Devils might want start to shift focus to 2020-2021 Season

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The New Jersey Devils have played 26 games and are 9-13-4 to show for it. They sit 10 points back of the Carolina Hurricanes for the final Wild Card spot and have definitely dug themselves a huge hole so far this season, but it is already getting late early. One big habit they cannot get out of is protecting a 3rd period lead. Not saying this season is over by any stretch, but they have not shown any signs that they can go on a huge winning streak. I know this is a sad reality for us Devils fans, but we might have to suffer another 1-3 years to get back into the playoff conversation.

So, with that, it might be time to start focusing on building for 2020-2021. The Devils big hurdle for next two drafts is no 2nd round picks. They traded them to acquire PK Subban and Nikita Gusev. But, they still have their own first round pick in 2020 and 2021. Here are some things they can do to get back into the playoff conversation for 2020-2021.

1) If they do not plan on firing John Hynes, they need to overhaul his staff. I do not think Rick Kowalsky is a good Assistant nor is Alain Nassradine. I think Hynes could use 2 former NHL Head Coaches with a defensive and offensive background to help him. They clearly do miss Geoff Ward, who left for Calgary last Summer to join Bill Peters as Associate Coach and is now the Interim Head Coach there. It is clear that Hynes needs major help with previous NHL Head Coaching experience on the bench if he is going to be sticking around. I would personally get a new voice in there.

2) Build around Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes. Yes, just surround them with the right pieces. It is obvious they are the core pieces of the puzzle for New Jersey and are still developing their talents. So, it becomes more vital to add requisite talent around them.

3) Trade Taylor Hall: Let's block out the noise from NHL Insiders like Darren Dreger, Bob McKenzie, Pierre LeBrun, Elliotte Friedman and others that he won't sign an extension until June or July 1 or even his poor play. I believe he is still a top 10 player in the league or at worst a top 15. Hall wants to win and I think it is better for him and the Devils to part ways for the right price. What that price will be is all contingent upon him wither being a rental or he signs an extension with that team like Mark Stone did with Vegas last season. If a team views him as a rental, the price will be lower for sure.

4) Also, trade Kyle Palmieri, Wayne Simmonds, Andy Greene, Sami Vatanen and PK Subban: I would actually prefer to keep Sami Vatanen, who has been a rare bright spot for the team this season. He deserves to get paid over Taylor Hall. Palmieri is a true Devil, but he is getting up there in age and deserves the same opportunity as Hall. Simmonds, well someone will take him for his grit and he is a rental. Greene would fit nicely on a 3rd D Pair with a contender. The Devils will have to eat half of PK's salary for the next 2 years given how he has played this season. For Ray Shero, this is all about accumulating the assets.

5) Finally, give Nico Hischier the "C" next season. 

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