If NJ wants to stay a contender, think they need to work out something mutually beneficial with Graves (without a NTC), 4x4.5 seems reasonable, based on what we saw of similar comps last year. Even with Casey, Vilen, Mukhamadullin, Nemec, Hughes etc in the pipeline, none will be ready for heavy top 4 minutes for a contender next year, maybe two years .... Only Hamilton has a NMC and all D on reasonable contracts. Any could be moved later, if the young defenders surprise early.
They also need to find a few UFA veteran value plays to supplement what is a decent young forward core. Ideally a 3C. If a Top 6 winger is acquired instead (I suspect this is unlikely), Mercer could drop to center the third line.
A few options?
Resign Haula. May not be the most popular option for Dev fans, but he brings faceoff skills and veteran savvy, not to mention a shooting percentage of 4.5% this season, which is sure to revert to his career norm (11 - 12%) at some point. He could be an effective third line, short term, option that won't break the bank. Feels like the most likely scenario here.
Its likely a near zero probability, but a player with the skillset of Ryan O'Reilly would be ideal imo. Down year & injury increase risk of career fall off from here, but I believe he remains an interesting fit for NJ ... Faceoff specialist, who is defensively responsible and could chip in points & leadership on what would immediately become a dangerous third line. Would he accept a 3C role and a reduced contract value/tax rate in NJ? No, not likely. Would GM want to tie up that much cap term and space on a 32 year old coming off a broken foot, doesn't seem Fitzgerald's style. This is just a Capfriendly AGM dreamscape, but I like the player, always have.
JT Compher? Intriguiging to me, but wont happen. Career year going to get him paid.
Not sure what other #3 center options are realistic or palatable... will leave that to ya'll & Fitzgerald. I suspect it will end up being something conservative like a Haula.
Veteran wings, just too many to consider & Im still on my first coffee ... if the contract remains super short (2 years), maybe a Killorn has a couple of solid years left & would be a nice fit in the middle six. At that contract term though, he may as well stay where he is.
A short term reunion for Tatar? Meh, much like Haula, not exciting, but its not a bad option depending on contract.
Thank you for your service Sever, Wood ... you guys were great core pieces fot a long time in NJ. Enjoyed watching your careers & wish you the best.
Have any better UFA wing suggestions that fit the Fitzgerald vision / mold?
I don't feel like Blackwood has a future here, let alone offering him a million less than this this year.
I could only see ROR on a 1yr cheap deal to try and set himself up for the following year. However with no connection to NJD, no idea why he'd pick here.
I don't feel like Blackwood has a future here, let alone offering him a million less than this this year.
I could only see ROR on a 1yr cheap deal to try and set himself up for the following year. However with no connection to NJD, no idea why he'd pick here.
Absolutely fair, hovered over that signing longer than the others. NJ still has control, not sure if there is value there, but at least they can try to trade his rights.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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