I love the direction of this team! Still so young and some depth to graduate yet. The Devils are in win now mode, but I felt it necessary not to spend to the cap as not enough money is coming off the books over the next couple years to sign the Mercer's on this team, so overall, left some wiggle room.
First off, the Meier and Bratt signings. Am I a fan of them making more than Hughes? No. But I think that is going to happen, but it will be Hughes contract that keeps both under $9 million. I have to think both players will want to get paid, but also want to win. Bratt's deal I really think is pretty bang on. The rumour mill can swirl on Meier's demands but if he wants to win, taking a haircut definitely sets that up.
The first two forward lines are a lock, only question are the combinations. I will let Ruff figure that out lol.
Third line was a tough one. McLeod as the centre is perfect.
I hadreal debates on Sharagovich, not liking he took a step back, but also realized this is a function of decreased ice time. Would like him to be more physical in his game (I know that isn't him), but he has the frame to utilize it. Lastly, it was the contract. He can play, but does it make sense to lock up close to $3 million on a 3rd line player? In the end, I signed him (obviously!), thinking he is a pretty solid insurance policy on Palat (he is likely to spend some time on the IR, generally does). To round outvthe 3rd line, I brought in JVR for a year. Certainly at this stage of his career, he can be a solid 3rd line producer not to mention it's home. Many may want Holtz, but I just don't see him ready yet.
Defense males me nervous, dressing 3 rookies is gutsy, but I think it is about to happen. Hughes looked great in his limited time andBahl has certainly earned a spot on the bottom pairing. Real debate will be Walsh or Nemec. I went with Walsh, which is going to be against the grain. His game is up tempo, and play ls with more edge than one would think. Having Nemec marinate another year isn't going to hurt him at all - and more informed decisions can be made.
Statsny as a 4th line centre is cheap and veteran savy. Excellent in the faceoff circle with some offense left in the tank.
I really wanted to move on from Vanecek. To male a play on Hellebuyck would have cost a 2024 1st, probably one of Holtz, Sharangovich or Mercer, plus a bone. It simply took to much away. Carter Hart would be another option, but again, that would be what is above and likely Walsh (which I would do) or Nemec (a non-starter). So..... I begrudgingly keep Vanacek hoping Schmid supplants him as the starter.
Overall: sooooo good, but the risk is that Fitz maybe finding a goaltender at the deadline.
Haula almost definitely comes back, so I'd slot him in for Stastny.
Holtz is ready, he needs to play. He has nothing left to learn at the AHL level and it would be very bad for his development for him to stay there. His issue is pace of play, which can only be learned playing with the big squad.
Bastian should be in for Lazar.
If the Devils traded Mercer for Hellebuyck, Fitz would be fired on the spot.
If Holtz isn’t ready now then he needs to be traded.
That's why I wouldn't sign JVR. I want Holtz to have a chance at a spot for the whole season. Put Holtz on the 3rd line with Haula ( if/when we re-sign him ) and maybe Boqvist on the left wing?
I think Meier and Bratt both get a smidge less. I think Fiala’s AAV is a good comp for Bratt ($7.785m x 8 years = $63m….his jersey number…so that would be cool). For Meier, Filip Forsberg’s $8.5m is probably the right comp (although obscured by QO and trade).
Bastian will be back. I’d even expose Lazar to waivers before letting Bastian walk.
And Holtz will will turn doubters into believers by Christmas.
My concern with Haula (who was fantastic agreed), is money and term moving forward. Why I opted going another direction. Making sure the cap space is available to sign fiture RFAs.
So, I guess the question is what would a Haula deal be? $3 million over 2-3 years? 2 could work provided Mercer doesn't blow up.
Holtz.... could be right. But also waiver exempt. Does Fitz take advantage of that? Give him more time to pick up the pace? First call up?
Meier and Bratt...... I like the comparables but if the cap is going up substantially next season, my hunch is that is the play made by their agents. Fiala was an excellent comparable for Bratt, Forsberg's deal a bit removed for Meier imo.
My concern with Haula (who was fantastic agreed), is money and term moving forward. Why I opted going another direction. Making sure the cap space is available to sign fiture RFAs.
So, I guess the question is what would a Haula deal be? $3 million over 2-3 years? 2 could work provided Mercer doesn't blow up.
Holtz.... could be right. But also waiver exempt. Does Fitz take advantage of that? Give him more time to pick up the pace? First call up?
Meier and Bratt...... I like the comparables but if the cap is going up substantially next season, my hunch is that is the play made by their agents. Fiala was an excellent comparable for Bratt, Forsberg's deal a bit removed for Meier imo.
Bastian for Lazar..... noted.
Thanks folks!
Pretty good for a non-Devils fan
2.5-3.5 for 2-3 years for Haula
Holtz has more than enough time. This year he has to perform
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Hughes,
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