New Jersey Devils: Tanking Should Be Furthest Thing From Fans Minds
By Nick Villano
The New Jersey Devils are the second biggest surprise in the NHL this season. While many believed they were heading for another rebuild, this team finds itself in first place. There are many reasons why this is much better for the future than tanking.
To some people, this argument would be the most obvious point. The New Jersey Devils and its fans should be happy with how this season has gone so far.
Sure, it sounds obvious, but I’ve been seen more and more fans upset with the Devils position right now. No, they don’t think they should be better. Quite the opposite actually.
Whether it’s on Facebook, Twitter or the hockey chat boards, there are still Devils fans that wants this team to lose every game for the rest of the season. I will be completely honest with you, I don’t get it. This is one of the most exciting seasons I’ve ever seen from the Devils. I’ve been an adherent Devils fan for more than two decades, and this season feels just as fun as the 2000 season.
Yet, there are still fans hoping to shoot for another first overall pick.
Let’s ignore the implications that has on this season for just a second. The Devils losing for yet another season would hurt them immensely in the future.
The main reason this kills the Devils future is the team’s best player. Taylor Hall does not want to play for a team that can’t make the playoffs. The 26 year old is in his eighth season in the league. In those eight seasons, he has exactly zero playoff games on his resume. Hall has two more season after this one. He’s making just $6 million per season. That’s very generous for the production he’s provided this season. However, if the Devils become a losing franchise again, he’s going to bolt as soon as he can.
Then there’s the players that could be a part of this team through free agency. We saw just this past offseason a player choose a rival because of where they sat in the standings. Kevin Shattenkirk didn’t care about money, he wanted to win. Since the Devils have five years of bad play, he chose the New York Rangers.
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Now, let’s take a look at this season. Just look at the Nashville Predators run last season. They sneaked into the playoffs as the eight seed, and made a run all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. This Devils team has the makeup to make a similar run. Would I put money on it? No, not yet, but I also wouldn’t bet against it.
There is absolutely no good that can come from this team tanking. Zero. General Manager Ray Shero already showed he can find talent in all rounds of the draft. Whether the Devils are picking fifth, 15th or 25th, Shero will find a talent of great proportions.
Winning this season helps the Devils now and in the future. It’s time for fans to get on the same page with that.