Where do we think the Devils D Core ranks in the league? IMO, it’s top 5 at a bare minimum, but I think it can be argued as a top 3 D Core in the NHL especially when you consider the depth we have on the blue line beyond these six guys. MacDermid, Kovacevic, DeSimone, Hatakka, Casey, White and Misyul are all guys capable of playing at the NHL level today. Really looking forward to seeing an improved defense this year
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Can’t really effectively rank it without hitting the ice first. There is potential to be really really good, especially if Hughes and Nemec take any noticeable steps this season. But until then, there are other proven groups that would be ranked ahead. But by the end of the season the devils group should be high up there
K Mac doesn’t play D
Hot
Really need Siegs and Hamilton back strong. Siegs seems to be a by product of Hamilton’s success which is why he struggled last year but that isn’t an issue. You should have great chemistry with your linemate.
For as much talent as there is, there are as many question marks. Can Jonas get back to form and be a stable minute-eating defensive defenseman?
Will Dougie stay healthy and continue producing and generating chances at a high level?
Will Pesce stay healthy, and will he and Dillon fit in without missing a step?
Can Hughes and Nemec continue to develop and play like NHL regulars?
This isn’t idle worrying, there are concerns up and down the group. There isn’t a sure bet with any of our top 6 guys, so I don’t know if anointing them one of the best groups in the league is the way to go.
The flip side of that is there’s an immense amount of talent here on paper. There’s offensive upside on all three pairs, there’s a responsible player on all three pairs, and there’s potential to be really effective at moving the puck up the ice.
This isn’t a group that’s proved anything yet so who knows, but I remain cautiously optimistic.
Pump the brakes on “maybe top 3” I think. There are a lot of “ifs” and caveats and contingencies there. I’m hoping for top 8-12, and honestly I think would be good enough with our speed, and scoring lines. Hopefully we will all get a glimpse of the goaltending that has so enamored Fitz.
On paper it looks great but there are so many variables.
Will Hamilton stay healthy and be back to normal?
Pesce also has some injury history and it’s a new team.
Will Luke and Nemec take steps forward or not? Will they have a sophomore slump? That’s a whole third of our blue line.
Seigenthaler was awful last year. Will they be able to decrease his role and find a better fit for him?
Oh and to top it all off we have a new head coach.