Why the New Jersey Devils should re-sign Nikita Gusev

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The New Jersey Devils have a pair of notable wingers set to hit free agency after the 2020-21 campaign: Kyle Palmieri and Nikita Gusev.

I recently examined why the Devils should make the tough decision and trade – not re-sign – Palmieri.

Today, I’ll be looking at why they should do the opposite with Gusev.

• He is an elite point producer at 5v5. Yes, elite. Despite shady usage (at times) and the fact Gusev played for a team that couldn’t score, he consistently piled up the points. Gusev led the team in scoring at 5v5 and was as efficient as they come, mustering up 2.29 points per 60 minutes played. That was more than the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Mitch Marner, Mathew Barzal, Mikko Rantanen and Patrice Bergeron. For a little more perspective, it put him in the same ballpark as Taylor Hall during his MVP season (he averaged 2.42/60). Gusev was that good.

• His 5v5 offense was driven from playmaking. Gusev was a primary assist machine, ranking 6th in the NHL on a per 60 minute basis. 6th. His most frequent linemates were Travis Zajac, Blake Coleman, Pavel Zacha and Jesper Bratt. There is some talent in there but certainly not the who’s who of offensive players. For him to create so many goals without elite shooting talent around him is remarkable.

• Gusev showed the ability to handle himself on a defensive line. Gusev produced with great efficiency even though, on many nights, he was playing alongside a pair of defense-first players (Travis Zajac and Blake Coleman) on the team’s shutdown unit. He was far from the defensive ace, obviously, but it’s not like his play without the puck was so poor the Devils had to take him off the line or shelter it. He can play tough minutes with the right people.

• I’d rather part with Palmieri than Gusev because the former is a year older and plays a style that tends to age very poorly. Gusev doesn’t play a physical brand of hockey. He’s not throwing his weight around or blocking shots. You know, things that wear a body down. I think his game has a much better chance at holding up over time, especially because he’s not at all reliant on speed either. It’s not like if he loses a step in a couple of years he won’t be able to contribute. His smarts, and puck skills, are what allow him to be productive. I don’t see that changing.

• Another reason I’d prefer to re-sign Gusev over Palmieri: contract terms. Palmieri is a better goal scorer, more physical (GMs love that), and has a much longer track record in the league. He is going to get paid. I think the Devils have a better chance of keeping the price down, and/or avoiding a long-term deal, with Gusev. Maybe I’m wrong but I honestly believe the Devils could ink him to a three or four-year deal at the same money (or less) it’ll cost to get Palmieri for five or six. Give me the better 5v5 point producer (finding power play specialists is easier), who should age better, at a discount.

• Gusev is excellent in shootouts. There are at least a handful of them every single year and, with Gusev in the lineup, the Devils actually have a realistic chance of winning them. In any given season, winning shootouts at an above average rate could very well be the difference in making the playoffs or bubbling out. Shootout skills do matter and are worth at least some consideration.

• You can’t trade everyone. At some point the Devils need to take a step forward, and they can’t do that trading all of their established players. I think Palmieri’s next contract will be a regrettable one for the team that signs it, which is why I’d rather deal him for premium assets that could put the Devils in a better spot moving forward. I actually think Gusev could/would live up to, say, a 4x$5.5M deal so I’d be content keeping him around as the Devils start to climb the mountain.

• Lastly, the memes. We can’t undersell the importance here. Devils fans suffer through enough on a yearly basis. At least Gusev can be relied upon for some comic relief during all of their excruciating losses.

  

  numbers via naturalstattrick.com | screengrab via Sportsnet