Brian Gionta

Has anybody heard any news on Brian? If he dosn't sign before training camp, he will be a holdout right?

i believe he has some kind of agreement with lou on a deal, but is waiting for things to fall into place with the salary cap before he signs

thats my guess anyways

i believe he has some kind of agreement with lou on a deal, but is waiting for things to fall into place with the salary cap before he signs

thats my guess anywaysI think you are right. Brian Gionta doesn't seem like the type of guy that would get angry, and Lou Lamoriello will take care of Gionta in January with an extension. I should note for those that don't know that Gionta's agent is Steve Bartlett, who is also the agent of Jamie Langenbrunner.

I think you are right. Brian Gionta doesn't seem like the type of guy that would get angry, and Lou Lamoriello will take care of Gionta in January with an extension. I should note for those that don't know that Gionta's agent is Steve Bartlett, who is also the agent of Jamie Langenbrunner.

Couple of years ago u'd say the same about Gomer.

Couple of years ago u'd say the same about Gomer.

It's not the first time Gomez has gone to arbitration though, and he did hold out once (albeit briefly). I didn't picture him as a Devil for life, and it might even be healthy for the Devils to part ways with him down the road. It would be too much salary tied up in a small group of players.

Couple of years ago u'd say the same about Gomer.

Not really. I've never had the same kind of faith in Gomez as a Devil as I do in Gionta as a Devil.

I think Gomez is getting a little to rough treatment from Devils fans.......Supposed you performed in top 10% of your company from the first year you arrived and for 6 straight years going forward....But you were paid in the bottom 25% of your company and in the bottom end of the scale industry wide.

You would inevitably begin to feel that your services were unappreciated.

I think Gomez is getting a little to rough treatment from Devils fans.......Supposed you performed in top 10% of your company from the first year you arrived and for 6 straight years going forward....But you were paid in the bottom 25% of your company and in the bottom end of the scale industry wide.

You would inevitably begin to feel that your services were unappreciated.

:clap: I love this guy. I would take him any day of the week on my team and twice on Sunday!

IMO, Centers have more value then wings. I would rather have 3 good centers with 9 decent wings then 3 decent centers and 9 good wings. IMO, A good center makes an average wing look good.
I like Gomer and all, but I would much rather have Gionta. He is a great all-around winger. He scores and has a decent defensive game.

:clap: I love this guy. I would take him any day of the week on my team and twice on Sunday!

IMO, Centers have more value then wings. I would rather have 3 good centers with 9 decent wings then 3 decent centers and 9 good wings. IMO, A good center makes an average wing look good.
I like Gomer and all, but I would much rather have Gionta. He is a great all-around winger. He scores and has a decent defensive game.




huh? :dunno:

you just contradicted yourself

Couple of years ago u'd say the same about Gomer.How can you say that? I have never considered Scott Gomez as a great team guy.

Also, Brian Gionta could have filed for salary arbitration and gotten $3 - $5 million. He had a better year than Gomez in 2005-06 while earning only $627,000. He chose not to do so to help the team.

what happens if gionta dosnt sign by the start of season?

what happens if gionta dosnt sign by the start of season?
Lou pays him in pasta and Little Debbies.

Lou pays him in pasta and Little Debbies.

LMAO!!!!:clap: :handclap:

Yea, I see Gomez as a guy with not much loyalty. It's going to take a lot more money to keep him with the Devils past next year. Now you take guys like Elias, Brodeur and Langenbrunner who could have all gotten a lot more money in other places, but they all stayed with the Devils. I believe Gio will do the same.

Alot of people were questioning Elias loyalty when he said he would test the free agent waters. Gomez has a lot of love for the Devils. Don't take the arbitration decision as a reason he wants to leave. It was his right to go to arbitration and decided to do it. I do believe alot of people will be surprised when Gomez decides to stay in NJ. He's a stones throw away from the best city in the world, he plays for a team that he knows plays to win and he is one of the faces of the franchise. Lets cut the kid some slack. He will be playing on one the best lines in hockey this year and has a teammate that he has such a special chemistry with in Gio...... (btw didn't gio and gomer play with eachother in some junior competitions for team USA?) If he does leave, I would be surprised. His most formitative years were spent watching Stevens and Dano battle for a team and retire as Gods to their fanbase. He sees what Marty is doing, and he saw what one of his good friends in Patty did this offseason.

Gomer is staying put, Lou wants him here. It will be worked out..... I Hope.:devils

How can you say that? I have never considered Scott Gomez as a great team guy.

Also, Brian Gionta could have filed for salary arbitration and gotten $3 - $5 million. He had a better year than Gomez in 2005-06 while earning only $627,000. He chose not to do so to help the team.


Thats what I meant, back in the day, he wouldnt be picky about money like he is today. IMO thats what i remember anyway. Gomer always smiling taking things easy, but i guess He grew out of it now?

I think you are right. Brian Gionta doesn't seem like the type of guy that would get angry, and Lou Lamoriello will take care of Gionta in January with an extension. I should note for those that don't know that Gionta's agent is Steve Bartlett, who is also the agent of Jamie Langenbrunner.

He's kind of doing what Rafalski did two years ago.

Thats what I meant, back in the day, he wouldnt be picky about money like he is today. IMO thats what i remember anyway. Gomer always smiling taking things easy, but i guess He grew out of it now?Gomez wasn't eligible for arbitration very ealry in his career.

My point about Gionta is that he could have filed for arbitration this year, but he did not. Had he done that, it would have really forced Lou Lamoriello to start trading players away.

Gomez has been feeling unloved in the money department for several years now, pretty much ever since he established himself as our top line center, but was receiving mid-level defenseman money... So arbitration was what he needed to feel better -- to "get paid" -- and it worked. Both he and Lou have been quoted as saying the process was not that bad and neither harbor any ill will. And $5 mil, albeit a huge number, is less than Lou's worst case scenario, and can potentially end up with Gomer staying with the team.

And next year he WILL test free agency, just as Elias did, and I believe he will make a decision very similar to Patty -- that is, see what is out there, and take a long term deal to stay at home for a little less (the much ballyhooed Lou discount...)

Gionta, on the other hand, had the one break-out season, and is on the verge of becoming one of the "core" players (Broduer, Elias, Madden, Langs, White...hopefully, Gomez) and getting his long term, reasonably huge money deal. As a home grown talent, with his brother in the same system, and a large local(-ish) fan base upstate, and really special chemistry with Gomez (who he helps the team keep by not going into arbitration himself...) This is a GREAT situation for him. It really is in his overall best interest to remain loyal and get his due by next January, not take himself out of a comfortable, winning scenario to become just another smallish winger in a another system where he might not be the first scoring option on the top line, and beloved to the fans.

He'd stay for the Little Debbies, if neccessary.

Gomez has been feeling unloved in the money department for several years now, pretty much ever since he established himself as our top line center, but was receiving mid-level defenseman money... So arbitration was what he needed to feel better -- to "get paid" -- and it worked. Both he and Lou have been quoted as saying the process was not that bad and neither harbor any ill will. And $5 mil, albeit a huge number, is less than Lou's worst case scenario, and can potentially end up with Gomer staying with the team.

And next year he WILL test free agency, just as Elias did, and I believe he will make a decision very similar to Patty -- that is, see what is out there, and take a long term deal to stay at home for a little less (the much ballyhooed Lou discount...)

Gionta, on the other hand, had the one break-out season, and is on the verge of becoming one of the "core" players (Broduer, Elias, Madden, Langs, White...hopefully, Gomez) and getting his long term, reasonably huge money deal. As a home grown talent, with his brother in the same system, and a large local(-ish) fan base upstate, and really special chemistry with Gomez (who he helps the team keep by not going into arbitration himself...) This is a GREAT situation for him. It really is in his overall best interest to remain loyal and get his due by next January, not take himself out of a comfortable, winning scenario to become just another smallish winger in a another system where he might not be the first scoring option on the top line, and beloved to the fans.

He'd stay for the Little Debbies, if neccessary.


I disagree. Time to send Gomer packing. We cant give Gomez a huge paycheck next yr AND give Gio Martin and Hale raises AND sign Rafalski or a good replacement just because we have 7.1 off the books. Almost all of that 7.1 would have to be given to gomez. And Gomez will not do the same thing as Elias, Elias at least negotiated up until the end of June. Goemz is refusing to negotiate. Does that not send a message? Even though I believe he'd prefer to be a Devil, money is more important. If someone offered him 6.5 at least (which Im sure will happen) the Devils will not match and he will walk. And we cant sign him for around 6.5. We will have around 30 million committed to 7 players (Gomez, Elias, Langs, Brodeur, White, Rafalski or good replacement, and Madden). That wont work with any FAs we need to sign, Martin and Hale up and coming, and a couple forwards needed for the second line. Time to let Gomez go for a 2 yr stop gap.

I disagree. Time to send Gomer packing. We cant give Gomez a huge paycheck next yr AND give Gio Martin and Hale raises AND sign Rafalski or a good replacement just because we have 7.1 off the books. Almost all of that 7.1 would have to be given to gomez. And Gomez will not do the same thing as Elias, Elias at least negotiated up until the end of June. Goemz is refusing to negotiate. Does that not send a message? Even though I believe he'd prefer to be a Devil, money is more important. If someone offered him 6.5 at least (which Im sure will happen) the Devils will not match and he will walk. And we cant sign him for around 6.5. We will have around 30 million committed to 7 players (Gomez, Elias, Langs, Brodeur, White, Rafalski or good replacement, and Madden). That wont work with any FAs we need to sign, Martin and Hale up and coming, and a couple forwards needed for the second line. Time to let Gomez go for a 2 yr stop gap.
And next year Zajac will be able to step up. We could have something like:

Elias - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Tallackson - Parise - Bergfors

At that point Gomez would be a luxury, not a nessecity. And we don't need a $7M luxury.

And next year Zajac will be able to step up. We could have something like:

Elias - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Tallackson - Parise - Bergfors

At that point Gomez would be a luxury, not a nessecity. And we don't need a $7M luxury.

I love our prospects as much as the next guy (and am inclined to overrate them as well)... But those lines are a serious step backwards, IMO.

Zajac as our top line center is quite a projection from this point. Even if he turns out to be as good as Gomez (top 10-15 playmakers in the game), that would be Gomez at year one, not year seven. (And Langs being our top RW isn't setting me on fire with hope either, as he is currently a second or third line guy and isn't getting any better statistically...)

And Parise has shown nothing to indicate he is an NHL ready second line pivot, and despite it being his "natural" position (so we have been told) currently, in the real world, he gets ridden off the puck fairly easily in the nuetral zone -- not so for Gomez -- and isn't much of a factor in front of the net (say, as Gio) and has excelled up to this point in the corners and in the slot. He may never be a center, in reality, or at least will need lots of time to prove otherwise. Some said the same things about Elias when he came up -- him being a future center (and he has been forced, uncomfortably, to play some center in past seasons) and being our best player or not, he is no great center (either).

Bergfors excites me a ton, and I can't wait to see him in a Devils sweater, but having seen a fair amount of Barry T. already -- I think there is a better than even chance he is more Mike Rupp than Eric Lindros or Owen Nolan. (We'll all see.)

Our second line sucked this past season, for certain. But both those lines kinda suck, too.

In factoring how to actually KEEP Gomez (say at the same $6 mil per we pay Elias long term), and therein keeping the EGG line (our best ever) into the future, that would be only $1 mil more than it costs to keep him THIS YEAR. And besides whatever M & M relief doesn't come off the books this year (still waiting to see what Lou's got up the sleeve), there needs to be factored in a reasonable expectation of growth in the sport -- which would translate into a higher cap number. So there could be in excess of $10 mil to re-sign Gio, etc. Hale and Martin's numbers won't be too large at this poiint in their careers. And, not re-signing Rafalski (who is already showing signs of slowing down and some skills erosion) isn't the end of the world (and might happen this off-season).

But Gomez may well be the best center we've ever had (and, possibly, will ever have). Saying some untested kid is going to better him -- and only after a season or two -- is too wishful and unrealistic even for a fanboy like me.

I love our prospects as much as the next guy (and am inclined to overrate them as well)... But those lines are a serious step backwards, IMO.

Zajac as our top line center is quite a projection from this point. Even if he turns out to be as good as Gomez (top 10-15 playmakers in the game), that would be Gomez at year one, not year seven. (And Langs being our top RW isn't setting me on fire with hope either, as he is currently a second or third line guy and isn't getting any better statistically...)

And Parise has shown nothing to indicate he is an NHL ready second line pivot, and despite it being his "natural" position (so we have been told) currently, in the real world, he gets ridden off the puck fairly easily in the nuetral zone -- not so for Gomez -- and isn't much of a factor in front of the net (say, as Gio) and has excelled up to this point in the corners and in the slot. He may never be a center, in reality, or at least will need lots of time to prove otherwise. Some said the same things about Elias when he came up -- him being a future center (and he has been forced, uncomfortably, to play some center in past seasons) and being our best player or not, he is no great center (either).

Bergfors excites me a ton, and I can't wait to see him in a Devils sweater, but having seen a fair amount of Barry T. already -- I think there is a better than even chance he is more Mike Rupp than Eric Lindros or Owen Nolan. (We'll all see.)

Our second line sucked this past season, for certain. But both those lines kinda suck, too.

In factoring how to actually KEEP Gomez (say at the same $6 mil per we pay Elias long term), and therein keeping the EGG line (our best ever) into the future, that would be only $1 mil more than it costs to keep him THIS YEAR. And besides whatever M & M relief doesn't come off the books this year (still waiting to see what Lou's got up the sleeve), there needs to be factored in a reasonable expectation of growth in the sport -- which would translate into a higher cap number. So there could be in excess of $10 mil to re-sign Gio, etc. Hale and Martin's numbers won't be too large at this poiint in their careers. And, not re-signing Rafalski (who is already showing signs of slowing down and some skills erosion) isn't the end of the world (and might happen this off-season).

But Gomez may well be the best center we've ever had (and, possibly, will ever have). Saying some untested kid is going to better him -- and only after a season or two -- is too wishful and unrealistic even for a fanboy like me.

Well said.....I agree

Afro as much as we all think our boys will be bonafide top six players we have to remember they are still prospects. Even if gomer is due for a high pay day he is well worth it, consider the 7mil coming off after next season for MM, and the possibility of retooling the d-corps around white, martin, hale, green (Rafalski, Matvichuck, and Lukowitch will be UFAs as well freeing up 6+mil.)

i can see Gomez being only being signed for 2-3 years THEN letting Zajac and Parise take over the top 2 lines.

I know its too early to tell, but do you figure Gionta will be playing in the season opener?

I know its too early to tell, but do you figure Gionta will be playing in the season opener?

Um, is that even a question? Yes.

the post has an article today suggesting that gionta would boycot camp. again its the post though.

the post has an article today suggesting that gionta would boycot camp. again its the post though.

I read Everson's article, nothing too surprising to me; I think a lot of us have stated before and I still believe that Gionta is waiting for the salary cap issue to be resolved; this article implies that, as well. I understand a player's perspective about not wanting to risk attending camp without a contract and I think it is in Lamoriello's best interest to sign Gionta before or early in training camp if he can free up the space by then.

I see the question of will Brian Gionta be on the ice at the beginning of training camp and will he be on the opening night roster as two different questions; my guess/hope is Lamoriello is able to sign him before (or early in) camp, but if he has to wait to free up the space, it will still happen before opening night and Gionta will be on the opening night roster.

http://www.nypost.com/sports/devils/gionta_might_boycott_camp_devils_mark_everson.htm

And next year Zajac will be able to step up. We could have something like:

Elias - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Tallackson - Parise - Bergfors

At that point Gomez would be a luxury, not a nessecity. And we don't need a $7M luxury.
As a Flyers fan I love these lines. Pittsburgh and NYI will finish ahead. If Gomez will go.

Guys, just remember those lines I put out were a prediction. I'm sure the lines will be totally different. I threw them together so fast I left Gionta out.

the post has an article today suggesting that gionta would boycot camp. again its the post though.

Can you blame him? I wouldn't show up either without a contract. Does anyone know when you can start replacing the salary of players placed on I.R., is it during training camp or is it the season? Specifically talking about Matvichuck, Weimer and possibly Mogilny?

Does anyone know when you can start replacing the salary of players placed on I.R., is it during training camp or is it the season? Specifically talking about Matvichuck, Weimer and possibly Mogilny?

I was wondering the same thing about Weimer, since he just had surgery that will cost him most of the season. Elias didn't count during the offseason, but the CBA hadn't been finalized yet.

The Post reported that Matvichuk might not be ready for the season opener, who knows what his status will be in a month.

And next year Zajac will be able to step up. We could have something like:

Elias - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Tallackson - Parise - Bergfors

At that point Gomez would be a luxury, not a nessecity. And we don't need a $7M luxury.
Where's Gionta?

I'd keep him and swap RWs, putting Langs down to the third line.

That would be nice.

written by NEverson = its a crock

Agree about Neverson = talking out of his ***. But as camp holdouts go, Gio's language in the article seemed far from confrontational, and him not going to camp is in his best interest anyway, in both avoiding injury and forcing Lou to make the moves to keep him. (Just as Gomez made the right move with arbitration.) I think both players always wanted to be here, and hopefully Loophole Lou will figure out the steps to make it so.

Seeing those pictures of Almo skating with Malkin seem to run counter to the theory of him going on permanent IR, so it looks likely we will see HIM at camp (earning the $3.5 mil Gio wants...) and not getting out of that contract, except via trade.

Malakhov -- maybe we sneak out of that one, if he doesn't report, yet doesn't file retirement papers... For whatever "reason".

We shall see soon, if not soon enough for most of us fans.

and some comments from Gionta about yesterday's article:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060823/SPORTS/608230356/1007/SPORTS

Im getting Gionta on the back of my jersey no matter what happens now :bow: . What a smurf!

and some comments from Gionta about yesterday's article:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060823/SPORTS/608230356/1007/SPORTS

Well, kudos to him and Lou. Everson, Everson. :shakehead

written by NEverson = its a crockYou couldn't be more correct.

From the article linked by sk84fun_dc,
A story in the New York Post said Gionta is contemplating a holdout until his contract is signed.

"I didn't say anything like that," Gionta said on Tuesday afternoon. "I have no plans of that whatsoever."

You couldn't be more correct.

From the article linked by sk84fun_dc,
A story in the New York Post said Gionta is contemplating a holdout until his contract is signed.

"I didn't say anything like that," Gionta said on Tuesday afternoon. "I have no plans of that whatsoever."

You know what boggles the mind......is that it's one thing to make up rumors but to make up something someone said? That's grade 2.

For example. Puddy called me an ***.

For example. Puddy called me an ***.But that is true. :biglaugh: I'm only kidding.

But that is true. :biglaugh: I'm only kidding.

See now I knew you were going to say that, jerk :p:

Im getting Gionta on the back of my jersey no matter what happens now :bow: . What a smurf!
and i'm glad i got him on mine before the 05-06 season!

Got mine in 03/04... Nee-ner, Nee-ner...;) Only saw one other Gio jersey at the Swamp that year... Wear it to every game. After those quotes, gotta love the guy even more.

Still laugh my *** off at a Marty line from that year, when someone gave him a tiny infant size jersey to sign and he held it up and said it was Brian Gionta's jersey... :biglaugh:

NEverson :shakehead

NEverson :shakehead

How can a reporter make up comments out of whole cloth and still keep their job? He is God Awful...

Seeing those pictures of Almo skating with Malkin seem to run counter to the theory of him going on permanent IR, so it looks likely we will see HIM at camp (earning the $3.5 mil Gio wants...) and not getting out of that contract, except via trade...
The solution to this is apparent:
Have Gionta check Mogilny hard in camp...voila!!
:sarcasm:
<(-:**

An article from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle posted on NJDevs also refutes NEverson's BS, and contains this little nugget:

Bartlett said the basic parameters of a new contract are in place. It is assumed that Gionta is seeking a three-year deal, with his salary for the upcoming season around $3.5 million.

Deal or not, Gionta plans to attend Devils' camp (http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060823/SPORTS/608230356/1007/SPORTS)

Just want to say great job by the poster who came up with the Rochester article. It seems to have shut up all the Devil haters for now, until next new thread is started up by our neighbors.

Bartlett said the basic parameters of a new contract are in place. It is assumed that Gionta is seeking a three-year deal, with his salary for the upcoming season around $3.5 million. He earned $627,000 last season, when he scored a club-record 48 goals.

post has another article about gionta again. while they admit that gionta said he has no plans to hold out, the to point out that he didnt retract his statement from monday.

they are reaching now.

[QUOTE=nni;6351583]post has another article about gionta again. while they admit that gionta said he has no plans to hold out, the to point out that he didnt retract his statement from monday.

they are reaching now.[/QUOT

I would guess that Mr. Neverson is trying to cover his butt.

I think we will all see Lou have one really busy day whenever it happens. He will make a deal and in the same day sign Gionta to a long term deal.

There is room now to sign him and however deepen our cap issues. I think a minor trade aka Marshall for a 4th or something to that effect and the signing of the Rochester Rocket is the conclusion. And I also think Gionta will take less then $3 if it is a multi year deal.

I've been hearing a lot of people say that Gionta is a one year wonder. That he could never put up 30+ goals again. Well in 2003-04 he put up 21 goals on 174 shots, which is a .121 Shot %. If he put the number of pucks on net he did this year, which is 291, in 03-04, he would have scored 35 goals. If he put the same number of shots this year in 2002-03 when he had a .093% he would have 27 goals. I guess what I'm trying to prove is that next year his Shot % will probably be between .125 and .165% and if he puts just as many shots on net he will have no problem in putting in 35+ goals.

Mike

I've been hearing a lot of people say that Gionta is a one year wonder. That he could never put up 30+ goals again. Well in 2003-04 he put up 21 goals on 174 shots, which is a .121 Shot %. If he put the number of pucks on net he did this year, which is 291, in 03-04, he would have scored 35 goals. If he put the same number of shots this year in 2002-03 when he had a .093% he would have 27 goals. I guess what I'm trying to prove is that next year his Shot % will probably be between .125 and .165% and if he puts just as many shots on net he will have no problem in putting in 35+ goals.

Mike
The new NHL is to Gionta what 2-day old milk is to bacteria. He will thrive in this league for a long time now.