Devils 28-Game Review and a Trade Trifecta 2019-01-25 Glass half full - The greater majority view point of New Jersey Devils faithful at the 28 game mark of the 2018-2019 EHE Season. Expectations for The Devils this season were at an all-time low, after Rookie GM Cole Bates sent a letter to fans affectively announcing the beginning of a Rebuild. With a record of 10-14-4, New Jersey currently sits tied for last in the Metropolitan, 7 points back of the final Wild Card Spot in the Lemieux Conference. Building Around Barzal Super sophomore Matthew Barzal is boiling hot. The face of the Devils franchise leads his team with 24 points in 28 games. It’s no secret Barzal had very little support going into his second season with the team. Barzal’s next closest teammates are 7 goals back, and 8 points back, respectively. But New Jersey’s future is bright. They already have their star in Barzal, and a handful of high end young players to boot. Not to mention two 2019 Round Picks (NJ/STL), and two more in 2020 (NJ/CHI). The 3-Trade Week Like a bat out of hell, The Devils completed three trades in one mid-January week. Bates made two deals with Martin Auzins’ New York Rangers, one surrounding Conor Garland, the next involving Brandon Montour. Bates also linked with former colleague Kirklan Lycar and his Colorado Avalanche in a small trade for Mike McKenna (Bates worked previously in an advisory role for the Av’s organization). Bates on cost and return “We paid a significant price for two players (Montour Garland) we really like. Two guys we see playing prominent roles for us for a long time.” “It wasn't easy to part with the assets we did. But, it’s something that won’t hurt us, given the pieces and picks we have. Brandon and Conor help us progress in both the short and long term.” Bates on Brandon Montour: “Montour will step right in and play big minutes. Brandon is expected to be fixture in our top 4 and top PP for years to come. He has already proven he is a legitimate top 4 / PP guy, and he’s still just 24 years old. I think the best is yet to come for him.” Bates On Conor Garland: “Garland is a personal favourite I’m very bullish on. He’s more of a gamble frankly. It’s no secret we payed more than market value for him. This is a player we really believe in.” “Smart player, with tenacity, willingness to get to the dirty areas, and win battles. The offensive talent will only become more evident as he continues to acclimate himself to the NHL level.” What Lies Ahead As it stands, Jersey is sitting in bottom percentile limbo at the quarter mark of the season. Expectations were low, and things could be worse. Sure, The Devils are not completely out of the playoff hunt; but, is the writing on the wall? The Bates regime chose to start from scratch, and this team`s losing record shows they are feeling the effects. If New Jersey is out of the playoff race come Trade Deadline Day, we could see some more moves. Time to pour a drink? Devils fans may need one. For now, they can toast to a bright future. To Barzal flying high, young talent on the horizon, and multiple 1st round pick still to be made. To perserverance through these trying times. Cheers to that. And of course, best of luck to all EHE teams the rest of the way!
