NJD center options for next year

With the speculation that Gomez may leave via free agency I thought it would be a good idea to look at whats available on the open market.

Chris Drury
Daniel Briere
Vyacheslav Kozlov
Eric Belanger
Michal Handzus
Bryan Smolinski
Joe Sakic
Pavel Datsyuk
Robert Lang
Mike York
Dainius Zubrus

I can see Gomez getting 6.5-7 million, and I don't think he would accept less than that. Drury and Briere are intriguing, but they will cost at least as much of Gomez. I can't see Atlanta letting go of Kozlov, and it would be a real stretch to see Colorado let go of Sakic. Datsyuk's demands are pretty high, although Lang could possibly come cheap, possibly Zubrus too, but neither of those players are the calibur of Gomez.

IF GOMEZ DOES LEAVE and the Devils decide to replace him from within, there's also the possibility that Parise could convert back to his natural position or put Zajac between Elias and Gionta. Playing Brylin between Parise and Langenbrunner wouldn't be such a terrible idea, but can Zajac handle 1st line center?

The money saved on Gomez could be spent elsewhere too, say Stuart?

Of that list, I think that Kozlov is the best choice for the price. I'm not sure how he'd do in our system though.

If we don't resign Gomez then I think Parise will be moving to center.

If we don't resign Gomez then I think Parise will be moving to center.

I agree, even though Drury would look great in a Devils uni.

If we don't resign Gomez then I think Parise will be moving to center.

I agree. As previously stated I think Lou would use that money on a Brad Stuart type dman. However, I still feel that we will re-sign Gomez, and that he won't get more than 5.5 million per.

I agree. As previously stated I think Lou would use that money on a Brad Stuart type dman. However, I still feel that we will re-sign Gomez, and that he won't get more than 5.5 million per.

I can't see that, I personally don't even think he's worth what he's being paid now, but some GM will overpay and drive the price up. There will be a few teams calling Papa Gomez this summer, and he will almost definately get a better offer than that.

We need Gomez. He is just too good, and we already have him. Just gotta get Lou or his father to give him a kick in the *** every few games and to score more.

I can't see that, I personally don't even think he's worth what he's being paid now, but some GM will overpay and drive the price up. There will be a few teams calling Papa Gomez this summer, and he will almost definately get a better offer than that.

I disagree, Gomez is worth it. He really gets our offense going and is an elite passer. Not too many people can go end to end like he does. If it were my choice between Gomer and Gionta, it would have to be Gomez. Don't get me wrong, I love everything that Gionta brings but Gomez is a greater talent. I might be the select few that would choose him but he and Elias have been together for a while and have great chemistry in the playoffs.

I don't see Gomez staying, that money could be spent on resigning raffy and signing a Sheldon Souray type d-man or a Drury to replace Gomer.


Elias-Drury-Gionta has a nice sound to it. The EDG line.

Elias--Drury--Gionta THE GED LINE for those of you without an edumacation. ;)

Souray has the shot but I think he may be a pylon on defense. I need to see more of him. Anyway, Matt Corrente may be ready by next season.

HAPPY FREAKIN' NEW YEAR! :p:

Without Gomez, Gionta suffers.

Without Gomez, Gionta suffers.

Very True.....I happen to think handzus would be a great fit for us though not 1st line material like Gomer, but if the right price, the guy sure can play d and add the grit and play Lou and Co loves.....

Without Gomez, Gionta suffers.

Very True.....I happen to think handzus would be a great fit for us though not 1st line material like Gomer, but if the right price, the guy sure can play d and add the grit and play Lou and Co loves.....and it would be great to have a mullet here, its been to long since peluso left.:D

its been to long since peluso left.:D




I've been going through withdrawl since he left. He used to send me a bunch of autographed stuff. Now I rarely get anything.

I've been going through withdrawl since he left. He used to send me a bunch of autographed stuff. Now I rarely get anything.

Man I wish I knew that....i collect every devils 8x10 signed he was one of the few I had to pay a small forchune for.....I miss him too, i never forget the big man crying for tough guys these guys have hearts of gold. Its good to hear that he was good to you and have a happe new year brother tell Scotty to stay.


BTW happy new year everyone...heres to another cup run:cheers:
GO DEVILS

Man I wish I knew that....i collect every devils 8x10 signed he was one of the few I had to pay a small forchune for.....I miss him too, i never forget the big man crying for tough guys these guys have hearts of gold. Its good to hear that he was good to you and have a happe new year brother tell Scotty to stay.


BTW happy new year everyone...heres to another cup run:cheers:
GO DEVILS


I have a picture of Mike with every team he's played with except Calgary and the Blues. He sent me a devils 8x10 that's 1526/2500 not sure why it's that collectible but it's cool. He sent me a signed picture of the '95 devils team with the cup that's signed by the entire team and he also sent me some cup champs shirts which were cool. I can tell him all I want but I don't think he will listen to me. I hope he stays though because I'm thinking about going next year to see the new arena. Though it would be nicer if he was closer from here to there it's about a 10 hour plane ride. 33 minutes till 2007.

if we don't resign Gomez....

wishful thinking
Briere
Datsyuk
Drury

realistic
York
Kozlov

I can see Gomez getting 6.5-7 million, and I don't think he would accept less than that. Drury and Briere are intriguing, but they will cost at least as much of Gomez.

Gomez won't get that much, unless he somehow manages to score 60+ points in the remaining 44 games. If Briere stays healthy he may get that kind of money, it looks like he'll have a career year right before becoming an UFA. Gomez certainly seems capable of scoring 90+ points, but he needs actually pull that off before he's considered an elite center.

A lot depends on whether Gomez wants to stay a Devil or if he's really looking to play fire-wagon somewhere else like all the pundits claim. Lou will make a competitive offer to Gomez. Looking at the current roster, only Marty has signed a long-term deal for less than market value.

Even if Gomez walks it's hard to imagine Lou shopping for a big name center, simply because he's never signed any big UFAs before. He did sign Matvichuk a few years ago, so maybe he could end up signing someone like Handzus.

AS someone who lives in Buffalo, I get the feeling that the guy they want to keep is Briere. He has great chemistry with just about everyone, and most people think that Regier will want to lock him up long term. And with Briere, Vanek, and Roy getting substantial raises, it will be hard to sign them all.

Drury is a great 25 goal center who plays great defensively. He made ~$3M last year. I honestly can't see him making over $4.5M-$5M this year, which is the gap Gomez would leave.

Elias-Drury-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Bergfors/Langenbrunner

Pretty good top 6.

AS someone who lives in Buffalo, I get the feeling that the guy they want to keep is Briere. He has great chemistry with just about everyone, and most people think that Regier will want to lock him up long term. And with Briere, Vanek, and Roy getting substantial raises, it will be hard to sign them all.

Drury is a great 25 goal center who plays great defensively. He made ~$3M last year. I honestly can't see him making over $4.5M-$5M this year, which is the gap Gomez would leave.

Elias-Drury-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Bergfors/Langenbrunner

Pretty good top 6.

dude ur from hamburg.....nice; im from lewiston (right by niagara falls if u dont know lewiston).......idk ive herd that briere is walkin at the end of this season and doesnt want to return to buffalo. who knows though :confused:

Just for fun here's an early prediction for next near:

Elias(6)-Drury(4.5)-Gionta(4)= 14.5
Parise(1.5)-Zajac(?)-Bergfors(?)= approx 3.5
Pando(1)-Madden(2.9)-Langs(2.8)= 6.7
Rass(?)-Brylin(?)-Janssen(?)=aprox 2

White(3)-Rafalski(4.2)= 7.2
Stuart(3.5)-Martin(?)= approx 6
Oduya(?)-Hale(?)= approx 3

Brodeur(5.2)= approx 6
Clemmer(?)

Well this all adds up to 38.6 not including the ? marks. Some FA's like Rafalski I just put down this year's contract because maybe he'll take somewhere near the same range. Seems like a longshot definately but it's wishful thinking.

AS someone who lives in Buffalo, I get the feeling that the guy they want to keep is Briere. He has great chemistry with just about everyone, and most people think that Regier will want to lock him up long term. And with Briere, Vanek, and Roy getting substantial raises, it will be hard to sign them all.

Drury is a great 25 goal center who plays great defensively. He made ~$3M last year. I honestly can't see him making over $4.5M-$5M this year, which is the gap Gomez would leave.

If there was ONE player I've always thought would be the prototypical Devil, it's Drury. He's like Madden on steroids!
Elias-Drury-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Bergfors/Langenbrunner

Pretty good top 6.

AS someone who lives in Buffalo, I get the feeling that the guy they want to keep is Briere. He has great chemistry with just about everyone, and most people think that Regier will want to lock him up long term. And with Briere, Vanek, and Roy getting substantial raises, it will be hard to sign them all.

Drury is a great 25 goal center who plays great defensively. He made ~$3M last year. I honestly can't see him making over $4.5M-$5M this year, which is the gap Gomez would leave.


Elias-Drury-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Bergfors/Langenbrunner

Pretty good top 6.

If there was ONE player I've always thought would be the prototypical Devil, it's Drury. He's like Madden on steroids!

Very True.....I happen to think handzus would be a great fit for us though not 1st line material like Gomer, but if the right price, the guy sure can play d and add the grit and play Lou and Co loves.....and it would be great to have a mullet here, its been to long since peluso left.:D

Personally, I would not like Handzus on the Devs...yes he has heart but he pretty much sucks. He would be a filler at best, and we don't need any more fillers. I would rather have Dowd center the 4th or even 3rd line over Handzus.

Also Kozlov can go pound salt. He would be way better than Handzus but I just can't see him fitting in AT ALL! I've heard he still has nightmares about the Boogeyman Scott Stevens to this day!

You people are kidding yourselves if you think Drury only gets $4.5M. He brings a ton of intangibles to the table such as grit, leadership, and strong defensive play, and on top of that, he's on pace for 44 goals and 78 points this season. He gets more than Gomez.

Other than that, Drury is not a playmaker. I can't see him meshing well with Elias or Gionta, who are more finishers.

We need Gomez. He is too valauble.

I guarantee that the Devils let Gomez walk if they can sign Drury, he's just a perfect Devil in Lou's eyes, he'll definitely get a great offer from Lou.

I guarantee that the Devils let Gomez walk if they can sign Drury, he's just a perfect Devil in Lou's eyes, he'll definitely get a great offer from Lou.

Why is that?

Why is that?

Chris Drury, American born 2-way player who played in the US College system, a winner at every level and two sports. C'mon how can you not see that as being a Lou guy.

Chris Drury, American born 2-way player who played in the US College system, a winner at every level and two sports. C'mon how can you not see that as being a Lou guy.

Didnt know that... How is he in comparison to Gomez? Because Gomez is a very awesome stick-jockey who can really make things happen on his line...

Will he fit well with Gionta and Elias?

Above all... is he in it for the team and the wins? Or the money?

Me thinks Gomez is more of a money boy as of late which really irks me about his priorities. I'd rather have players who want to be on the Devils for a chance to get the Cup.

Chris Drury, American born 2-way player who played in the US College system, a winner at every level and two sports. C'mon how can you not see that as being a Lou guy.



Scott almost played College hockey up here but our system and team suck really bad. They wouldn't know talent if it went right up to them and said hi my name is talent and I want to play for you. If you think the Islanders were run bad you should take a look at our college program.

Scott almost played College hockey up here but our system and team suck really bad. They wouldn't know talent if it went right up to them and said hi my name is talent and I want to play for you. If you think the Islanders were run bad you should take a look at our college program.

Ya, well he chose a good route too, can't go wrong with the CHL

Ya, well he chose a good route too, can't go wrong with the CHL


He also almost played in the USHL but wanted to go to Omaha I believe but Dubuque wouldn't trade his rights. It probably worked out for the best that he went to the CHL anyway.

He also almost played in the USHL but wanted to go to Omaha I believe but Dubuque wouldn't trade his rights. It probably worked out for the best that he went to the CHL anyway.

I'm not a fan of the USHL, I'm glad he picked the CHL, that top prospects game got him a lot of recognition too.

I'm not a fan of the USHL, I'm glad he picked the CHL, that top prospects game got him a lot of recognition too.



Yeah like I said it probably worked out better he went to Canada. If he went here he wouldn't really be watched/scouted and he would probably not even be in the NHL right now. I'm not sure on the USHL though I don't really follow it. I don't follow college either I'm just going by stories that I heard.

Yeah like I said it probably worked out better he went to Canada. If he went here he wouldn't really be watched/scouted and he would probably not even be in the NHL right now. I'm not sure on the USHL though I don't really follow it. I don't follow college either I'm just going by stories that I heard.I think he would have been scouted and selected, though likely not in the late 1st Round/early 2nd Round. He was part of USA Hockey's National Development Program.

I certainly hope the Devils can retain the services of Scott Gomez. I don't see how Lou Lamoriello can pay Gomer over $5 million per season. Maybe he would take extra years in place of extra cash per year, which would basically even out in the end.

Didnt know that... How is he in comparison to Gomez? Because Gomez is a very awesome stick-jockey who can really make things happen on his line...

Will he fit well with Gionta and Elias?

Above all... is he in it for the team and the wins? Or the money?

Me thinks Gomez is more of a money boy as of late which really irks me about his priorities. I'd rather have players who want to be on the Devils for a chance to get the Cup.

Gomez is a better player skill wise. Drury is a much better finisher though and is twenty times more clutch than Scott. He would be nice but I don't think he is a good fit on the top line with Elias and Gionta.

Gomez is a better player skill wise. Drury is a much better finisher though and is twenty times more clutch than Scott. He would be nice but I don't think he is a good fit on the top line with Elias and Gionta.

I was thinking actually that

Elias-Zajac-Gionta
Parise-Drury-Langenbrunner

would be an awesome top 6.

Didnt know that... How is he in comparison to Gomez? Because Gomez is a very awesome stick-jockey who can really make things happen on his line...

Will he fit well with Gionta and Elias?

Above all... is he in it for the team and the wins? Or the money?

Me thinks Gomez is more of a money boy as of late which really irks me about his priorities. I'd rather have players who want to be on the Devils for a chance to get the Cup.
When people talk about Drury, think of a 25 goal scorer who can play PP and PK. He wears a "C" in Buffalo (along with Briere). He isn't a playmaker like Gomez, think like a Rod Brind'Amour type. He is defensively responsible, and often goes against the other teams best line.

Drury is a loyal player. He has a big heart and plays to win. He gives 110% every night.

I think he would have been scouted and selected, though likely not in the late 1st Round/early 2nd Round. He was part of USA Hockey's National Development Program.

I certainly hope the Devils can retain the services of Scott Gomez. I don't see how Lou Lamoriello can pay Gomer over $5 million per season. Maybe he would take extra years in place of extra cash per year, which would basically even out in the end.

I couldn't agree more. He is the perfect compliment to Elias and Gionta, and the team has a tremendous amount invested in those two players already which Lou needs to protect. With the extra 1-2 mil in the cap space that is being talked about I can see Lou matching the remainder of Elias' contract for Gomer -- giving him $6 mil per.

And since his numbers are down so far, and even with a typical stronger than average second half from Scotty he won't crack the elite numbers level being put up by the Sydney Crosby's, etc..., so much more than $6 mil might not be in the offing, anyhow.

Even IF he gets a $7 mil offer from some crackpot GM, such as the Blackhawks or Coyotes or whatever, I think getting major money (like $6 mil) AND competing for the Cup every year with the guys you've come up with will be enough for him to stay. I don't think he is going to necessarily take the highest offer, as money isn't the only thing in the world (even to Scott and Papa Gomez) -- he is just not going to play for less than he feels he deserves (this year's arbitration being a strong indicator that he is done with that.)

But I got a dolla that says Gomez re-signs with the Devs, being a betting man and all.

When people talk about Drury, think of a 25 goal scorer who can play PP and PK. He wears a "C" in Buffalo (along with Briere). He isn't a playmaker like Gomez, think like a Rod Brind'Amour type. He is defensively responsible, and often goes against the other teams best line.

Drury is a loyal player. He has a big heart and plays to win. He gives 110% every night.Drury is likely going to be more than a 25 goal scorer this year. He has 20 goals right now. He has also won 58% of his faceoffs heading into today's game, which is among the best in the NHL.

Brind'Amour is a great comparison.

Drury is likely going to be more than a 25 goal scorer this year. He has 20 goals right now. He has also won 58% of his faceoffs heading into today's game, which is among the best in the NHL.

Brind'Amour is a great comparison.
He will definately get +25 goals this year. He is on pace to get 44 goals and 35 assists this year. I honestly don't think he'll keep the pace up all year. He scores goals in bunches, and this current streak was triggered by chemistry with his linemates Ales Kotalik and Paul Gaustad.

Statistically, this will be a career high for him. But he has proven he can consistently score +20 goals a season (his lowest was 18). With the right supporting cast, he can easily hit +30 goals.

Gomez is a top-end NHL center, and any team with a GM that has hockey sense would gladly pay him close to top dollar to get him. If he wasn't a Devils player - committed to defense as much as offense - he'd be close to a 100 point scorer and / or leading the league in assists. His skating is as good as you'll find in the league, and his passing/playmaking ability is star level. The only thing you can possibly complain about him is his attitude - he tends to not take things seriously. But, on the other hand, will rise to a challenge when called out on it.

Sorry, but I don't see Gomez turning into a 100 point center if he leaves the Devils. He's a good playmaker, but I don't even think he's ever reached 60 assists in one season. He's certainly not on the Thornton and Crosby level in terms of playmaking.

Sorry, but I don't see Gomez turning into a 100 point center if he leaves the Devils. He's a good playmaker, but I don't even think he's ever reached 60 assists in one season. He's certainly not on the Thornton and Crosby level in terms of playmaking.

Center Ice had the TSN feed for today's NJD-MTL game and Glenn Healy said that Gomez is tied for third in the NHL for even strength assists over the last two seasons, behind only Thorton and Jagr. And he led the league in assists overall in 2003/04 (tied with St. Louis).

Honestly, I really feel that Gomez is supremely underrated, especially amongst Devils fans.

why would Gomez be worth 6.5-7? He's not doing as well as he should be.

I was thinking actually that

Elias-Zajac-Gionta
Parise-Drury-Langenbrunner

would be an awesome top 6.

I think I would put Parise with Elias and Gionta, but then you would have 3 righties on the second line...

Center Ice had the TSN feed for today's NJD-MTL game and Glenn Healy said that Gomez is tied for third in the NHL for even strength assists over the last two seasons, behind only Thorton and Jagr. And he led the league in assists overall in 2003/04 (tied with St. Louis).

Honestly, I really feel that Gomez is supremely underrated, especially amongst Devils fans.

Not by me (or a LOT of us...). We, as a fanbase, had to take huge crap during off-season -- HF polls that didn't have Gomez remotely among the elite forwards, tons of trade posts with ridiculous faux-offers thinking we were screwed by the cap and would get nothing for Gomer, constant harping over the arbitration number... on and on.

I think he is supremely underrated across the board (and unfairly maligned). It is more Papa Gomez that is less liked on these boards, because of the largely unproven theory that he is inspiring Gomer to go for pure money over loyalty to the team -- and by extension of that disloyal theory, that he is also lazy, unmotivated.

I think that is all bunk, and that Scotty is quite happy getting his $5 mil this year (finally getting what he has long deserved with those stats you point out) and will gladly resign longterm for not much more per season, regardless of other offers out there. NONE of those come with Marty Brodeur in net, and Elias and Gionta on either wing. And a Stanley Cup run a possibility EVERY year. If he can do that AND bank $30-plus mil in the process, he'll keep smiling and joking around, happy to be a New Jersey Devil.

Gomez is the core of our offense. Everybody knows Elias and Gionta are great but who's the guy that feeds them the puck.... Gomez. Who's the guy that brings the puck up the ice 99.9% of the time from one end too the other without being touched by anybody.... Gomez.

I.M.O.

Gomez >>> Drury
Gomez >>> Brière
Gomez >>> Datsyuk
Gomez >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Handzus
Gomez >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> S. Kozlov


But that's just me :yo:

PLEASE SIGN GOMEZ TOO A L.T.C. (if the $$$ is right)

I kind of hope Gomez keeps sucking point wise so that his price will stay the same or go down. And then once he isn't getting paid a lot, he starts doing amazing like last year.

I kind of hope Gomez keeps sucking point wise so that his price will stay the same or go down. And then once he isn't getting paid a lot, he starts doing amazing like last year.

05-06 ppg: 1.02ppg
06-07 ppg: .97ppg

Yeah, sucking points-wise. :p:

Gomez is gone. The Rangers will make an extraordinary bid to have him play center in the Garden 41 times a year, where he has unbelievable numbers. Although I'm not sure he'd sign with the Rangers, they will overpay to secure him. Their gain is a Devil major loss. Gomez's stride up the ice is still awesome to watch, and he breaks defenses down easily.

Despite the need for Gomez to re-sign with NJ -- especially with the Prudential Center awaiting our arrival in 2007 -- I think he is done playing with Lou and will most certainly be exiled at the deadline if Lou feels he won't be able to get a deal done. If not then, we lose him in the offseason to Calgary, Detroit, New York, Vancouver, Anaheim, San Jose, Chicago, Colorado, or Dallas for nothing. Brutality no matter how you cut it.

Centers to replace him include Drury and Briere, but I think Mike York is an excellent candidate as well who fits the Devils mold perfectly. Handzus would be killer too. I can see Souray back in a Devils uni to help our defenseman out as well. Also, Datsyuk is an intriguing option, as I'm sure you all read.

I'd like to pursue a guy like Brad Stuart in the offseason if Gomer leaves.

Centers to replace him include Drury and Briere, but I think Mike York is an excellent candidate as well who fits the Devils mold perfectly. Handzus would be killer too. I can see Souray back in a Devils uni to help our defenseman out as well. Also, Datsyuk is an intriguing option, as I'm sure you all read.


The #1 option is too resign Gomez.

The #2 option would be too sign either Drury, Brière or Datsyuk because they're the one's who can possibly fill the loss of a #1 center, but it won't happen because they will all ask for the same amount as Scott.

The #3 option would be too sign a steady defencemen instead of Mike York or Michal Handzus. We would have Parise centering the 1st line and Zajac on the 2nd line with Bergfors and Jamie playing on the wings.

The #4 option is too NOT offer souray a contract... the guy's a pylon on D. He's going too be asking for more then Gomez because he's having a career year in Montreal. A good shot from the point isn't worth 6M$.

I'm HOPING for option #1 :bow:

but I think Mike York is an excellent candidate as well who fits the Devils mold perfectly.

You realize Mike York sucks, right? Just ask Isles and Flyers fan, York hasn't had a good season since he was traded by the Rangers.

You realize Mike York sucks, right? Just ask Isles and Flyers fan, York hasn't had a good season since he was traded by the Rangers.

We should sign him to show Zach Parise what his potential is.

I hope we can retain the services of Gomez! He's our number one playmaking forward, a lot depends on him, including the PP. But, Lou should'nt bring the whole club in jeopardy, we have to sign him only at an affordable price because Parise is FA at the end of the season too. He will ask at least 2 million per year IMO. So if Gomez signs for about 5-5,5 million a year, than we have to lock him down to a long term contract. If he asks for more and if he's gone, than we have to sign a decent centerman like Comrie. I know, he is more of a finisher, but he'd be far better, than Handzus or Datsyuk IMO. Whit the cap space we could find an offensive defenseman.

Personally, I would not like Handzus on the Devs...yes he has heart but he pretty much sucks. He would be a filler at best, and we don't need any more fillers. I would rather have Dowd center the 4th or even 3rd line over Handzus.

I think also that the Devils don´t need Handzus. He isn´t a first line center and we already have Madden and Dowd. IMO, Drury would be the only one worth trying to get on that list posted in this thread.

Though I think Handzus is a great addition to any team needing a second or third line center.

Also Kozlov can go pound salt. He would be way better than Handzus but I just can't see him fitting in AT ALL! I've heard he still has nightmares about the Boogeyman Scott Stevens to this day!

If Gomez (hopefully not) is leaving, I´d take Kozlov over Handzus, though Drury would be the best choice - if available. Kozlov would be a great addition for a playoff rush, not for a long time signing. Still I´d say the Devils would also do just fine moving Parise to center Patty and Gio.

I´d say we could try something like this if Gomez is out (and assuming that no other players leave the Devils´ squad):

Elias Parise Gionta
Brylin/Bergfors Zajac Langenbrunner
Pandolfo Madden Clarkson/Brylin
Rupp Dowd Rasmussen/Clarkson
Janssen

I hope we can retain the services of Gomez! He's our number one playmaking forward, a lot depends on him, including the PP. But, Lou should'nt bring the whole club in jeopardy, we have to sign him only at an affordable price because Parise is FA at the end of the season too. He will ask at least 2 million per year IMO. So if Gomez signs for about 5-5,5 million a year, than we have to lock him down to a long term contract. If he asks for more and if he's gone, than we have to sign a decent centerman like Comrie. I know, he is more of a finisher, but he'd be far better, than Handzus or Datsyuk IMO. Whit the cap space we could find an offensive defenseman.

How is Parise a free agent? Maybe restricted but definitely not UFA.

Parise isn't a FA I think, but its not unreasonable for him to ask for 2 million. Jarret Stoll got 2.2 million, he's on pace for a similar season that he had last year.

How is Parise a free agent? Maybe restricted but definitely not UFA.

I didn't say he is a UFA, but he is definetely a restricted free agent. And if he scores 30+ goals and as many assists in a season, he is worth at least 2 mio!

Parise isn't a FA I think, but its not unreasonable for him to ask for 2 million. Jarret Stoll got 2.2 million, he's on pace for a similar season that he had last year.

Of course, he deserves that amount of money, but if we sign Gomez for 6 million a year, than would we have the cap space to resign Parise as well? That's the question.

I didn't say he is a UFA, but he is definetely a restricted free agent. And if he scores 30+ goals and as many assists in a season, he is worth at least 2 mio!

After only two seasons you reach RFA status? Didn't know that.

I couldn't agree more. He is the perfect compliment to Elias and Gionta, and the team has a tremendous amount invested in those two players already which Lou needs to protect. With the extra 1-2 mil in the cap space that is being talked about I can see Lou matching the remainder of Elias' contract for Gomer -- giving him $6 mil per.

But I got a dolla that says Gomez re-signs with the Devs, being a betting man and all.

I'm with Jerry here... I think $6M would see Gomez back with the team. I hope it's true.

After only two seasons you reach RFA status? Didn't know that.

After Parise was drafted he signed a three year contract. He spent one season in Albany and now this is his second season at New Jersey. So he is FA after the season...

Of course, he deserves that amount of money, but if we sign Gomez for 6 million a year, than would we have the cap space to resign Parise as well? That's the question.

With the cap going up, easily.

but coming out of your entry level contract your only a rfa, and no offense to the season hes having, he doesnt have all too much leverage to get more than what stoll got - 2.2 mil per

You realize Mike York sucks, right? Just ask Isles and Flyers fan, York hasn't had a good season since he was traded by the Rangers.

Whatever. I could care less what he did and does for the Islanders or Flyers. He's a good, hard-working forward with a Langenbrunner-esque upside. The Rangers would love to have him back. Put him in a role where he can succeed -- that's what NJ does, and I'd gamble on York without question.

but coming out of your entry level contract your only a rfa, and no offense to the season hes having, he doesnt have all too much leverage to get more than what stoll got - 2.2 mil per

Parise's salary will be partly determined by the length of his contract. Stoll gets $2.2 mil in a two-year deal, while Hemsky got a back loaded six-year deal which averages out to $4.1 mil a year.

While I'd love to keep Gomez, $16 mil is a pretty steep price for one line even if the cap goes up $2-3 mil. Luckily Zajac and Bergfors won't be RFAs until '09.

After Parise was drafted he signed a three year contract. He spent one season in Albany and now this is his second season at New Jersey. So he is FA after the season...


Thanks.

Have the Devil's ever had a line with 3 righty's?

Parise's salary will be partly determined by the length of his contract. Stoll gets $2.2 mil in a two-year deal, while Hemsky got a back loaded six-year deal which averages out to $4.1 mil a year.

While I'd love to keep Gomez, $16 mil is a pretty steep price for one line even if the cap goes up $2-3 mil. Luckily Zajac and Bergfors won't be RFAs until '09.
Bergfors is an RFA after '08. This is the second year of his entry-level contract.

05-06 ppg: 1.02ppg
06-07 ppg: .97ppg

Yeah, sucking points-wise. :p:

...touché:clap: