New Jersey Devils 2046-47 Season Ender

[AaronRStanley]

With the season in the books, and Free Agency underway, the GM of the New Jersey Devils held his end of season press conference today.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank our players, staff, and most importantly, our fans, for a terrific year, on the ice and off. This was a year in which many people incorrectly predicted us to finish low in the standings, and not be in contention for a playoff spot. Not only did we prove those people wrong, our players did a tremendous job in securing a playoff spot, and played their hearts out in our series. We look forward to continued growth in our organization, and hope that this season was an indicator of things to come. I’ll now take your questions.”

Q: You said that the team finished higher than you expected. Where did you envision this team finishing before the season started?

A: What I said was, that others predicted this team to finish low. I had us fighting for a playoff spot, not finishing well inside the cutoff. And that’s a credit to this group.

Q: Do you credit this difference in where they finished versus expectations to any one player, such as [Raphael] Hamel?

A: To credit one player exclusively with this season’s result is completely disingenuous to the rest of the group. This team came together around some terrific leadership from our veteran guys and carried themselves well. Raphael did himself proud by having the season he had, as did the group in front of him.

Q: Yes, your team is fairly young. Do you feel that this season, facing a tough team in the playoffs and getting handled in most of the games, will hurt them going forward?

A: Physically or mentally? Because the bumps, bruises, and injuries will heal, and this team just had a taste of what playoff hockey was about. Don’t forget, most of these guys were here when we fought our way into eight, and did ourselves a good one then. We struggled some last year as we refocused after losing JP, and now we’re looking to move forward.

Q: You’ve spoken about your team as being full of potential. As some of your veteran players start to fade or leave, do you think your team will be able to replace those departed players?

A: Truth be told, no. Some of the guys that have left us are guys that aren’t easy to replace. But I like the talent we have in the system, put together by a strong scouting staff and hopefully, smart draft choices by me and the scouts. But it’s a process, one we continue to work on day in and day out.

Q: What’s this team’s identity? Your special teams numbers both trended in the wrong direction, there are reports that there is infighting amongst the players and coaches, and several players were recently seen at a club partying, late into the night. Those same players are said to have all missed summer practices. Care to comment?

A: First, yes, we struggled on special teams a bit compared to the last two years. But our goal-scoring took a big jump, and we decreased our goals against to a level not seen in my time in New Jersey. AS to the players that missed practice, Magnus and I talked to them, and things are good. As for these reports from ‘insiders’, your guys are on something. This group came together in a way I haven’t seen in some time. Way off base. Next question.

Q: One final question. We know that players are soon heading their separate ways if they haven’t already. With the draft over, what does the schedule look like for the management and coaching staff, what’s your summer vacation look like?

A: Well, the players that have been cleared at end of season medicals have all spoken to our trainers and dieticians and coaches as to what we’d like them to do over the summer. Those that are injured will remain in Jersey until they are cleared by medical. As for the coaches and management team, we don’t get a vacation. I’ve assigned work to our scouts, our coaches are reviewing game tapes constantly, and in meetings with me and our head scout frequently to assess the team’s need. Myself, once our playoffs are over, I get to relax for a bit and watch some of the greatest hockey there is. Then it’s straight into the draft, looking to beat 29 other teams to that player we like in the fifth round. After that, we get those players in town for a formal sit-down and our introduction to the franchise week. At the same time, we begin FA prep, work on signing our own FAs, and look at who might be available, as a free agent or in trade. After that, it’s time for rookie camp, then looking at our roster for next year. Basically, the suits and ties get the month of August off, as I would imagine most teams do. So, brief, would be how I would describe the summer vacation.

Q: Speaking of FA, Raphael Hamel and Zane Turgeon remain unsigned. Do you think that they will be in uniform for the Devils next year?

A: I can’t say for certain. Right now, those two players have offers that we feel are in-line with what they deserve based on our evaluation and comparison process. Both are restricted, and we hope that they will return to the fold. That being said, they are exercising their rights, and are able to entertain any offer out there.

Q: So, you would let them go in certain circumstances?

A: I didn’t say that.

Q: What’s the most significant change you want to see on the roster for next year?

A: I’d like to see a more robust bottom six. This year we had injuries that prevented our bottom six from playing together as a unit for any length of time, so if we could get some luck, and find another player or two we like to beef up those lines, I think that’s something I’d like to get.

Q: One final question. You drafted some players at positions of depth this year. Who do you think will be playing in Albany or for New Jersey next year that you drafted this year?

A: Well, truth be told, I think some of the players we recently drafted, Robert Kasik, Jon Bergqvist,Ivan Cech in this year we know we’ll be keeping in Europe, although Robert has been drafted in the CHL and might come over. Tuomo Nurmi and Vaclav Hruska, we would have to take a look at them in training camp and see where they fit, but I’m very loathe to bring a player we just drafted into the league. I like to allow them to get used to the pro game in the AHL level.