Injuries really screwed us in this shortened season along with some horrible luck, but blowing up the ship is not the answer. Despite what people think the Devils have a plethora of depth at the moment they rolled 4 competent lines today, unfortunately they just cannot score.
Losing Parise really hurt, but his contract 3 years from now is going to be a lot detrimental to the franchises long term health than missing the playoffs this year.
The draft more so than free agency is going to be the Devils best chance to address their issues properly. As much as I like Weiss, Horton, and Stalberg they are not elite level players you want to overpay for.
If you can believe the media and the rumor mongering out of Edmonton the Devils may have a great chance to address one of their main issues, scoring. I realize it is only conjecture at moment, but the possibility of adding the likes of Yakupov or even Eberle should be salivating to us. Not only do they have elite level talent but they are young.
What I would like to see next year.
Kovy Zajac Henrique
Zubrus Elias Yakupov
D'Agostini Lotki Latendresse
Carter Josefson Bernier
How does one acquire Nail Yakupov you ask? Well it probably starts with our first round draft pick this year and if that facilitates only giving up the likes of Merrill, Volch, and possibly Boucher I do it. I also would not be adverse to keeping Clarkson, I love the guy actually, but the rumors of 5 million a year are just too much to stomach.
Greene Larsson
Tallinder Zidlicky - on a 1 year or Ian White
Urbom Salvador
As for coaching PDB stays he is a great coach, but Shaw needs to go and be replaced by Guy Boucher.
Discuss, critique, and bitch