Your 06-07 Devils

Pretty simple concept: Just formulate the Devils team you would like to see in 2006-07. Make necessary signings, trades, buy-outs, etc.

For reference:
2006 UFA (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=160531&hubname=nhl)
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=253815&page=1 (Sign/Unsigned Devils)

Assume a $43.5 Million Cap, and no self-imposed spending limit. Do whatever you want with the Malakhov/Mogilny situation.

Signings:
Jason Allison
Danny Markov

Trades:
Jason Wiemer for considerations
Grant Marshall for late pick
Lukowich/Matvichuk for something

Buy-Outs:
Alexander Mogilny bought out ($1,170,000 Cap Hit for 06-07)
(Malakhov cost not counted)

1) Parise (703k) - Gomez ($4.50M) - Gionta ($3.50M)
2) Elias ($7.00M) - Allison ($1.50M) - Tallackson ($510k)
3) Pandolfo ($836k) - Madden ($2.93M) - Brylin ($1.52M)
4) Ryznar ($500k) - Ramussen ($600k) - Janssen ($450k)

1) White ($2.20M) - Martin ($850k)
2) Matvichuk ($1.36M) - Rafalski ($4.20M)
3) Hale ($600k) - Markov ($2.50M)

1) Brodeur ($5.20M)
2) Clemmensen ($450k)

($1.50M allocated for 3 scratched players)+Mogilny buy out
---------------------------------------
$44,579,000

Would need to shave about 1 million off the salary, but that's the idea I have. Sign a pick-moving defenseman and get a competent 2nd line center.

i like what youve done there, except i dont like jason allison. hes too much of a chinadoll. i would maybe try yanic perrault (a monster at faceoffs). and i LOVE jay mckee, although idk if hed leave buffalo


also, id put bergfors/zajac on the 2nd line in place of tallackson

i like what youve done there, except i dont like jason allison. hes too much of a chinadoll. i would maybe try yanic perrault (a monster at faceoffs). and i LOVE jay mckee, although idk if hed leave buffalo


also, id put bergfors/zajac on the 2nd line in place of tallackson

I actually had Perreault pegged in there before Allison, but I dunno, he's sorta old and he could have had a very flukey season. Perrault is somewhat brittle himself, too.

McKee would probably command $3.5, maybe more. So I dunno how feasible that it. Although, if he could somehow get him, that would be great.

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=253815&page=1 (Sign/Unsigned Devils)
I think you got the coding mixed up. Here's the thread I think you're refering to: http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=197710

I don't know how it would work out but I'd like to sign Savard from Atlanta and get rid of Marshall. Definitely re-sign Elias for something around $7 million. Klee is getting up there with his cost at $1.9 million so I'd probably get rid of him as well. Brylin is questionable.

With Savard on one of our lines we wouldn't have to worry about a puck-moving D. :amazed:

I think you got the coding mixed up. Here's the thread I think you're refering to: http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=197710

I don't know how it would work out but I'd like to sign Savard from Atlanta and get rid of Marshall. Definitely re-sign Elias for something around $7 million. Klee is getting up there with his cost at $1.9 million so I'd probably get rid of him as well. Brylin is questionable.

With Savard on one of our lines we wouldn't have to worry about a puck-moving D. :amazed:



im not sold on savard. hes a liability defensively, and we know that lou doenst like those types of players

im not sold on savard. hes a liability defensively, and we know that lou doenst like those types of players
Could we at least give him a chance? Every new player to the Devils has to make an adjustment to the system.

Assuming no Elias:

UFA Signings: Jason Arnott 2 years 10 million, Danny Markov 2 years 5 million, Radek Dvorak 1 year 1 million (Anson Carter type contract), Erik Rasmussen 1 year 500k
RFA Signings: Scott Gomez 3 years 15 million, Brian Gionta 1 year 2.8 million, Colin White 1 year 2.4 million, Paul Martin 1 year 1.2 million, David Hale 1 year 750k.

Trades:
Jason Wiemer for considerations
Lukowich for something
Brylin for a mid rounder

Buy-Outs:
Alexander Mogilny bought out ($1,170,000 Cap Hit for 06-07)
(Malakhov cost not counted)

1) Parise ($703k) - Gomez ($5.00M) - Gionta ($2.80M)
2) Tallackson ($510k) - Arnott ($5.00M) - Dvorak ($1M)
3) Pandolfo ($836k) - Madden ($2.93M) - Marshall ($760k)
4) Ryznar ($500k) - Ramussen ($500k) - Janssen ($450k)

1) White ($2.40M) - Martin ($1.2M)
2) Matvichuk ($1.36M) - Rafalski ($4.20M)
3) Hale ($750k) - Markov ($2.50M)

1) Brodeur ($5.20M)
2) Clemmensen ($450k)

$2M for two Healthy scratches and Mogilny's buyout.

= $41.049 Million

After seeing that, we could probably afford to keep Brylin in a utility role. I don't know, this is kind of a worst case scenario, and I hope my math is right.

Assuming no Elias:

UFA Signings: Jason Arnott 2 years 10 million, Danny Markov 2 years 5 million, Radek Dvorak 1 year 1 million (Anson Carter type contract), Erik Rasmussen 1 year 500k
RFA Signings: Scott Gomez 3 years 15 million, Brian Gionta 1 year 2.8 million, Colin White 1 year 2.4 million, Paul Martin 1 year 1.2 million, David Hale 1 year 750k.

Trades:
Jason Wiemer for considerations
Lukowich for something
Brylin for a mid rounder

Buy-Outs:
Alexander Mogilny bought out ($1,170,000 Cap Hit for 06-07)
(Malakhov cost not counted)

1) Parise ($703k) - Gomez ($5.00M) - Gionta ($2.80M)
2) Tallackson ($510k) - Arnott ($5.00M) - Dvorak ($1M)
3) Pandolfo ($836k) - Madden ($2.93M) - Marshall ($760k)
4) Ryznar ($500k) - Ramussen ($500k) - Janssen ($450k)

1) White ($2.40M) - Martin ($1.2M)
2) Matvichuk ($1.36M) - Rafalski ($4.20M)
3) Hale ($750k) - Markov ($2.50M)

1) Brodeur ($5.20M)
2) Clemmensen ($450k)

$2M for two Healthy scratches and Mogilny's buyout.

= $41.049 Million

After seeing that, we could probably afford to keep Brylin in a utility role. I don't know, this is kind of a worst case scenario, and I hope my math is right.


Dude, you're jewish how will your math be wrong?!?!

Dude, you're jewish how will your math be wrong?!?!

I could say something really bad now but I won't :D

I could say something really bad now but I won't :D

You're not going to call me what Hurricane1091 called me are you?? :p:

Elias-Arnott-Langenbrunner
Parise-Gomez-Gionta
Peca-Madden-Pandolfo
Tallckson/Bergfors/Ryznar-Rasmussen-Janssen

Spacek-Rafalski (Spacek has played strong for the Oilers in WCF)
White-Martin
Mckee-Pothier/Hale (Pothier is a right Handed shot we need)

Broduer
B. Johnson/Prusek (Both could be had for league min.)

Elias-Arnott-Langenbrunner
Parise-Gomez-Gionta
Peca-Madden-Pandolfo
Tallckson/Bergfors/Ryznar-Rasmussen-Janssen

Spacek-Rafalski (Spacek has played strong for the Oilers in WCF)
White-Martin
Mckee-Pothier/Hale (Pothier is a right Handed shot we need)

Broduer
B. Johnson/Prusek (Both could be had for league min.)

You forgot to post salaries. I'll make an estimate and say 60 million for that lineup.

Signings:
-UFA Patrik Elias, 3 years, 20.4 mil (6.8/year)
-UFA Jay McKee, 4 years, 11.2 mil (2.8/year)
-UFA Jaime Langenbrunner 1 year, 2.5 mil
-RFA Scott Gomez, 3 years, 13.5 mil (4.5/year)
-RFA Brian Gionta, 2 years, 6.4 mil (3.2/year)
-RFA Colin White, 2 years, 4.2 mil (2.1/year)
-RFA Paul Martin, 4 years, 5 mil (1.2/year)
-RFA David Hale, 3 years, 2.25 mil (750K/year)

Trades:
Trade Sergei Brylin (1.52 mil) to CHI for Curtis Brown (1.33 mil)
Trade Jason Wiemer for mid-late pick
Trade Brad Lukowich for mid pick
Trade Grant Marshall for mid-late pick

Lines:

Bergfors - Gomez - Gionta
(450K) (4.5M) (3.2M)

Elias - Parise - Langenbrunner
(6.8M) (703K) (2.5M)

Pandolfo - Madden - Tallackson
(836K) (2.938) (510K)

Ryznar - Brown - Janssen
(500K) (1.33) (450K)

Rafalski - McKee
(4.2M) (2.8M)

White - Martin
(2.1M) (1.2M)

Greene - Hale
(850K) (750K)

Brodeur
(5.2M)

Clemmenson
(450K)

+ 1.16 (buy out Mogilny)
------------------------
$43,427,000

Signings:
-UFA Patrik Elias, 3 years, 20.4 mil (6.8/year)
-UFA Jay McKee, 4 years, 11.2 mil (2.8/year)
-UFA Jaime Langenbrunner 1 year, 2.5 mil
-RFA Scott Gomez, 3 years, 13.5 mil (4.5/year)
-RFA Brian Gionta, 2 years, 6.4 mil (3.2/year)
-RFA Colin White, 2 years, 4.2 mil (2.1/year)
-RFA Paul Martin, 4 years, 5 mil (1.2/year)
-RFA David Hale, 3 years, 2.25 mil (750K/year)

Trades:
Trade Sergei Brylin (1.52 mil) to CHI for Curtis Brown (1.33 mil)
Trade Jason Wiemer for mid-late pick
Trade Brad Lukowich for mid pick
Trade Grant Marshall for mid-late pick

Lines:

Bergfors - Gomez - Gionta
(450K) (4.5M) (3.2M)

Elias - Parise - Langenbrunner
(6.8M) (703K) (2.5M)

Pandolfo - Madden - Tallackson
(836K) (2.938) (510K)

Ryznar - Brown - Janssen
(500K) (1.33) (450K)

Rafalski - McKee
(4.2M) (2.8M)

White - Martin
(2.1M) (1.2M)

Greene - Hale
(850K) (750K)

Brodeur
(5.2M)

Clemmenson
(450K)

+ 1.75 (buy out Mogilny)
------------------------
$44,017,000

Meh, close enough.



you forgot matvichuk

Sanderson-Gomez-Gionta
Elias-Arnott-Bergfors
Pandolfo-Madden-Brylin
Parise-Zajac-Tallackson

Rafalski-Matvichuk
Martin-White
Hale-Greene

Brodeur
Clemmenson(Doyle) Frazee in Lowell?

Key additions:

UFA Sanderson, Arnott
Farm Bergfors, Zajac, Tallackson, Greene

Key Losses:

Langenbrunner, Lukowich

Thats what id like to see, i know this wont happen, but id like to see some younger guys.

1st line- legit scoring line
2nd line- legit scoring line(with physical presence)
3rd line- shutdown line, with lots of game experience
4th line- youth line, with energy and spunk, and offense

JMHO

Salaries:

Elias: $6.2 for 6 years
Brodeur: $5.0
Gomez 1 year QA of $3.5
Gionta 2 year $2.6 per
Langenbrunner $2.8 for 3
Brylin $1.52
Parise 703K
Pandolfo 850K
Madden $2.9
Tallackson $530K
Ryznar $450
Wiemer $900K
Jannsen $ 450K
Langdon 450K (my surprise to stay as a good character guy and good solution as a reserve at a cheap 450K) Battled groin injuries all year, maybe will be viable next season in the reserve role.

Clemennsen $450K

Defense:
Salaries-

Rafalski: $4.2
White $3.5 (the one that we all start infinite posts over and discuss whether this was to much money)
Martin: $1.2
Matvichuk 1.368
Hale $800K
Lukowich $1 mill
Albelin $500K
McGillis $2.2

(Lou goes with 8 defenseman and 1 reserve forward with the option to call up others like Pihlman, Clarkson etc.

Buy out: Mogilny Cap hit of $1.75

SALARY CAP: 45,371,000 I am over the Cap but I might decide to play McGillis in Lowell or adjust the #'s somehow as well as other factors.

Departures: Kozlov, Marshall (dealt for a 4th on deadline day) and Rasmussen ( I hate to see go but business is business) Klee

Lines:

Elias-Parise-Langenbrunner
Brylin-Gomez-Gionta
Pandolfo-Madden-Tallackson
Ryznar-Wiemer-Jannsen

Matvichuk-Rafalski
White-Lukowich
Hale-Martin (played together a lot before the lockout and I think they should be paired)

Reserves:

McGillis
Albelin
Langdon/Bergfors/Clarkson/Pihlman
Clemennsen

We're not trading Brylin.

He may not be a superstar but he works his butt off every shift. He's been with us for three cups and his whole career, and we do show some loyalty to players like that as an organization, just as we as fans expect some loyalty from the players.

He would be a good fit with madden and pando or on the 4th line if we fill all the 2nd line spots.

We're not trading Brylin.

He may not be a superstar but he works his butt off every shift. He's been with us for three cups and his whole career, and we do show some loyalty to players like that as an organization, just as we as fans expect some loyalty from the players.

He would be a good fit with madden and pando or on the 4th line if we fill all the 2nd line spots.

I wouldn't mind him on the 3rd line, but on the 2nd line he's basically worthless (very streaky scoring wise and doesn't generate offense by himself) and on the 4th, well 1.52 million is a lot for a 4th liner especially with a team near the cap ceiling.

I have to agree. Brylin wont be traded. He is too much a fixture here in NJ. He will retire a Devil.

Am I saying we couldnt upgrade? Aboslutely not. I am saying, Lou seems very loyal to Brylin.

You guys are underestimating the salary that Colin White is going to receive next season. Your looking at the 3mil+ a season range.

Hmm, here's my thoughts:
-Langenbrunner gone
-Wiemer & Marshall traded for picks
-Assuming no salary for Malakhov & buyout of Mogilny


Zach Parise (703,000) - Scott Gomez (4,500,000) - Brian Gionta (3,500,000)
Patrik Elias (7,000,000) - Mike Sillinger (1,300,000) - Nicklas Bergfors (750,000?)
Jay Pandolfo (836,000) - John Madden (2,938,000) - Sergei Brylin (1,520,000)
Barry Tallackson (510,000) - Erik Rasmussen (600,000) - Cam Janssen (450,000)

Brian Rafalski (4,200,000) - Richard Matvichuk (1,368,000)
Colin White (3,200,000) - Paul Martin (1,200,000)
David Hale (800,000) - Andy Greene (850,000)

Martin Brodeur (5,200,000)
Scott Clemmensen (450,000)

Extras: Jason Ryznar (500,000), Brad Lukowich (1,000,000)


Total = $44,545,000

So, I'm over the cap, but not too much. And the cap could (hopefully) be higher than 43.5 million. While I don't really like the defense, I think it's unlikely that Lou will make a big splash in the free agent market, since we need to worry about re-signing our guys first. Also, I wasn't sure what Bergfors' contract was.

You guys are underestimating the salary that Colin White is going to receive next season. Your looking at the 3mil+ a season range.

No he isn't. White if a restricted free agent. He'll take what Lou gives him for now. Maybe if the deal is longterm, it will be a bit higher, but not 3 Million+.

things i've noticed from most:

everyone's trading marshall and using ryznar or another rat in his place. marshall makes $250k more and has experience that these guys don't. furthermore, he could fill in on one of the top two lines for a game or two if need be.

if a defenseman is traded, it will be matvichuk before lukowich. Matty makes $368k more and is not as mobile as Luko (not saying much).

if zajac makes the team next year, i'll eat my hat. if he plays more than one game (assuming the devils don't have 5 injuries at the same time), i'll eat the brim. he's getting a full year at lowell. he's good, but he's not crosby (or even Parise - who would not have made the team in the lockout year.

to lock gomez for more than one year, it will require $5MM+, especially coming off the Richards deal.

brylin's not going anywhere except hopefully the 3rd line.

here's my call (w/o salaries, but confident we're under the cap):

Parise - Gomez - Gionta
Elias - Perrault - Langenbrunner
Pandolfo - Madden - Brylin
Janssen - Rassmussen - Marshall

Tallackson/Ryzer (one of the extra two will be solid rotation with the other 4th line guys)

Rafalski - Lukowich
Martin - White
Hale - F. Kaberle
Greene

Brodeur
450K backup of choice.

lou does exactly what he says he will: get a 2nd line center and a defenseman.

everyone's trading marshall and using ryznar or another rat in his place. marshall makes $250k more and has experience that these guys don't. furthermore, he could fill in on one of the top two lines for a game or two if need be.

Maybe you're right in this respect, but I would still like to see Ryznar get time with the 4th line. Marshall, imo, has slowed down a bit, and he takes some dumb penalties. I would rotate them, like you said, if this were the case.

As for Brylin, in my eyes he is a life-time Devil just like Pando. He can still be a useful player, maybe as a 4th line center. He's been a good soldier and the Devils owe him some gratitude, so he should stay.

i like what youve done there, except i dont like jason allison. hes too much of a chinadoll. i would maybe try yanic perrault (a monster at faceoffs). and i LOVE jay mckee, although idk if hed leave buffalo


also, id put bergfors/zajac on the 2nd line in place of tallackson

Couldn't agree with you more on your Allison comment. I just can't see Allison fitting in with the Devils. I know they can play offense but Lou likes to keep his team on a tight leash and be responsible defensively. Allison may drive Lou nuts!

- sign Elias
- sign Rasmussen
- sign Jason Allison
- sign Matt Cullen
- let Langenbrunner go
- trade Brylin
- if salary is still a concern, trade Matvichuk


Parise (703,000) - Gomez (4 mil) - Gionta (3 mil)
Elias (6.5 mil) - Allison (1.2 mil) - Cullen (2 mil)
Pandolfo (1 mil) - Madden (2.97 mil) - Marshall (750,000)
Wiemer (1 mil) - Rasmussen (700,000) - Janssen (450,000)

Lukowich (1 mil) - Rafalski (4.20 mil)
White (2 mil) - Martin (750,000)
Hale (600,000) - Matvichuk (1.36 mil)

Brodeur (5.20 mil)
Clemmenson (450,000)

Total Salary - $39,733,000 + 1.5 for 3 scratches + 1.5 for Mogilny/Malakhov =

$42,733,000

Reasoning:

Lou should take a chance on Allison. Allison is still an elite offensive talent. Yes, he is an injury risk, but its a risk worth taking for a single year. If Allison doesn't work out, Cullen, who also plays center, can take his place. Tallackson can also compete for a spot on the 2nd or 3rd line.

If Andy Greene turns out to be adequate on the third pairing, Matvichuk can be traded.

Just to sorta get discussion going again, if Elias were to leave, who would you target in the UFA market?

Based on most estimations, no Elias would give us around $7.00M to spend. Should we address defense, and get a guy like Redden, or sign two less sought after guys like Mitchell/McKee/Kubina and a Markov/Spacek?

No forward could really come close to replacing Elias, but I guess Arnott would be nice, although I wouldn't be willing to give him more than $4-$4.5 Million. Then come the guys who we've already mentioned like Perreault, Allison, etc.

1) Dvorak (900k) - Gomez ($4.50M) - Gionta ($3.50M)
2) Parise (703k)-Arnott ($4.50M)-Langenbrunner ($2.10M)
3) Pandolfo (836k)-Madden ($2.93M)-Brylin ($1.52M)
4) Ryznar ($500k)-Rasmussen ($600k)-Tallackson($510k)/Janssen ($450k)
20,039,000

1) White ($2.20M) - Martin ($850k)
2) Kubina ($4.00M) - Rafalski ($4.20M)
3) Hale (600k) - Spacek ($2.20M)
14,050,000

1) Brodeur ($5.20M)
2) Clemmensen ($450k)
5,650,000

=$42,739,000

I don't think that team is too bad. We would be a bit over once you factor in scratched players, but a couple hundred thousand can be saved here and there. Defense and PP is markedly improved. Top 4 of Gomez, Gionta, Arnott, Parise is good, Dvorak I think would do well on w/ Gomer and Gio b/c of his speed. He can also drop down to the checking line if need be. Ideally, I would prefer to invest Brylin or Langs money into a true top 6 forward, but I don't think sweeping changes will be made.

Just to sorta get discussion going again, if Elias were to leave, who would you target in the UFA market?

Based on most estimations, no Elias would give us around $7.00M to spend. Should we address defense, and get a guy like Redden, or sign two less sought after guys like Mitchell/McKee/Kubina and a Markov/Spacek?

No forward could really come close to replacing Elias, but I guess Arnott would be nice, although I wouldn't be willing to give him more than $4-$4.5 Million. Then come the guys who we've already mentioned like Perreault, Allison, etc.

1) Dvorak (900k) - Gomez ($4.50M) - Gionta ($3.50M)
2) Parise (703k)-Arnott ($4.50M)-Langenbrunner ($2.10M)
3) Pandolfo (836k)-Madden ($2.93M)-Brylin ($1.52M)
4) Ryznar ($500k)-Rasmussen ($600k)-Tallackson($510k)/Janssen ($450k)
20,039,000

1) White ($2.20M) - Martin ($850k)
2) Kubina ($4.00M) - Rafalski ($4.20M)
3) Hale (600k) - Spacek ($2.20M)
14,050,000

1) Brodeur ($5.20M)
2) Clemmensen ($450k)
5,650,000

=$42,739,000

I don't think that team is too bad. We would be a bit over once you factor in scratched players, but a couple hundred thousand can be saved here and there. Defense and PP is markedly improved. Top 4 of Gomez, Gionta, Arnott, Parise is good, Dvorak I think would do well on w/ Gomer and Gio b/c of his speed. He can also drop down to the checking line if need be. Ideally, I would prefer to invest Brylin or Langs money into a true top 6 forward, but I don't think sweeping changes will be made.

Matvichuk is under contract next year. I think he might have been the best defenseman on the ice for us for a majority of playoff games. he is solid and makes only $1.368 for next season. IMO you have to include him in the starting 6 for defenseman.

Matvichuk is under contract next year. I think he might have been the best defenseman on the ice for us for a majority of playoff games. he is solid and makes only $1.368 for next season. IMO you have to include him in the starting 6 for defenseman.

I was thinking about that, and I just think Matvichuk is too slow now. He has great positioning, and was solid for most of the season, but I would rather keep someone like Lukowich, who I thought, despite the end of Game 2, had a very solid playoff as well. By far our most consistent physical presence. You're probably right about Matvichuk staying, but I would prefer if he could get a better replacement for him, especially if Elias left.

Ok, I tweaked mine a bit.


Signings:
-UFA Patrik Elias, 3 years, 20.4 mil (6.8/year)
-UFA Jay McKee, 4 years, 11.2 mil (2.8/year)
-RFA Scott Gomez, 3 years, 13.5 mil (4.5/year)
-RFA Brian Gionta, 2 years, 6.4 mil (3.2/year)
-RFA Colin White, 2 years, 4.2 mil (2.1/year)
-RFA Paul Martin, 4 years, 5 mil (1.2/year)
-RFA David Hale, 3 years, 2.25 mil (750K/year)

Trades:
Trade Jason Wiemer (950K) and Grant Marshall (760K) to CHI for Curtis Brown (1.33 mil)
Trade Brad Lukowich for mid pick

Lines:

Bergfors - Gomez - Gionta
(450K) (4.5M) (3.2M)

Elias - Parise - Tallackson
(6.8M) (703K) (510K)

Pandolfo - Madden - Brylin
(836K) (2.938M) (1.52M)

Ryznar - Brown - Janssen
(500K) (1.33) (450K)

Rafalski - Matvichuk
(4.2M) (1.38M)

White - McKee
(2.1M) (2.8M)

Martin - Greene
(1.2M) (850K)


Brodeur
(5.2M)

Clemmenson
(450K)


+ 1.16 (buy out Mogilny)
------------------------
$43,007,000

Reserves:

Hale
Philman
Doyle
Vrana
Zajac

That's a good looking lineup, although I don't think you'll have to trade anyone for Brown. I remember reading that he will be bought out by Chicago in June. He didn't have such a great season, either, so he could probably be had for cheaper than $1.33M.

Your estimations are pretty fair as well. Although I would lower Martin's #, and elevate McKee's.

Hopefully Greene can pan out. That would eliminite our need for another puck-rushing d-man and would save some cap room.

Ok, I tweaked mine a bit.


Signings:
-UFA Patrik Elias, 3 years, 20.4 mil (6.8/year)
-UFA Jay McKee, 4 years, 11.2 mil (2.8/year)
-RFA Scott Gomez, 3 years, 13.5 mil (4.5/year)
-RFA Brian Gionta, 2 years, 6.4 mil (3.2/year)
-RFA Colin White, 2 years, 4.2 mil (2.1/year)
-RFA Paul Martin, 4 years, 5 mil (1.2/year)
-RFA David Hale, 3 years, 2.25 mil (750K/year)

Trades:
Trade Jason Wiemer (950K) and Grant Marshall (760K) to CHI for Curtis Brown (1.33 mil)
Trade Brad Lukowich for mid pick

Lines:

Bergfors - Gomez - Gionta
(450K) (4.5M) (3.2M)

Elias - Parise - Tallackson
(6.8M) (703K) (510K)

Pandolfo - Madden - Brylin
(836K) (2.938M) (1.52M)

Ryznar - Brown - Janssen
(500K) (1.33) (450K)

Rafalski - Matvichuk
(4.2M) (1.38M)

White - McKee
(2.1M) (2.8M)

Martin - Greene
(1.2M) (850K)


Brodeur
(5.2M)

Clemmenson
(450K)


+ 1.16 (buy out Mogilny)
------------------------
$43,007,000

Reserves:

Hale
Philman
Doyle
Vrana
Zajac

Good line-up but there is no way Colin white only gets $2.1 million. Dan McGillis will make $2.2 million and Colin White is a Top 4 defenseman on any and every team in the league.

OK, make Matin's 1M flat, Mckees 3.1, White 2.4. The total then becomes $43,407,000....$93,000 under the projected cap.

I originally had McKee at 3.2 and Gionta at 3.6, but I needed to clear room for Mogilny's buy-out.

And even if we don't need to give anything for Brown, we still need to get Wiemer and Marshall's salaries off the books. Weimer was just a rental, IMO, and Marshall is unnessecary on this team anymore. We have several players who can do what he does for less.

mckee's gonna get at least 3.5 and likely 4 (figure 3yr/$12M deal) as several teams will be bidding for him.

gionta at around $3MM is about right.

white is likely around $2.25-$2.4

elias will get $7MM minimum

As for Brylin, in my eyes he is a life-time Devil just like Pando. He can still be a useful player, maybe as a 4th line center. He's been a good soldier and the Devils owe him some gratitude, so he should stay.

Making over a million is gratitude enough.

mckee's gonna get at least 3.5 and likely 4 (figure 3yr/$12M deal) as several teams will be bidding for him.

gionta at around $3MM is about right.

white is likely around $2.25-$2.4

elias will get $7MM minimum

I just do not see a quality top 4 defenseman who is 27 only getting 2.4 million. He is turned into such a valuable defenseman. White on the ice: Staal does not score in Game 2 with 3 seconds left. I could be wrong but I think White gets $3 mill. If he was a UFA and he was offered 2.4 by the Devils he would be in another city and uniform next season.

- let Langenbrunner go


This is the one that always amazes me.
We do realize that Jamie plays:
a.) first string on the team's most important line -- Madden's
b.) up on a top-two line if our offense is struggling
c.) on the power play
d.) on the penalty kill
e.) when we need to score with a minute left
f.) when the other team needs to score with a minute left.

He is the ONLY guy who does all these things. And that's without going into the I WANNA WIN! mind-set he has, there's no slacking in his game (occasionally to his detriment but I can live with that). Maybe we can't afford him, that could be one issue. But I think we should try to before we consider him disposable. There's no one else on our team in all the A-F roles. I just think he should be respected him a lot more than he is sometimes.

This is the one that always amazes me.
We do realize that Jamie plays:
a.) first string on the team's most important line -- Madden's
b.) up on a top-two line if our offense is struggling
c.) on the power play
d.) on the penalty kill
e.) when we need to score with a minute left
f.) when the other team needs to score with a minute left.

He is the ONLY guy who does all these things. And that's without going into the I WANNA WIN! mind-set he has, there's no slacking in his game (occasionally to his detriment but I can live with that). Maybe we can't afford him, that could be one issue. But I think we should try to before we consider him disposable. There's no one else on our team in all the A-F roles. I just think he should be respected him a lot more than he is sometimes.


It depends on the money he asks. Bottom line is a lot of teams want a guy like that and will be willing to spend 3-4 million dollars. I on the other hand, based on our financial situation think that we shouldn't match a contract of that calibre because we have more pressing needs. Elias does all the things you mentioned (he could be a checking line player if we needed), and so does a Gionta. Bottom line is, our pressing needs are a long term Gomez, Gionta Elias pact. I'd love Jaime to come back, but only if the price is right.

Good line-up but there is no way Colin white only gets $2.1 million. Dan McGillis will make $2.2 million and Colin White is a Top 4 defenseman on any and every team in the league.

You can't compare the two contracts, though. McGillis was signed as a UFA. Of course he'll have a higher salary than White, who is a RFA.

I will take a crack at this based on Elias leaving.

Samsonov - Gomez - Gionta
Parise - Bulis - Bergfors
Pandolfo - Madden - Brylin
Janssen - Rasmussen - Tallackson

White - Martin
Hale - Rafalski
Matvichuk - Miller
Lukowich

Brodeur
Dunham

A faster more balanced offensive team. I really think we should get Bulis.

Ooh, let me have a go:

Elias (4 year 26.5 million dollars)
Gomez (1 year 4.11 million dollars)
Gionta (3 years 9 million dollars)
Parise (703K)
Langenbrunner (3 years 6 million dollars)
Zajac (850K)
Pandolfo (859K)
Madden (2.89)
Marshall (750K)
Brylin (1.52 million)
Janssen (450K)
Wiemer (950K)
Ryznar (450K)

Defense

Rafalski (4.2)
Matvichuk (1.1)
Martin (2 years 1.8 million dollars)
White (3 years 6 million dollars)
Hale (2 years 1.5 million dollars)
Lukowich (1 million)
Albelin (450K)

Goalies

Brodeur (5.2 million)
Potvin (1 million)
-------------------

41,757,000

Elias-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Parise-Gomez-Gionta
Pandolfo-Madden-Brylin
Janssen-Wiemer-Marshall

Hale-Lukowich
Matvichuk-Rafalski
Martin-White

Brodeur
Potvin

It's not too bad.

No, it's pretty good, but I think it's wishful thinking to expect Zajac to be the #1 center next year. :)

No, it's pretty good, but I think it's wishful thinking to expect Zajac to be the #1 center next year. :)

Actually the #2 Center. I think he's going to really impress out of camp next year and take the job. Elias-Zajac I think will be a dynamic duo. I mean the Flyers used Richards and Carter at an elite level last year. I also would love Potvin as the back up.

It depends on the money he asks. Bottom line is a lot of teams want a guy like that and will be willing to spend 3-4 million dollars. I on the other hand, based on our financial situation think that we shouldn't match a contract of that calibre because we have more pressing needs. Elias does all the things you mentioned (he could be a checking line player if we needed), and so does a Gionta. Bottom line is, our pressing needs are a long term Gomez, Gionta Elias pact. I'd love Jaime to come back, but only if the price is right.

Again, I'm saying, I know that the money could be an issue.
I'm just saying Langenbrunner should get a lot more respect considering what he does for this team. He's not as indispensable as people think, and what we're missing will spring up like holes on a waterbed if he goes. We have a lot of single-role player guys on the team, but not so much on the multi-role player level.

If Elias leaves I wouldn't mind adding some of the 2nd tier type players that will be available.

Radek Dvorak - Gomez - Gionta
Parise - Jeff Halpern - Langenbrunner
Pando - Madden - Tallackson
Pihlman - Brylin - Jannsen

On Defense:
If we can add Niclas Havelid and Greene makes the team and move Lucowhich, we should be in good shape.

(Halpern won't put up big numbers, but I always liked his game and effort. And we all know how the Devils want their centers to be defensively responsible and he's pretty good on faceoffs.)

If Elias leaves I wouldn't mind adding some of the 2nd tier type players that will be available.

Radek Dvorak - Gomez - Gionta
Parise - Jeff Halpern - Langenbrunner
Pando - Madden - Tallackson
Pihlman - Brylin - Jannsen

On Defense:
If we can add Niclas Havelid and Greene makes the team and move Lucowhich, we should be in good shape.

(Halpern won't put up big numbers, but I always liked his game and effort. And we all know how the Devils want their centers to be defensively responsible and he's pretty good on faceoffs.)

I would love the Devils to sign Halpern.

I would love the Devils to sign Halpern.

Not as our second line center, though.

Not as our second line center, though.

Why not? A line of Parise, Halpern a Jamie would be one of the hardest working lines and would be difficult to handle down low. They would also be defensively responsible. I think the guy has been stuck on a terrible Caps team and given the chance, he can do the job. I also see him has a Lou type of player. And it would be a short term solution until Parise and Zajac are ready and gives us a little insurance if Gomez departs.

Halpern is staying in Washington.

Halpern is staying in Washington.

Praise jesus hallelujah

Praise jesus hallelujah

I hope that wasn't another jew joke.

I hope that wasn't another jew joke.

Hardly. That last one was a positive stereotype which are a hoot. Im quite happy to keep Halpy in Washington so he won't stink it up here.

Hardly. That last one was a positive stereotype which are a hoot. Im quite happy to keep Halpy in Washington so he won't stink it up here.

He does not stink. He is a heart and soul player. He skates hard. He would fit nicely on the Devils.

I like Halpern a lot (and I got to see a lot of him, going to school in Virginia), but I don't want him on the Devils. Yes, he works hard, would be a prototypical Devil, etc., but he doesn't fit any of our needs. He's not good enough to be a second line center, and we already have a very good third line center who's not going anywhere.

And I highly doubt he leaves Washington anyway, so I think it's a moot point.

He does not stink. He is a heart and soul player. He skates hard. He would fit nicely on the Devils.

He stinks in terms of what we need. We have Madden we don't need Halpern. Pass and pass, next subject.

He does not stink. He is a heart and soul player. He skates hard. He would fit nicely on the Devils.




we have enough of those.

we need guys taht can put the puck in the net.

we have enough of those.

we need guys taht can put the puck in the net.


Absolutely. How many heart and soul players do we have? Pandolfo, Madden, Brylin?

Well, I'm trying to being realistic. Most of the players mentioned on this board just won't fit under the cap. But keep grasping at straws.

Well, I'm trying to being realistic. Most of the players mentioned on this board just won't fit under the cap. But keep grasping at straws.



if elias does not sign, we will have plenty of cap room to sign a good offensive player.

if elias does sign, then a big void is filled

if elias does not sign, we will have plenty of cap room to sign a good offensive player.

if elias does sign, then a big void is filled

Who? There's Weight and Arnott at centers, I figure Arnott can ask for 4 1/2 million and what about re-signing Gomez and Gionta and other needs. Unless, everyone would feels good about going with Zajac and Bergfors, then fine.

Hmm, here's my thoughts:
-Langenbrunner gone
-Wiemer & Marshall traded for picks
-Assuming no salary for Malakhov & buyout of Mogilny


Zach Parise (703,000) - Scott Gomez (4,500,000) - Brian Gionta (3,500,000)
Patrik Elias (7,000,000) - Mike Sillinger (1,300,000) - Nicklas Bergfors (750,000?)
Jay Pandolfo (836,000) - John Madden (2,938,000) - Sergei Brylin (1,520,000)
Barry Tallackson (510,000) - Erik Rasmussen (600,000) - Cam Janssen (450,000)

Brian Rafalski (4,200,000) - Richard Matvichuk (1,368,000)
Colin White (3,200,000) - Paul Martin (1,200,000)
David Hale (800,000) - Andy Greene (850,000)

Martin Brodeur (5,200,000)
Scott Clemmensen (450,000)

Extras: Jason Ryznar (500,000), Brad Lukowich (1,000,000)


Total = $44,545,000

So, I'm over the cap, but not too much. And the cap could (hopefully) be higher than 43.5 million. While I don't really like the defense, I think it's unlikely that Lou will make a big splash in the free agent market, since we need to worry about re-signing our guys first. Also, I wasn't sure what Bergfors' contract was.

In this scenario I'd dump Matvichuk as well and let Hale play with Rafalski, he's ready. Luko would then fill in the 6th D spot.

In this scenario I'd dump Matvichuk as well and let Hale play with Rafalski, he's ready. Luko would then fill in the 6th D spot.

Hale playing with Rafalski might work, but you are going to tell me that you would dump Matvichuk over Andy Greene? Matvichuk is a solid, proven defenseman who is betterthen a 6th defenseman. I can deal with him being 6th as even that is a little rediculous. I could not imagine getting rid of him all together. He was the Devils best post season defenseman IMO and really transitioned throughout the year as a solid part of the Devils core. Lou did not sign him for 4 years to trade him. Greene can develop in Lowell this coming season.

I sort of like the idea of signing Radek Dvorak for around $900k and having him play on the third line. He'll add some speed and offense to that line, but won't be a hinderance defensively. Versatile enough to also play on the 2nd line too.

Hale playing with Rafalski might work, but you are going to tell me that you would dump Matvichuk over Andy Greene? Matvichuk is a solid, proven defenseman who is betterthen a 6th defenseman. I can deal with him being 6th as even that is a little rediculous. I could not imagine getting rid of him all together. He was the Devils best post season defenseman IMO and really transitioned throughout the year as a solid part of the Devils core. Lou did not sign him for 4 years to trade him. Greene can develop in Lowell this coming season.
Is Matvichuk having surgery for his herniated disc this summer?

Is Matvichuk having surgery for his herniated disc this summer?
Good question. I haven't heard anything about that :dunno:

Regarding the draft, I would use Sergei Brylin (thanks for the memories Sarge, but he's not worth what he makes anymore) and trade up for a checking defenseman, preferably a big one (6'2" 210 type) with a strong shot and quick legs; that is where we are weakest right now in the organization.

The first thing on my offseason to-do list would be to somehow, someway get rid of Malakhov's, McGillis', and Mogilny's salaries. If we can't this team is screwed next year. Everything that follows is what I would do IF we can.

Regarding free agents, #1 priority is Elias. I would entice him with a 6.5 to 7.5 million salary, the captaincy, and a promise of two additional free agents: Jason Arnott and Petr Sykora. Arnott could be had at 5 million (career year) and Sykora 3 million (poor playoff). Imagine having the A-line back going into the new arena! They will sell season tickets!

The next big issue we need to address is a #1 or #2 defensemen. Since Redden and Chara will likely get the salary max, I would try to sneak up and get Jovanowski for 4-5 million instead.

I would try to get Langenbrunner to settle for about 3-4 million, or let him walk (his bad penalties hurt us all year, including game 3 against Carolina). I'd also try to keep Clemmensen for the league minimum.

I would qualify all the restricted for one year (Gomez, Gionta, White, Martin).

Lastly, I would let Kozlov, Klee, and Rasmussen go, and Albelin will most likely retire.

My (hopeful) line combinations for the 2006-2007 season:
Parise-Gomez-Gionta
Elias-Arnott-Sykora
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Janssen-Zajac-Marshall
Wiemer, Bergfors as extras

Rafalski-Jovanowski
Martin-White
Lukowich-Hale
Matvichuk, Greene as extras


Most likely, Lou and Vanderbeek might not have enough money to make this happen, but without this type of lineup (that includes 2 bonfide centers and 2 bonifide defensemen), we are a conference semi-finalist at best. The current Devils team needs to get bigger and faster. I think the above lineup addresses that. On with the debate!

how do you fit that all under the cap?

In my head I was think of a way to get Jovo, get van-city to allow us to talk to him now with the promise that if we get a deal done, they get rafalski, and say philman or a pick or something

Regarding the draft, I would use Sergei Brylin (thanks for the memories Sarge, but he's not worth what he makes anymore) and trade up for a checking defenseman, preferably a big one (6'2" 210 type) with a strong shot and quick legs; that is where we are weakest right now in the organization.

The first thing on my offseason to-do list would be to somehow, someway get rid of Malakhov's, McGillis', and Mogilny's salaries. If we can't this team is screwed next year. Everything that follows is what I would do IF we can.

Regarding free agents, #1 priority is Elias. I would entice him with a 6.5 to 7.5 million salary, the captaincy, and a promise of two additional free agents: Jason Arnott and Petr Sykora. Arnott could be had at 5 million (career year) and Sykora 3 million (poor playoff). Imagine having the A-line back going into the new arena! They will sell season tickets!

The next big issue we need to address is a #1 or #2 defensemen. Since Redden and Chara will likely get the salary max, I would try to sneak up and get Jovanowski for 4-5 million instead.

I would try to get Langenbrunner to settle for about 3-4 million, or let him walk (his bad penalties hurt us all year, including game 3 against Carolina). I'd also try to keep Clemmensen for the league minimum.

I would qualify all the restricted for one year (Gomez, Gionta, White, Martin).

Lastly, I would let Kozlov, Klee, and Rasmussen go, and Albelin will most likely retire.

My (hopeful) line combinations for the 2006-2007 season:
Parise-Gomez-Gionta
Elias-Arnott-Sykora
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Janssen-Zajac-Marshall
Wiemer, Bergfors as extras

Rafalski-Jovanowski
Martin-White
Lukowich-Hale
Matvichuk, Greene as extras


Most likely, Lou and Vanderbeek might not have enough money to make this happen, but without this type of lineup (that includes 2 bonfide centers and 2 bonifide defensemen), we are a conference semi-finalist at best. The current Devils team needs to get bigger and faster. I think the above lineup addresses that. On with the debate!
If the cap goes up to, oh, around 60 million, I like your plan.

Dude that lineup's salary would be in excess of $50 million. Gomez and Gionta would never just take their qualifying offers after their performances this year.

OK, I've been so bored (last 10 days of the school year). Hows this team:

Niklas Bergfors (450,000) - Scott Gomez (4,500,000) - Brian Gionta (3,200,000)
Patrick Elias (6,800,000) - Zach Parise (703,000) - Barry Tallackson (510,000)
Jay Pandolfo (836,000) - John Madden (2,938,000) - Sergei Brylin (1,520,000)
Jason Ryznar (500,000) - Curtis Brown (1,330,000) - Cam Janssen (450,000)

Brian Rafalski (4,200,000) - Richard Matvichuk (1,368,000)
Colin White (2,400,000) - Filip Kuba (3,000,000)
Paul Martin (1,000,000) - David Hale (850,000)

Martin Brodeur (5,200,000)
Scott Clemmenson (500,000)
$43,415,000

OK, I've been so bored (last 10 days of the school year). Hows this team:

Niklas Bergfors (450,000) - Scott Gomez (4,500,000) - Brian Gionta (3,200,000)
Patrick Elias (6,800,000) - Zach Parise (703,000) - Barry Tallackson (510,000)
Jay Pandolfo (836,000) - John Madden (2,938,000) - Sergei Brylin (1,520,000)
Jason Ryznar (500,000) - Curtis Brown (1,330,000) - Cam Janssen (450,000)

Brian Rafalski (4,200,000) - Richard Matvichuk (1,368,000)
Colin White (2,400,000) - Filip Kuba (3,000,000)
Paul Martin (1,000,000) - David Hale (850,000)

Martin Brodeur (5,200,000)
Scott Clemmenson (500,000)
$43,415,000
Like I said on the other thread, flip Bergfors and Tallackson. It sounds good, but I doubt we'll see three rookie forwards in the lineup.

OK, I've been so bored (last 10 days of the school year). Hows this team:

Niklas Bergfors (450,000) - Scott Gomez (4,500,000) - Brian Gionta (3,200,000)
Patrick Elias (6,800,000) - Zach Parise (703,000) - Barry Tallackson (510,000)
Jay Pandolfo (836,000) - John Madden (2,938,000) - Sergei Brylin (1,520,000)
Jason Ryznar (500,000) - Curtis Brown (1,330,000) - Cam Janssen (450,000)

Brian Rafalski (4,200,000) - Richard Matvichuk (1,368,000)
Colin White (2,400,000) - Filip Kuba (3,000,000)
Paul Martin (1,000,000) - David Hale (850,000)

Martin Brodeur (5,200,000)
Scott Clemmenson (500,000)
$43,415,000


For sure Bergfors makes more then 450,000 he's a first rounder, there is no way he makes what Janssen makes and less then Tallackson and Ryznar.

I got that number from here (http://devils.mostvaluablenetwork.com/wp-print.php?p=104)

OK, I've been so bored (last 10 days of the school year). Hows this team:

Niklas Bergfors (450,000) - Scott Gomez (4,500,000) - Brian Gionta (3,200,000)
Patrick Elias (6,800,000) - Zach Parise (703,000) - Barry Tallackson (510,000)
Jay Pandolfo (836,000) - John Madden (2,938,000) - Sergei Brylin (1,520,000)
Jason Ryznar (500,000) - Curtis Brown (1,330,000) - Cam Janssen (450,000)

Brian Rafalski (4,200,000) - Richard Matvichuk (1,368,000)
Colin White (2,400,000) - Filip Kuba (3,000,000)
Paul Martin (1,000,000) - David Hale (850,000)

Martin Brodeur (5,200,000)
Scott Clemmenson (500,000)
$43,415,000

Pretty good team, although there is no way Kuba gets $3 Million in this d-man market.

someone needs to go back in time and switch the first 2 numbers in Rafalski's contract.

someone needs to go back in time and switch the first 2 numbers in Rafalski's contract.

Rafalski is well worth the money, imo. He's overpaid by several 100k at the most.

It's amazing to me that people don't appreciate the job he did this year. Logging major minutes, and filling in as the #1 d-man very admirably. He's not Niedermayer, but he's a good #2 and an adequate #1. His salary is pretty spot on imo.

Rafalski is well worth the money, imo. He's overpaid by several 100k at the most.

It's amazing to me that people don't appreciate the job he did this year. Logging major minutes, and filling in as the #1 d-man very admirably. He's not Niedermayer, but he's a good #2 and an adequate #1. His salary is pretty spot on imo.

I was just joking around, but yeah I agree, he should be in the mid-3mil in my opinion.

He did a good job this year but not as good as I think he can do.

I got that number from here (http://devils.mostvaluablenetwork.com/wp-print.php?p=104)

I'm not sure I would consider that site/blog a reliable source of information.

I was just joking around, but yeah I agree, he should be in the mid-3mil in my opinion.

He did a good job this year but not as good as I think he can do.

I think Rafalski will really elevate his game this year and makes him the true #1 man on the blue line. He's played his whole career with Stevens and Niedermayer back there and isn't used to being the true go-to guy on D.

Also, just to sort of throw this out there, some of you guys have Tallackson making the team this year. With someone like Vrana in the minors who is a better fit for the new NHL (and I also personally believe he has a bit more offensive upside), does anyone here consider the possibility of Vrana making the lineup over Tallackson? Or is a season in the AHL in order for the kid?

Also, just to sort of throw this out there, some of you guys have Tallackson making the team this year. With someone like Vrana in the minors who is a better fit for the new NHL (and I also personally believe he has a bit more offensive upside), does anyone here consider the possibility of Vrana making the lineup over Tallackson? Or is a season in the AHL in order for the kid?Tallackson played 10 games with the Devils this year. Vrana spent the entire year, which was his first as a pro, in Albany. He played in 14 more games than Tallackson, but Tallky outscored Vrana slighly and Barry was a -4 to Petr's -14.

I think Vrana may get another season in the AHL, at least to start. I don't think that Vrana is ready defensively to go and be on the fourth line for the Devils, and if there is a spot on the second line, Bergfors has a better shot at it.

I'm not sure I would consider that site/blog a reliable source of information.TSN.ca has this list on its site, New Jersey Devils Payroll Tracker. (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=2704&hubname=) I don't know if this link has been posted previously.

I just wanted to say the David Puddy has the best avatar of all time.