If Elias leaves, players Devs can target...

I know we can't replace Patrick. However, we can strengthen the overall team by signing a Winger and defensemen. Here are some UFA names.

Defense:
Jay McKee
Niclas Havelid
Frantisek Kaberle
Pavel Kubina
Danny Markov
Brendan Witt
Filip Kuba
Ruslan Salei
Willie Mitchell

Offense:
Jason Arnott
Doug Weight
Jeff Halpern
Greg Johnson
Mike Sillinger
Petr Cajanek
Michael Peca
Radek Dvorak
Fernando Pisani
Sergei Samsonov

Samsonov
Arnott

I would target Redden. Signing him wouldn't be too likely, though, no matter how much we throw at him.

On D, Markov and Kubina would be good. It would address our needs for a skating defenseman as well as a shot at the point.

There isn't much offensively. I don't particularily like Samsonov. Arnott would be a good improvement at #2 Center. Then maybe getting someone like Halpern/McCauley to improve offensive production on the third line. I would probably hold off until next season to sign a good forward.

I really believe Elias will be back. But, if the worst should happen...

On offense I like Arnott and Samsonov. Might be interested in Sillinger as well. I don't want Halpern, I like him a lot but he's really a third line center.

On defense I really like Jay McKee and Brendan Witt, though both of them are probably out of our price range. I also like Markov and Mitchell.

Arnott + Danny Markov after losing Elias makes us a better team than with him (assuming he commands 7.5 mil+ ). I'd rather have those two players at around 7 mil than Patty at 8.

My perfect offseason would be getting Arnott and Markov signed up with Elias

My perfect offseason would be getting Arnott and Markov signed up with Elias

So I guess the cap goes up around 10 million as well then?

So I guess the cap goes up around 10 million as well then?

Sure

2.5 for Markov
6 for Elias
3.5 for Arnott

It's worth it.

I would be thrilled if we could sign Jay McKee and Sergei Samsonov.

Sure

2.5 for Markov
6 for Elias
3.5 for Arnott

It's worth it.

Try 8 for Elias and 5 for Arnott.

So I guess the cap goes up around 10 million as well then?

No. We could fit it in a $43-$45 Cap provided Langenbrunner, Brylin, Marshall, Kozlov, Matvichuk/Lukowich subtractions are made.

No. We could fit it in a $43-$45 Cap provided Langenbrunner, Brylin, Marshall, Kozlov, Matvichuk/Lukowich subtractions are made.

We can afford approx: 2 mil raise for Gomez, 2 mil raise for Gionta, 3.5 mil raise for Elias, 1 mil raise for White, 5 mil for Arnott, and 2.5 mil for Markov?

No. We could fit it in a $43-$45 Cap provided Langenbrunner, Brylin, Marshall, Kozlov, Matvichuk/Lukowich subtractions are made.

Yeah really......Im big on letting Langenbrunner go if we can get a better second line player than him

We can afford approx: 2 mil raise for Gomez, 2 mil raise for Gionta, 3.5 mil raise for Elias, 1 mil raise for White, 5 mil for Arnott, and 2.5 mil for Markov?

Your predictions are high (no way Arnott gets $5 Million, White does not get a $1 Million raise, I see Elias signings in the 6's with us), but I'm pretty sure we could.

Your predictions are high (no way Arnott gets $5 Million, White does not get a $1 Million raise, I see Elias signings in the 6's with us), but I'm pretty sure we could.


I would go with Arnott and Kubina. One thing for sure, we will need a center just in case Gomez decides to leave after next season. This way we don't rush Zajac and he can start out by playing on the wing. We don't want to depend on Parise and Zajac to open up the 2007/08 season has our first and second line centers.

McKee, Mitchell, Samsonov.

For a second line center, McCauley.

Samsonov
Arnott


my bet Arnott will join Elias in NYR

my bet Arnott will join Elias in NYR
:shakehead

my bet Arnott will join Elias in NYR
:biglaugh:

my bet Arnott will join Elias in NYRI'm not usually a betting man, but I'll take part of that action.

my bet Arnott will join Elias in NYR

Arnott's not even Czech. He's not even 1/8 Czech

I'm not saying it's not possible, but if Elias signed with the Rangers after what the Devils did for him this year, he would be totally classless, which I do not believe he is. Let's hope he has a little Brian Leetch in him. It was Leetch who said that he wouldn't sign with the Rangers biggest rivals and he didn't.

McKee, Mitchell, Samsonov.

For a second line center, McCauley.

I like McCauley if he stay's away from injuries. As for Samsonov, would love to have him, but keep hearing rumors that he want's to play with big Joe in San Jose.

my bet Arnott will join Elias in NYR



NYR is a place now?


and how much is this bet, cuz i want in...

I like McCauley if he stay's away from injuries. As for Samsonov, would love to have him, but keep hearing rumors that he want's to plat with big Joe in San Jose.

McCauley will also most likely be retained by San Jose as well. If Elias does leave, I hope he has more curteousy than Neidermayer and lets us know before the deadline if he wants to stay so we don't have to scramble for a garbage replacement like last year.

If Elias were to sign elsewhere I do not see how we would look to invest some salary into another defenseman when the biggest hole to fill is a premier offensive weapon. Gomez and Gionta are a nice 1-2 punch and Parise will only get better. Langs is a 50 point forward but after that they would have nothing.

I would not be thinking about Willie Mitchell or Jay McKee.

I would look into signing an elite forward.

I would look into signing an elite forward.
But what elite forwards are out there? I'd say Elias is really the only "elite" UFA this offseason, most of the top UFAs are defensemen. Arnott and Samsonov are probably the best forward options.

But what elite forwards are out there? I'd say Elias is really the only "elite" UFA this offseason, most of the top UFAs are defensemen. Arnott and Samsonov are probably the best forward options.

Teemu Selanne (after the year he had), Marc Savard, Samsanov, or Arnott

Teemu Selanne (after the year he had)

Man if we had taken him instead of Mogilny....we'd still be playing.

Elias-Kozlov-Selanne

Man if we had taken him instead of Mogilny....we'd still be playing.

Elias-Kozlov-SelanneKozlov still would have played poorly. He played poorly on a line with Gomez and Gionta.

Some more players to think about (I have no idea what kind of salary they might command):

Matt Cullen
Karlis Skrastins
Jaroslav Spacek
Filip Kuba

There really aren't many UFA centers :dunno:

pleaseeeee no matt cullen


after seeing him complain about EVERYTHING in the last series, i really dont want a player like him on the Devils

Kozlov still would have played poorly. He played poorly on a line with Gomez and Gionta.


Actually, I could see Kozlov staying with the Devils after thinking about it. It is not going to cost the Devils $1.7 million to resign him. Might get him for 850K-1.1 mill. He is great in the shootout. Especially if Elias were to move on we would need all the help we can get.

Of Cousrse, obviously I would rather see the Devils resign Elias and Kozlov can go play wherever he wants. MAybe he will sign with Dallas and him and Jussi Jokinen can combine for 30 shootout goals.

Actually, I could see Kozlov staying with the Devils after thinking about it. It is not going to cost the Devils $1.7 million to resign him. Might get him for 850K-1.1 mill. He is great in the shootout. Especially if Elias were to move on we would need all the help we can get.

Of Cousrse, obviously I would rather see the Devils resign Elias and Kozlov can go play wherever he wants. MAybe he will sign with Dallas and him and Jussi Jokinen can combine for 30 shootout goals.I hope not. There are better ways of spending that $850,000.

It just got painful to watch Kozlov control the puck by pivotting with it, look to make a play and then turn it over.

Compare him doing that to the way Elias turns with the puck. He would do it in a similar fashion, but he would then dart across the top of the high-slot and either pass the puck are take a quality shot.

Sure

2.5 for Markov
6 for Elias
3.5 for Arnott

It's worth it.

Why would Elias take 6 when he can get 8?

Because hopefully he sees himself as a part of the Devils and comprehends that he has no better chance of winning a cup year in and year out than with he Devs.

Why would Elias take 6 when he can get 8?

Arnott will get over 4 million as well, maybe over 4.5.

After the way Lou treated Mogilny, Malakhov, McGillis. It wouldn't surprise me if some UFA stay clear from new jersey. IMO

Though I'd like to see Arnott back with the devils.

After the way Lou treated Mogilny, Malakhov, McGillis. It wouldn't surprise me if some UFA stay clear from new jersey. IMO

Though I'd like to see Arnott back with the devils.


I don't understand. How did Lou treat them? Paying these over the hill players a sickening amount of money is treating them wrong?

As a GM, if he signed them for that much money with every intention was that they would help the team and they didn't I guess Lou should have kept them on the team no matter how much they suck and give away the season. :shakehead If a player is not working out then their roster spot needs to be replaced. Malakhov sucked and got $3.5 miilion. What are you telling me he should have sucked, got $3.5 million and also been able to continue to play and hurt the team???

Mogliny was putting up solid points, not great but solid. A player of his calibre and skill did not deserve to root in Albany, hell even Brylin agrees with me.

And the whole Malakhov deal. I'm not to sure on the details, but wasn't that mess. IMO sounded like a forced retirement.

Mogliny was putting up solid points, not great but solid. A player of his calibre and skill did not deserve to root in Albany, hell even Brylin agrees with me.

And the whole Malakhov deal. I'm not to sure on the details, but wasn't that mess. IMO sounded like a forced retirement.


From what I understand it was not a production issue with Moginly it was an attitude in the dressing room issue.

my bet Arnott will join Elias in NYR
I doubt that. Its no longer whether you can afford him, its all about cap space. jagr/arnott/elias= 20 mil or so.

Why would Elias take 6 when he can get 8?

Because he has said numerous times that he is loyal to this organization. I forgot the exact quote, but he essentially said that he can take advantage of his situation (meaning get more money), but he might not necessarily do that because the Devils have given him a lot of good things.

That said, I think $6.5 is more realistic.

Mogliny was putting up solid points, not great but solid. A player of his calibre and skill did not deserve to root in Albany, hell even Brylin agrees with me.

And the whole Malakhov deal. I'm not to sure on the details, but wasn't that mess. IMO sounded like a forced retirement.

Mogilny sucked on the Devils and with the Rats. I don't want to ever see him in a New Jersey uniform again. The point total is very deceiving.

And he didn't retire yet.

I doubt that. Its no longer whether you can afford him, its all about cap space. jagr/arnott/elias= 20 mil or so.

Actually Jagr only gets 4+ mill...Deal of the Century

They could Still Offer Elias 6-8 and have room for Arnott.

Most of the rest of the Rangers are young guys with rookie contracts.

Even the vets they have are all signed at very reasonable numbers except Ozolinsh.

Amazing really. Rangers probably have one of the best cap situation in the NHL

Because he has said numerous times that he is loyal to this organization. I forgot the exact quote, but he essentially said that he can take advantage of his situation (meaning get more money), but he might not necessarily do that because the Devils have given him a lot of good things.

That said, I think $6.5 is more realistic.

I think we're being naive if we think he'll take six or 6.5. If you're being offered 8, you're probably not taking 6, no matter how much you enjoyed being part of an organization.

I think we're being naive if we think he'll take six or 6.5. If you're being offered 8, you're probably not taking 6, no matter how much you enjoyed being part of an organization.

Niedermayer took 6.8 over league max to play with his brother.

Granted Elias has no other incentive to play elsewhere except for more money, I think 6.5 for long term will keep him in NJ.

It is scary though knowing he is the top UFA in the market this offseason amongst forwards so he mioght get offered league max.

If Patty wants to play for a winning organization and continue to get the opportunity he was provided with NJ then he will stay. the only reason for him to leave is if money is more important to him. As long as he is not low balled (and I do not think he will be whether he is offered the most from NJ over other teams or not) I think he will remain.

I really think if Elias did depart that Lou would make a strong run to sign Teemu Selanne after the year he had. He showed he can still be an elite forward. It would not be a long term move but rather an immediate need to help out at forward. He would have the money he was going to offer Elias and Selanne would not cost as much.

I would much rather have elias, but if not I would take Teemu over just about any other FA Forward out there.

Patrik has established what he wants:

to be on a winner and make money. The New Jersey Devils will offer him both. Lou is not a fool, he offered Bobby Holik 8, and Nieder 7.8 one turned it down because of past negotiations and the other for family reasons. Patrik when he is offered good money he will stay because there isn't any incentive not to.

Niedermayer took 6.8 over league max to play with his brother.

Granted Elias has no other incentive to play elsewhere except for more money, I think 6.5 for long term will keep him in NJ.

It is scary though knowing he is the top UFA in the market this offseason amongst forwards so he mioght get offered league max.

If Patty wants to play for a winning organization and continue to get the opportunity he was provided with NJ then he will stay. the only reason for him to leave is if money is more important to him. As long as he is not low balled (and I do not think he will be whether he is offered the most from NJ over other teams or not) I think he will remain.

Richards' contract did not help our cause.

I still think he gets more than 6.5 wherever he goes.

And that might not be the only reason, we don't know what goes on... maybe he wanted to be named captain sooner, maybe he's upset that the Devils' nominee for the Masterton was Albelin, when he looked like the clear winner for the league let alone the team.

Maybe he does want to play with his REAL best friend ... maybe he wants to play in front of a packed crowd every night. We don't know what's going on with him at all.

Actually Jagr only gets 4+ mill...Deal of the Century

They could Still Offer Elias 6-8 and have room for Arnott.

Most of the rest of the Rangers are young guys with rookie contracts.

Even the vets they have are all signed at very reasonable numbers except Ozolinsh.

Amazing really. Rangers probably have one of the best cap situation in the NHL

Let's see how happy Mr. Jagar will be playing with Elias making a max salary, while he's making 4 million. And we all know an unhappy Jagar means....Trouble for the Rangers.

Another thing to note is that if Elias were to leave that Suglobov for Klee trade would look even worse then it was when it happened. And I bet Lou would deeply regret trading a good offensive prospect when they would be in dire need for offensive help for a veteran defenseman that will play in Columbus or wherever next season.

suglobov was a healthy scratch for toronto at the end of the season. saying he would make up in anyway for elias' departure is the same thing as saying that dagenais would make up for mogilny's departure in 01-02

Let's see how happy Mr. Jagar will be playing with Elias making a max salary, while he's making 4 million. And we all know an unhappy Jagar means....Trouble for the Rangers.

Very Good Point. Jagrs ego challenged by another Czech on the team getting more money AND possibly scoring more points.

Share the spotlight to win another cup?

The Rangers had a successful, fun year that had many positives but ended dismally because the team expected Jagr to do too much. He knows it, they know it, everyone knows it.

Two things about Jagr I really do believe

1. He likes playing in New York

2. He wants to win another Cup before retiring back to Czech

He may be their keystone player, but a rebuilding team is not one usually destined for a Cup final. If they want to keep the Jagr happy they will have to surround him with some other playmakers to have a legit shot.

Just having Czech homies around is not enough to keep him happy. He sure didn't look happy in those locker room interviews after the Devils swept his team.

suglobov was a healthy scratch for toronto at the end of the season. saying he would make up in anyway for elias' departure is the same thing as saying that dagenais would make up for mogilny's departure in 01-02

I agree and that is a very good comparison. But no Elias and we would need any offense we can get.

Patrik when he is offered good money he will stay because there isn't any incentive not to.

Incentive?

HE CAN PLAY ON ANY TEAM HE WANTS TO NEXT YEAR

That's a nice position to be in for Patrik Elias. Every team in the NHL would love to have him.

Maybe he wants to play in Sunny California

Maybe he wants to play in a One team Hockey town like Ottawa

Maybe he wants to play on a more Offensive minded team that will let him go mad wild with the puck and win the scoring title (just to see if he can)

Maybe he wants to play with other Czechs

Maybe he just wants a change

Anywhere he goes he is likely to be a Bigger Star that he is in NJ and he will get paid A LOT of $$$.


Thats a lot of incentive to think about.

Incentive?

HE CAN PLAY ON ANY TEAM HE WANTS TO NEXT YEAR

That's a nice position to be in for Patrik Elias. Every team in the NHL would love to have him.

Maybe he wants to play in Sunny California

Maybe he wants to play in a One team Hockey town like Ottawa

Maybe he wants to play on a more Offensive minded team that will let him go mad wild with the puck and win the scoring title (just to see if he can)

Maybe he wants to play with other Czechs

Maybe he just wants a change

Anywhere he goes he is likely to be a Bigger Star that he is in NJ and he will get paid A LOT of $$$.


Thats a lot of incentive to think about.


Based on what he wants (money and winning) we have both that NO team in the NHL can offer......NONE who wins on a constant basis with a chance for the Cup every year? Detroit and us. Ottawa is an annual choke artist so they don't count. Yet Detroit has their own money problems we can give Elias what he wants, and he says he owes this organization. Give up on your he'll be a Ranger dream, he's not a turncoat of that calibre.

Incentive?

HE CAN PLAY ON ANY TEAM HE WANTS TO NEXT YEAR

That's a nice position to be in for Patrik Elias. Every team in the NHL would love to have him.

Maybe he wants to play in Sunny California

Maybe he wants to play in a One team Hockey town like Ottawa

Maybe he wants to play on a more Offensive minded team that will let him go mad wild with the puck and win the scoring title (just to see if he can)

Maybe he wants to play with other Czechs

Maybe he just wants a change

Anywhere he goes he is likely to be a Bigger Star that he is in NJ and he will get paid A LOT of $$$.


Thats a lot of incentive to think about.

"If it's right, I want to stay, obviously," Elias said Tuesday after the Devils gathered one final time this season for a team picture. "It's just that I am in a situation where I can take advantage of it."...

"That doesn't mean I am going to take advantage of it or use it to my advantage. This organization gave me a lot of positive things in my life."

Incentive?

HE CAN PLAY ON ANY TEAM HE WANTS TO NEXT YEAR

That's a nice position to be in for Patrik Elias. Every team in the NHL would love to have him.

Maybe he wants to play in Sunny California

Maybe he wants to play in a One team Hockey town like Ottawa

Maybe he wants to play on a more Offensive minded team that will let him go mad wild with the puck and win the scoring title (just to see if he can)

Maybe he wants to play with other Czechs

Maybe he just wants a change

Anywhere he goes he is likely to be a Bigger Star that he is in NJ and he will get paid A LOT of $$$.


Thats a lot of incentive to think about.

Elias has earned the right to test free agency. He will listen and inquire but the money and a chance to win is a huge incentive.

And I do not buy the idea he would be a bigger star anywhere else then NJ. Elias established himself as the star he is and the value of close to league max salary wise by playing with NJ.

Thats funny...NJ has had many excellent players and a team system and philosophy that is as sounds as any of the great teams, but be real.

There is only ONE SUPERSTAR on The New Jersey Devils roster right now.

Thats funny...NJ has had many excellent players and a team system and philosophy that is as sounds as any of the great teams, but be real.

There is only ONE SUPERSTAR on The New Jersey Devils roster right now.

I see two.

Thats funny...NJ has had many excellent players and a team system and philosophy that is as sounds as any of the great teams, but be real.

There is only ONE SUPERSTAR on The New Jersey Devils roster right now.

Considering stats exclusively,

Patrik Elias is a 100%, pure, no doubt about it superstar. Do you consider Jerome Iginla a superstar? What about Todd Bertuzzi? Marcus Naslund? Look at the #'s of these players. Elias has had over 70 points 3 times, one of those seasons was an 80 point season and a 96 point season all since 97-98 (I do not count his first two seasons he saw time in the NHL since he played a total of 18 games combined.) He also average well over a point a game this season.

Here are his career stats:

2005-2006 Devils 38 16 29 45 11 20 6 0 3 0 142 11.3
2003-2004 Devils 82 38 43 81 26 44 9 3 9 0 300 12.7
2002-2003 Devils 81 28 29 57 17 22 6 0 4 1 255 11
2001-2002 Devils 75 29 32 61 4 36 8 1 8 0 199 14.6
2000-2001 Devils 82 40 56 96 45 51 8 3 6 1 220 18.2
1999-2000 Devils 72 35 37 72 16 58 9 0 9 1 183 19.1
1998-1999 Devils 74 17 33 50 19 34 3 0 2 0 157 10.8
1997-1998 Devils 74 18 19 37 18 28 5 0 6 1 147 12.2
1996-1997 Devils 17 2 3 5 -4 2 0 0 0 0 23 8.7
1995-1996 Devils 1 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Looking at stats of other players league wide his #'s are right there with other players many consider superstar caliber.

Iginla's career high season: 2001-2002 Flames 82 52 44 96 (and has never come anywhere close to this any other year).

JUst one example. there are other so-called deemed superstars with point totals similar to Elias.

would have had two 90 point seasons if he played a full year this year.

Thats funny...NJ has had many excellent players and a team system and philosophy that is as sounds as any of the great teams, but be real.

There is only ONE SUPERSTAR on The New Jersey Devils roster right now.



how is elias not a superstar? he has been said to be the best all around left wing in the NHL, and there is no doubt he is top 3...

Maybe he wants to play in Sunny California

Maybe he wants to play in a One team Hockey town like Ottawa

Maybe he wants to play on a more Offensive minded team that will let him go mad wild with the puck and win the scoring title (just to see if he can)

Maybe he wants to play with other Czechs

Maybe he just wants a change

Maybe he likes making left turns.

There is only ONE SUPERSTAR on The New Jersey Devils roster right now.
You must be kidding.

There is only ONE SUPERSTAR on The New Jersey Devils roster right now.


:biglaugh:

Ignore cycleandshoot... it seems like all of his posts are centered around either dissing the Devils or saying how Elias will join the Rangers.

I do believe he is a superstar. But NJ always seems to squash the personal rise of offensive players as individual superstars with the NJ system.

This past year was refreshing to see the Devils break out of what is thought of , by some, as a less exciting style of play. Still NJ is not known for offensive superstars, they are known for defensive ones. The Devils also have to share the hockey spotlite with the other three teams in their general area.

If Elias decides to go to Ottawa, he will be a much bigger star than he ever was in NJ.


and Far from dissing the Devils. I think they are top notch as an organization and maybe a player or three away from being a cup contender.


The Only SUPERSTAR left on the Devils roster right now wears a mask.

Jagr made $8.36 million in 2005-06. The Rangers were only charged about $4 million to their cap as the Washington Capitals picked up the rest of his salary. Washington does not get charged against the cap for Jagr.

Also, I think Gionta and Gomez stepped into superstardom with their seasons. Gionta had 48 Goals and 87 Points, and Gomez had 33 Goals and 84 Points. That was after tying for the league lead in assists in 2003-04 for Gomez.

I do believe he is a superstar. But NJ always seems to squash the personal rise of offensive players as individual superstars with the NJ system.

This past year was refreshing to see the Devils break out of what is thought of , by some, as a less exciting style of play. Still NJ is not known for offensive superstars, they are known for defensive ones. The Devils also have to share the hockey spotlite with the other three teams in their general area.

If Elias decides to go to Ottawa, he will be a much bigger star than he ever was in NJ.



and Far from dissing the Devils. I think they are top notch as an organization and maybe a player or three away from being a cup contender.


The Only SUPERSTAR left on the Devils roster right now wears a mask.


I still disagree. And I think the franchise does too. Lou on Jersey Sports Final let it be known how important Elias is to this team.

Yeah, there's no doubt he'd be an even bigger star almost anywhere else. It's his makeup that makes him the perfect fit and the perfect superstar for our system. He is the go-to guy on this team. He is the guy we count on for bit goals and he gets them.

And as for people around the league seeing the light this year ... we are playing the same hockey we have been. We've always had guys taking advantage on the break. We've been accused of being defensive when we had the top offense in the league, round the 2000, 2001 era. So now there are rules changes and they notice it a big more, and they think it's different. It's not much different.

I really think if Elias did depart that Lou would make a strong run to sign Teemu Selanne after the year he had. He showed he can still be an elite forward. It would not be a long term move but rather an immediate need to help out at forward. He would have the money he was going to offer Elias and Selanne would not cost as much.

I would much rather have elias, but if not I would take Teemu over just about any other FA Forward out there.

I wonder if Teemu has changed his opinion of playing for the Devils. Lou tried to bring him in at the trade deadline a few years ago and he refused to waive his no-trade clause to come to NJ.

I believe Patrick will sign with the Devils, for about 6.5-7.0 mill, and the Devils will sign Arnott, and give Patrick the C and Arnott the A..........That C will make all the difference, Lou's not stupid, Patrick is the franchise........and he knows with the devils he will have a chance to compete for the cup every year in Black and red.......Money isnt everything, and Patrick knows he was treated very well and will eventually sign with the Devils, for lower then what people offer....

i know that its not really a big deal or whatever, just a pet peeve of mine, but i HATE when people spell his name with a C.

its PATRIK

i know that its not really a big deal or whatever, just a pet peeve of mine, but i HATE when people spell his name with a C.

its PATRIK
Well, hopefully Patrik will have a "C" soon enough ;)

Well, hopefully Patrik will have a "C" soon enough ;)




hahaha after i re-read what i posted, i was thinking the same thing :yo:

hahaha after i re-read what i posted, i was thinking the same thing :yo:
I've been waiting to use the same line as a sign!

I believe Patrick will sign with the Devils, for about 6.5-7.0 mill, and the Devils will sign Arnott, and give Patrick the C and Arnott the A..........That C will make all the difference, Lou's not stupid, Patrick is the franchise........and he knows with the devils he will have a chance to compete for the cup every year in Black and red.......Money isnt everything, and Patrick knows he was treated very well and will eventually sign with the Devils, for lower then what people offer....

What would lead you to believe that A. Arnott would be back and B. (and really even more supremely unlikely) that he would get an A if Elias was back. We have two VERY capable As already AND another A who doesn't even get the A if everyone's in. PLUS Arnott didn't leave us on the best terms and I've heard from a beat writer that he was the one who led to Robinson's first dismissal.

And this has nothing to do with Lou. Lou is gonna make the offer. Patrik knows the benefits of being a Devil -- and shockingly, there are also benefits to not being a Devil. It's his world and we just want to live in it.

That sounds more like what you want to happen.

Sure

2.5 for Markov
6 for Elias
3.5 for Arnott

It's worth it.

Wow, if you guys offer Arnott 3.5 there will be around 15 other teams offering him 5-5.5. I WONDER what offer he'd accept?

And Elias at 6? He knows he can get at least 7.5. And with his rhetoric, it very much appears that he's going to be asking for at least that. Markov for at least 3 as well.

I see two.

As do I.

Elias is a bonafide superstar.

Wow, if you guys offer Arnott 3.5 there will be around 15 other teams offering him 5-5.5. I WONDER what offer he'd accept?

And Elias at 6? He knows he can get at least 7.5. And with his rhetoric, it very much appears that he's going to be asking for at least that. Markov for at least 3 as well.

While I believe $6 Million is a bit low, Elias has said that while he knows he can take advantage of the situation he is in and get a lot of money, he might not because the Devils have been good to him and given him a lot of good things. So, yeah, he knows what he can get, but he might not necessarily sign for that much.

I would estimate $6.75 Million.

EDIT: And there is no way Arnott gets a $5.5 Million offer. $3.5, again, is low, but you are seriously overestimating how good Arnott is. 2005-2006 was his first 60+ point season since 1993-1994. I think teams will take that into account. Of course, there are always overpayments, but I can't see him getting that much.

EDIT: And I can't see Markov garnering $3 Million, either. In a market saturated with good UFA defensemen (Lidstrom, Redden, Chara, Kubina, Mckee, Blake, Jovanovski, McCabe, Mitchell, Johnsson etc.), and Markov being around the 12th-13th d-man available, there is no feasible way that he can get $3 Million, imo.

It doesn't matter, Nittel. Arnott and Savard are the ONLY two cream of the crop centers this free agency. If Jokinen was on the market, than I'd say Arnott wouldn't get nearly as much.

But he isn't. Arnott will command at least 5M and Savard will get around 6M. You really, really have to take that into account with what this market can bring right now with the minimum amount of forward talent out there.

It doesn't matter, Nittel. Arnott and Savard are the ONLY two cream of the crop centers this free agency. If Jokinen was on the market, than I'd say Arnott wouldn't get nearly as much.

But he isn't. Arnott will command at least 5M and Savard will get around 6M. You really, really have to take that into account with what this market can bring right now with the minimum amount of forward talent out there.

That's a good point, but I don't think it changes the fact that we are talking about Jason Arnott. A guy who had been riddled by injury and inconsistency, as well as less than stellar play for quite some time, until his contract year. In the cap world, I really can't see Arnott getting $5.5 Million. Maybe you're right, though.

That's a good point, but I don't think it changes the fact that we are talking about Jason Arnott. A guy who had been riddled by injury and inconsistency, as well as less than stellar play for quite some time, until his contract year. In the cap world, I really can't see Arnott getting $5.5 Million. Maybe you're right, though.

UNfortunately, I think I am. I don't think he even deserves 3.5M. He's one of my least favorite players in the league and I sincerely hope my Rangers don't try and target him (although I have a sinking feeling they will).