@@New Jersey Devils

Healthy Roster

  • October 2, 2024


IMO, this should be the Devils 23 man roster when fully healthy. Kevin Labanc has outplayed Nathan Bastian and Kurtis MacDermid by a large margin. He also has the ability to play up in the lineup when injuries occur. I opted to also include Nolan Foote in place of Bastian and MacDermid as it’s unlikely that anyone picks them up as opposed to Foote who is only 23 years old. Foote has had the injury bug for a large part of his career, but IMO, it’s still worth taking a shot on him over Bastian and MacDermid. Both Bastian and MacDermid will have their turn in the NHL at some point due to injuries and specific matchups, but this roster would put the Devils in the best position when healthy

7 comments

  1. I want them to sign Labanc, but grinding out on the 4th line is not his skillset. He doesn’t hit, he doesn’t backcheck, he’s not that guy. Right now he’s a good depth piece that will be useful when wingers get hurt in the top 6. He isn’t servicable in a bottom 6 role.

  2. I think Labanc has at the very least played his way to a stint in the NHL, if its me I give him a 3-5 game run in the top 6, if he can’t stick there then find *something* he can do and either keep him as cheap depth or flip him for a basically free pick.

  3. I’ll never understand why we keep bastian around. He had a decent year a few years ago but he’s always a bit of a nothing burger. Foote or MacD bring way more value

  4. Man that $6m for Palat is… hoo boy. I forget every time I see it. LGD though this shits built to win.

  5. Man if the rumor of a 92 million cap comes true for next season we are gunna be so lucky. Seriously good timing because Luke is getting paid paid.

  6. We need Mac on the roster. I don’t love him, but we need him for some games. And we’re paying up for multiple years.

  7. Sharks fan here. There’s a reason why Labanc was constantly put in the doghouse by 3 of our coaches throughout the years. He has no compete and one dimensional. He doesn’t belong in the top 6 cuz he’s not that good and doesn’t belong in the bottom 6 cuz he’s not a grinder and fears any form of physical contact. Maybe a change of scenery would benefit Labanc but just saying don’t get your hopes up for Labanc. A temporary replacement for injured Devils players is the only reason to sign Labanc.

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