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Skip the goalscoring winger - continue to build from backend

Created by: NHLfan10506
Team: 2021-22 New Jersey Devils
Initial Creation Date: Jan. 18, 2022
Published: Jan. 18, 2022
Salary Cap Mode: Basic
Description
Devils fans seem to be split in two camps going forward. One that wants to make acquiring a top-6 goal-scorer as priority (Laine, Boeser, etc). The other that wants to build from back.

I am definitely part of the latter group. The defensive aspects of game should come first. Specifically, reducing scoring chances against, defensive zone denials, shot-blocking and limiting rebound chances around our own net. Also, in my view, the best route to more scoring would be improve defensive zone exits. We have the transition players, we just have to get them the puck.

We should add a young, defensive d-man or two if we can. Maybe look for a d-man on the cheap (Vegas maybe). But save our dry powder for re-signing Severson or Graves or both.

Also, they should also look to add a 1b type goaltender to compete with Blackwood in the off-season.

Lastly, allow forwards to develop from mostly within. I can count ten guys who have realistic chances of scoring 20+ goals next season.

Sharangovich
Hughes
Bratt
Johnsson
Hischier
Tatar
Zacha
Mercer
Wood
Holtz

The Devils record is seven 20g scorers (last in 2000-01). The NHL record is eleven. Not saying all these guys will score twenty goals next year, but also am cautious about investing major resources into getting a 30-goal scorer for Hughes or Hischier. I would rather see that go to shoring up our top-4 and goaltending.

[end rant]
Trades
1.
NJD
  1. Iorio, Vincent
  2. Nardella, Bobby
  3. 2022 3rd round pick (WSH)
Additional Details:
At deadline
Based on ACGM #2950197
WSH
  1. Subban, P.K. ($4,500,000 retained)
2.
OTT
    Just a proxy for a trade/waiver move for adding a goalie in-season. Not sure who becomes available...
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    23$81,500,000$61,451,402$0$3,650,000$20,048,598
    Left WingCentreRight Wing
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    G
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    LW, LD
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    LW
    UFA - 1
    Logo of the New Jersey Devils
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    Jan. 18, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.
    #1
    Tintin over 1122
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    Maybe
    Jan. 18, 2022 at 11:01 a.m.
    #2
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    Caps obviously pass. They are stacked on the right side with Carlson, Jensen, Schultz, TvR. Plus they need to keep their good prospects.
    M_Swann liked this.
    Jan. 18, 2022 at 11:12 a.m.
    #3
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    Disagree completely, obviously this team has many issues that need solving but the winger depth is absolutely abysmal and they're in desperate need of a high end scoring winger.

    They're okay at generating chances 5v5 but the results aren't there because there's no finish. Their powerplay is awful because they have no one-time threats and no finishers.

    We can all agree that Jack Hughes is the guy driving the bus here, if anybody is going to lead us to greatness it's him. So why are we not doing everything in our power to make him a more effective player? As a transitional playmaker he is never going to hit his full potential until he has somebody on his line that can finish chances consistently. There's no debate on that. Bratt has looked great this year but he's predominantly a playmaker as well, I think you're being overly optimistic on that list of forwards you've mentioned.
    Jan. 18, 2022 at 11:39 a.m.
    #4
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    Quoting: zyyyp
    Disagree completely, obviously this team has many issues that need solving but the winger depth is absolutely abysmal and they're in desperate need of a high end scoring winger.

    They're okay at generating chances 5v5 but the results aren't there because there's no finish. Their powerplay is awful because they have no one-time threats and no finishers.

    We can all agree that Jack Hughes is the guy driving the bus here, if anybody is going to lead us to greatness it's him. So why are we not doing everything in our power to make him a more effective player? As a transitional playmaker he is never going to hit his full potential until he has somebody on his line that can finish chances consistently. There's no debate on that. Bratt has looked great this year but he's predominantly a playmaker as well, I think you're being overly optimistic on that list of forwards you've mentioned.


    I would rather avoid making a big move for a few reasons.

    1. We need depth, especially if we are going to run three offensive lines. Teams now shadow Hughes, throw their best def pairs out against, even send their “pests” for him. If we double-down on one top line, all that will continue. We will be a far more dangerous team with three young two-way centers and whole stable of wingers.

    2. It takes time to get the blueline built. Realistically, a team needs 7-8 NHL d-man to make a run. We probably have 4-5 (and two of them have 1.5 years left). We should be able to add a couple via our prospect pool, but no guarantee on any of them. Also, wingers grow on trees. Every off-season, every trade deadline there are a ton available. It should be the last piece we add if/when we need to.

    3. Our team shooting % is not that bad. I think it’s ranked in late teens. With more control on defensive zone exits, better scoring opportunities will arise. And they will come more frequently. The goals will come.

    4. On the power play, I hear you on not having that one-timer. But moreover, I think we need a net-front body who can screen, tip, clean up. A Patric Hornqvist type. Or we need to create one.

    Guys like Laine, Boeser would be great next to Hughes but they will require hugely, ginormous trade price. And a cost-prohibitive contract. Laine is going to want Marner money. I am just not up for that.
    Jan. 18, 2022 at 12:18 p.m.
    #5
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    Forsberg could definitely be had if the Devils wanted him. He's looked great since they picked him up last year and is more than serviceable as a backup. Mid to late round pick would do it. Ottawa has Gustavsson on a 1 way next year and will likely try to use a tandem with Murray as they ride that contract out.
    Jan. 18, 2022 at 12:27 p.m.
    #6
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    I'm in the camp of that we need both things haha.
    zyyyp and Devil liked this.
    Jan. 18, 2022 at 4:22 p.m.
    #7
    Speak of the Devil
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    Quoting: iforgotmyname
    I'm in the camp of that we need both things haha.


    I agree
     
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