Devils priorities in off-season will probably be goaltending, locking down Bratt & Severson to extensions, maybe address some of the coaching staff and the draft.
But creating a more balanced attack should also be a factor.
Where the Devils rank in the NHL:
#3 in even strength shots on transition
#5 in even strength scoring chances
#6 in rebounds created
#7 in high-danger scoring chances
#25 in % of shots from dmen getting on net
#28 in power play %
#31 in number of shots by tip/deflection
Devils generate as many chances off the rush as anyone. And for years, we have been near bottom of league on shots off tips, deflections, and off rebounds. We are also often among the leaders for highest percentage of shots from point that are blocked.
There is a two part solution:
1. Add a net-front forward: add a big-body-soft-hands type to clean up rebounds, tip point shots, and generally mix it up a bit near the crease. (Just for ideas sake, here are some names that fit: Pavelski, Hornqvist, Killorn, Tkachuk, Landeskog, Oshie, Nichushkin, Roy, Kubalik, Kreider, JvR, etc)
2. Add efficient shooter from blue line: add d-men who will regularly get shots on net. (Names that fit: Chychrun, Roy, Skjei, Reilly, Grzelcyk, Coghlan, Whitecloud, Kylington, etc)
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I think this would be more impactful way of improving goal-scoring than simply adding a big name forward like Gaudreau, Laine, Forsberg, etc. Trades are just samples of things we could do. I am endorsing the approach more than these specific names/trades.
"2. Add efficient shooter from blue line: add d-men who will regularly get shots on net. (Names that fit: Chychrun, Roy, Skjei, Reilly, Grzelcyk, Coghlan, Whitecloud, Kylington, etc)"
You would imagine that regression for Dougie and Smith + a new PP coach get you closer on this, no?
Killorn has had the best 3 years in his career the last 3 is on an extremely doable contract why on Earth does TB trade him for a LD a position they'have the best group in The league easy pass
"2. Add efficient shooter from blue line: add d-men who will regularly get shots on net. (Names that fit: Chychrun, Roy, Skjei, Reilly, Grzelcyk, Coghlan, Whitecloud, Kylington, etc)"
You would imagine that regression for Dougie and Smith + a new PP coach get you closer on this, no?
Yes, I would think so. Just getting Dougie back should help.
But Walsh or Bahl replacing Subban will be important too.
Walsh is better in transition/possession.
Bahl better defensively.
Neither are big shooters from point.
It was something they were specifically working on with Bahl in pre-season. Getting shots onto net.
There's nothing in that return that would entice LA to give up Matt Roy.
Quoting: Bolts20Cup
Killorn has had the best 3 years in his career the last 3 is on an extremely doable contract why on Earth does TB trade him for a LD a position they'have the best group in The league easy pass
For LAK, they have logjam at RD
For TBL, could need cap space?
I didn't put much into assessing needs of other teams here...was more about identifying an approach in off-season for NJD and a few names that might fit.
Feel free to offer trade suggestions.
But these are really just proxies for the lists of guys I named above.
I don't hate the deal, I just don't know where Boqvist would slot into Boston's line-up.
He has played everywhere for us. This year has been mostly at 3C.
Skating is fantastic, rest of the game is OK.
Was kind of screwed up for a while after John Hynes tried to turn him into a 4th line grinder.
Used to float a little as rookie. More disciplined now.
Definitely some upside with his speed/skating.
Gee Alex Killorn waiving from a true cup contender in Tampa for New Jersey, Yeah i don't think so. Plus pay higher taxes. Most players want to make money playing hockey.
For LAK, they have logjam at RD
For TBL, could need cap space?
I didn't put much into assessing needs of other teams here...was more about identifying an approach in off-season for NJD and a few names that might fit.
Feel free to offer trade suggestions.
But these are really just proxies for the lists of guys I named above.
The Kings could certainly trade guys like Walker, Spence, or Durzi this summer to clear the logjam. The Kings don't have another NHL-ready defensively responsible prospect to take Roy's spot. Faber is his eventual replacement, but he's confirmed to return to college next season. Until Faber is ready, the Kings need Roy on their blue line.
He has played everywhere for us. This year has been mostly at 3C.
Skating is fantastic, rest of the game is OK.
Was kind of screwed up for a while after John Hynes tried to turn him into a 4th line grinder.
Used to float a little as rookie. More disciplined now.
Definitely some upside with his speed/skating.
That's the problem, is we don't really have a role available. Assuming Bergeron returns next year
Marchand - Bergeron - DeBrusk
Hall - Haula - Pastrnak
Frederic - Coyle - Smith
Foligno - Nosek - McLaughlin
Like you said he's not a 4th line type so I don't see Boston putting him there. I guess they could do the deal and flip him in a second deal as part of a package worst case
Gee Alex Killorn waiving from a true cup contender in Tampa for New Jersey, Yeah i don't think so. Plus pay higher taxes. Most players want to make money playing hockey.
NJ is rarely on no-trade lists and is player-friendly place to play. Well- funded, lot of extras, new facilities, close to NYC, little commute, high quality of life. Can’t do anything about the taxes, sorry, Alex.
For LAK, they have logjam at RD
For TBL, could need cap space?
I didn't put much into assessing needs of other teams here...was more about identifying an approach in off-season for NJD and a few names that might fit.
Feel free to offer trade suggestions.
But these are really just proxies for the lists of guys I named above.
It about $1,000,000 cap besides good possibility NJ is on his no trade list
Zacha is a middle-6 left-handed forward who's never achieved the 40-point level; therefore, he's not of much interest to us because Moore, Iafallo and Grundstrom (plus possibly Turcotte) have those slots filled up for next season (and that's not taking into account Kempe and Kaliyev, who play primarily on the right). Zetterlund is an interesting prospect, but that package isn't worth giving up our #2RD for.
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