I Feel We Need One More Forward

I think if Lou signs Souray we are set on Defense, but I do think we need 1 more forward. just one more. Nothing major.

Our Defense would look like this:

Martin-Souray
White-Rachunek
Greene-Matvichuk
Oduya as the 7th

Fraser and Corrente waiting in the wings and will likely see playing time in the NHL this coming season.

At forward we are looking at:

Elias
Parise
Gionta
Zubrus
Zajac
Langenbrunner

This is our top 6.

Then we have

Madden
Pandolfo

Brylin and Clarkson could play RW on that 3rd line and it is a toss up with the other going to the 4th line.

Rupp is signed. So is Jannsen (and even though I hate him and think he is useless I guess I need to accept he will be one of 13 or 14 forwards on the roster).

We also have Viokhula but is he really a 4th line player? If he is would he mesh with wingers Rupp and Jannsen or Brylin? There is also Pelley as a possibility for the 4th line. (I doubt Dowd is coming back and I doubt Lou would keep Rasmussen)

I am not thinking that Brylin is expendable. I do not think Lou will ever deal him.

We will also be within $3 million in cap Space (probably less, if we sign Souray after we lock up Parise and Martin)

The only possibility would to be trade Matvichuk ($1.368 more space to work with along with what we already would have left) and a Prospect or mid round pick for another forward.

Maybe something like: Matvichuk and Tallackson to St. Louis for Petr Cejanek. (Just an example trade)

Elias-Zubrus-Cejanak
Parise-Zajac-Gionta
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Rupp-Brylin/Viohkula-Clarkson

Martin-Souray
Greene-White
Oduya-Rachunek
Fraser

Brodeur
Weekes

Note: I would love to trade Gionta and his $4 million and Matvichuk plus Tallackson OR Bergfors to SJ for Marleau who also makes $4 million and lock him up long term in which his new contract would not go into effect until after next season. But I do not think that is realistic. So I assume a small tade like I suggested or a signing like Friesen could fill the need.

That is of course, if Lou thinks he needs one more forward. He could be happy with who he has righ now, sign Parise and Martin and Souray and call it a summer until Camp.


The other interesting note is Vanderbeek said trades will be made in response to the gomez and Rafalski departures. And Lou preached fiscal responsibility but also made it clear he would make moves. he also said he was going to sign (although not quotes, as it was stated by Gulotti in the Record) 2 more defenseman and this was after Rachunek was signed. this could mean Souray and another defenseman as a FA or Martin (since he is unsigned)

But I do think this is going to be a very exciting offseason still even after the moves that were made.


So basically Matvichuk is our most tradeable D-Man since we know Lou is picking up another one (could be Souray). I think Brylin is tradeable, but I agree Lou will not deal him. So prospects of Tallackson, Pelley, Bergfors (Only in a deal that we cannot refuse) are also tradeable along with a Draft Pick other then a 1st.

Just get one more forward in here and I am happy Lou.

sign Asham...in my opinion the return for Barry "floater" Tallackson and Matvichuk wont be anything special, I would just rather keep Richard as our rotating 5th-6th man with Rachunek and Oduya leaving the odd man out to sit for that game.

All this assuming we actually have Souray

sign Asham...in my opinion the return for Barry "floater" Tallackson and Matvichuk wont be anything special, I would just rather keep Richard as our rotating 5th-6th man with Rachunek and Oduya leaving the odd man out to sit for that game.

All this assuming we actually have Souray

If we do sign Souray, The only way to grab another forward would likely have to be through a trade.

Unless it is someone like Friesen for $700K Or unless Lou signs a FA he likes of the remaining, and makes a trade later or roster move later. We might have the Cap Space depenmding on how much Parise and MArtin sign for and if we sign Souray how much he signs for.

i really hope that viuhkola isnt just a 4th liner and plays just like he did in the sm liiga. it would make the whole line situation better. i can see him fitting in with pando and madden due to his defensive game, or so ive read atleast. theyre pretty stockpiled with forwards with no place to play. and some may have already counted bergfors out, but what if he really impresses at camp and makes the team. as so eloquently stated by flanders, wed be in a dillyofapickleofajam.

not counting positions

elias zubrus gio
parise zajac langs
pando madden viuhkola
sarge rupp clarkson

so theres
pelley
clarkson
maybe bergfors
janssen
etc

all these guys id like to see with ice time, of course janssen not as much, but where do they fit in?

Asham or someone like him. We need someone who can do Cam Janssen's job and also have the capacity to do something with the puck.

Asham or someone like him. We need someone who can do Cam Janssen's job and also have the capacity to do something with the puck.

I think we could really use another skill guy. We lost Gomez and I like Zubrus but he doesn't have to shake and bake that Gomez had. I'd like to grab Yashin for 2 years @ 6 million (3 per).

I think we could really use another skill guy. We lost Gomez and I like Zubrus but he doesn't have to shake and bake that Gomez had. I'd like to grab Yashin for 2 years @ 6 million (3 per).
I do not want that **** around the young guys

Doesn't matter b/c we're not pursuing him anyway; but NYI fans said he was fine in the locker room.

Doesn't matter b/c we're not pursuing him anyway; but NYI fans said he was fine in the locker room.

He might be a greedy underachiever, but I've never heard that he was lockerroom cancer.

Cam Janssen cannot be on the team this year. If we want to play the 4th line decent minutes, he can't be out there. He's a stiff, plain and simple. We can give them 7-10 minutes per night if he's out there because he can't do anything besides fight.

In response to aboriginal's post about Viuhkola, I think we should see him play before we give him a 3rd line spot. I'd love to see Clarkson get big minutes on the 3rd line because he brings alot to the table. As long as Brylin is off the 3rd line and onto the 4th I'd be happy.

I'd love to see a guy like Asham get signed and play over Rupp because Asham is alittle more skilled offensively. I like Rupp though, and I don't mind him.

I think that Lou's goal for our team next year is for the Devils to be a pain in the ass to play against. You have the pestering Checking line that gets into the skin of the opponents top line. And with the additions of Rachunek, Zubrus, and hopefully Souray, this team is going to bang alot.

Doesn't matter b/c we're not pursuing him anyway; but NYI fans said he was fine in the locker room.
It's his example on the ice that we should avoid, not his personality on the bench.

I wish the Devils were ready and prepared to enter the season like this:

Parise-Zajac-Gionta
Elias-Zubrus-Bergfors
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Rupp-Brylin-Clarkson
Viohkula/Jannsen


Souray-Martin
White-Rachunek
Greene-Matvichuk
Oduya

Brodeur
Weekes


But Bergfors might not even be ready for the NHL let alone a spot on one of the top 2lines. If he is skilled enough he would not be a hinder to Elias and Zubrus though.

If this woukld not work I would like to see Lou get one more Forward.

We don't need anyone else... if anything, Asham would be a nice addition for the 4th line, but I think we should be set with that anyways.... Here's what I think we should do:

Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Clarkson
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Rupp-Viruikhola (sp?)-Brylin
Janssen

If Souray stuff is true:
Martin-White
Souray-Matvichuk
Green-Rachunek
Oduya

If not:
Martin-White
Green-Matvichuk
Oduya-Rachunek
Fraser or someone else

Regarding the forwards... Zubrus definitely adds the physical/puck control element needed to give Elias and Gionta the space to work. Clarkson definitely deserves his shot at a big role, and he worked well with our other youngins briefly last season- i think putting him with those two would bring the energy level of the whole line up and give him the opportunity to flourish. As for having Langs back with Maddog and and Pando, he has the grit and devensive responsibility, but he can also add some much needed offensive spark to that line. If this guy from finland is as advertised (defensively responsible and a good passer) I think he'd work well with Rupp and Brylin. They'd be able to pot a few goals while also being physical. Janssen could sub for Brylin for those games requiring a more rough-and-tumble attitude. If adding Asham, just put him in Brylin's spot. I think this setup would be potent in skill, depth, and overall well-roundedness within the lines (in terms of size, skill, grit, and defensive responsibility).

It's his example on the ice that we should avoid, not his personality on the bench.

Yeah, but Gomez and Elias did their fair share of floating. For leadership the kids will surely be watching Parise, Gionta, and Madden, and their efforts is beyond question.

I just think Yashin would fit. He would help size wize, and I'm very comfortable slotting him between Elias and Gionta, push Zubrus to RW where he's more comfortable and have a second line of Parise, Zajac and Zubrus. That would give us nice, big scoring lines, and a lot of flexibility on the 3rd and 4th lines.

But again, as far as I know, we're not even pursuing him.

Yeah, but Gomez and Elias did their fair share of floating. For leadership the kids will surely be watching Parise, Gionta, and Madden, and their efforts is beyond question.

I just think Yashin would fit. He would help size wize, and I'm very comfortable slotting him between Elias and Gionta, push Zubrus to RW where he's more comfortable and have a second line of Parise, Zajac and Zubrus. That would give us nice, big scoring lines, and a lot of flexibility on the 3rd and 4th lines.

But again, as far as I know, we're not even pursuing him.

The problem is that that big scoring line of Elias-Yashin-Gionta probably wouldn't be scoring that much. The problem last season was that Elias-Gomez-Gionta didn't really have the physical presence to retrieve/control the puck or create space. The few times they had space was when we saw them work well, but adding Yashin doesn't address this, even if he actually decides to not mail it in.

Well I will say this.

I would gladly pay Yahsin $1 - 1.5 million to play on the 4th line with Brylin.

But I HIGHLY doubt he would take that little bit of money or be happy to be buried on the 4th line where he gets 10-12 minutes a game max.

unless we get a top 6 foward or a guy like Mccarty i dont see a point in getting another foward.

there were always articles in newsday on how yashin was a great guy and was in no way a cancer in the lockerroom and how he always made time for the fans. but then again, there were just as many articles about his lackluster play on the ice. if he was given a low contract with performance bonuses....i would say its a worthwhile risk for a year. i dunno where hed fit in exactyl. but im more for it than i am against it at this point. hes gotta understand tho, NO team is gonna pay him what he wants, and most of his upcoming contracts will most likely be performance bonus laden.

there were always articles in newsday on how yashin was a great guy and was in no way a cancer in the lockerroom and how he always made time for the fans. but then again, there were just as many articles about his lackluster play on the ice. if he was given a low contract with performance bonuses....i would say its a worthwhile risk for a year. i dunno where hed fit in exactyl. but im more for it than i am against it at this point. hes gotta understand tho, NO team is gonna pay him what he wants, and most of his upcoming contracts will most likely be performance bonus laden.

If Yashin was making $2 million a year for the Islanders, fans and team personnel would be happy and he would still be on the team. The only issue with him was his salary. He is not consistant like Kovalchuk but he is also not lazy like Victor Kozlov.

That being said, I still do not like him messing up any possible chemsitry the Devils have going for them on the top 2 lines.


We do need another forward. It will give us more depth and allow Langenbrunner to move to the 3rd line to further spread the scoring. It would allow Clarkson and Brylin to play on the 4th line.

Someone who would fit well on the top 2 lines but not necessarily a Cap burden.

I am happy with Elias, Parise, Gionta, Zajac, Zubrus, Langenbrunner. But I would be happier with just one more nice sized forward.

Cam is staying since he makes low money in NHL terms. He is needed when things get rough vs teams that have a few goons.
Rasmussen and Dowd should be goners.
I think we need one more skilled forward who is offensive minded.
Last year we had too many grinders up front, and they were on the small side too.
I like the Zubrus signing and Clarkson should be a great addition up front.
It would be nice to see a guy like Vrana or Minard be able to step up and score a few goals.

If we can get one more Brylin type player here at forward I would be really enthused about next season, assuming we sign Souray.

if the devils get souray (which honestly at this point i dont even think they are), he should be paired with greene imo, not a defensive guy like white or matty. reason being is that he would need someone who set him up with one timer passes across the blueline and get him the puck. i believe i read somewhere that greene was the setup man for mcgillis in lowell and did a good job with it, so i think that souray could benefit from playing with greene at even strength and could even pop in more goals at even strength than he had last year playing with rivet (who obviously is not very offensive minded or puck handling), and also still be good on the PP.........wat does everyone think about that idea? (even though i am def questioning all these souray rumors)

I'd prefer keeping cap space in case a team in the dumps needs to trade an expensive but awesome veteran at the dead line.

I'd prefer keeping cap space in case a team in the dumps needs to trade an expensive but awesome veteran at the dead line.

I would prefer so also, but if a trade could be made to get a forward without giving one up in return, like trading a depth defenseman (which is what Matvichuk might become if we sign Souray) and a prospect then we will not take as much Cap Space on by trading for a forward.

Viukhola, Brylin, Rupp, Janssen, Pelley and probably a prospect or two can play on the 4th line assuming Clarkson is in the top nine. It would be nice to add some more skill to the top six, but I don't see it happening.

i really hope that viuhkola isnt just a 4th liner and plays just like he did in the sm liiga. it would make the whole line situation better. i can see him fitting in with pando and madden due to his defensive game, or so ive read atleast. theyre pretty stockpiled with forwards with no place to play. and some may have already counted bergfors out, but what if he really impresses at camp and makes the team. as so eloquently stated by flanders, wed be in a dillyofapickleofajam.

not counting positions

elias zubrus gio
parise zajac langs
pando madden viuhkola
sarge rupp clarkson

so theres
pelley
clarkson
maybe bergfors
janssen
etc

all these guys id like to see with ice time, of course janssen not as much, but where do they fit in?

Viuhkola is not a winger. From what I understand he plays center and only center, and is apparently an excellent set-up guy, but not too flashy or gritty. He is not a super-sub like Sarge or Rassy, just a straight up centerman, so if he doesn't make the team as the starter at 4th line center, he will likely not be a reserve forward.

if the devils get souray (which honestly at this point i dont even think they are), he should be paired with greene imo, not a defensive guy like white or matty. reason being is that he would need someone who set him up with one timer passes across the blueline and get him the puck. i believe i read somewhere that greene was the setup man for mcgillis in lowell and did a good job with it, so i think that souray could benefit from playing with greene at even strength and could even pop in more goals at even strength than he had last year playing with rivet (who obviously is not very offensive minded or puck handling), and also still be good on the PP.........wat does everyone think about that idea? (even though i am def questioning all these souray rumors)

TOTALLY agree. The much rumored Souray, if he is signed, should absolutely be paired with Greene, as they would be an impossible dual point man combination on offense, with cannons from either side, and Greene has the poise, poke checks and positional play to cover Sheldon's defensive lapses. They could be a menacing defensive pairing, potentially one of our best ever on the offensive side...

And we already need Martin to cover for Whitey, while they eat up #1 pairing minutes.

Leaving Oduya and Rachunek to battle for who gets paired with Matvichuk on the third pairing and who gets to be 7th defenseman. Matty will get injured at some point during the season anyway, making those two a potential third pairing at some point.

IMO, this is how it will shake out, pending Souray...

Martin - White
Souray - Greene
Rachunek - Matvichuk
Oduya

That is a pretty darn good D corps.:handclap:

Now sign the man...

TOTALLY agree. The much rumored Souray, if he is signed, should absolutely be paired with Greene, as they would be an impossible dual point man combination on offense, with cannons from either side, and Greene has the poise, poke checks and positional play to cover Sheldon's defensive lapses. They could be a menacing defensive pairing, potentially one of our best ever on the offensive side...

And we already need Martin to cover for Whitey, while they eat up #1 pairing minutes.

Leaving Oduya and Rachunek to battle for who gets paired with Matvichuk on the third pairing and who gets to be 7th defenseman. Matty will get injured at some point during the season anyway, making those two a potential third pairing at some point.

IMO, this is how it will shake out, pending Souray...

Martin - White
Souray - Greene
Rachunek - Matvichuk
Oduya

That is a pretty darn good D corps.:handclap:

Now sign the man...

honestly, id rather have matty and martin as the #1 pair......i believe matty is better fit for that role, even though he is slow. i mean he was prolly the devils best defenseman in that role throughout the playoffs (and was one of the only ones who kept that role basically all playoffs). he did it also on 1 regular season game to get prepared. the guy constantly blocks shots, plays physical, and plays a very smart game. i mean there is nothing wrong with those pairs, but i personally would just prefer a little tweek:

martin-matvichuk
greene-souray
white-rachunek
oduya

Viuhkola is not a winger. From what I understand he plays center and only center, and is apparently an excellent set-up guy, but not too flashy or gritty. He is not a super-sub like Sarge or Rassy, just a straight up centerman, so if he doesn't make the team as the starter at 4th line center, he will likely not be a reserve forward.



i said not counting positions :P

id just like to see him make an impression and carve himself stable line for the year:handclap:

I wish the Devils were ready and prepared to enter the season like this:

Parise-Zajac-Gionta
Elias-Zubrus-Bergfors
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Rupp-Brylin-Clarkson
Viohkula/Jannsen


Souray-Martin
White-Rachunek
Greene-Matvichuk
Oduya

Brodeur
Weekes


But Bergfors might not even be ready for the NHL let alone a spot on one of the top 2lines. If he is skilled enough he would not be a hinder to Elias and Zubrus though.

If this woukld not work I would like to see Lou get one more Forward.Bergfors? He hasn't even played a whole year in the AHL has he? You mention Corrente seeing time in the NHL more like ECHL in Trenton. There you go agian with assuming every player that we draft will play in the NHL.

You can't fill wholes with players you just drafted at least in the case of these players. Lou did draft size this year instead of his old motto to just take the "best player available" though.

Bergfors? He hasn't even played a whole year in the AHL has he? You mention Corrente seeing time in the NHL more like ECHL in Trenton. There you go agian with assuming every player that we draft will play in the NHL.

You can't fill wholes with players you just drafted at least in the case of these players. Lou did draft size this year instead of his old motto to just take the "best player available" though.

When have I ever assumed that every player we draft will play in the NHL???? Name one time I said that. In that case I would assume Peter Vrana, Stephen Gionta, Barry Tallackson, etc, etc, etc ,etc make the team.

I said that most 1st rounders based on probability do play in the NHL.

And Corrente was a Final roster cut last Camp and signed a deal with the Devils this summer. Start a poll on this forum about how many people think he has a shot at making the roster next season and see what the results are. It will not be overwhelmingly no.


Maybe if you would spend $5.99 a freaking month for Fox College Sports and follow our prospects in their college years you would have more knowledge then you do about some players. I am going to enjoy Mike Hoeffel this winter at Minnesota on TV.

I really do not know where you are assuming that I think every drafted player makes the NHL.

I am pretty sure Bergfors played an entire season in the AHL last season. If he has a good camp he COULD make the team.


In fact I always tell you that the one argument I have with posters on there boards and you is when you all say the Devils are about drafting the best possible player available. Not true. They are about drafting the best player most suitable for them.

Adrian Foster, Ari Ahonen, Lance Ward were not the best players available when they were drafted. There were higher ranked players.

And if you knew anything about the Devils you would know they have a tradition of building success from within.

When have I ever assumed that every player we draft will play in the NHL???? Name one time I said that. In that case I would assume Peter Vrana, Stephen Gionta, Barry Tallackson, etc, etc, etc ,etc make the team.

I said that most 1st rounders based on probability do play in the NHL.

And Corrente was a Final roster cut last Camp and signed a deal with the Devils this summer. Start a poll on this forum about how many people think he has a shot at making the roster next season and see what the results are. It will not be overwhelmingly no.


Maybe if you would spend $5.99 a freaking month for Fox College Sports and follow our prospects in their college years you would have more knowledge then you do about some players. I am going to enjoy Mike Hoeffel this winter at Minnesota on TV.

I really do not know where you are assuming that I think every drafted player makes the NHL.

I am pretty sure Bergfors played an entire season in the AHL last season. If he has a good camp he COULD make the team.


In fact I always tell you that the one argument I have with posters on there boards and you is when you all say the Devils are about drafting the best possible player available. Not true. They are about drafting the best player most suitable for them.

Adrian Foster, Ari Ahonen, Lance Ward were not the best players available when they were drafted. There were higher ranked players.

And if you knew anything about the Devils you would know they have a tradition of building success from within.

this is the only point that i think is a common misconception around here, just because Corrente was a final roster cut last year does mean he was anywhere near making the team. Its called giving him an extended look and experience playing with NHLers. Teams do it all the time. it doesnt really mean anything.

i hope he performs well in camp but honestly after a subpar OHL season, i dont see how this guy is anywhere near an NHL roster yet.

Bergfors? He hasn't even played a whole year in the AHL has he? You mention Corrente seeing time in the NHL more like ECHL in Trenton. There you go agian with assuming every player that we draft will play in the NHL.

You can't fill wholes with players you just drafted at least in the case of these players. Lou did draft size this year instead of his old motto to just take the "best player available" though.
Bergfors has played two whole years in the AHL (aside from time spent playing in the World Juniors both years).

Corrente CANNOT play in the AHL or ECHL this year. He's not eligible.

Thanks for the info.;)

I like what we have entering next season, although i would make some minor moves assuming we sign Sheldon Souray


Elias-Zubrus-Clarkson/Langenbrunner
Paris-Zajac-Gionta
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner/Clarkson
Brylin-Viouchoula(Sp.)-Asham/Janssen/Friesen

Souray-Greene
White-Martin
Rachunek-Oduya/Matty

Broduer
Weekes

Thats is a very good team that would save some cap space, in case we need to add a vet at the deadline........but all in all i believe that team can win the Atlantic, and even compete in the East for the conference.......