The tricks of the New Jersey Devils and the Vancouver Canucks
The Chris Johnston Show: Chris Johnston, when asked about the New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks, where they are headed, and which situation interests him the most.
** NHLRumors.com subscription
Johnston: “Probably New Jersey because, you know, there’s been a lot of pressure built up in that market. And a lot of pressure, especially from local reporters trying to get Tom Fitzgerald to talk to them, to comment, to talk about what’s been going on. And you know that team has lost six of seven. They beat Minnesota in the first (last week).
But you know the fact that they, they finally found out, you know, if you’re in Tom Fitzgerald’s shoes, like he was, I don’t know if you saw the whole interview, but he was asked about his job security. He was asked about Sheldon Keefe, the security guard. I know Sheldon has been asked about that. I mean, when people ask about your work, I know that obviously the GM can’t control that, or the coach can’t control what the questions are, but it shows how the feeling is in the team. That you know the fans, I think that, you know, they are in league with the Devil. And, you know, they wanted somebody to talk to.
NHL Rumors: Trade Deadline, Patrik Laine, and List of NHL Trade Bait
So I think I’m more of a person, maybe he didn’t have that much money. There’s nothing like one quote that we put on the board at the moment and say, ‘This is what he said.’ But just that he had to speak and do it the way he did, you know, kind of 10 or 15 reporters, whatever it was, in the room. And, you know, have a long session that covers a lot of different topics. You know, I think it’s a reflection of where the Devils are.
And, you know, the interesting part to me is that Fitzgerald has made it clear that he thinks they can make the playoffs, and he’s not ready to wave any white flags or sign any changes.
And then, you know, it makes the point that I made in our previous show that, I think in the short term, the Devils are absolutely trying to move Ondrej Palat. He’s looking for another home for Dougie Hamilton, in part to create the space they need for a cat, and to grow their team going forward.
So, you know, that’s a fair amount of work to do. I think they are in a difficult position to move those players. But they also, if you were going to do it, have to create cap room somehow. And so I think, I think he’s under a lot more pressure than Jim Rutherford is.
You know, I think the Canucks are open for business. They have to be smart about what they’re doing, obviously. But they have, which means, you or I could trade Kiefer Sherwood, I can assure you. I mean, I’m just saying he is, he’s a major asset in the league in a midseason trade, given his performance. Given his cap hit. Given that, you know, you have a good name. Everything about him, there are many teams that want him, it’s an obvious matter that you try to manage the market in the right way and get the best deal if you are the Canucks.
NHL Rumors: New Jersey Devils Want Assets Returned in Dougie Hamilton Trade
And you know, they’ve got some similar players that are probably easier to trade, while the Devils are a little bit more conflicted between the different rosters and the no-trade categories that they use. Their cap situation. The other guys they want to move don’t make anywhere near their contract values. And they’re trying to get better at the same time, because they’re still trying to get to the finals.
So I think it’s a strong upside in Fitzgerald’s short term, because, he’s trying to build a winner. Although the Canucks, I mean, they didn’t call you this, but I’ll use my words like they, they take out the tank commanders, right? As they are, they are about to undress. And the stripping part is usually the easiest part of rebuilding. It’s, it’s that reverse structure, that becomes the challenge.
But, you know, trading good players for the future is the name of the game this time of year. So I think Vancouver will be up and running again soon, you know, based on those comments.
You know, I’ll repeat the point I made in the previous program, for those who didn’t hear. I think we’re going to see some action here before we get to February 5th, when the Olympic trades start. I’m just saying, it feels like a lot of the talk in the league has grown. I think there is more urgency in some cases. And so I think we’re going to get at least a small amount of movement. But you know, on the next call, three weeks, then obviously it’s a pause for the Olympics, then it’s a two-week sprint until the trade deadline.
NHL Rumors: Wild, Trocheck, and Three Seasoned Players Will Get Interest
So, you know, this is a very interesting time. And so Vancouver is the place I’m looking for those steps to begin. New Jersey would love to get in on the action, but it doesn’t sound like Tom Fitzgerald has much on his plate right now, as far as, you know, running strings, when, you know, he’s close to making a deal. “
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumors and hot topics from around the league. We also post some stuff on Instagram.
