you have Holtz who, if he stays, will ask 2.5-3M at least. That's another 2M extra on the cap. So, in 25-26 season you will need to find around 8M at least to sign these players😂. Even if Holtz is traded, still, The Devils won't have enough money))). Meanwhile, the ex Devil, who was getting a lot of hatred last season and who I was the only one to defend and wanted to be re-signed, scores the OT winner for Colorado. Miles already has 3 goals this postseason. And dumbass Fitzgerald couldn't find 2.5M to keep him, yet finds 2.5M to sign slow bums like Tierney and Nosek. For all Brodeur's greatness, all three Cups Devils won were won thanks to grit and secondary scoring the bottom 6 provided. Even last postseason McLeod had 2 goals, Wood - 2. Without that you win shit. Sort that out and then you can start talking about star goalie. Plus you just can't cap out. You need to have 2M in cap money to be able to improve the team during the season if needed.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@sst6601 You always get very very specific with cap issues, and look at it in the exact moment. There are other moves that can be made in conjunction to make it work. Does Marino and/or Siegs get moved?!? Does someone take on Palat?!? There are areas that salary could be shed. I do like Saros alot, but I do think that is alot of money to tie up with a goalie when there may be more cap friendly alternatives. With that being said, our goaltending has been a disaster forever. Do we want to take the Fitz "wish and hope" approach and hope that another budget type signing (like Vitek) can fix the issue?!? What do you think of Brossoit? I always liked Miles Wood; he is an energy guy and a perfect 4th liner. He is thriving in Colorado. After he scored last night he was so damn happy to be a member of the Avs.

[@sst6601]

@@runninwiththedevils I am specific with cap issues because these are the issues. If Marino , Palat and Siegs moved ( spoiler: they won't) we can have another conversation. But the reality is such that the Devils are not going to be contenders next year. Playoff team? Likely.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@sst6601 I am not saying they will all be moved, but I can see 1 or 2 of that grouping be moved. What is your definition of "contender"? If we make the playoffs, anything can happen...

[@sst6601]

@@runninwiththedevils contender is the team capable of winning the Cup. Like Avs, Oilers, Rags, Panthers, Canes. Not like Leafs, Jets, Canucks which are playoff teams but not contenders.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@sst6601 Any team that wins a playoff round, is in the final *8* teams in the league. I would say any of these teams is a contender IMO. Side question (I am arguing with a friend via text message); if you polled the other 30 GM's in the league (not the Devils or Senators) and told them they could have Jack Hughes or Brady Tkachuk....what do you think the results of the poll are?

[@devilsarebeastly]

Hold up, a 10th overall pick isn't gonna make an impact on the roster for 3-5 years?! I'll counter with Dawson Mercer.. If you're taking a Dman they might take a bit longer than a forward but a 10th overall pick might need a year or two max. Now I do agree and am all for trading the pick in a Tkachuk move or for a stud goalie but if Ottawa isn't budging I could see a world where Fitz could land Ullmark or Markstrom while keeping the 10th.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@devilsarebeastly Some guys in the draft will surely be "NHL Ready" sooner. However, with where the Devils are as of TODAY....I have no interest in injecting ANOTHER kid into the lineup anytime soon. I will not be budged off the opinion that the pick has the most value to the Devils in a trade vs. drafting a player with it. I can see Ullmark or Markstrom being had without using the pick as well. Will be very interesting to see how Fitz plays this

[@xojthejuiceman4850]

Here is something to think of. What if you gamble and trade your first next year with a holtz or mercer and replace the loss of either of these guys with the pick this year. I feel the players around at 10 are better then holtz or mercer in the long run. We can still make a trade while replacing what we lost with the pick. I would think this is the play

[@runninwiththedevils]

@xojthejuiceman4850 Unfortunately Holtz' value is down now. First Fitz openly bashed him midseason in a press conference....and now Holtz gets cut from Team Sweden for the Worlds. It's not looking good. We are better off developing him at this point. He has shown signs. I like the kid. Any guy we pick in this year's draft most likely will not be an NHL player for 3 or 4 years. We do not need anymore youth in this lineup. We need MEN!

[@xojthejuiceman4850]

@@runninwiththedevils no I agree but in terms of assets you wouldn’t actually give up anything in this situation. Holtz has value to other teams 100 percent

[@runninwiththedevils]

@xojthejuiceman4850 Bottom line is we need proven players now. The roster has all of the kids it can handle...

[@xojthejuiceman4850]

@@runninwiththedevils but that’s the thing you can get a player that helps now with out giving up prospect because you replace said prospect. Say Saros for our first next year and holtz, ok great, we still have our first this year to draft Cole Eiserman ( same player as holtz with more upside) it’s a win win situation

[@runninwiththedevils]

@xojthejuiceman4850 I see what you are saying. I just have no interest personally in future pieces right now. It will be interesting to see what Tommy boy does

[@TJW37]

I’d like to use the pick as trade ammo as well, but it’s not like the 10th overall pick is particularly enticing to other teams. This is one of those situations where Devils fans should drastically temper their expectations. My prediction: Fitz will shop the pick, nothing will come of it, and the Devils will end up drafting a player with the pick.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@TJW37 A top 10 pick is nothing to scoff at. In the right package in the right deal it could be a valuable piece. Sadly, I think you are correct. Fitzgerald will end up drafting a player with it and then proceed to tell everyone how the "future is bright" and the "window is just opening" for the 198th time.

[@kamja6743]

What about Binnington?

[@runninwiththedevils]

@kamja6743 With the Marty connection so St. Louis, I can see them inquiring. It is going to be interesting to see who we end up with.

[@dannyciampa1995]

Do you think Rob ROD BRIND'AMOUR is an option if the canes let him go

[@runninwiththedevils]

@dannyciampa1995 I think he would be interviewed for sure. I just can't see Brind'Amour going anywhere. #BringBradyToNJ

[@dannyciampa1995]

@@runninwiththedevils really I think if the get swept by the rangers he’s gone

[@runninwiththedevils]

@dannyciampa1995 If that happens there will be several teams trying to get him

[@973Luca973]

What i want to know is how the heck rags got Shisterkin. He's winning all the game for him period. Last night canes had double amount of shots on goal over rags and they could not score. This guy is making precision performance every game almost wanting me to check his ass for doping and I would not be supprised since he's Russian and they got eliminated from Olimpics for doping.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@973Luca973 He was a 4th round pick for the Rags in 2014. He developed into a dominant goalie when he is on. Last night he stood on his head to get the win. Big time goalies come up big when it matters most.

[@973Luca973]

@@runninwiththedevils I just don't understand the stupidity of Fitz. Who gives a crap about offense when you have 0 defense and no gold tier goalie. Top goalie should always be a top priority. We got shitted on by horrible teams because 90% of shit just went in without even bustin a sweat. Win or lose, we booze..if this shit don't change we are all going to need AA Plan next season or save Crisis Lifeline cause that depression is going to start to sink in.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@973Luca973 Fitz went with the "hope and wish" approach and failed. I think he gets a goalie this summer. Who it will be remains to be seen. Markstrom wouldn't surprise me at all. My liver cannot handle another season like this one!

[@973Luca973]

@@runninwiththedevils LOL! Devils fans should sue fitz for damaged liver.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@973Luca973 Class Action Lawsuit!

[@robpowers8978]

Call me crazy, but I think Toffoli is coming back. Add a goalie, 2-3 gritty players…

[@runninwiththedevils]

@robpowers8978 I can't see it, but crazier things have happened...

[@TimFrith24]

On June 28, the Devils will trade Dougie Hamilton, Timo Meier, Chase Stillman, Topias Vilen, Michael Vukojevic, the #10 pick, and a 2025 1st-rounder to the Blackhawks for Seth Jones and the #2 pick and select Ivan Demidov 2nd overall from SKA-1946 in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, so next season, Ivan will lead all rookies in goals (55), assists (78), and points (133) and win Calder Trophy honors as well as the Stanley Cup with the Devils.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@TimFrith24 Oh what a scenario thereeeeeeee

[@dredd2225]

@@runninwiththedevilslol, no different than your Ott dream trade

[@runninwiththedevils]

@dredd2225 While it is a dream, it is not unrealistic. If Fitz was serious about winning, he would make it happen.

[@TimFrith24]

@@dredd2225 After the draft ends, the Devils will trade Ondrej Palat, Jake Allen, Daniil Misyul, Xavier Parent, Dylan Wendt, and 2025 and 2026 1st-rounders to the Senators for Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@TimFrith24 I love itttttt

[@brendanwoerner3352]

I feel your saying that wrong. I want to use the draft pick.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@brendanwoerner3352 You're in the minority. The Devils need WIN NOW pieces. Any player we draft with the pick isn't going to provide immediate help...

[@jamesisrael4294]

Problem with drafting these 18 year old Euro players could be years before we see him

[@runninwiththedevils]

@jamesisrael4294 THIS! EXACTLY why I have no interest in drafting with the pick. We have all the youth we can handle on the roster. It is time to get some battle tested vets to bring this group to the promised land!

[@lmaozedong2052]

If the devils where to select anyone at 10th they should draft Michael Brandsegg Nygård he is essentially NHL ready now and he is 18 yo and have no weakness have a killer shot and is extremely good defensively. He will essensially do the work no one notices....

[@runninwiththedevils]

@lmaozedong2052 They need to package this pick with some other pieces and bring in Brady Tkachuk. #BringBradyToNJ

[@celluloidtherapy5003]

Maybe we’ll have better luck with next years lottery. Hehehehehehee….

[@runninwiththedevils]

@celluloidtherapy5003 If we are in the draft lottery next year our franchise is officially in complete disarray

[@Death_To_Kong]

The lottery sucked. Nobody moved and the cards felt very decided beforehand.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@Death_To_Kong Did you see the whole debacle with Buccigross accidentally posting a photo that showed a "dress rehearsal" draft order a couple hours before they went on TV?!?

[@kfree1966]

Use this pick to get Brady Tkachuk.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@kfree1966 That is the ultimate dream for sure

[@kfree1966]

@@runninwiththedevils As the lottery says, all we need is a dollar and a dream. 🙂

[@runninwiththedevils]

@kfree1966 OR a ton of assets available to make a very lucrative package. New Brady video out now!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gInRpXurj8qjm6c #BringBradyToNJ

[@topjimmy72]

My fear is Fitz puts all his chips in (trading our 10th pick + Casey + Holtz) for a goalie like Ullmark, Saros, or Markstrom and they aren't enough because of the extremely poor defense. Siegenthaler is terrible and Marino has become bad quickly. Bahl is 6'6" but plays like he's 5'6". We have 1 solid defenseman and two promising young defenseman, and others who should be playing in the AHL. Note: if that package is for Askarov i do it in a heartbeat but Nashville wont let him go lol. As for Tkachuck, with Green now in Ottawa, I doubt he wants to help out his former team by sending his star player the other way. We'll see. As for my targets, outside of a goalie and Tkachuck I'd go after Shea Theodore, Brett Pesce, Nikita Zadorov, Tyler Bertuzzi. Fitz has a big job to do. He failed last year.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@topjimmy72 Fitzgerald won't trade a package like that for a goalie at this juncture. I believe Markstrom's "price" is wayyyy down from last season. He wants out after the way this whole thing played out in the media. If Brady is being moved, Travis Green won't have a say in it. Brady's impact on this team would be tremendous. I like your list. My top wants are on there. I have an extended list of guys that I think would be good additions. Video coming eventually. He certainly failed last year

[@steverobinson8771]

I love to see some of the Vegas D-men in Jersey, their cap is an issue... Shea Theodore would be great on the Devils 😎

[@runninwiththedevils]

@steverobinson8771 The LTIR Champs are surely going to lose some guys. I am hoping Fitz brings in *2* defensemen through Free Agency, we desperately need it

[@millertime1101]

Not after watching playoffs look slow and lumbering traffic cones

[@973Luca973]

Don't rangers have more loot to spare and can spend a lot more than Devils?. Try getting a goalie like Shisterkin? You gotta have the fiber for that and hence we are not going to get a star goalie.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@973Luca973 All owners/ownership groups in the NHL are filthy rich. The salary cap is the equalizer for all times. The reality is, teams have won Cups with "decent" goaltending. This season we got absolute horrific goaltending. If we got league average goaltending this season we would have been a playoff team.

[@millertime1101]

Look at free agent class if gm dosent add two guys from this great free agent class he needs to be fired

[@jamesisrael4294]

I’m keeping the pick and drafting konsta hellinus kind of looks like panarin

[@runninwiththedevils]

@jamesisrael4294 I am done with the neverending rebuild...MUST WIN NOW!

[@jamesisrael4294]

@@runninwiththedevils yeah but it’s about making the right signing the rangers get trocheck for penny’s we sign palat for a fortune that’s the difference

[@runninwiththedevils]

@jamesisrael4294 Not every signing is going to work out unfortunately. It is time to make some sensible signings that improve the team in our areas of need. A huge summer for Fitz ahead...

[@jamesmikelskasjr.64]

You go maniac

[@runninwiththedevils]

@jamesmikelskasjr.64 The Maniac has spoken!

[@jamesmikelskasjr.64]

@@runninwiththedevils he sure has, with great authority and reverence

[@jamesmikelskasjr.64]

Next season when I go to a game I would like to meet you I know it’s awhile away but I if you remember I always where my black Alexander Mogilny Jersey so I should stand out. But if not that’s ok.I would understand you probably get that a lot

[@runninwiththedevils]

@jamesmikelskasjr.64 Let me know what games you are going to, I will be at my fair share!

[@jamesmikelskasjr.64]

Awesome

[@headsuphockeypodcast2707]

Brady Tkachuk is not coming to New Jersey or anywhere else. He is staying put, and the Devils need to focus more on actually available pieces that do need to help win now. 60% Chance the pick is gonna be used on a prospect pick.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@headsuphockeypodcast2707 While the most likely thing is that Brady stays put; it is NOT impossible for him to come to the Devils. I do not care who said what. It means nothing. Absolutely nothing. There is gamesmanship involved in trades. If a team comes knocking and offers an amazing package, anyone can be pried away. I will continue to hold out hope for it to happen. It makes a ton of sense for the Devils to try.

[@headsuphockeypodcast2707]

You need to bring on Jim Biringer of Full Press Hockey he has a lot to say

[@973Luca973]

Dunno about that. There was a lot of Buzz about Devils going for him or rather that they should. Some of these guys that said it where people that know that world very well.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@973Luca973 Everyone on the internet thinks they "know" everything. While it is not a likely scenario for the Devils to land Brady, it is not impossible by any stretch. He is the exact type of player this team needs. Fitz should try to move heaven and Earth to get him here. It makes all the sense in the world for the Devils. Rupp said his opinion on NHL Network because he realizes what an incredible addition to the Devils he would be.

[@topjimmy72]

I just hope Fitz doesn't trade this pick to Calgary for Markstrom. Please don't anything that stupid. That aside, as other people have mentioned this team is starting to worry me. We have zero toughness outside of MacD, smallish players, a putrid defense with Siegenthaler, Marino, and Bahl - all of whom suck. That leaves us with Dougie, Nemec, and Luke. The defense needs serious help. Asfor the team overall, I don't know where the "grit" is going to come from because no one on this roster outside of MacD seems to have it. As for the G, I think Fitz is talking out of his ass with this big game hunting BS.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@topjimmy72 Have no fear. Tom Fitzgerald absolutely will NOT trade this pick for Markstrom. Calgary wishes. I am over Markstrom unless we get him for very little. I valued him much more during the season when salvaging the playoffs was possible. There are tons of players in Free Agency. I will be coming out with my shopping spree wishlist soon. Grit can be bought. There is plenty available on 7/1. I am so excited to see results of the Fitz BGH.

[@millertime1101]

WRONG BRADY we need Canes Brady We need 5 pieces use the pick for prospect nj not close to winning after last offseason

[@runninwiththedevils]

@millertime1101 It was a down year due to a variety of factors. With the right pieces brought in we can be a true contender.

[@millertime1101]

@@runninwiththedevils don’t see it happening after loosing so much of the future and not signing guys last year set them back three years need top players at all positions 2nd pair d goalie bottom 6 dman need need 3 rw and better 3rd center teams bad no way it can be fixed in one offseason

[@njswampfox474]

Brady T should be target #1.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@njswampfox474 1000%

[@millertime1101]

No he shouldn’t need goalie and 2 dman then center

[@runninwiththedevils]

@millertime1101 Getting Brady does not mean all of the other obvious issues are ignored...

[@sst6601]

Devils are not winning the Cup next year. They won't even be contenders. They can be in 25-26 if Fitzgerald ( provided he stays that long) gets it right in the next two summers which I have little hope for

[@runninwiththedevils]

@sst6601 You are entirely too negative. You are claiming we "won't even be contenders" before Free Agency has begun. How?!? I know this team has scarred you; but with a few right moves we can be a legitimate team again.

[@sst6601]

@@runninwiththedevils No. With a few right moves this summer Devils can be a playoff team capable of winning one round. That's about it. And with another few moves next summer plus Luke and Simon adding some muscles and getting enough experience Devils can be a legitimate contender.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@sst6601 I think with a few right moves this summer we can be right back in the mix...TRYYYYYY to be positive for once my man! Try it!

[@jamesisrael4294]

Will rangers lose a game? I think they might win the cup

[@runninwiththedevils]

@jamesisrael4294 I really hope not. I think they will be in the Conference Finals for sure now. The penalty that lead to the GWG was nonsense.

[@Mooseman327]

After watching the play of the teams in this year's playoffs, I don't think we're that close to competing for the Cup. ALL of the playoff teams are so much better than we are. They're tougher, more disciplined, and play better hockey. We need to start over and trade some of our "stars."

[@runninwiththedevils]

@Mooseman327 We can be right there with the right additions. There are a plethora of Free Agents that would help dramatically shift the culture and identity of this team going forward. The core for the most part is here: Hughes x2, Hischier, Bratt, Meier, Hamilton....we need a goalie, a defenseman or 2, and a couple of grittier forwards. A competent GM would be able to add the pieces necessary to get this team back to contention. The 2022-2023 season was NOT a fluke. Most of the main pieces are still here.

[@bted]

Or you could just become a fan of a different team. Try San Jose. They're starting from scratch just like you suggested.

[@Death_To_Kong]

Most of this can be fixed with proper coaching.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@Death_To_Kong A good coach with a good system in place can do wonders. I do not think the team is as far away as many around here do. This stinker of a season has people talking like we are the Sharks. It is largely the same team that set the franchise record in points and won a playoff round the season before. Yes we lost some pieces and our goaltending fell off a cliff. These areas can be addressed in Free Agency. I 100% believe the Devils are a playoff team next season, assuming Fitzgerald doesn't nap through the entire summer.

[@jimgoodyear6756]

We want to "compete now" with 2 key defensemen that are 20 years old. Might as well trade for McDavid and Mackinnon to try and outscore people lol.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@jimgoodyear6756 We can compete with them. They need to be insulated by veterans. The team is largely the same as the one that set the franchise record for points in 23-24, and won a playoff round. You're telling me swapping Severson and Graves with Hughes and Nemec is the difference between a franchise record setting season and continuing on with a neverending rebuilld?!?!?

[@millertime1101]

No chance of competing now

[@runninwiththedevils]

@millertime1101 I think you are letting this disastrous season really cloud your assessment of the team as they stand today.

[@sst6601]

@@runninwiththedevils answering you Severson/Graves question. Yes, it is ( big part of). Luke's last two games in 22-23 regular season cloud everyone's assessment of his. But no me. When he played last postseason it became clear to me he is miles away from being NHL ready. The amount of mistakes he made was sickening. Sevo was mistakes prone too but far less plus he is more physical. Graves was blocking the shots. Plus experience matters. So yes, it is the difference.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@sst6601 Yes, but you're telling me Severson and Graves can't be replaced/upgraded in Free Agency?!? It's not like these were two world beaters. We aren't talking about replacing Stevens and Niedermayer here...

[@pierrebertrand3716]

Devils should pick a forward, the biggest the better

[@runninwiththedevils]

@pierrebertrand3716 The Devils need to trade this pick for known commodities that can help us win now

[@millertime1101]

Goalie defenseman first

[@runninwiththedevils]

@millertime1101 We need a goalie and defensemen that can help us IMMEDIATELY. The player we would draft with the pick would hypothetically help us in the future...the perpetual rebuild continues?!?

[@millertime1101]

@@runninwiththedevils rebuild obviously continues since gm blow it and could have had a win now team last year

[@runninwiththedevils]

@millertime1101 We can have a win now team next season. He has to get busy this summer. Our nucleus is still very strong; Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, Dougie Hamilton. That is an excellent foundation, as shown in the 2022-2023 season. Fitz needs to get down to the fine tuning now to round out the roster to compete.

[@AlexandrawOfficial_Lexi]

Did you see that Miles Wood OT goal? Hate to say it but McCleod, Wood, Blake Coleman are worth far more come playoff time than the hughes girls and the soft players the devils bankrolled in place of these people

[@runninwiththedevils]

@AlexandrawOfficial_Lexi I was watching the game. What a hustle play by Wood. Amazing finish. The guys you named are all of a grittier variety than what we currently have. Fitz must get some guys like this in Free Agency on July 1.

[@AlexandrawOfficial_Lexi]

@@runninwiththedevils Yes i thought you would agree. It was a special goal by wood and at what a moment. Even Parise who was a player when my dad wasa fan, has looked good and has guts. Devils need these sorts of fiery players. They do not have even one player like this maybe apart from Lazar and Haula, neither of whom are skilled enough to make that much of an impact. I am glad you agree with me IMagine Nichushkin? wow Devils are a playoff team with a healthy Nichuskin. He makes the entire team better. If only they could get Coleman back but i doubt that is possible. or mcleod. He too was a difference maker. Very sad. I will hold my breath over the summer. We also like the Preds and Avs as my dad lived with my mother in Tennessee too. So there are a few teams to cheer for besides the team he cheered for when he lived in Hobaken. i hope this is how it is spelled :) Thank you for your kind response.