Devils makeover project: Summer 2007

This team will get a major makeover come training camp in September.

I'm kind of glad Lou is behind the bench because he gets to see firsthand who stays and who goes. You'd think with their boss standing behind them, many of our players would play a little bit better, with a sense of urgency, passion & energy.

My predictions:

Gomez will be gone to a team in the West. Since we can't get Ovechkin or Heatley, it will be a shame to continue to underutilize his skills. Don't expect Lou to wait on Gomez and leave us hanging like that idiot Niedermayer, who is the Genesis of about half our problems.

Lou will get us a puck moving defenseman, a big guy as Rafalski is too small and a big, burly North American center.

The team will be built around Parise, Elias, Pandolfo, Clarkson, Martin, Greene, White & Matvichuk.

Elias will quietly relinquish his "C". (same thing happened with Modano, so it should be no big deal.) He will have a comeback year. The Captain role will be rotated among different players like it was a couple years back.

Brylin, Gionta, Langenbrunner, Zajac & Madden are trade material and some could benefit from a change of scenery. This might be unpopular, but we have to give up younger players and players with potential to get something in return. Expect to see an impact trade, not a blockbuster deal, along the likes of Guerin for Arnott, Sykora for Friesen, Arnott & McKay for Langenbrunner, etc.

Brodeur will not top 70 starts again, and rightfully so. Clemmenssen is perfectly capable of starting 12+ games. Besides, 70 is plenty anyway for Brodeur.

Expect Lou to try to assemble a quicker, more exciting team next season, especially with the new building open.

John MacLean will be behind the bench.

This team will get a major makeover come training camp in September.

I'm kind of glad Lou is behind the bench because he gets to see firsthand who stays and who goes. You'd think with their boss standing behind them, many of our players would play a little bit better, with a sense of urgency, passion & energy.

My predictions:

Gomez will be gone to a team in the West. Since we can't get Ovechkin or Heatley, it will be a shame to continue to underutilize his skills. Don't expect Lou to wait on Gomez and leave us hanging like that idiot Niedermayer, who is the Genesis of about half our problems.

Lou will get us a puck moving defenseman, a big guy as Rafalski is too small and a big, burly North American center.

The team will be built around Parise, Elias, Pandolfo, Clarkson, Martin, Greene, White & Matvichuk.

Elias will quietly relinquish his "C". (same thing happened with Modano, so it should be no big deal.) He will have a comeback year. The Captain role will be rotated among different players like it was a couple years back.

Brylin, Gionta, Langenbrunner, Zajac & Madden are trade material and some could benefit from a change of scenery. This might be unpopular, but we have to give up younger players and players with potential to get something in return. Expect to see an impact trade, not a blockbuster deal, along the likes of Guerin for Arnott, Sykora for Friesen, Arnott & McKay for Langenbrunner, etc.

Brodeur will not top 70 starts again, and rightfully so. Clemmenssen is perfectly capable of starting 12+ games. Besides, 70 is plenty anyway for Brodeur.

Expect Lou to try to assemble a quicker, more exciting team next season, especially with the new building open.



John MacLean will be behind the bench.


I agree with EVERYTHING except...I don't think Zajac should be considered for a trade. He is poised to have a STELLAR year.

I agree that if we get bounced in the first round there will be major changes, and rightfully so. I have said for the past couple seasons that this team is capable of winning a round or two at best in the playoffs and could just as easily lose in the first or second round as well.

Assuming they go out in the 1st or 2nd round you can't be bringing back the same cast of characters.

I believe Gomez leaves. Not a tragedy if he is only going to score 15 goals a season. I would like to see them beef up the defense as we have been getting pushed around by a Tampa team that is known more as a skill team as opposed to a physical team.

I've been saying that since I have joined here and got a lot of heat for that. There should be very few 'untouchables' left on this team. This is the muddy water of the post-Steven/Niedemayer era and it's time to try to create a new identity.

I hope Fraser is on the team next year, he brings a big physical force. maybe Corrente also

I think we should let them blossom and not rush them. Our defense will be better with Matvichuk and any additions Lou will make.

2007-2008 Defensemen

White - Rafalski
Corrente - Martin
Matvichuk - Greene
Fraser

SOLID

Rafalski needs a change of scenery and will command too much money. He is small too. Use the money to sign forwards and work-in-progress type of big d-men that Lou likes, like a Brad Stewart or Eric Brewer for example

I agree with EVERYTHING except...I don't think Zajac should be considered for a trade. He is poised to have a STELLAR year.

I thought about that too and I was torn about it, but if we really want to change, we need to give up a player with potential. The only young player who I won't want gone is Parise. Gionta & Zajac are expendable, but if I had my choice I'd rather keep Zajac

The only one I can see Lou trading is Brylin to make room for Clarkson. I don't think there's any way he trades Gionta or Zajac (especially with the chemistry he's developed with Parise). Langenbrunner is tough too but I can kind of see that with Bergfors due to challenge for duty next year.

I hope we can pick up a decent center through free agency (I've said many times along with many others here that Drury would be perfect) or through a trade. Briere would be incredible but I think the only time we'll see him in a Devils jersey is in our dreams. I'm pretty sure he's staying in Buffalo anyway, which means Drury will almost definitely hit the market.

Everything else you said is pretty much right on. I'd love to see Lou put together an exciting team and put Johnny Mac behind the bench.

As far as our D goes...I agree with letting Rafalski go. Greene isn't his caliber yet but he's making good strides and looks comfortable in the playoffs thus far. Combined with Martin and Oduya, that's more than enough offense from the blueline. I'd love to see Corrente in the lineup if he has the kind of camp he did last year. I expect to see at least 2 new faces in our D come next season.

The only one I can see Lou trading is Brylin to make room for Clarkson. I don't think there's any way he trades Gionta or Zajac (especially with the chemistry he's developed with Parise). Langenbrunner is tough too but I can kind of see that with Bergfors due to challenge for duty next year.

I hope we can pick up a decent center through free agency (I've said many times along with many others here that Drury would be perfect) or through a trade. Briere would be incredible but I think the only time we'll see him in a Devils jersey is in our dreams. I'm pretty sure he's staying in Buffalo anyway, which means Drury will almost definitely hit the market.

Everything else you said is pretty much right on. I'd love to see Lou put together an exciting team and put Johnny Mac behind the bench.

I am very high on Parise. He's the type of player who would do well on any line, and with different players. I don't think he would lose a step without Zajac.

Langenbrunner is expensive at $2.8 million. We can live without him if it gets us in return what we need.

I would love to have Drury or Briere, but do we really need to spend more money on smallish forwards, especially when Gomez goes?

As far as our D goes...I agree with letting Rafalski go. Greene isn't his caliber yet but he's making good strides and looks comfortable in the playoffs thus far. Combined with Martin and Oduya, that's more than enough offense from the blueline. I'd love to see Corrente in the lineup if he has the kind of camp he did last year. I expect to see at least 2 new faces in our D come next season.

Martin and Oduya give us squat as far as offense goes. Losing Rafalski would be devastating. Greene will never be quite raffy's caliber.

pat burns will return next year

http://www.nj.com/devils/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1176870442105240.xml&coll=1

:yo:

Martin and Oduya give us squat as far as offense goes. Losing Rafalski would be devastating. Greene will never be quite raffy's caliber.

We can live without Rafalski and the high salary he will command this summer. He makes $4.2 million now, before he hits UFA this summer and is small. We can spend our money more wisely to get us a BIG d-man to get us 8 goals/40 assists.

As I said in the other thread, of the trade material you mentioned, only one of them are 'young', or are you referring to other guys when you say we need to let some young guys go?

This team will get a major makeover come training camp in September.

I'm kind of glad Lou is behind the bench because he gets to see firsthand who stays and who goes. You'd think with their boss standing behind them, many of our players would play a little bit better, with a sense of urgency, passion & energy.

My predictions:

Gomez will be gone to a team in the West. Since we can't get Ovechkin or Heatley, it will be a shame to continue to underutilize his skills. Don't expect Lou to wait on Gomez and leave us hanging like that idiot Niedermayer, who is the Genesis of about half our problems.

Lou will get us a puck moving defenseman, a big guy as Rafalski is too small and a big, burly North American center.

The team will be built around Parise, Elias, Pandolfo, Clarkson, Martin, Greene, White & Matvichuk.

Elias will quietly relinquish his "C". (same thing happened with Modano, so it should be no big deal.) He will have a comeback year. The Captain role will be rotated among different players like it was a couple years back.

Brylin, Gionta, Langenbrunner, Zajac & Madden are trade material and some could benefit from a change of scenery. This might be unpopular, but we have to give up younger players and players with potential to get something in return. Expect to see an impact trade, not a blockbuster deal, along the likes of Guerin for Arnott, Sykora for Friesen, Arnott & McKay for Langenbrunner, etc.

Brodeur will not top 70 starts again, and rightfully so. Clemmenssen is perfectly capable of starting 12+ games. Besides, 70 is plenty anyway for Brodeur.

Expect Lou to try to assemble a quicker, more exciting team next season, especially with the new building open.

John MacLean will be behind the bench.


agree with about nothing other than gomez being gone.

i see burns behing the bench.
i see elias being the captain for years to come (accept it and deal with it)
Brylin, Gionta, Langenbrunner, Zajac & Madden are not going anywhere.
the biggest chages come on fourth line where clarkson comes up.

We can live without Rafalski and the high salary he will command this summer. He makes $4.2 million now, before he hits UFA this summer and is small. We can spend our money more wisely to get us a BIG d-man to get us 8 goals/40 assists.

Who do you have in mind, anyone besides Stuart?

The only one I can see Lou trading is Brylin to make room for Clarkson. I don't think there's any way he trades Gionta or Zajac (especially with the chemistry he's developed with Parise). Langenbrunner is tough too but I can kind of see that with Bergfors due to challenge for duty next year.


I've thought about trading Langs as well. Might not be a popular move since he's a typical Devil, and is clutch in the playoffs...but that clutch in the playoffs part would allow us to possibly get a better player in return. Especially if he's traded following a good (so far) showing in this year's playoffs.

Who do you have in mind, anyone besides Stuart?

Jordan Leopold, Jay Bouwmeester, Sheldon Souray, Eric Brewer, or darkhorse candidates that Lou might surprise us with like Ron Hainsey from Columbus or Mark Streit from Montreal.

I really would like Niedermayer, Pronger or Phaneuf. ;)

Jordan Leopold, Jay Bouwmeester, Sheldon Souray, Eric Brewer, or darkhorse candidates that Lou might surprise us with like Ron Hainsey from Columbus or Mark Streit from Montreal.

I really would like Niedermayer, Pronger or Phaneuf. ;)

Bouwmeester seems like the best option of that bunch, at least the realistic ones.

Bouwmeester seems like the best option of that bunch, at least the realistic ones.

on a side note, I wonder if Patrik Stefan can turn into a classic Lou reclamation project like he did with Arnott. Or then again the experiment could fail like it did with the Viktor Kozlov project.

on a side note, I wonder if Patrik Stefan can turn into a classic Lou reclamation project like he did with Arnott. Or then again the experiment could fail like it did with the Viktor Kozlov project.

He'd fit right in. Can't score on an empty net if his life depends on it.

Brewer would be my second choice after the Meester.

Brewer would be my second choice after the Meester.

Brewer signed a new deal in St. Louis for 4 years for a reason.

Brewer signed a new deal in St. Louis for 4 years for a reason.

stop making sense, it doesnt fit in this thread!!! :sarcasm:

stop making sense, it doesnt fit in this thread!!! :sarcasm:

Oh I'm sorry

Lets trade for Luongo

Brewer signed a new deal in St. Louis for 4 years for a reason.

oops. forgot. hard to keep track of who signs where.

It's always nice to keep an open mind.

It's always nice to keep an open mind.

Don't worry. Seeing how quickly people were willing to bash Brodeur and write off Lou on Monday night, it's funny to see people take shots at this thread, especially when these same people will be joining us here shortly. :sarcasm:

nope, im not quick to fly off the handle. surely there is something wrong with the team, but some of your suggestions just dont seem likely under lou. if lou stepped down then i could see someone making them. i am fairly certain brylin will retire a devil, if he hasn't been dealt or let go by now, i doubt he will unless he insists on a long contract. langs was just signed and i know lou is high on him, as he is the other players you mentioned, and he rarely shakes things up. he makes little additions and subtractions. remember his quote from marty's book concerning the rangers... "they get the best player available, i get the best player for the team." he wouldnt desconstruct that team to begin a new identity. nothing was more evident than in 2004 that we needed a new style team, and no major changes happened, post lockout things ligned up. a couple small tweaks, a coach that is demanding of his palyers (burns) and this team is once again tops in the east. as for taking shots, there are several anti-devil devils fans, and it just seems as thats where you end up. i understand your frustration, we all share it, i just think its a little extreme.

'Brylin, Gionta, Langenbrunner, Zajac & Madden are trade material and some could benefit from a change of scenery'

sorry but i dont see any of them getting traded...Gionta is the only maybe..but i dont see Lou shipping him that fast...Langeunbrunner is the hardest working Devil on the team ties with Parise and Zajac is a rookie and will only get better and better...Madden is a huge key to this system winning..he stays...and Brylin..well he COULD go..but i dont see us getting too much in return and were better of keeping him if that is the case,and the fact that Lou loves the guy will show that he wont leave us.

He'd fit right in. Can't score on an empty net if his life depends on it.

HAHA I just laughed pretty hard. Langs, Rafalski, Madden and Zajac aren't moving. Bergfors won't be wearing a Devils Uni.

Whoever thinks NJ will trade Gionta, where'd you get the weed and can you share some??

Muttley I really think you could have waited before starting this... JERKK!

Whoever thinks NJ will trade Gionta, where'd you get the weed and can you share some??

I get mine from Canada... :sarcasm: (or am I?) Yea add Gio to my list.

Whoever thinks NJ will trade Gionta, where'd you get the weed and can you share some??

Muttley I really think you could have waited before starting this... JERKK!

Grow up. Just ignore it. Some people are very comfortable with this topic.

Grow up. Just ignore it. Some people are very comfortable with this topic.

But the timing was right, right?

But the timing was right, right?

To me, topics like Playoff Avatars for example are totally useless. I'd rather talk about the future of this team, in addition to discussing the current series at hand and posting one million times about line/changes, call ups, etc and what needs to be done to beat Tampa Bay.

What difference does it make with timing? There were problems with this team all season that needs to be addressed, independent of what's going on in this 1st round series. Lack of scoring, holes in the defense, Gomez & Rafalski UFA status, etc are a totally relevant topics.

How man times do you want to read posts that say, "Marty needs to play better and step up?"

well i came in to discuss, oh well.

lol this isnt nhl 07

I wouldn't move Gionta, Lagenbrunner and forget Zajac. The kid's a keeper. And looking at the upcoming UFS, I might even take a pass on this year's big names and look forward to 2008.

If there's one player I would move, it would be Colin White and most of the 4th liners. Bring in Clarkson and Pelley and maybe sign a player with some speed and or grit. I have no real feelings on Gomez and Rafalski until this season is over. However, I wouldn't overpay. And not to repeat myself, we need to tweak our system and have some coaching stability.

How much is the cap going up?

I've always appreciated change. Change is good. Change can be a breath of fresh air for this team.

I wouldn't move Gionta, Lagenbrunner and forget Zajac. The kid's a keeper. And looking at the upcoming UFS, I might even take a pass and the big names and look forward to 2008.

If there's one player I would move, it would be Colin White and most of the 4th liners. Bring in Clarkson and Pelley and maybe sign a player with some speed and or grit. I have no real feelings on Gomez and Rafalski until this season is over. However, I wouldn't overpay. And not to repeat myself, we need to tweak our system and have some coaching stability.

There are a lot of players we would like to keep. But you have to give up something to get something in return. Unfortunately if all you want to move is just Colin White, the same problems will continue next year. We just might have to move Gionta, Langs & Zajac.

I've always appreciated change. Change is good. Change can be a breath of fresh air for this team.

We haven't had any significant trades since the summer of 2002. That's 5 years now. The time is right.

There are a lot of players we would like to keep. But you have to give up something to get something in return. Unfortunately if all you want to move is just Colin White, the same problems will continue next year. We just might have to move Gionta, Langs & Zajac.

OK. What would be resonable to ask for in return?

I'd like to see Parise get signed for 5 or 6 years but that's very unlikely. I don't see the logic in trading Zajac.

How ready is Corrente?

How ready is Corrente?

I like what I hear about him with the exception of the outside violence. Boy wait till this kid meets Sean Avery....

Here's a list of Unrestricted & Restricted Free Agents for point of reference:

UFAs
Scott Gomez
Michael Rupp
Erik Rasmussen
Jim Dowd
Brian Rafalski
Brad Lukowich
Alex Brooks
Scott Clemmensen
Alexander Mogilny
Jason Wiemer

RFAs
Zach Parise
Paul Martin
John Oduya

Here's a list of Unrestricted & Restricted Free Agents for point of reference:

UFAs
Scott Gomez - gone
Michael Rupp - possibly gone
Erik Rasmussen - possibly gone
Jim Dowd - gone
Brian Rafalski - resigned
Brad Lukowich - resigned
Alex Brooks - resigned
Scott Clemmensen - gone
Alexander Mogilny - gone ;)
Jason Wiemer - gone

RFAs
Zach Parise - resigned
Paul Martin - resigned
John Oduya - resigned

too bad Mogilny couldn't have turned into our Brendan Shanahan

And why is Clemmy gone, he will be cheaper than signing any other backup

im stuck on the 4th line. we have pelley, clarkson and cam which would be a sick 4th line reminiscent of the crash line, but i know the organizations is high on rupp/ras/dowd. i say marshall is better than dowd/ras and he is gone, so i say ditch all 3.

I'm glad Clemmenson is gone, he looks like a brilliant goalie and its a shame to have to play under the shadow of Brodeur.

We can live without Rafalski and the high salary he will command this summer. He makes $4.2 million now, before he hits UFA this summer and is small. We can spend our money more wisely to get us a BIG d-man to get us 8 goals/40 assists.

Where are you finding the BIG defensmen to give you that kind of offensive production, and how much are you paying him ???

If there's one player I would move, it would be Colin White and most of the 4th liners. Bring in Clarkson and Pelley and maybe sign a player with some speed and or grit. I have no real feelings on Gomez and Rafalski until this season is over. However, I wouldn't overpay. And not to repeat myself, we need to tweak our system and have some coaching stability.

Moving White would make your defense ridiculously soft, if anything I thin kthe Devils will be looking to add some grit not subtract.

Where are you finding the BIG defensmen to give you that kind of offensive production, and how much are you paying him ???

Sheldon Souray is one. Brad Stuart is another. Or we might get somebody we least expect.

Pay would come from a rise in the salary cap and in letting Rafalski & Gomez walk. Gomez gets $5 million now & Rafalski $4.2 million now So that's $10 million plus in cap space.

Or a defenseman that's not an UFA can be obtained with some kind of trade.

What's the problem then?

Stuart and Souray are defensive liabilitities. Rafalski may be small but he plays good defense.

Stuart and Souray are defensive liabilitities. Rafalski may be small but he plays good defense.

Rafalski makes a lot of mistakes too. Those two have more of an upside.

Sheldon Souray is one. Brad Stuart is another. Or we might get somebody we least expect.

Pay would come from a rise in the salary cap and in letting Rafalski & Gomez walk. Gomez gets $5 million now & Rafalski $4.2 million now So that's $10 million plus in cap space.

Or a defenseman that's not an UFA can be obtained with some kind of trade.

What's the problem then?

Souray is going to cost at least $5 million, and isn't good defensively, and then you still have to fill the Gomez hole.

Rafalski is a better player than either Souray or Stuart.

Rafalski is a better player than either Souray or Stuart.

nah, Rafalski's defense is not good as people think. Souray especially would work wonders for our pathetic PP.

Rafalski makes a lot of mistakes too. Those two have more of an upside.

Stuart yes Souray no.

My lineup next year/my wish list

Elias - Drury - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Pandolfo - Madden - Clarkson
Pelley - Vrana - Brylin
Rupp
Janssen
Rasmussen

White - Rafalski
Matvichuk - Martin
*FA Pickup* - Greene
Oduya
Fraser

Brodeur
Doyle/Clemensen

Mathieu Schneider. Great defensively, can QB the powerplay, and has a great shot. He isn't afraid to throw around the body. Despite the fact that he is getting older, he still consistently logs over 20 minutes a night. And quite honestly, we don't need a long term soultion with the amount of talent we already have in the system.

Mathieu Schneider. Great defensively, can QB the powerplay, and has a great shot. He isn't afraid to throw around the body. Despite the fact that he is getting older, he still consistently logs over 20 minutes a night. And quite honestly, we don't need a long term soultion with the amount of talent we already have in the system.

Interesting, but do we really need a short term solution?

My lineup next year/my wish list

Elias - Drury - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Pandolfo - Madden - Clarkson
Pelley - Vrana - Brylin
Rupp
Janssen
Rasmussen

White - Rafalski
Matvichuk - Martin
*FA Pickup* - Greene
Oduya
Fraser

Brodeur
Doyle/Clemensen



My reasoning behind the lineup

With Drury up on a line with Gio, and Patty it solidifys the top line. Elias - Playmaker
Drury - Complete Player
Gionta - Goal Scorer

Second line does not need changing IMO. Played very well this yera, and will only get better with Zajac maturing.

third line will be much improved IMO with the addition of Clarkson. He is feisty, hard nosed, physical, and can score goals. That line would be known as a line that can actually put some pucks behind the net. It HAS to be respected.

and the 4th line has Pelley who is a pitbull. His center is flashy, yet is sound defensively. He is the guy(Vrana) who will generate all the offense for the 4th line. and Brylin who is the total package. Would be a great 4th line IMO

Rafalski is a better player than either Souray or Stuart.[/QUOTE]

I agree that Rafalski is better than both as well.

I'm ready to part with Gomez but that doesn't mean I'd take in Drury or Briere. They'll command too much salary and I just can't see them as Devils especially Briere.

I also don't think any of the other guys are going to be traded. Oh, and Janssen can go to the Blues. I'd like to keep Rupp around and definitely move Clarkson up for next season. Not sure if Bergfors will be ready by then, he'll at least get a few starts. Goal for this summer is to get some size in both ends but especially up front.

There are a lot of players we would like to keep. But you have to give up something to get something in return. Unfortunately if all you want to move is just Colin White, the same problems will continue next year. We just might have to move Gionta, Langs & Zajac.


I feel very comfortable going into the future with Parise and Zajac being our top two centers. As for trading Gio and Lagenbrunner, who the heck will play wing for this team next year? No offense, but I'm happy you're not our GM.

While I agree with a lot of this, Zajac and Langenbrunner aren't going anywhere. Langenbrunner has proven his value time and again and Zajac is going to be too good of a second line center to give up on him after one season unless we're getting something like a young #1 defenseman back in return.

nah, Rafalski's defense is not good as people think. Souray especially would work wonders for our pathetic PP.
I disagree with this. Rafalski is miles better than Souray and Stuart had a terrible season before his trade to Calgary.

I am very high on Parise. He's the type of player who would do well on any line, and with different players. I don't think he would lose a step without Zajac.

Wow. That is going out on a limb. You have high praise for our leading goal scorer and best overall forward this season. Quite the stretch.

I don't think he would lose a step without Zajac.

Then you are certainly are "high". Best friends. Roomates on the road. Batman & Robin. Parise's comments that Zajac's development was ahead of his... Remember any of that? Chemistry this strong is very rare.

Langenbrunner is expensive at $2.8 million. We can live without him if it gets us in return what we need.

Really, really high, I guess. With the cap going up, again, Langs is an outright bargain at this price. And Lou had just extended him going into this season. Most importantly, Jamie is one of Lou's all-time favorite Devils, basically THE prototype. He has openly coveted him since he entered the league, and although Lou basically trades for nobody, ever, and prefers to build from within, he traded for Jamie Langenbrunner. The definition of "core" player on this team. As untradable as Elias and Parise in the eyes of the GM.

I would love to have Drury or Briere, but do we really need to spend more money on smallish forwards, especially when Gomez goes?

So would every GM in the league. If you got $7 million-plus, you can have your choice.

I'm not sure with the new arena this will happen, but I would like to see a younger, faster, gritter and cheaper team that's plays good defense and fore-checks the way Ottawa does. And if they don't make the playoffs, so beat it, just as long as they're entertaining. I few good drafts and a trade here or there and you're back on top competing for the cup. And I do believe the way to win in the new NHL, is to have a strong fore-checking system.

I would target Marek Zidlicky. He had a bit of a down season offensively, but is still a premier offensive backliner, and with Timonen an UFA, Nashville might want to trade some salary (I think his cap hit is around $3.5M). Zidlicky isn't terrific defensively but he certainly isn't terrible, and he would really take much of the pressure off Rafalski (another legit PP QB who can really bring it). I'd be willing to deal Bergfors and a pick (or Oduya if necessary).

Then I'd let Gomez walk. The Devils can't afford to keep signing players to huge long-term deals. Sign Dainus Zubrus or Kyle Calder as a stop-gap top six player and shift Parise to #1 center. Let Dowd and Rupp go, but keep Rasmussen. Bring up Clarkson and Pelley. I like the idea of Schneider.

And anyone claiming that Stuart and Souray are better than Rafalski is crazy. Trading Zajac would be ridiculously stupid. As would trading White.

I'm not too averse to the idea of trading Gionta. Without Gomez, I think his game diminishes a bit. However it would have to be a favorable deal.

This thread is a complete JOKE !!!!

You guy's are talking like our season is already over. What happens if we win the cup ??? "UUUUU, let's keep our team intact and give Gomez whatever he wants"

This looks like a Montreal thread made by insane666. Hey Muttley, who do you want for Langenbrunner that can be better and less $$$ then him ??? Trading 4 quarters for 1$ isn't the solution and you know verry well that Lou isn't going to go "NHL '07" with his club.

I have a idea, let's trade Brylin and a 3rd rounder for Jordan Stall and after trade White and Bergfors for Phaneuf. And my final move would be signing Drury and Stuart after all the trading is over.

It's a good thing you're not our GM, because we'd be in a world of hurt :help:

While I agree with a lot of this, Zajac and Langenbrunner aren't going anywhere. Langenbrunner has proven his value time and again and Zajac is going to be too good of a second line center to give up on him after one season unless we're getting something like a young #1 defenseman back in return.

Ryan Suter? Anyone willing giving up Bergfors for a guy like him?

Ryan Suter? Anyone willing giving up Bergfors for a guy like him?

For sure, but I doubt Nashville would be up for it.

If I were Lou, I would stick to "boring" NJ hockey style (which I absolutely love) and pick up some suffocating D-men this off season. Though it can't happen for awhile, I would have my eye fixed on Phaneuf at some point in the future. But there are plenty of shutdown d-men to choose from. Brodeur needs to start less games as well, that is for sure. I'm rooting for you guys in game 4 tonight, if my Pens go out I want you guys to go all the way. Get back to the trap, it hasn't been used this series, and look to make it stronger in the post season.

Where are you finding the BIG defensmen to give you that kind of offensive production, and how much are you paying him ???

We'll sign Souray and pretend that his size makes him a good defensive defenceman. :)

correct me if im wrong but isnt smyth an ufa also? whose to say he signs with either the oil or isles(as the 2 most obvious choices) in the off season. hed be an amazing fit should gomer really be gone.

I'd prefer to be having this conversation after getting drunk and sweaty in a certain infamous parking lot around June 12th or so :)

pat burns will return next year

I'm all for it! :)

My lineup next year/my wish list

Elias - Drury - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Pandolfo - Madden - Clarkson
Pelley - Vrana - Brylin
Rupp
Janssen
Rasmussen

White - Rafalski
Matvichuk - Martin
*FA Pickup* - Greene
Oduya
Fraser

Brodeur
Doyle/Clemensen

Yeah but do you think people will pay top dollar in Newark to see a big portion of our AHL Lowell team take several years to develop?

Rafalski is a better player than either Souray or Stuart.

I disagree with this. Rafalski is miles better than Souray and Stuart had a terrible season before his trade to Calgary.

We'll sign Souray and pretend that his size makes him a good defensive defenceman. :)

If Souray buys into the Devils system in his 2nd tour of duty, he would be less of a liability and his 15-20 goal potential will be a really, really big help for this team.


It's a good thing you're not our GM, because we'd be in a world of hurt :help:

No offense, but I'm happy you're not our GM.

Come on, anybody who knows Lou Lamoriello would never say "I'm happy/glad you're not GM. No offense, but are you all the type that flipped out when Lou traded Guerin to Edmonton for Arnott? When Lou traded Sykora to Anaheim for Friesen? When Lou traded Arnott & McKay to Dallas for Langenbrunner?

Come on, be honest now. I know you were angry and would have jumped on anybody (or me) who would have suggested those trades and said, "wow, I'm sure glad you're not GM" :sarcasm:

While I agree with a lot of this, Zajac and Langenbrunner aren't going anywhere. Langenbrunner has proven his value time and again and Zajac is going to be too good of a second line center to give up on him after one season unless we're getting something like a young #1 defenseman back in return.

Of course, I wouldn't expect anything but a #1 D-man for a rookie center who scored 20+ goals. But Lou has surprised us many times by moving our coveted youth: Willie Mitchell, Morrison, Sullivan, etc., so it better be a good trade. Oh god, how I miss those players. :cry:

Ryan Suter? Anyone willing giving up Bergfors for a guy like him?

Oh god are you kidding? I would have never even brought him up because I don't think Nashville would be stupid to give him up. He's another one I'd die of hapiness if we get him.

I'd prefer to be having this conversation after getting drunk and sweaty in a certain infamous parking lot around June 12th or so :)

Yes, me too. ;)

http://www.nj.com/devils/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1176870442105240.xml&coll=1
meant to post this at lunch

RE: Burns coaching again

http://www.nj.com/devils/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1176870442105240.xml&coll=1
meant to post this at lunch

RE: Burns coaching again

:biglaugh: That will shut-up all the Devil-haters who freaked out when Lou fired Julien and said, "Oh, Lou is such an ego-maniac, who would want to coach for the Devils ever again?."

I can't wait to see this place when it happens. If it happens.

And the "Devils makeover project" gets put off for another game.

correct me if im wrong but isnt smyth an ufa also? whose to say he signs with either the oil or isles(as the 2 most obvious choices) in the off season. hed be an amazing fit should gomer really be gone.

NO NO NO Smyth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't want that goofy Wayne's World protege on this team!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Ryan Smyth? He'd be awesome. But he has a year left, I think.

RAFALSKI: Who else would keep the puck in at the point? The guy's key. And usually his shots get through.

You underestimate the guy's value. He's legit.

Martin has been disappointing - a touch slow, very underphysical, very soft shot... not what we all expected.. he's young so that will change. Oduya has had flashes of good but more flashes of holy sh-- what is he doing... also young. We're .. young.

Can't afford to lose the key guys.

Smyth is a UFA.

Martin has been disappointing? Are you kidding? He's our best d-man defensively, and has some very slick moves with the puck when he gets going with it. He's also been getting around 25-26 minutes of ice time a game for the past several years, which is quite an accomplishment for someone as young as him.

Smyth is a UFA.

Martin has been disappointing? Are you kidding? He's our best d-man defensively, and has some very slick moves with the puck when he gets going with it. He's also been getting around 25-26 minutes of ice time a game for the past several years, which is quite an accomplishment for someone as young as him.

He is good defensively but needs to step it up and chip in on offense. Part of being good defensively is not being pushed around like he is though. Martin is VERY clumsy with the puck and his shot is horrid to be generous.

I have read some crazy things on this thread. I will not name names. But it kind of scares me. LOL

Here is the lineup I think Lou should try to put together for next season:

Elias--Zajac--Gionta
Brylin/Drury--Parise--Langenbrunner
Pandolfo--Madden--Drury/Brylin
Rasmussen--Dowd--Clarkson
Rupp and Janssen

Rafalski--White
Souray<-->Martin
Lukowich--Greene/Oduya

Marty
Any goalie that is breathing and makes the minimum. LOL

I have read some crazy things on this thread. I will not name names. But it kind of scares me. LOL

Here is the lineup I think Lou should try to put together for next season:

Elias--Zajac--Gionta
Brylin/Drury--Parise--Langenbrunner
Pandolfo--Madden--Drury/Brylin
Rasmussen--Dowd--Clarkson
Rupp and Janssen

Rafalski--White
Souray<-->Martin
Lukowich--Greene/Oduya

Marty
Any goalie that is breathing and makes the minimum. LOL

We're not going to be able to afford to sign Souray, Drury & Rafalski. That's going to be $15 million (at least) for those 3 players. Even with the loss of Gomez and in the salary cap going up, we will have no room.

I think we need to stay away from high priced stars. Every time we get a "Star" we end up getting burned because all of a sudden they stop performing because of either chemistry or injuries. Lets get some young people in the line up and get rid of the slow dinosaurs. We should keep Rafalski, Langenbrunner, but some of the others look a little beat and past their prime.

Lets get some young people in the line up and get rid of the slow dinosaurs. We should keep Rafalski, Langenbrunner, but some of the others look a little beat and past their prime.

Rafalski will be 34 at the start of next season.

Mathieu Schneider. Great defensively, can QB the powerplay, and has a great shot. He isn't afraid to throw around the body. Despite the fact that he is getting older, he still consistently logs over 20 minutes a night. And quite honestly, we don't need a long term soultion with the amount of talent we already have in the system.

I think this is a great guy to get if he is a UFA. I have no idea what kind of $$$ he would get, but I would be comfy in the 3-4 range. We can't have every player locked into really long term deals. Parise might not even get one yet, but he will get a nice raise for 07-08. Roster fluidity and flexibility are two VERY important and underestimated factors in team success. Look at how our cap issues hindered us this year. I don't ever want that to happen again. A 1 year deal for a Schneider-type Dman would be perfect.

Just to add something here. I am fairly certain that no one feels that we can't improve our team, yet no one wants to trade anyone who another team might want. Makes no sense. As far as the timing, who freakin cares? It's not like we're playing or coaching and we have to focus on game 5. Besides, we need something to do on off-days. :)

I think that many people on this thread are being contrarian just because of who started the thread. For what it's worth, I applaud Muttley for starting this thread and getting some good thoughts going back and forth.

Oner last thing. Lou has to spend a little money and get us a backup goalie who can play 15-20 games. They have no confidence in Clemmer, and quite frankly, neither do I, but Marty needs to start scaling back the number of games he plays during the season. He looks exhausted right now, and I think it is the main contributing factor to his sloppy play.

Oner last thing. Lou has to spend a little money and get us a backup goalie who can play 15-20 games. They have no confidence in Clemmer, and quite frankly, neither do I, but Marty needs to start scaling back the number of games he plays during the season. He looks exhausted right now, and I think it is the main contributing factor to his sloppy play.

Kevin Weekes? He's an UFA.

EDIT: BTW, I found this really /comprehensive great site that list all the NHL salaries, FA status etc.

http://www.nhlnumbers.com/njd.html

correct me if im wrong but isnt smyth an ufa also? whose to say he signs with either the oil or isles(as the 2 most obvious choices) in the off season. hed be an amazing fit should gomer really be gone.

Just say NOOOOOO to Smyth!!!

Rafalski will be 34 at the start of next season.

And Brodeur will be 35, you wouldn't get rid of him would you? I think Rafalski is one of our key players that we should keep.

And Brodeur will be 35, you wouldn't get rid of him would you? I think Rafalski is one of our key players that we should keep.

Brodeur is a better goaltender than Rafalski is a defenseman. You know that. :sarcasm:

I'm just trying to figure out who is the "slow dinosaurs" in regards to your statement.

He makes $4.2 million now and will command more money. If we re-sign him and do nothing else to the defense, then that means we would have done nothing to improve our defense.

I don't think our defense is as bad as you think. Our game with the lightnings just proves that our system has faults when dealing with high scoring opposing forwards like LeCavalier and St. Louis. But look at the regular season, we beat alot of those teams that made it into the playoffs. Alot of those games were very low scoring games.


I think our system does still work, just need adjustments. Players like Ralfaski need to be there to teach the younger generation how we play defense. I admit he's getting old, but he looked great out there in these playoff games so far.

Of our key players, I would hate to lose Brodeur, Madden, Lagenbrunner, Ralfaski, Pandolfo and Parise. All the other guys we can replace easily.

PS> I said would hate to lose, but I think Madden is getting old too and losing his edge. If we lose Ralfaski though, I think Greene could probably step up in his place.

I don't think our defense is as bad as you think.

I think our system does still work, just need adjustments. Players like Ralfaski need to be there to teach the younger generation how we play defense.

This is the dilemma: You said we need adjustments, but want to keep the defense exactly the same by keeping everybody. You can't do that and say it needs to be adjusted. You either have to trade players, sign players, or keep the status quo.

This is the dilemma: You said we need adjustments, but want to keep the defense exactly the same by keeping everybody. You can't do that and say it needs to be adjusted. You either have to trade players, sign players, or keep the status quo.

No you are right of course... Just that I've been following those guy's careers since the 80s and they were key to winning those cups. I wanna see them retire as Devils, not as a Ranger, or a Stars player.

I'm still pissed that we lost Neidermeyer.

I'm sorry but I never liked Gomez, even when he was hot. I think Elias is a has been, and I still can't think of Gionta as a devil. Dowd is one of our most stable players but he's just getting old.

Things I agreed with:

-Gomez will be gone to a team in the West. Since we can't get Ovechkin or Heatley, it will be a shame to continue to underutilize his skills. Don't expect Lou to wait on Gomez and leave us hanging like that idiot Niedermayer, who is the Genesis of about half our problems.

-Lou will get us a puck moving defenseman, a big guy as Rafalski is too small and a big, burly North American center.

-Brodeur will not top 70 starts again, and rightfully so. Clemmenssen is perfectly capable of starting 12+ games. Besides, 70 is plenty anyway for Brodeur.

I do not believe that Madden, Langs and Gio are trade material at all though. Especially Madden and Gionta.

And I see Pat Burns behind the bench. In every interview he says he wants to come back and believes he is ready and I'm sure him and Lou have been talking about it.

With Rafalski's age I really don't think he's getting a raise on his next contract. It'll either stay the same or go down a bit. Probably both (start at the same and decrease over the next few years).

BTW Mutley, according to that site you linked, Rafalski is 32, not 34.

Just say NOOOOOO to Smyth!!!

What could you possibly have against Ryan Smyth. The guy is awesome. Great character guy, great effort every night, plays hard both ways, and is almost a lock for 30 goals/year.

I would love to see a line of:

Smyth-Elias-Gionta

That being said I think Smyth will end up going back out west.

With Rafalski's age I really don't think he's getting a raise on his next contract. It'll either stay the same or go down a bit. Probably both (start at the same and decrease over the next few years).

Someone can offer him a 1 or 2 year for $5 million.

BTW Mutley, according to that site you linked, Rafalski is 32, not 34.

It was probably written before last September, before he turned 33.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1911&out

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=1846&hubname=nhl-devils

Say no to Elias at center imo.

nope, im not quick to fly off the handle. surely there is something wrong with the team, but some of your suggestions just dont seem likely under lou. if lou stepped down then i could see someone making them. i am fairly certain brylin will retire a devil, if he hasn't been dealt or let go by now, i doubt he will unless he insists on a long contract. langs was just signed and i know lou is high on him, as he is the other players you mentioned, and he rarely shakes things up. he makes little additions and subtractions. remember his quote from marty's book concerning the rangers... "they get the best player available, i get the best player for the team." he wouldnt desconstruct that team to begin a new identity. nothing was more evident than in 2004 that we needed a new style team, and no major changes happened, post lockout things ligned up. a couple small tweaks, a coach that is demanding of his palyers (burns) and this team is once again tops in the east. as for taking shots, there are several anti-devil devils fans, and it just seems as thats where you end up. i understand your frustration, we all share it, i just think its a little extreme.


Sorry, but this is what is meant by trying to have it both ways, and I give props to Captain Lou for calling it out:


Just to add something here. I am fairly certain that no one feels that we can't improve our team, yet no one wants to trade anyone who another team might want. Makes no sense.

With that said,

1) you acknowledged that, "there is something wrong with this team"

2) you acknowledged that, "he makes little additions and subtractions"

But yet you want to somehow keep everyone. So rather than take the easy way out, what or who do you exactly suggest should be traded?

Partrik Stefan is an UFA and only makes 900k

Anybody think he can be another Lou project at Center?

He succeeded with Arnott but failed with Zozlov.

Partrik Stefan is an UFA and only makes 900k

Anybody think he can be another Lou project at Center?

He succeeded with Arnott but failed with Zozlov.

Kozlov was impressive last night

Partrik Stefan is an UFA and only makes 900k

Anybody think he can be another Lou project at Center?

He succeeded with Arnott but failed with Zozlov.

This team needs to get tougher, not softer.

This team needs to get tougher, not softer.

Yeah I know, but can Lou get him to be tougher. ;)

Kozlov was impressive last night

yeah well...he did have a decent regular season. But can he do it again? That's his problem

Some great links. Thanks, guys!!!

I don't care how old Rafalski is, we need to keep him. I wish we could keep Gomez, but I think it may be tough. But God Bless him for scoring the OT goal last night!!!

Chris Drury is great on face-offs, which is a weakness of ours, and can play all three forward positions and on any line.

If we can afford Sheldon Souray, it may be worth the risk. If not, maybe we can keep Matt Corrente around as our 7th defenseman and let him play with a veteran like Brad Lukowich while resting one of our top 6 guys every now and then. Also, we can keep an eye on Corrente so hopefully he will stay out of trouble and develop as the season goes along.

If we can keep Gomez, that would be great. Not like he had a career year, so maybe he won't get such great offers. Gomer is used to winning and may want to stay. I hope that is the case.

Anyway, to be continued...

BTW, it kills me to see Scott Niedermayer in a Ducks uniform and wearing the "C."

If Lou had been successful in acquiring Rob Niedermayer, Scott would still be a Devil.

Oh, the pain, the pain. :cry:

Yeah lets trade Elias and Gomez for both Neidermeyers here ;)


Btw, I was looking through some young players and noticed there was a Mike Pandolfo, Jay's brother. He seems like a good player also. Is he part of New Jersey? Some sites lists him as NJ, while others say he's owned by the Blues.

What could you possibly have against Ryan Smyth. The guy is awesome. Great character guy, great effort every night, plays hard both ways, and is almost a lock for 30 goals/year.

I would love to see a line of:

Smyth-Elias-Gionta

That being said I think Smyth will end up going back out west.

Smyth makes a lot of bonehead plays and he seems to have lost some of that heart since making the transition to the Isles. And I'd feel embarrassed as a Devils fan with his goofiness.

Langeunbrunner is the hardest working Devil on the team ties .

last time I check that doesn't translate to goals. If Clarks or Begs could score more then trade his butt.

BTW, it kills me to see Scott Niedermayer in a Ducks uniform and wearing the "C."

If Lou had been successful in acquiring Rob Niedermayer, Scott would still be a Devil.

Oh, the pain, the pain. :cry:

Lou's own stupidity cause this. We had several times to sign SN to long term deal but Lou didnt think he was worth it. So he kept giving him 1 year deals. This had nothing to do with his brother & everything about respect. The respect the Devs never gave him.

I bet Lou reads this board, and does the complete opposite of what people suggest as far as trades and FA signings go.

Lou's own stupidity cause this. We had several times to sign SN to long term deal but Lou didnt think he was worth it. So he kept giving him 1 year deals. This had nothing to do with his brother & everything about respect. The respect the Devs never gave him.

Have you ever said anything positive about the Devils?

Just curious

Lou's own stupidity cause this. We had several times to sign SN to long term deal but Lou didnt think he was worth it. So he kept giving him 1 year deals. This had nothing to do with his brother & everything about respect. The respect the Devs never gave him.

I think there is some truth to this, but I wouldn't call it stupidity, just hard bargaining by Lou. Scott held out at least once I remember, and also went to arbitration many times. I can certainly see that there was some lingering, beneath the surface stuff in Niedermayer's case. It's why I never expected Scott to stay here in the first place. Actually, now that I think about it, I feel the exact same way about our other Scott.

Also, Rob Niedermayer sucks (for the $$$ he is paid) and I am glad Lou never got him.

BTW whatever happened to Jason Wiemer? He had some kind of knee injury right? Is he gonna be back in 2008? He would be the big power center we need.

How long is Arnott signed for in Nashville?

BTW whatever happened to Jason Wiemer? He had some kind of knee injury right? Is he gonna be back in 2008? He would be the big power center we need.

....ummmm:whaaa?:

Let me guess? Another washout? Why did lou acquire these end of career washouts?

How long is Arnott signed for in Nashville?

He signed a 5 year deal.

If Gomer leaves I wouldn't mind the following:

Elias-Parise-Langenbrunner
Hartnell-Zajac-Gionta
Pando-Madden-Clarkson
Rass-Pelley-Brylin

Rafalski-White
Greene-Martin
Oduya-Matty
Fraser

Scott Hartnell? Another player that is prone to injury... Are we gonna be stuck with paying his salary too?

If Gomez leaves, we should try to acquire a big name center to fill that void, preferably, as I said in the past, whichever center Buffalo does not resign.

Scott Hartnell? Another player that is prone to injury... Are we gonna be stuck with paying his salary too?


I wasn't aware he was injury prone. I just know that he plays a power forward type game and has a bit of a mean streak and know how to bury a puck.

He's been in and out with Concussion already. Sounds like another Lindros.

He was also out for a few games with lower body injury just recently.

He's been in and out with Concussion already. Sounds like another Lindros.

He was also out for a few games with lower body injury just recently.

Ok, scratch Hartnell.

If Gomez leaves, we should try to acquire a big name center to fill that void, preferably, as I said in the past, whichever center Buffalo does not resign.

Drury might be interested but we will never get him. I say Philly gets Drury.

If Gomez walks, what about trying to sign centre Michal Handzus from the Blackhawks? He is an UFA, 30 years old and showed some offensive prowess last yearplaying with a skilled linemate (Havlat), before he got hurt.
Most importantly, he is BIG (6'-5"), and if there is anything this Devils team needs, it is more size up front. He might be a interesting fit between Elias and Gionta.

Comments?

This team needs more size and grit. Defensively it may be time for Rafalski to go. He'll be a year older and Greene might be ready to take over Rafalski's role. Martin is fine, I just think this system might be a little stifling for him to show his stuff but the new coach may change that. White and Matvichuk fulfill the physical stay at home defensemen role. Time for Fraser to be given a long look at joining them. Corrente will be a wild card next year. If he makes the team he can't be playing 5 minutes per game. That's not good for him. Up front Dowd will gone. Might be time to part ways with Brylin too. Clarkson and Pelley should take their spots. These guys won't stay in Lowell forever. Rasmussen is under utilized but I would keep him at the start of the season. Tallacksen for Rupp maybe? Janssen's a keeper, provides energy. Only question mark out of the top 6 forwards is if Gomez stays. A GM is going to have to decide is the real Gomez, the one from 2 years ago or the one from this year. A wrong guess in this era of the salary cap will have an impact for a few years.

I heard some guy on Hockey Night in Canada say that he thinks Brent Sutter will be our coach next year.

Whats is everyone's thoughts on him?

What about

Pat Burns?
Johnny Mac?
Jacques Laperriere?

He signed a 5 year deal.

Wow Good for him.

:biglaugh: at all the fans who gave up after game three.

The good news is that Gomez is finally producing.

The bad news is that it if he keeps it up, it will give him much leverage in seeking out a big-time contract this summer.

The price we have to pay for success.

The good news is that Gomez is finally producing.

The bad news is that it if he keeps it up, it will give him much leverage in seeking out a big-time contract this summer.

The price we have to pay for success.

It's a good problem to have though. If he had a bad playoffs, you have to make the decision of whether to let him go, whether to bring in another guy who doesn't know the system, or whether to overpay to keep him for lack of a better option. If he has a great playoffs, it's a no-brainer to pony up the cash to keep him.

Devils makeover project: Summer 2007

Keep this team intact.

And have a little more faith.

Devils makeover project: Summer 2007

Keep this team intact.

And have a little more faith.

You know, the more I think about it, the more I'm convinced you are probably right. We didn't do so bad this season, one of our highest regular seasons. We're doing great in the playoffs. Lets just have players naturally retire. We've got good talent coming up. We're gonna have room anyway, because Jasons Weimer's contract is up and if he's injured we're just gonna dump him. So is Alexandre Mogilny and his contract.

Anyone else that wants to leave, we've got Clarkson ready to fill in the cracks. I really believe he's a good potential playmaker as well as a power forward we need to knock down opponents. Gionta and Elias both look like they CAN snipe, they were just having some mental block or something. Maybe gomez's playstyle just doesn't match theirs. Some line juggling would fix that.

While our defensemen aren't as good as nedermeyer, they are still adequate as long as we have Brodeur. Our young talent filtering up through the ranks will replace our aging players as they retire.

I heard some guy on Hockey Night in Canada say that he thinks Brent Sutter will be our coach next year.

Whats is everyone's thoughts on him?

What about

Pat Burns?
Johnny Mac?
Jacques Laperriere?

Pat Burns is by far my first choice. That guy IS hockey and if you saw him get interviewed a few games back during intermission, he is ready to go and fired up about the Devils... constantly saying "we" referring to the team.

Johnny Mac, as much as I love him, takes 2nd chair to Burnsy in my book, but if for some reason Pat can't go or declines... by all means - the Mac attack gets the reigns.

Ideal situation for me (regardless of the history):

Pat Burns Head Coach
Johnny Mac Offensive Coach
Larry Robinson Defensive Coach
Jacques Caron Goaltending Coach

SO much experience and knowledge combined with accountability. Plus the assistants in that structure are perfect for the liason role with player's concerns and conversations you can't have directly with a head coach who can't be the player's friend so much. And with our young corps of defense, Larry could teach them so much as Stevens has recounted so many times himself.

And if that can't work - get Daneyko in there to be a defensive coach and save him from Stan on FSNY telecasts! :D

Time to revisit this thread and try to make postitives out of negatives:

The Powerplay has good numbers, but when we need PP goals the most, it has let us down.

We can make fun of Sheldon Souray all we want, but we need a true PP quarterback with a booming shot from the point and with guys like Gionta or Parise who can crash the net and scoop up rebounds, that would help us a lot in this kind of situation.

When this team needs a clutch goal or loses, they seem leaderless. Who steps up? Elias=1 goal in last 26 games. Think about it.

Unless we pull off 3 in a row, it's time to either reward our true leader or find one in the offseason.

It's great that John Madden is a shut down Center, but don't we need one who can score? Think Holik. Remember when Madden used to be money, especially shorthanded?

I can't stand the inconsistency, especially on the offense. Perhaps it's lack of motivation of confidence problems, but I hope they get addressed soon.

We have an excellent, young and hungry core, but some of our core seems to dissapear from game to game. We know who they are.

When this team needs a clutch goal or loses, they seem leaderless. Who steps up? Elias=1 goal in last 26 games.
One goal? Nah, he's scored more than that.

He's scored TWO goals.

Its obvious to the casual observer, that while we have some talent, our talent is not any better then the other playoff teams.

and Brodeur god what the hell was he doing tonight? Wanted to get home early to watch tv?:shakehead.

We should build around these players.

Gionta
Parise
Zajac
Langenbrunner
Pandolfo
Martin
Greene
Brodeur



Role players should be

Brylin
Matvichuk
Madden
Lukowich
Oduya


Rafalski, and Gomez will make too much to keep around. They are not worth 6+ million IMO.

Make some good decisions on the offseason Lou, and bring up some young HUNGRY forwards, and let our prospects develop.

I think it's time to part ways with Madden. It seems like Pelley is being groomed to be the next Madden. In this new Salary cap era, teams just can't spend over 5 million for the 3rd line.

I think it's time to part ways with Madden. It seems like Pelley is being groomed to be the next Madden. In this new Salary cap era, teams just can't spend over 5 million for the 3rd line.

I think Pelley did a great job in Madden's role. He can hit, that's for sure, and he can score -at least, he can score in Lowell. I'd rather have him in there doing exactly what Madden's doing, making less money, so we can get a better offensive/defensive player in there instead. I'd hate to see Madden go, but he hasn't been good lately.

I'm telling it like it is..........

Madden has be absolutely HORRIBLE so far in these playoffs.

I'm telling it like it is..........

Madden has be absolutely HORRIBLE so far in these playoffs.

He had a pretty bad regular season. He's losing his touch.

He had a pretty bad regular season. He's losing his touch.

He was this years Kozlov...in shootouts at least.

Project overhaul defense.

He had a pretty bad regular season. He's losing his touch.

Maybe Peca would have been better after all....but I hate him anyway so NO.

Though I don't see Drury leaving BUF....Drury for Gomez....hmmm

(yeah yeah...maybe in my NHL 2008) ;)

Get bigger, that's what they need to do. The need a bid physical defensemen and a big centermen.

I think it's time to part ways with Madden. It seems like Pelley is being groomed to be the next Madden. In this new Salary cap era, teams just can't spend over 5 million for the 3rd line.

I've been thinking this too. He's the one key player from this team that I think they should perhaps part with. I wouldn't mind seeing White go either, but I think we're stuck with him, for better or worse.

I really think the culture of this team needs to be changed. Right now, our checking line plays over 20 minutes a game, and the two scorings lines often can't get any flow going because they are too worried about the matchup game. It's not just the coaches; I remember Elias complaining when Julien failed to get Madden out against Jagr and Jagr scored on the EGG line. With the checking line broken up, however, it'll hopefully give the top lines the message that they can play defense too. Elias and Gionta are excellent defensive players, they should be able to handle 20+ minutes a game against whoever.

You have to keep Pandolfo at 800K. Play him about 15 minutes a game and on the first PK unit. I believe Brylin has an option at about 1.5 million, which is far too much for what he brings. If he's willing to take half that, I'd bring him back to play on the third or fourth line and kill penalties. 3 million for Madden for what he does is too much, though. Perhaps he just needs a change of scenary to get some sort of scoring touch back.

Elias isn't going anywhere. Parise and Gionta have been fantastic in the playoffs. Langenbrunner is a deal at his contract, and can perhaps be moved to the third line so that Clarkson is on a scoring line, while making up the lost even strength time on the powerplay. Zajac will just keep getting better. Gomez is a great player; I would ideally like to bring him back.

Madden is really the odd man out in my opinion.

In an ideal world, i would use the money saved to help bring in Markov or Timonen.

Of course, the number 1 thing they need to do is get a real coach.

If the Devils have a miraculous comeback against Ottawa, everything I say is moot of course.

im all for timonen....but as offensive as he is from the point, hes about the same size as raffy. so if youre looking for a size improvement back there, hes not really an improvement over that. STILL.....he would be a great asset to the pp and its good to have that threat from the dcorps. plus hes a finn :D

for the sake of conversation im gonna throw my goofy ideas for today :p:

1-is iginla un attainable? cuz it would be great to have him as our power forward. im sure he would cost a bundle, be that money and young players, but he would be huge for the devs. like him or not, cant knock the raw talent hes got.

and number 2 which is half for reactions and half serious

2-IF yashin is bought out by the isles, why not a one year contract if its a reasonable price. sure hes shown completely uninspired play on the isles the past few years and hasnt earned his elephant of a contract. BUT the man has the size and shot to still be dangerous. i think if given the chance to play with a power centerman that clears the way, he would flourish. the oppositions main focus wouldnt be on him and he would have a little bit more room to work and shoot. his defensive play i think should be up to par as he was raised on a sens team that, when he was on, had a good balance of defensive and offensive. im sure he would learn the style here not too difficult and would adjust. now im sure most are saying im a tool for mentioning it, but its just water cooler talk :p:

Major changes. Trade Madden somewhere. I really don't care where. Let Rafalski, Lukowich, and Brylin walk.

Elias-Gomez (4 year deal at 24 million)-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Pandolfo-Pelley-Clarkson
Rupp-Dowd-Janssen

White(we're stuck with him)-Martin
Greene-Stuart
Matvichuk-Oduya

Major changes. Trade Madden somewhere. I really don't care where. Let Rafalski, Lukowich, and Brylin walk.

Elias-Gomez (4 year deal at 24 million)-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Pandolfo-Pelley-Clarkson
Rupp-Dowd-Janssen

White(we're stuck with him)-Martin
Greene-Stuart
Matvichuk-Oduya

I really dont think Madden or Brylin are going to go, but Rafalski definatly has a shot and maybe Luko.

We need to get some more offense from our defensemen for sure. Marty needs to play less, especially in the last few months of the season and maybe return Lagenbrunner to the Madden line and replace him with Clarkson. Pelley should be the starting 4th line center with Brylin and bring in a younger 4th line that's tough but can also play. Rass & Dowd shouldn't return and keep Rupp as a spare forward.

And I really want to see a more aggressive system with an emphasis and back-checking and good positional defensive hockey and how about a coach that will be here for more then a few years. I also would not have a problem wit letting Rafalski go if we can bring in a bigger and tougher replacement who has a good point shot. We still will have Martin, Greene and Oduya to skate with the puck.

If the Devils have a miraculous comeback against Ottawa, everything I say is moot of course.

how is that? the team needs change based on 1 loss or 3 wins?

no logic in that...

Major changes. Trade Madden somewhere. I really don't care where. Let Rafalski, Lukowich, and Brylin walk.

Elias-Gomez (4 year deal at 24 million)-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Pandolfo-Pelley-Clarkson
Rupp-Dowd-Janssen

White(we're stuck with him)-Martin
Greene-Stuart
Matvichuk-Oduya

Getting rid of Madden & Brylin will not make things better. You have to give up talent to get talent in return.

This is essentially the same lineup that can't get past the second round for 3 consecutive seasons. Unless a major impact trade is made, like 1998 & 2002, we will keep falling short every year.

Unless we pull off 3 in a row, it's time to either reward our true leader or find one in the offseason.


Who exactly is our true leader?

Problem is we have plenty of depth on D, but none of them are spectacular. I still think Rafalski should stay with the team for the right price.

Who exactly is our true leader?

In all honesty, I haven't been able to figure it out.

Major changes. Trade Madden somewhere. I really don't care where. Let Rafalski, Lukowich, and Brylin walk.

Elias-Gomez (4 year deal at 24 million)-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Pandolfo-Pelley-Clarkson
Rupp-Dowd-Janssen

White(we're stuck with him)-Martin
Greene-Stuart
Matvichuk-Oduya


Not another year of Rupp, Dowd and Rass.

Major changes. Trade Madden somewhere. I really don't care where. Let Rafalski, Lukowich, and Brylin walk.

Elias-Gomez (4 year deal at 24 million)-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Pandolfo-Pelley-Clarkson
Rupp-Dowd-Janssen

White(we're stuck with him)-Martin
Greene-Stuart
Matvichuk-Oduya


Nobody is taking a 34 year old checking center making nearly $3 million per season, especially one that isn't very good defensively anymore. Everyone can see the ginormous fork sticking out of Madden's back. If the Devils want to get rid of Madden, they'll have to buy him out.

Nobody is taking a 34 year old checking center making nearly $3 million per season, especially one that isn't very good defensively anymore. Everyone can see the ginormous fork sticking out of Madden's back. If the Devils want to get rid of Madden, they'll have to buy him out.

Madden isn't that far removed from being a Selke trophy winner. He's played in NJ for so long, maybe he just stagnated. I can see another team taking a chance that he just needs a change of scenary to get some offensive confidence back. Obviously, we wouldn't get much in return for him. It would be more of a move to shakeup the lineup/ mentality of the team and to free up cap space.

im all for timonen....but as offensive as he is from the point, hes about the same size as raffy. so if youre looking for a size improvement back there, hes not really an improvement over that. STILL.....he would be a great asset to the pp and its good to have that threat from the dcorps. plus hes a finn :D

for the sake of conversation im gonna throw my goofy ideas for today :p:

1-is iginla un attainable? cuz it would be great to have him as our power forward. im sure he would cost a bundle, be that money and young players, but he would be huge for the devs. like him or not, cant knock the raw talent hes got.

and number 2 which is half for reactions and half serious

2-IF yashin is bought out by the isles, why not a one year contract if its a reasonable price. sure hes shown completely uninspired play on the isles the past few years and hasnt earned his elephant of a contract. BUT the man has the size and shot to still be dangerous. i think if given the chance to play with a power centerman that clears the way, he would flourish. the oppositions main focus wouldnt be on him and he would have a little bit more room to work and shoot. his defensive play i think should be up to par as he was raised on a sens team that, when he was on, had a good balance of defensive and offensive. im sure he would learn the style here not too difficult and would adjust. now im sure most are saying im a tool for mentioning it, but its just water cooler talk :p:


Didn't realize Timonen was so small. Just knew that he's good on both sides of the puck and generally considered a decent leader. I was just throwing names around. Markov was and is my first choice, but Montreal will do everything they can to keep him.

Madden isn't that far removed from being a Selke trophy winner. He's played in NJ for so long, maybe he just stagnated. I can see another team taking a chance that he just needs a change of scenary to get some offensive confidence back. Obviously, we wouldn't get much in return for him. It would be more of a move to shakeup the lineup/ mentality of the team and to free up cap space.

Are you kidding? Other teams would jump at the chance to score anyone on that line... Madden, Pando, Brylin all would be prime trade bait to any run and gun team in the league that needs a centerpiece to anchor their shutdown line. Just look at what the Rangers or Pittsburgh would be like if they had a line like that... I wouldn't want to play them. I think people take that line for granted and how much impact they have on a game despite not appearing on the score sheet. :shakehead

Are you kidding? Other teams would jump at the chance to score anyone on that line... Madden, Pando, Brylin all would be prime trade bait to any run and gun team in the league that needs a centerpiece to anchor their shutdown line. Just look at what the Rangers or Pittsburgh would be like if they had a line like that... I wouldn't want to play them. I think people take that line for granted and how much impact they have on a game despite not appearing on the score sheet. :shakehead

Actually, they've appeared on the scoresheet quite often in the playoffs.... in the plus/minus column, there is generally a healthy minus by their names. Of course teams would want Madden, but given his contract, I don't think we'd get much value playerwise in return.

Not another year of Rupp, Dowd and Rass.


Thank you! i dont want to see any of them back other than in a 13th forward spot. We have younger guys that bring sooo much more to the table. If anyone would stop and look at the teams we have the most trouble with they all have one thing in common, they can all roll 4 lines. Devils do not have that luxury and that can easily be corrected in the off-season i believe. Though this season is not over there definitely needs to be a make-over assuming we dont get past Ottawa. Icing the same team next year would be very disheartening to most fans i would think, when we all know what some of our players are capable of especially with Marty between the pipes.

I still like the team we have but I certainly think we need some retooling. Just some random thoughts I have:

-Many of our issues can be solved from within. The lack of size and muscle is really hurting us right now but adding Clarkson to a fulltime role on either the 3rd or 4th line will certainly help. Also, Zajac will be a year older and hopefully quite a bit stronger so hopefully that will translate into more physical play. If he can learn to finish, he will be real dangerous.

-I don't expect that Gomez will be back (more on that later) so hopefully his replacement will also bring some added size.

-Despite the fact that we have enough "midgets" up front, I would really like to see us bring back Brylin for his option year. 1.5 million for a utility guy who plays a good all around game and can be moved to any line at any forward position (for short periods of time) is well worth that price. When you consider that he still managed to have as many points as our full time 2nd line center this season it looks real good.

-I think I'm leaning towards letting Gomez walk. The most frustrating thing about this years team has been the inconsistancy and generally lackluster effort on too many night. For me, Gomez has always been on of the biggest offenders. Locking him up long term for the type of numbers he will certainly command scares the hell out of me.

-While I think Rafalski is a very valuable player, he is also the type of guy that Conte and Lou seem to have no problem finding. In this case, they may already have their cheaper and younger replacement in Greene...

-...which is why I'm confused about the long term contract for Colin White. The Devils have never had a problem drafting, trading for, or signing 2nd pairing defensive defensmen (which is what I believe he is). I think we could get the same production out of players with much more reasonable contracts (see Matvichuk or Luko as current examples).

-Brodeur needs to start playing less. I'm not talking about only 60 or 65 games. 70-72 would be fine but there is no reason he should play every game when we have 3 games in 4 nights. Sitting him for a week at the end of the season does no good because he loses his groove. It has to be a conscious effort all season not to overwork him because I really think the inconsistancy were seeing right now is a direct result of fatigue. He's not going to do this himself so someone in the organization needs to step up and decide for him when he sits.

-A $2.9 million cap hit is too much for what Madden is providing right now.

-Overall, I'm still very comfortable with the core of this team being built around Elias (I think there is something wrong right now so I'm giving him a pass for the recent struggles), Brodeur, Langenbrunner, Parise, Zajac, Pando & Gionta. As tough as parts of this season have been to watch, being one of the last 8 teams alive is not all that bad. With a few good moves in the offseason, I think the opening year at The Rock can be a big one!

I think Gomez is a goner also but he drives the offense. Before it was Niedermayer and now Gomez has picked up the slack. I don't know the exact cap numbers but finding a good big center and a great puck moving defenseman is a reach.

Major changes. Trade Madden somewhere. I really don't care where. Let Rafalski, Lukowich, and Brylin walk.

Elias-Gomez (4 year deal at 24 million)-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Pandolfo-Pelley-Clarkson
Rupp-Dowd-Janssen

White(we're stuck with him)-Martin
Greene-Stuart
Matvichuk-Oduya

This might be the least intimidating lineup I've ever seen. :shakehead

And the least potent defense.

I just can't believe Lou dished out all that money over so many years to Colin White!:amazed: :amazed:

It's not like he earned it or anything....and it won't be easy to trade him either. Who's gonna want him at that price for so many years?! Unbelievable! :shakehead :help:

Am I the select few that thinks Colin White has been fairly impressive these playoffs? Aside from his stupid penalties, he is doing a good job clearing pucks and hitting. But yea his contract was a headscratcher.

I just can't believe Lou dished out all that money over so many years to Colin White!:amazed: :amazed:

It's not like he earned it or anything....and it won't be easy to trade him either. Who's gonna want him at that price for so many years?! Unbelievable! :shakehead :help:

White's contract was a gamble. At the end of last year, he really seemed to be coming into his own as a reliable shutdown defenseman. His absence against Carolina was felt very much. If White had maintained the level he played at under Lou last year, it would be a fair deal. If he continued to improve, it would be a bargain for all those years. Sadly, he regressed this year.

If Gomez leaves us in to off season, would we take a shot at Drury or Briere?

Madden is taking way too much credit for our losses. Most of those points the top lines are getting are either powerplay, poor goals by brodeur or missed tasks by the defensmen. Very rarely has Madden or Pandolfo been the cause for a goal in these playoffs. The problem with the line is that Madden has gotten worse offensively and isn't quite the speedster he once was. He still has time to make himself the hero like in 03.

If Gomez leaves us in to off season, would we take a shot at Drury or Briere?
I would take Drury 9 times out of 10 before Briere. Drury is better defensivly, better at faceoffs and is a perfect Devil.

We need a horse on the backend.

We are not going to get either of those guys.

Gomez better not be ***** and wait it out.

Gomez better not be ***** and wait it out.



He won't from what I hear after he gets an offer he's going to give Lou a few days to come up with a counter offer. That was a few months ago though.

I just hope that Lou doesn't make any panic signings because of the new arena.

Again, I have to problem getting younger and tougher and play a more aggressive system and be a bubble playoff team. A couple of good drafts are coming up in 08 & 09. Just don't screw up the cap.

I just hope that Lou doesn't make any panic signings because of the new arena.

Again, I have to problem getting younger and tougher and play a more aggressive system and be a bubble playoff team. A couple of good drafts are coming up in 08 & 09. Just don't screw up the cap.

There's just no way we'll get a spot in the '08 or '09 draft that will allow us to get a top notch prospect. Our team is too solid to be one of the 10 lower teams in the league, let alone top 15.

I think it would be sick if we got Timonen, he is a highly underated defensemen who can shoot, and pass the puck. Although Nashville will probably try to resign him:shakehead

I would take Drury 9 times out of 10 before Briere. Drury is better defensivly, better at faceoffs and is a perfect Devil.

We need a horse on the backend.

Drury shows why we need him with what he did to the NYR last night. :handclap:

If we can recreate a team with both Drury and Parise and make a few changes here and there, we would lead the NHL in the heart and determination category.





Again, I have to problem getting younger and tougher and play a more aggressive system and be a bubble playoff team. A couple of good drafts are coming up in 08 & 09. Just don't screw up the cap.

Yeah, but with a new building in Newark, I don't think Jeffey Vanderbeek wants to sit back and wait to build a young team on the playoff bubble. We're too good for that anyway. We're a couple of players and changes away from being legitimate Cup contenders.

I think it would be sick if we got Timonen, he is a highly underated defensemen who can shoot, and pass the puck. Although Nashville will probably try to resign him:shakehead

Timonen and Rafalski are fairly equal, and will cost about the same, so why not just stick with Raffy? Apparently Timonen didn't have his best year either.

Timonen and Rafalski are fairly equal, and will cost about the same, so why not just stick with Raffy? Apparently Timonen didn't have his best year either.

Timonen is a few years younger, but Rafalski is better defensively/

The #1 thing we need is a new coach. Someone with experience, but is also a commanding personality. Johnny Maclean? Maybe? I dunno.

The #1 thing we need is a new coach. Someone with experience, but is also a commanding personality. Johnny Maclean? Maybe? I dunno.

After tonight and this series no way. We all know he was running the bench under Lou and they got beat in part of a lack of adjustments, and having no sense of urgency. Those things fall on the coaches.

Give me Pat Burns back or go get someone else. No more nice coaches for this team, they fail.

After this game, and playoffs overall, it's obvious we need to do whatever it takes to keep Gomez here. If it comes down to it, send off Langenbrunner for a solid dman and use the 2.8 on getting Gomez to stay. With how much interest Langenbrunner received in UFA last off-season, we should be able to get a good package for him. And I'd much rather have the guy who's running our offense, then a 2.8 mill cap hit that'll give us around 20 goals a year and consistantly miss the net on great chances. Sign someone to fill in the 2nd line RW spot, or fill Clarkson in there.

There needs to be big changes with this team. I never thought we'd go much of anywhere going into the playoffs, but never thought we'd put forth no effort either. They've become an over-achieving, regular season team.

Lou likes Langs too much to trade him. Thus he received the huge contract. Same for White.

After this game, and playoffs overall, it's obvious we need to do whatever it takes to keep Gomez here. If it comes down to it, send off Langenbrunner for a solid dman and use the 2.8 on getting Gomez to stay. With how much interest Langenbrunner received in UFA last off-season, we should be able to get a good package for him. And I'd much rather have the guy who's running our offense, then a 2.8 mill cap hit that'll give us around 20 goals a year and consistantly miss the net on great chances. Sign someone to fill in the 2nd line RW spot, or fill Clarkson in there.

There needs to be big changes with this team. I never thought we'd go much of anywhere going into the playoffs, but never thought we'd put forth no effort either. They've become an over-achieving, regular season team.


I'd much rather get rid of Madden's 2.9 than Lang's 2.8 if we have to get rid of one of them.

I'd much rather get rid of Madden's 2.9 than Lang's 2.8 if we have to get rid of one of them.

Yea Madden is the other possibility, but I was thinking it'd be easier to find another Langenbrunner type player than a shut down center (although he sucked this playoff year).

Get rid of Lou

Yea Madden is the other possibility, but I was thinking it'd be easier to find another Langenbrunner type player than a shut down center (although he sucked this playoff year).

Again Langenbrunner has a no trade and is signed for another 4 years. I'm not sure if Madden has a no trade.

The is team needs a big physical offensive center. Think Arnott. They also need a defensemen that can shoot the puck.

Again Langenbrunner has a no trade and is signed for another 4 years. I'm not sure if Madden has a no trade.

The is team needs a big physical offensive center. Think Arnott. They also need a defensemen that can shoot the puck.

Well, there's always the possibility of him waiving it. Who knows, just figured we could get more from trading him than most anyone else who could possibly be traded. I'd love to have a big guy back at center. This team needs some balls.

I also noticed Sykora is gonna be available, with the not so great years he's had since being traded from us, signing him for fairly cheap and putting him back with Elias could be worth a shot.

Well, there's always the possibility of him waiving it. Who knows, just figured we could get more from trading him than most anyone else who could possibly be traded. I'd love to have a big guy back at center. This team needs some balls.

I also noticed Sykora is gonna be available, with the not so great years he's had since being traded from us, signing him for fairly cheap and putting him back with Elias could be worth a shot.

Was thinking Sykora could be a shot in the arm for Elias as well.

Was thinking Sykora could be a shot in the arm for Elias as well.

only if he's really cheap. He's not that good anymore.

I know, he would a Rob Niedermayer-type acquisition, only Elias is already locked up instead of being in his UFA year.

i know there is a thread for defenseman, coaching, etc, but i figured id just make one for the team as a whole. here is what i would like to see:

-the #1 option is to go balls to the wall to re-sign gomez. offer him 6 million if needed, but this guy needs to stay. although i will say that i have a bad feeling that he will be gone (i had the same feeling about elias, and that turned out ok though). if we dont sign gomez, then we obviously need to bring in a centerman. my target would be either briere or drury, because i dont believe that buffalo will re-sign both of them.
-let rafalski walk. i was hungup on this for most of the year, but i think we can move on without him. he is not a true #1 defenseman and although there are no legit #1s that we'll be able to bring in, i feel like we could use his money better somewhere else. a guy that i would really like to see in NJ is scott hannan. perfect shutdown guy that this team needs (jagr has said numerous times he thinks hes the best shutdown dman in the league). other dmen id be interested in that are FAs: brad stuart, danny markov, brent sopel
-let rasmussen, dowd, and rupp all go. make a 4th line of young kids with energy and start developin them
-give parise and martin a raise (they are RFAs) and keep luko for cheap if possible
-get white off the team somehow. trade him for a bag of pucks, i dont care. this dude is the most overpaid player in the league, and i am convinced that i am a better player than he is, and im dead serious

my ideal lineup for next season would be (with salary):

Elias (6m)- Gomez (6m*)-Gionta (4m)
Parise (2m*) - Zajac (.984m) - Langenbrunner (2.8m)
Pandolfo (0.836m) - Madden (2.9m) - Clarkson (0.5m)
Pihlman (0.45m) - Pelley (0.5m) - Brylin (1.5m)

Hannan (3.5m) - Martin (2.5m*)
Greene (0.85m) - Matvichuk (1.368m)
Oduya (0.5m) - Lukowich (2.0m*)

Brodeur (5.2m)
Clemmensen (0.45m*)

* = proposed deal


the total salaries of that team is under 45 million, and the cap is said to go up to 48 million so that may even leave us room for some scratches or to sign another forward


lastly, hire back Pat Burns as head coach

I feel we really need to look at a backup with a little more accountability of the days of terreri beezer and dunham.....

Gomer i cant but help but think is a goner and matin I hope can take a cut in pay I really dont thing he is worth 2.5

Spare parts.....Rupp can stay fro min, rass and luko I think will be gone, dowd retire and the hopes of getting a 4 line center along the lines of McCammond


will really need to be the devils of old rolling 4 lines, Cam i feel will be dealt

lastly, hire back Pat Burns as head coach

I really think Johnny Mac will be given a shot

Again Langenbrunner has a no trade and is signed for another 4 years. I'm not sure if Madden has a no trade.

The is team needs a big physical offensive center. Think Arnott. They also need a defensemen that can shoot the puck.

Langenbrunner only has a limited no -trade (like 5 teams).

I'm looking at the #'s for next year and who is signed

Elias(6M)-?-Gionta(4M)
?-Zajac(985K)-Langenbrunner (2.8)
Pandolfo(836K)-Madden(2.9)-?
?-?-?

?-White (3M)
?-Matvichuk(1.36M)
Greene(850K)-Oduya(505K)

Brodeur(5.2)
?

= 28,436,000.00 This doesn't include any of IB's bonus calc's and stuff of that nature.

If the cap stays at 44 we have 15,564,00.00 to spend on 9 players. If we dump White and Madden then we've got 21,464,000.00 on 11 players If the Cap goes up to 46 then we have 17,564,000.00 on 9 with those two clowns and 23,464,000.00 on 11 with them gone.

So lets roll with the 46 figure because that's probably what it is going to be


Lets say we go with Madden and White still in the line up and retain Paul Martin at 2.5, Parise at 3 and Gomez at 6, sign Jed Ortmeyer for 625K, Curtis Sanford for 600K, and Ville Niemenen for 700K that leaves us with this as our line up

Elias(6M)-Gomez(6M)-Gionta(4M)
Parise(3M)-Zajac(985K)-Langenbrunner(2.8M)
Pandolfo(836K)-Madden(2.9M)-Clarkson(530K)
Niemenen(700K)-Pelley(495K)-Ortmeyer(625K)

Martin(2.5M)-White(3M)
?-Greene(850K)
Matvichuk(1.36M)-Oduya(505K)

Brodeur(5.2M)
Sanford(600K)

= 42,886,000.00 with 3,114,000.00 left to spend on one player on the list of available defensman left we could nab Danny Markov at 2.5 million, he'd be paired with Greene on the 2nd pairing and we'd have 614,000.00 left for the rest of the season

Now for a line up without Madden and White we'd have Pelley move up to line 3 to take Madden's spot, and sign Glen Metropolit to take line 4 C duty

Elias(6M)-Gomez(6M)-Gionta(4M)
Parise(3)-Zajac(985K)-Langenbrunner(2.8M)
Pandolfo(836K)-Pelley(495K)-Clarkson(530K)
Niemenen(700K)-Metropolit(550K)-Ortmeyer(625K)

Martin(2.5M)-?
Greene(850K)-?
Oduya(505K)-Matvichuk(1.36M)

Brodeur(5.2M)
Sanford(600K)

That is 37,186,000.00

It would leave us with 8,814,000.00 to spend on two defensman. Lets say we go with Hannan (4M) and Schneider (4M) that gives us 814K left in cap space with our d having Hannan and Schneider where the ?'s are.

What does everyone think? If those are the #'s all the aforementioned players take, I think they would, but who knows with the market the way it is.

I really think Johnny Mac will be given a shot

god I hope not.

no matter what happens with the lineup, getting a decent coach is the number one priority.

i know there is a thread for defenseman, coaching, etc, but i figured id just make one for the team as a whole. here is what i would like to see:

-the #1 option is to go balls to the wall to re-sign gomez. offer him 6 million if needed, but this guy needs to stay. although i will say that i have a bad feeling that he will be gone (i had the same feeling about elias, and that turned out ok though). if we dont sign gomez, then we obviously need to bring in a centerman. my target would be either briere or drury, because i dont believe that buffalo will re-sign both of them.
-let rafalski walk. i was hungup on this for most of the year, but i think we can move on without him. he is not a true #1 defenseman and although there are no legit #1s that we'll be able to bring in, i feel like we could use his money better somewhere else. a guy that i would really like to see in NJ is scott hannan. perfect shutdown guy that this team needs (jagr has said numerous times he thinks hes the best shutdown dman in the league). other dmen id be interested in that are FAs: brad stuart, danny markov, brent sopel
-let rasmussen, dowd, and rupp all go. make a 4th line of young kids with energy and start developin them
-give parise and martin a raise (they are RFAs) and keep luko for cheap if possible
-get white off the team somehow. trade him for a bag of pucks, i dont care. this dude is the most overpaid player in the league, and i am convinced that i am a better player than he is, and im dead serious

my ideal lineup for next season would be (with salary):

Elias (6m)- Gomez (6m*)-Gionta (4m)
Parise (2m*) - Zajac (.984m) - Langenbrunner (2.8m)
Pandolfo (0.836m) - Madden (2.9m) - Clarkson (0.5m)
Pihlman (0.45m) - Pelley (0.5m) - Brylin (1.5m)

Hannan (3.5m) - Martin (2.5m*)
Greene (0.85m) - Matvichuk (1.368m)
Oduya (0.5m) - Lukowich (2.0m*)

Brodeur (5.2m)
Clemmensen (0.45m*)

* = proposed deal


the total salaries of that team is under 45 million, and the cap is said to go up to 48 million so that may even leave us room for some scratches or to sign another forward


lastly, hire back Pat Burns as head coach

One flaw...where is the goal scoring defenseman? Or are you hoping that Greene can pot like 8 goals + ?

If they let Rafalski walk then they will need a d man who can put up numbers and is also able to play within the devils system which is not easy for the offensive d man. I also agree that they might want to look at a back up. Now i'm not questioning brodeur and his talent. He can still get the job done and is still the best goalie in the world but at his age can he still play 75 + games and play at the top of his game in the playoffs. I think that marty was exhausted during the playoffs and i think it showed in his play. He showed moments of his usual greatness but that was it. I found he was very incosistent and let in some uncharacteristic goals on marty's part. I think a reliable backup who can play in 10- 15 games and also come in for marty if he goes down to injury. He has been a horse his whole career and now his age might catch him and get into some injury trouble. It does happen. i'm not sure who this goalie would be..young gun or vet but i think it has to happen. Brodeur is a gamer and loves to play and would play all 82 games probably but the devil management has to sit back and be realistic. Devils have the right mix of players, and with a good offseason (signing, and players coming up thru system) they will be in the mix of things once again next season.

People must understand that free agents never want to come to New Jersey! No one is interested unfortunately....that's just the sad truth.

Let's hope that Lou finds a way to re-sign Gomez and Rafalski, because we can forget about guys like Drury and Briere. They will not be Devils next year, I guarantee you that.

Gomez is my number one choice, and he should be Lou's too. Rafalski will be back, I just know it.

- Gomer is NOT a must have. We just don't have a sniper to really make Gomer's assets shine. Until we have/get a sniper his talents are being wasted

-& I quote Olivia Newton John, Let get physical. We got bounced around like a ping pong ball in both series this year. We need bangers on the wing and specially on D. Not part time bangers ever shift on the ice they drilled someone

- No more than 60 games for Marty. Every 4th day he gets a rest. He's not a spring chicken anymore

- Don't get Souray, he usually hurt for 40 games out of the 82
- A angry coach. Someone who will snap necks in the locker room for lack of effort. Sorry Johnny Mac that's not you

Hannan (3.5m) - Martin (2.5m*)
Greene (0.85m) - Matvichuk (1.368m)
Oduya (0.5m) - Lukowich (2.0m*)

The D about is still filled with too much softies.

- Gomer is NOT a must have. We just don't have a sniper to really make Gomer's assets shine. Until we have/get a sniper his talents are being wasted

-& I quote Olivia Newton John, Let get physical. We got bounced around like a ping pong ball in both series this year. We need bangers on the wing and specially on D. Not part time bangers ever shift on the ice they drilled someone

- No more than 60 games for Marty. Every 4th day he gets a rest. He's not a spring chicken anymore

- Don't get Souray, he usually hurt for 40 games out of the 82
- A angry coach. Someone who will snap necks in the locker room for lack of effort. Sorry Johnny Mac that's not you

Hannan (3.5m) - Martin (2.5m*)
Greene (0.85m) - Matvichuk (1.368m)
Oduya (0.5m) - Lukowich (2.0m*)

The D about is still filled with too much softies.

Hannan will get more than 3.5. If we want him, he's gonna cost us 4.5 - 5 mil per.

Defense will continue to get younger as Rafalski may be gone. Lukowich as well. Need a cannon of a shot from the point. Up front Dowd retires. The team has to decide if the 3rd line remains a shut down line, or now enters the new NHL as a offensively productive unit, similar to Ottawa and Buffalo. This could spell trouble for those on the Madden line. Clarkson and Pelley among others will make a strong case for themselves if this is the new direction.

Elias - Parise - Gionta
Zubrus - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Pandolfo - Madden - Clarkson
Pelley - Vrana - Brylin



Greene - Markov
White - Martin
Matvichuk - Oduya



Brodeur


thoughts?

I wouldn't go crazy and sign three or four free agents, especially guys in the 30's. This year's free agents group other than Briere, Drury and a couple of defensemen is average at best. Have to show some patience.

Head Coach - Brent Sutter

Parise (1.8) - Zajac (.98) - Gionta (4)
Elias (6) - Peca (2) - Langenbrunner (2.8)
Pandolfo (.836) - Madden (2.9) - Brylin (1.5)
Sim (.8) - Vrana (.7) - Clarkson (.55)
Janssen (.45)

Hannan (5.5) - Greene (.85)
White (3) - Martin (2)
Matvichuk (1.3) - Preissing (1)
Oduya (.5)


Brodeur (5.2)
Weekes (.8)

Elias keeps the C.

Head Coach - Brent Sutter

Parise (1.8) - Zajac (.98) - Gionta (4)
Elias (6) - Peca (2) - Langenbrunner (2.8)
Pandolfo (.836) - Madden (2.9) - Brylin (1.5)
Sim (.8) - Vrana (.7) - Clarkson (.55)
Janssen (.45)

Hannan (5.5) - Greene (.85)
White (3) - Martin (2)
Matvichuk (1.3) - Preissing (1)
Oduya (.5)


Brodeur (5.2)
Weekes (.8)

I wouldn't mind Hannan, if we don't resign Brian. Sim might also be a good pick-up. As for Sarge, he has to play 4th line minutes, getting older and to soft. I put Pelley on the right side of Madden and Pando. Not to sure about Peca. He's been pretty injury prone.

Assuming cap goes up to 48 million. Trade White, Madden. Gomez walks, and we let Brylin walk. We take a chance on Tkachuk and make significant moves on D.

Elias(6 m) - Tkachuk (3 m) - Gionta (4 m)
Parise (3 m) - Zajac (980k) - Langs (2.9 m)
Pandofo (900 k) - Pelley(500 k) - Clarkson (750k)
Rupp (450 k) - Dowd (450 k) Janssen (450 k) (doesn't matter.. they only play 3 mins a game)
= 23.38 million on forwards

Hannan (4.5 m)-Rafalski [wants to stay, hometown discount](4 m)
Stuart (3 m) - Martin (2.5 m)
Matvichuk (1.3 m) - Greene (850k)

Brodeur (5.2), back up 450k
= 21.8 million on d and goalies

45.18 million total would leave Lou with wiggle room for the deadline while also giving room for higher salaries awarded to players chosen. IMO, we take a slight step back on offense without Gomez but take a HUGE step forward on the back end which is what we need if we're not going to change our style at all.

I notice that everyone has Colin White gone, but who's taking him at I believe is 3.5 million for another 3 or 4 years? No one.

I notice that everyone has Colin White gone, but who's taking him at I believe is 3.5 million for another 3 or 4 years? No one.
It's 3 million per for another 5 years, and he has a NTC. White isn't going anywhere.

It's 3 million per for another 5 years, and he has a NTC. White isn't going anywhere.

Lou messed up with this one. You don't give a no. 3 defenseman a NTC.

Elias - Parise - Gionta
Zubrus - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Pandolfo - Madden - Clarkson
Pelley - Vrana - Brylin



Greene - Markov
White - Martin
Matvichuk - Oduya



Brodeur


thoughts?

Not bad. Just that 4th line is to soft and is Vrana even ready?

Not bad. Just that 4th line is to soft and is Vrana even ready?

I would say no from the few games I've seen him this season. But I do like him, he seems like a tough kid, hard worker.

No matter what I try in playing with the players, I have trouble coming up with a lineup that I think is sufficiently physical and skilled to effectively play the trap like we used to.

Hire John MacLean to coach and develop a high-forecheck/constant pressure style for next season. On defense, let Lukowich go and bring in Hannan. On offense, it depends on what happens with Gomez.

I want the first line to feature Elias and Clarkson, and maybe we'll call it the second line. Zajac should take a few steps forward. Put Gionta with Pandolfo and Madden and form a neutral-zone harassment line with awesome transitional skills - Pandolfo and Madden throw the puck at the net, Gionta finds a way to put rebounds into the goal.

Now, the fourth line is where it gets interesting. Try this out for size:


Parise - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Elias - Drury - Clarkson
Pandolfo - Madden - Gionta
Friesen - Pelley - Brylin
Janssen, Rupp

Still not physical enough for my liking, but we'll deal. At worst, Friesen is a good defensive fourth-liner. At best... well. I've also fiddled with the idea of bringing back Sykora to try to get Elias jump-started again, since Sykora also wouldn't be that expensive, but I can't find a good Arnott replacement to make the line tick (and I have no interest in Tkachuk).

Rafalski - Hannan
Martin - White
Greene - Matvichuk
Oduya

A nice defense, with three very solid stay at home guys and three solid transitional puck movers. Martin has developed nicely - I want him to spend the summer with Larry Robinson and Scott Stevens at a rink, learning how to go into corners. Greene should keep getting better, and will be top-4 grade inside of a season or two.

No matter what I try in playing with the players, I have trouble coming up with a lineup that I think is sufficiently physical and skilled to effectively play the trap like we used to.

Hire John MacLean to coach and develop a high-forecheck/constant pressure style for next season. On defense, let Lukowich go and bring in Hannan. On offense, it depends on what happens with Gomez.

I want the first line to feature Elias and Clarkson, and maybe we'll call it the second line. Zajac should take a few steps forward. Put Gionta with Pandolfo and Madden and form a neutral-zone harassment line with awesome transitional skills - Pandolfo and Madden throw the puck at the net, Gionta finds a way to put rebounds into the goal.

Now, the fourth line is where it gets interesting. Try this out for size:


Parise - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Elias - Drury - Clarkson
Pandolfo - Madden - Gionta
Friesen - Pelley - Brylin
Janssen, Rupp

Still not physical enough for my liking, but we'll deal. At worst, Friesen is a good defensive fourth-liner. At best... well. I've also fiddled with the idea of bringing back Sykora to try to get Elias jump-started again, since Sykora also wouldn't be that expensive, but I can't find a good Arnott replacement to make the line tick (and I have no interest in Tkachuk).

Rafalski - Hannan
Martin - White
Greene - Matvichuk
Oduya

A nice defense, with three very solid stay at home guys and three solid transitional puck movers. Martin has developed nicely - I want him to spend the summer with Larry Robinson and Scott Stevens at a rink, learning how to go into corners. Greene should keep getting better, and will be top-4 grade inside of a season or two.

I don't think that lineup fits under the cap.

The is team needs a big physical offensive center. Think Arnott. They also need a defensemen that can shoot the puck.

Yes, agreed, but many of us have been saying this since 2002 when Arnott was traded & 2005 when Niedermayer left.

Lou will surprise us with a trade and get someone we least expect.


my ideal lineup for next season would be (with salary):

Elias (6m)- Gomez (6m*)-Gionta (4m)
Parise (2m*) - Zajac (.984m) - Langenbrunner (2.8m)
Pandolfo (0.836m) - Madden (2.9m) - Clarkson (0.5m)
Pihlman (0.45m) - Pelley (0.5m) - Brylin (1.5m)

Hannan (3.5m) - Martin (2.5m*)
Greene (0.85m) - Matvichuk (1.368m)
Oduya (0.5m) - Lukowich (2.0m*)

Brodeur (5.2m)
Clemmensen (0.45m*)



That lineup=No offense, stuggling for the 8th playoff spot and guaranteed 1st round exit.

That's essentially the same lineup as this season.

With a new Arena next season, who will pay top dollar to wait years for our AHL propects to develop? Not to mention our horrible lack of offense would actually get worse.

- Gomer is NOT a must have. We just don't have a sniper to really make Gomer's assets shine. Until we have/get a sniper his talents are being wasted



Yep. And besides, why is everyone so sure that the heart and effort Gomez showed during these 11 playoff games will be there in the future? After all, he certainly didn't play like this in each regular season game this past season.

He was playing for a contract this postseason. Pure & simple.

Unless we get Ovechkin, Hossa or Heatley to be his sniper, he's gone.


Elias - Parise - Gionta
Zubrus - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Pandolfo - Madden - Clarkson
Pelley - Vrana - Brylin

Greene - Markov
White - Martin
Matvichuk - Oduya

Brodeur


thoughts?

I love Markov, but that roster does nothing to increase our scoring or toughness.



Head Coach - Brent Sutter

Parise (1.8) - Zajac (.98) - Gionta (4)
Elias (6) - Peca (2) - Langenbrunner (2.8)
Pandolfo (.836) - Madden (2.9) - Brylin (1.5)
Sim (.8) - Vrana (.7) - Clarkson (.55)
Janssen (.45)

Hannan (5.5) - Greene (.85)
White (3) - Martin (2)
Matvichuk (1.3) - Preissing (1)
Oduya (.5)


Brodeur (5.2)
Weekes (.8)

Now this is interesting. Sutter will not take the laziness of certain players. I've always liked Peca but he might be worth more. Sim gives us toughness and I like the idea of a recreated Crash Line with a combo of Sim, Janssen, & a Devolping Clarkson & Vrana. Hannan is solid and absolutely makes our D better. Preissing was a gem of a find for Ottawa and I can't see them giving up on him, but I'm not sure of their cap situation. Kevin Weekes is an interesting choice & I've thought about it before. He certainly has the experience and a positive attitude.

And thank God you don't have Lukowich on that lineup!

But we're still missing an offensive-defensman with a booming shot from the point that Parise & Gionta would scoop up after rebounds.

Good job JM

What about

Elias - Zubrus - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Pandolfo - Madden - Clarkson
Pelley - Vrana - Rasmussen


Greene - Markov
White - Martin
Matvichuk - Oduya


That lineup has toughness on each line, not to mention you would hope Elias, Zajac improve scoring wise.

I really like the idea of adding Zubrus to the 2nd line. He is a physical guy (ask Jagr) and big! i would love to see them match up 8 times a year.

Maybe a trade for Vyborney? if Gomez walks.

Many people have Hannan as the answer, did everyone forget that we get almost zero offense from the blueline as it is? Hannan is no where near the answer if Rafalski leaves. Unless by some miracle White is shipped out we shouldnt even bother talking to Hannan. Either we sign Timmonen or A. Markov or we have to keep Rafalski.

I agree that we really have to reevaluate the whole defense first system. As i have said before this team has and will always struggle against teams that can roll 4 lines. Lou needs to look long and hard about doing away with a shut-down line AND an almost completely useless 4th line. If we stick with the same blueprint we will continue to have problems with the Ottawas and Buffaloes of the word. I dont mind a defensive line but we cant have a bottom 6 like we have no and expect to improve.

In all honesty i dont even think we would have beat Tampa if they didnt have a back-up in there and NO offensive depth.

That lineup=No offense, stuggling for the 8th playoff spot and guaranteed 1st round exit.

That's essentially the same lineup as this season.

With a new Arena next season, who will pay top dollar to wait years for our AHL propects to develop? Not to mention our horrible lack of offense would actually get worse.





so with "essentially the same lineup" that was the #2 seed in the east, we'll now struggle to make the playoffs?

you dont make a hell of a lot of sense bro

I like the Tkachuk idea. We need a big forward that can line up with Elias.

No Tkachuk, thanks, he looked awful playing with Gomez and Gionta during the Olympics. All he did was slow them down.

Well too bad Cole isn't a FA. He was great with them.

I've been expecting a Arnott/McKay for Nieuwendyk/Langenbrunner type trade for a while, and it hasn't come. I wouldn't be surprised to see something like it this offseason.

Rafalski will stay, I think and Hannan would be a great upgrade over Lukowich. I think that one change would be enough, since Matvichuk is an awesome man in the locker room and on the ice, White is untradeable, and Martin/Rafalski/Greene has the puck-moving side of the defense locked up.

Unless Martin is traded. We'll see.

The biggest problem for us in my opinion is, that in a way, with all our long term contracts, we are kind of screwed and there is no real flexibility.


I mean, who do you want to trade away.....we don´t have any more top prospects in the AHL....sure Clarkson has been promising, Bergfors, if he s still our "property" could one day become a good player, I doubt it though. Corrente, who knows what his off-ice trouble has done to his image or even his career. Apart from that, there is nothing really that we could offer. Do you guys felt comfortable trading away Zajac or Parise? Elias with his fat contract is untradeable, and I do believe that he will bounce back next year. AS one stated in a certain thread, this phenomena happened to other high paid players as well....Elias will have a strong next season. Langenbrunner and White are signed for 4 or 5 years respectively. Nobody would want to get rid of Jamie, his contract is among the best in my eyes. But White, I d be delighted to get rid of that dumb guy. But nobody is ever gonna take him.

So in a way, to make trades, we lack trade bait. The only way to improve our roster is thus by making free agent signings. Lou will have to try to get Gomez back, or to find a replacement. Sure a guy like Drury or Briere would be a perfect replacement, but at which price will these players come? And it still would not make our team that much stronger. Defensively we need a Brad Stuart type of player, imo. Perhaps even Stuart himself :-) but he too won´t come cheap. And then you have the option, do you retain Rafalski or just let him walk and replace him with young fresh blood.

Lou has his work cut out, but who knows, perhaps he is going to take the blame and step down from his duties as GM, although that would be a shock for this franchise, I don´t see him continuing that much longer anyway.

It is going to be an interesting off-season to say the least, but the fact that we need some important changes should be obvious to even the blindest and most optimistic fans here on these boards. The way we lost to the Sens was just not acceptable.

Hannan and Drury.

They would be perfect. I'd love to see Elias - Drury - Clarkson as the second line.

If we're stuck with White then definitely let Madden go, trade him.

Elias(6)-Gomez(6)-Gionta(4)
Parise(3)-Zajac(.985)-Langenbrunner(2.8)
Pandolfo(.836)-Pelley(.495)-Clarkson(.53)
Sim(.6)-Metropolit(.55)-Ortmeyer(.625)

Martin(2.2)-Hannan(4.5)
White(3)-Greene(.85)
Oduya(.505)-Matvichuk(1.36)

Brodeur (5.2)
Weekes (.8)

--------------
44,836,000.00

Now if we keep Madden we take away Metropolit's .55, move Pelley to line 4 and add in Madden's 2.9 comes to: 47,186,000.00 which in a 48 mill cap is under and in a 46 mill cap is over. I'm all for moving Madden.

Am i the only one who thinks that adding Mathieu Schneider for a couple of years would be perfect. He has a great shot from the point and is verry good in his own end. If we bring back Burnsy behind the bench, he'll be reunited with Pat and our defensive coach Lappy wich he had in Montreal.

I think he'd be a good veteran to teach our younger guy's like Andy Greene and Mat Corrente.

Am i the only one who thinks that adding Mathieu Schneider for a couple of years would be perfect. He has a great shot from the point and is verry good in his own end. If we bring back Burnsy behind the bench, he'll be reunited with Pat and our defensive coach Lappy wich he had in Montreal.

I think he'd be a good veteran to teach our younger guy's like Andy Greene and Mat Corrente.
Absolutely. Schneider would be a perfect addition to the back end.

Rafalski will stay, I think and Hannan would be a great upgrade over Lukowich. I think that one change would be enough, since Matvichuk is an awesome man in the locker room and on the ice, White is untradeable, and Martin/Rafalski/Greene has the puck-moving side of the defense locked up.

Unless Martin is traded. We'll see.
I would be happy with that defense.

i dont want paul martin traded and i think theres no chance in hell that it happens

i dont want paul martin traded and i think theres no chance in hell that it happens
The problem is he's one of our only players with trade value.

Madden has some value also.

Madden has some value also.

Maybe, but his HUGE contract takes alot off his value.

Maybe, but his HUGE contract takes alot off his value.
His contract isn't as big as you think. At this point it's about 3M, which is pretty average for a center of his skillset.

Am i the only one who thinks that adding Mathieu Schneider for a couple of years would be perfect. He has a great shot from the point and is verry good in his own end. If we bring back Burnsy behind the bench, he'll be reunited with Pat and our defensive coach Lappy wich he had in Montreal.

I think he'd be a good veteran to teach our younger guy's like Andy Greene and Mat Corrente.

I was trying to add Schneider and Hannan. I'm high on both guys.

His contract isn't as big as you think. At this point it's about 3M, which is pretty average for a center of his skillset.

After watching him play in the playoffs and the way "the new NHL" looks, Madden seems to be overpaid. I'm not saying he sucks, what I'm saying is that guys' like Draper, Maltby and even Pandolfo are doing the same job for alot less. There's the age factor that comes into count also.

The thing is, is that when you want to trade someone like Madden who's 34 and has a big contract, you're not getting out of the deal a winner.

I have a dumb question.......
If you release a player, does that players cap hit get taken off the team cap?

meaning you would still have to pay the player his money, but it wont count against the cap?

I have a dumb question.......
If you release a player, does that players cap hit get taken off the team cap?

meaning you would still have to pay the player his money, but it wont count against the cap?Sounds like a buyout. Buyouts count.

Madden is going to retire a Devil.

I have a dumb question.......
If you release a player, does that players cap hit get taken off the team cap?

meaning you would still have to pay the player his money, but it wont count against the cap?

If you send them to Lowell.

If you send them to Lowell.

oh, any player can be sent down to lowell?

oh, any player can be sent down to lowell?

They have to go through waivers.