Future D-men

Looking @ the defensive rankings (prospects) its really scarry. Not one is even close to NHL material. Its been evident in Albany, and hopefully if there's any form of draft, Lou addresses it. Hard to believe that an organization that prides itself on defense first, having arguably the best 1-6 in the league, is so weak in the prospect dept. And Hale is steady, but is this illness going to rear its ugly head every other year? Any thoughts?

Looking @ the defensive rankings (prospects) its really scarry. Not one is even close to NHL material. Its been evident in Albany, and hopefully if there's any form of draft, Lou addresses it. Hard to believe that an organization that prides itself on defense first, having arguably the best 1-6 in the league, is so weak in the prospect dept. And Hale is steady, but is this illness going to rear its ugly head every other year? Any thoughts?My thoughts are that the Devils once had an enormous core of young defensemen in the system (Jason Smith, Willie Mitchell, Mike Van Ryn, Brad Bombardir, Collin White, and Sheldon Souray). Many of these guys were traded away for players who helped us win the Cup. Yeah, the cupboard is a little bare right now, but Collin White is only 27, Martin and Hale are only 24 and 23 respectively. Rafy is 31, but defensemen usually play at a high level through their late 30s. Nieds is 31 as well, so besideds Stevens (41 tomorrow), we are set for many years. My guess is that the Devils will begin restocking with defensemen as soon as the draft gets going again. We have some pretty strong forwards coming up, and our goaltending situation is set for the next several years as well. I see nothing wrong with our future.

My thoughts are that the Devils once had an enormous core of young defensemen in the system (Jason Smith, Willie Mitchell, Mike Van Ryn, Brad Bombardir, Collin White, and Sheldon Souray). Many of these guys were traded away for players who helped us win the Cup. Yeah, the cupboard is a little bare right now, but Collin White is only 27, Martin and Hale are only 24 and 23 respectively. Rafy is 31, but defensemen usually play at a high level through their late 30s. Nieds is 31 as well, so besideds Stevens (41 tomorrow), we are set for many years. My guess is that the Devils will begin restocking with defensemen as soon as the draft gets going again. We have some pretty strong forwards coming up, and our goaltending situation is set for the next several years as well. I see nothing wrong with our future.


I agree with your analysis 100%

As stocked as we were in the 90's with those Defensemen I would say we are that stocked with forwards right now. On the top tier we have:
Zach Parise, Aleksander Suglobov, Travis Zajac, Ahren Nittel on the next tier we have: Aaron Voros, Petr Vrana, Tuomas Pihlman, Ivan Khomutov, Barry Tallackson, and Adrian Foster.

I honestly believe everyone of these players could have careers in the NHL at some capacity. Not all of these guys can be Devils, it is just impossible by the numbers alone. This is how the Devils will address their future needs. This is how the Devils have always addressed their future needs.

What do you think of Tyler Eckford? He has good size, good stats for a d-men.

What do you think of Tyler Eckford? He has good size, good stats for a d-men.


To soon to tell.........But most people think he is a "project" . I think we'll be able to tell after his first year at the University of Alaska

Defensemen will most defenitely be the focal point of the next draft for the Devils whenever that is.....With Hale and Martin making the jump to the NHL relatively quickly, the Devils shouldn't feel panicked at this point, but do need to add some blue chip quality prospects on the blueline......Of all the Albany defenders, Matt DeMarchi has the most upside, but he is more a role player type and with Anton Kadeykin looking more and more like flop, the need to add a top notch prospect on the blueline is necessary, and with the depth the Devils have stockpiled at forward recently, the next draft will likely be defense heavy.......

My thoughts are that the Devils once had an enormous core of young defensemen in the system (Jason Smith, Willie Mitchell, Mike Van Ryn, Brad Bombardir, Collin White, and Sheldon Souray). Many of these guys were traded away for players who helped us win the Cup. Yeah, the cupboard is a little bare right now, but Collin White is only 27, Martin and Hale are only 24 and 23 respectively. Rafy is 31, but defensemen usually play at a high level through their late 30s. Nieds is 31 as well, so besideds Stevens (41 tomorrow), we are set for many years.

I agree with all of this except that it seems to be clear from the recent offseason that there is this possibility of Neidermayer signing with another team. If I'm not mistaken, NJ didn't sign him during this summer; and the rumor was that offseason that Neidermayer would like to play in Vancouver.

I fully expect The (General) Man(ager) Lou Lamoriello to draft a d-man. Which will likely result in the selection of someone completely different (like, say, the Adrian Foster pick. Or the Zajac pick over Mike Green, whom I thought NJ would select for sure.)

I agree there's no reason to panic if we resign Nieds and Ralphy, but if we don't, I'll be needing some meds!

I agree with all of this except that it seems to be clear from the recent offseason that there is this possibility of Neidermayer signing with another team. If I'm not mistaken, NJ didn't sign him during this summer; and the rumor was that offseason that Neidermayer would like to play in Vancouver.

I fully expect The (General) Man(ager) Lou Lamoriello to draft a d-man. Which will likely result in the selection of someone completely different (like, say, the Adrian Foster pick. Or the Zajac pick over Mike Green, whom I thought NJ would select for sure.)As far as Nieds goes, I think it will probably be 50/50 with him (either staying in Jersey or going off to Vancouver). I also think that Stevens playing one more year could help Niedermayer make that decision, but that is purely speculation.

With the picks, I can guarantee you that Lou will pick the best available player in the draft -- whether it is a defenseman, forward or goal tender. That is the way he is, and I like his thinking. How many high drafted players (guys in the first 3 rounds) has he traded off in deadline deals? I do expect him to take 3 to 4 defensemen in the 3rd - 7th rounds, however. We have picked up some good defensemen in the middle rounds, and that is where we are probably going to grab some next year . . . or whenever it is that this league decides to start playing GAMES again.

and with the depth the Devils have stockpiled at forward recently, the next draft will likely be defense heavy.......


It sounds good but I really wouldn't count on it.........As long as I have been watching Lou maneuver, he simply does not draft on needs.

"The Best Player Available" is really not just a cliche in Devil-land. If the Best player available is a centermen, Lou is going to take another center.

I agree there's no reason to panic if we resign Nieds and Ralphy, but if we don't, I be needing some meds!I agree there's no reason to panic if we resign Nieds and Ralphy, but if we don't, I be needing some meds![/QUOTE]Rafy needs to play at a higher level than last year (and I expect him to do so with TWO good legs again), but The Man (good call DevilFisch) loves him, so expect him to stay in Jersey. His play is remarkably connected to his defensive partner. A healthy Stevens means a great Rafalski. After Scotty retires, I'd expect Rafy to be paired up with Matvichuk, and I also expect a great Rafalski. Not that Matvichuk is as good as Stevens, but he is a great stay-at-home defenseman, and I think he will be extremely valuable in the Devils' system. So fear not, brother. No meds in your future! But if you get ahold of some, pass some along to me. I like a good "vacation" every now and then. ;)

It sounds good but I really wouldn't count on it.........As long as I have been watching Lou maneuver, he simply does not draft on needs.

"The Best Player Available" is really not just a cliche in Devil-land. If the Best player available is a centermen, Lou is going to take another center.Seriously, Jim, do we think alike or what?

Yea, I can see Rafalski resigning, it's more Niedermayer I'm concerned about. I guess if Scott leaves, Lou will try to off-set that by either trading for/or signing a free agent defenseman and there are a few goods ones available, but no one in Niedermayer's class. Anyway, thanks for the good word!

I think New Jersey will draft one of the following in the first year unless another opportunity jumps up.

1.) Marc Staal
2.) Ryan Parrent
3.) Brian Lee

I think New Jersey will draft one of the following in the first year unless another opportunity jumps up.

1.) Marc Staal
2.) Ryan Parrent
3.) Brian Lee


Jason: I know of Staal, however, any info on the other two?

Thanks!

Ryan Parrent is better defensivly then Staal but doesn't have the offensive upside. He is big and physical. A defensive rock so to speak.

Brian Lee was on the USA under 20 team, is big at 6`3 205, fast and has huge upside both offensivly and defensivly. He is still in high school and I would put it past Lou to draft someone like that. Going to UND also.

Ryan Parrent is better defensivly then Staal but doesn't have the offensive upside. He is big and physical. A defensive rock so to speak.

Brian Lee was on the USA under 20 team, is big at 6`3 205, fast and has huge upside both offensivly and defensivly. He is still in high school and I would put it past Lou to draft someone like that. Going to UND also.


UND Huh. Sounds like he as an excellent chance to be a Devil... Thanks again!

Another dilemma. If all our d-men return, it looks like this would be best possible pairings by having a rushing defensemen with a stay at home:

Stevens - Ralphy

Nieds - White

Matvichuk - Martin

My problem is having Martin wasted as 3rd pairing. With what he's showed, he should be a top four. Any solutions?

Another dilemma. If all our d-men return, it looks like this would be best possible pairings by having a rushing defensemen with a stay at home:

Stevens - Ralphy

Nieds - White

Matvichuk - Martin

My problem is having Martin wasted as 3rd pairing. With what he's showed, he should be a top four. Any solutions?

Easy.

Stevens-Rafalski
Neidermayer-Martin
Matvichuk-White

If White takes a stupid penalty, Matvichuk can smack him.

Easy.

Stevens-Rafalski
Neidermayer-Martin
Matvichuk-White

If White takes a stupid penalty, Matvichuk can smack him.
All those players won't come back. There is noway Hale is the 7th defensmen. I say Stevens retires.

I dunno, ill admit we're thin, but I really like Teemu Kesa, as well as Steven Spencer.

DeMarchi is a lost cause unless he adds 20lbs. He cannot compete physically.

Easy.

Stevens-Rafalski
Neidermayer-Martin
Matvichuk-White

If White takes a stupid penalty, Matvichuk can smack him.


Yea, that's about right. Keep White as a 5th/6th. He doesn't seem to use his size and when he does, it usually does cost us.

I dunno, ill admit we're thin, but I really like Teemu Kesa, as well as Steven Spencer.

DeMarchi is a lost cause unless he adds 20lbs. He cannot compete physically.
Spencer are not NHL material. Kesa will need to develop alot before he could be used in an NHL role.

I disagree. I think Spencer might be a diamond in the rough. The guy is extremely physical, smart, and doesnt get caught out of position much. Kesa is a good all-around d man. Not too spectacular on either end.

I disagree. I think Spencer might be a diamond in the rough. The guy is extremely physical, smart, and doesnt get caught out of position much. Kesa is a good all-around d man. Not too spectacular on either end.
The -21 is disgusting ... he can't be overly good defensivly. Spencer isn't out verses top players, he is a 3rd pair defensmen in the AHL. That will not translate to the NHL IMO. You could be right though.

Frankly, I dont think a +/- on the Rats translates to anything. I mean, they are so freakin volatile. No consistency. I really like his physicality though.

if the Devs are so stacked with quality prospects on each side of the puck then how come Albany is so damn bad every year? Their defense is awful and they don't exactly blow teams out offensively. I'm not trying to criticize, i'm really just wondering how we can consider so many of these guys future nhlers (in one role or another) when they are all part of one of the worst team in the ahl.

I think you need to see them play in order to come to a fullunderstanding. The Rats are much better then their record shows. They are an extremely young team who needs to gel. The way they are playing now is good, winning 5/6, getting 3 so. Just give it time. They dont really have those darby and giroux type players anymore-the guys who juggle teams every couple of years, so we have a good group to work with. Their guys are good: Nittel, Parise, Murphy, Suggy, Mcammond, Rheaume. Pihlman and Pikka are starting to really pick up their play, as well as the Defense with the addition of Hale. As long as replacement players arent used in the NHL next year, this team will make the playoffs in 05-06.

I think you need to see them play in order to come to a fullunderstanding. The Rats are much better then their record shows. They are an extremely young team who needs to gel. The way they are playing now is good, winning 5/6, getting 3 so. Just give it time. They dont really have those darby and giroux type players anymore-the guys who juggle teams every couple of years, so we have a good group to work with. Their guys are good: Nittel, Parise, Murphy, Suggy, Mcammond, Rheaume. Pihlman and Pikka are starting to really pick up their play, as well as the Defense with the addition of Hale. As long as replacement players arent used in the NHL next year, this team will make the playoffs in 05-06.

i did go to a game vs philly this year- it was damn embarrassing. That was as bad as one of my games. They would lose to half of the decent college teams out there. College teasm have teh same problems- no older leaders, only a few years to get into a system and make it work, but at least they can make passes. The rats couldn't hardly make 2 consecutive passes and the defense was non-existent. They managed very few shots but picked plenty of stupid fights. Don't get me wrong, guy like Parise and Murphy and Nittel (and to a lesser extent DeMarchi and possibly Suglobov and Voros) are definetely NHL quality players. Outside of that no one on that team deserves to be in the NHL ever and half belong in the ECHL. They will be just as bad next year- I assure you. But even their good players need work and keep in mind how many players that may look good in the ahl and can never carry the game over to the nhl.

Ill respectfully disagree. If they did not lose Hale or Allen, this team would have made the playoffs. How do you explain the current 6/7 winning streak and the great defensive play (3 SO) following Hales return? Obviously a fluke...This team will be much better next year, and will make the playoffs. Coming from someone who has seen this team for years, thats a guarantee. :)

BTW, I would list Suggy higher than a 'possbility'. He is freaking amazing at times and is a definite devil.

This team will be much better next year, and will make the playoffs. Coming from someone who has seen this team for years, thats a guarantee. :)


No offense, but I'll believe it when I see it.

You think so ratsgirl? I think this recent streak is more than a coincidence. Their team is extremely young and now you see guys starting to settle into their roles and gel. They have knocked off some of the best teams in the AHL lately. I would definitely like to see them go sign a big, 6'5'', dman who can bang bodies infront though.

You think so ratsgirl? I think this recent streak is more than a coincidence. Their team is extremely young and now you see guys starting to settle into their roles and gel. They have knocked off some of the best teams in the AHL lately. I would definitely like to see them go sign a big, 6'5'', dman who can bang bodies infront though.
Albany is going to lose Parise, Suglobov, Gionta McAmmond and Hale. Rheaume may look for an NHL contract somewhere else. Clemmensen will be backing up Brodeur. Albany is still in trouble.

Albany is going to lose Parise, Suglobov, Gionta McAmmond and Hale. Rheaume may look for an NHL contract somewhere else. Clemmensen will be backing up Brodeur. Albany is still in trouble.This is true. Plus, I wouldn't look for Zajac to be up here next year either. Another year at UND will aid in his development. Seriously, half the Rats team could be up with the Devils next year if the lockout continues.

This is true. Plus, I wouldn't look for Zajac to be up here next year either. Another year at UND will aid in his development. Seriously, half the Rats team could be up with the Devils next year if the lockout continues.

Your probably right, but I will NOT pay to see that.

A lot of team will lose players though.

The Rats have beaten these past teams without Parise in the lineup. From what I have seen, they have a good foundation and are showing it now.

Your probably right, but I will NOT pay to see that.I will. If the owners lower the prices to $15-20 (like the NFL did in 1986), I'll pay that. It isn't like these guys are beer-league rejects. Parise, Hale, and Martin (if he elects to play) will still be there. I'll pay lower ticket prices to see a game like this -- especially if it counts in the NHL standings which it will.

I will. If the owners lower the prices to $15-20 (like the NFL did in 1986), I'll pay that. It isn't like these guys are beer-league rejects. Parise, Hale, and Martin (if he elects to play) will still be there. I'll pay lower ticket prices to see a game like this -- especially if it counts in the NHL standings which it will.

If its going to be the same players that i watched in the AHL this year no way am I going. That was some of the worst "hockey" I've ever seen. That doesn't even compare to a good college game. Plus with all the goons in the minors they can't even go five minutes without a fight or a violent penalty which you woul d now see in the NHL. The fact is many of these guys just aren't nhl caliber yet and some never will be.

A lot of team will lose players though.

I was going to say that. Sure, the Rats will loose some players but to be fair, they are not the only one in this case.

TO come back to the topic, I'm a little worried about David Hale. Seriously. There was a time where he was announced like the new Scott Stevens of the NEw Jersey Devils, which obviously was a huge thing to wear. Now, he's got health troubles, but I don't know much...

What is the situation with him ? After all the topic is about our future in D so this is a good time to ask that. Do you still think the Devils count with him, and in which kind role ? I'm really wondering what to wait from him now...

I was going to say that. Sure, the Rats will loose some players but to be fair, they are not the only one in this case.

TO come back to the topic, I'm a little worried about David Hale. Seriously. There was a time where he was announced like the new Scott Stevens of the NEw Jersey Devils, which obviously was a huge thing to wear. Now, he's got health troubles, but I don't know much...

What is the situation with him ? After all the topic is about our future in D so this is a good time to ask that. Do you still think the Devils count with him, and in which kind role ? I'm really wondering what to wait from him now...
David Hale has all the tools to be a top pair defensmen, he showed me that last year at points in his rookie season. Even if he isn't he is a quality #3 or #4.

David Hale has all the tools to be a top pair defensmen, he showed me that last year at points in his rookie season. Even if he isn't he is a quality #3 or #4.I completely agree. Fans (of every sport) hit the panic button way to early. I've been guilty of this myself. Hale will turn 24 in June. As Jason said, there were times he showed his potential last year. In my opinion, if he would have been healthy for the Philly series, the Flyers would have had a much more difficult time in their offensive zone with Hale clearing out the crease. I'm impressed with his defensive pressence. He's a big kid with good legs. Yes, he has the kidney ailment. But before we hit the panic button on him, let's remember that the disease is in remission now. Hopefully he can put together a couple of excellent seasons before it strikes again.

AHL hockey isnt that bad...I actually prefer it to the NHL because the game is more raw-more excitement,fighting, and hitting. I can barely remember the NHL though, and am looking forward to seeing it again-hopefully.

AHL hockey isnt that bad...I actually prefer it to the NHL because the game is more raw-more excitement,fighting, and hitting. I can barely remember the NHL though, and am looking forward to seeing it again-hopefully.

Oh yeah, its great watching AHL goons pick fights every few minutes and taking cheap shots at the good players. That's exactly what makes the AHL bad. A fight every now and then is fine, but how can there be flow to a game with a fight breaking out every couple minutes and stopping the game. A fight should only commence to send a message, in the ahl the goons do it to prove that they serve a purpose to the team so htey dont get released because they have no other skills *cough* *Rob Skrlac* *cough*.

Oh yeah, its great watching AHL goons pick fights every few minutes and taking cheap shots at the good players. That's exactly what makes the AHL bad. A fight every now and then is fine, but how can there be flow to a game with a fight breaking out every couple minutes and stopping the game. A fight should only commence to send a message, in the ahl the goons do it to prove that they serve a purpose to the team so htey dont get released because they have no other skills *cough* *Rob Skrlac* *cough*.There's no pleasing you. You're just angry at the world or something. ;)

"Oh yeah, its great watching AHL goons pick fights every few minutes and taking cheap shots at the good players. That's exactly what makes the AHL bad. A fight every now and then is fine, but how can there be flow to a game with a fight breaking out every couple minutes and stopping the game. A fight should only commence to send a message, in the ahl the goons do it to prove that they serve a purpose to the team so htey dont get released because they have no other skills *cough* *Rob Skrlac* *cough*."

I hope you are exaggerating...The fighting isnt nearly as bad as you present it to be. Really, in the last 4 rats games ive been to, there have been a total of 1 or 2 fights. You have the occasional 5 v 5 fight, but it rarely happens, and is sort of exciting to see when it does.

And ill admit, Skrlac is a waste of space, but on a young team like Rats, with finesse and smaller guys, you need a guy to go out there and protect your teammates. It's the very same in the NHL. Does a guy like Oliwa serve any other purpose? Mckenzie? Langdon?

I hope you are exaggerating...The fighting isnt nearly as bad as you present it to be. Really, in the last 4 rats games ive been to, there have been a total of 1 or 2 fights. You have the occasional 5 v 5 fight, but it rarely happens, and is sort of exciting to see when it does.

And ill admit, Skrlac is a waste of space, but on a young team like Rats, with finesse and smaller guys, you need a guy to go out there and protect your teammates. It's the very same in the NHL. Does a guy like Oliwa serve any other purpose? Mckenzie? Langdon?

I'm not knocking the rats by saying that about fighting, that i think is a league wide problem that hurts the game. What I mean is that if it weren't for stuff like that you could really see a lot better play and skill. It is a big problem though, I mean some of the stuff that goes on in the AHL would cause expulsions from the league in the NHL, its way to unstructured. And for the record I've never been a fan of Oliwa, Mckenzie or Langdon. They are liabilities on the ice and can cost a talented younger player a roster spot.