Nittel?

The Devils obviously will be making a trade soon and while most people feel Matvichuk or White will go I think Friesen or Kozlov will be gone. If thats the case and Friesen or Kozlov are gone and Elias is out that will leave a spot open for a Rat, most likely Suglobov. But if he dissapoints can Nittel make this team?

He's 6"3 225, hard to knock off the puck, and hes a solid skater he's exactly what this team needs. What do you guys think?

The Devils obviously will be making a trade soon and while most people feel Matvichuk or White will go I think Friesen or Kozlov will be gone. If thats the case and Friesen or Kozlov are gone and Elias is out that will leave a spot open for a Rat, most likely Suglobov. But if he dissapoints can Nittel make this team?

He's 6"3 225, hard to knock off the puck, and hes a solid skater he's exactly what this team needs. What do you guys think? Right now, I believe prospects like Pihlman and Pikkarainen are above him on the depth chart and will get earlier opportunities to fill in with the Devils before Nittel gets his big look. Seems like Nittel still needs more time in the minors working on the raw fundamentals before he's closer to being a callup. Maybe a year away or so is my guess. Burns was very impressed with Pikkarainen last training camp and made a note of mentioning to the media that he reminded him of Esa Tikkanen in terms of peskiness. Larry Robinson probably has his eyes set on Aleksander Suglobov filling in on wing this season first of all though barring a major disappointment in training camp.

Right now, I believe prospects like Pihlman and Pikkarainen are above him on the depth chart and will get earlier opportunities to fill in with the Devils before Nittel gets his big look.

You're probably right but I'm just curious why Pikkarainen, who impressed Burns so much, never got called up in 2004 while Pihlman and Suglobov were? Also, I've never been less impressed with a Devils prospect like I am with Pihlman. I expect nothing from him so I at least I won't be dissapointed.

You're probably right but I'm just curious why Pikkarainen, who impressed Burns so much, never got called up in 2004 while Pihlman and Suglobov were? Also, I've never been less impressed with a Devils prospect like I am with Pihlman. I expect nothing from him so I at least I won't be dissapointed. Usually takes longer for power forwards to truly develop though. A player like Brad Isbister is still attempting to live up to his expectations in the NHL and he's played 7 seasons with 3 different teams (going on 4 now with Boston). In terms of goal scoring and assists production, Brad Isbister has primarily gotten worse and worse with each passing year. Maybe he finally puts it all together being reunited with Scatchard this season. Who knows? Some fans still hold out small hopes though that he can eventually become a poor-man's Doan or Bertuzzi.

I only caught one Rats game last season in which Brett Clouthier appeared to be the one player with the least amount of skill at all on the team. He just looked completely worthless.

I only caught one Rats game last season in which Brett Clouthier appeared to be the one player with the least amount of skill at all on the team. He just looked completely worthless.

I take it Skrlac wasn't playing?

r rI take it Skrlac wasn't playing?
He actually did play in that game believe it or not! He and Janssens both had some spirited fights against Worcester. Spencer and Clouthier both looked out of place.