Yep, they basically can't afford Jeannot and Colton, assuming Killorn re-signs. And Colton would be the odd man out. Good article on it: https://thehockeywriters.com/devils-target-ross-colton-forward-depth/
If Fitz can get Colton that would be excellent. Not to mention, the guy has been a Devils fan his entire life and would be a maniac in the playoffs for that reason.
Yea but with players playing into their mid-late 30s nowadays they could keep this up for probably 3-4 years, assuming they can keep their core intact. Stone probably has 2-3 years left in him, I agree. I think it would awesome to see a Devils team hitting their stride in 2025-26 vs an older veteran VGK team that's on their last glory run in the SCF.
This Vegas team reminds me of the '12 Kings team. Goaltender that stops everything, physical forwards, forecheck, and score pretty much at will. They're going to be hard to beat over the next few years until teams figure them out.
Bratt contributed zilch in the playoffs, yet here he is starting up with the nonsense. As much as I don't want to see him leave, if he doesn't want to be here then just trade him already. I'm sure Fitz could get a first-rounder for him at minimum.
VGK is sweeping this team most likely. The Panthers are playing unhinged and undisciplined.
I wonder how many more years Vegas can keep this up. Their core isn't that old (30's). They'll be a pain in the ass to have to face with our smaller group once we're ready to contend.
VGK probably built the quickest playoff-ready team in the history of the NHL. Most of their core guys are in their early 30's so they still have a few more years left.