With the David Backes rumor to New Jersey floating around on the Twitter-sphere. I am not completely against Backes but I would rather at this point rely on the possibilities of the New Jersey Devils’ prospects making the team. Two that stood out at this week’s camp were Nikita Popugaev and Mikhail Maltsev. Some reasons for this include:
A) Maltsev and Popaugaev are both big bodied wingers.
B) They play with speed.
C) They have skill.
D) They are still better skaters than Backes.
E) The short and long-term projection of their potential is very promising,
F) Ray Shero will have lots of Cap Space to re-sign Taylor Hall
With that being said, Shero shouldn’t make a move for the sake of pleasing the fan base. At this point a few seasons ago, not many had Jesper Bratt on their radar coming into the 2017 development camp. A big development camp can lead to a big pre-season. These kinds of influences both on the coaching staff and upper brass will be really hard to ignore.
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At this point in time, we want to see the competitiveness, grit, skill, and ambitions of both the rookies and veterans to “earn their spots.” Coach John Hynes said on NHL Network that he’s not gonna throw Jack Hughes into a pressure-filled situation or limit his minutes. Don’t be surprised to see him flip 1st and 2nd line minutes with Nico Hischier after he eases in.
With guys like Jesper Boqvist, Fabian Zetterlund, Maltsev, and Popaugaev to raise the compete level of training camp, this will very likely influence Ray Shero not to make a trade or go pick someone off waivers. However, the Devils could sign a veteran goalie as insurance behind Mackenzie Blackwood and Cory Schneider.
This is probably the most exciting development camp roster in many years. This is because the Ray Shero Philosophy: drafting, and developing key players near and long term are beginning to pan out. Also, there is a lot of excitement getting fed off of Jack Hughes and adding that extra energy that is raising a lot of other prospects, and players games that are gaining “the positive vibes” around the organization.
This kind of energy is only bringing the very best out of the Devils camp from coaches, scouts, upper brass, and the fan base. Devils Manager of Content, Chris Wescott said he hasn’t seen this many hockey fans at a development camp since he was in Edmonton with Connor McDavid in his first camp. Now, the players coming out of this camp might fill those final roster spots.