Is Lou making any other moves before training camp ???

With the signing of Martin yesterday, do you guys think that Lou is "pleased" with the roster he has now or is there a trade in the works ???

Our roster is gonna look something like this...

Elias - Zubrus - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Clarkson
Pandolfo - Madden - Langenbrunner
Asham - Brylin - Rupp

Martin - White
Greene - Matvichuk
Rachunek - Vishnovsky
Oduya

Brodeur
Weeks


I'd really like to acquire a true #1 centerman (Marleau) and put Zubrus on the wing but we don't have the assets to go after a big name center. The only guy that would be "available" in my opinion would be Madden, but he isn't getting us anything more than a prospect or picks.

What do you guys think ???

I honestly think we're done until the trade deadline. If we're in contention at that point I can see Lou going for a guy like Marleau, who would be a FA at the end of the year. He might be a rent-a-player, but he's a guy who could make us Cup contenders.

I'd rather wait anyway until the deadline to get an impact scorer, because there are none left on the FA market, except for Forsberg and Selanne, and they aren't coming to NJ.

I think that Lou will start the season with the current roster. They have cap space, but I think that they will give the current roster a chance to see how they make out. This also gives Sutter a chance to see the players in game situations and evaluate them accordingly. If Sutter sees the need to move/bring in players during the season, they still have the cap room to do so. No need to use it all up before the season starts.

Anyone know who else will make it to training camp besides the normal roster? Will any of our prospects like Corrente, Pelley etc be there?

Lou will probably keep the roster that we have now, and maybe later down the stretch he'll acquire a rental playoff forward

I think that Lou will start the season with the current roster. They have cap space, but I think that they will give the current roster a chance to see how they make out. This also gives Sutter a chance to see the players in game situations and evaluate them accordingly. If Sutter sees the need to move/bring in players during the season, they still have the cap room to do so. No need to use it all up before the season starts.

I agree. I can't remember the last time, the entire team had been signed sealed and delivered well before the start of training camp. I really think that some people are going to underestimate the team, just because we lost Gomez and Rafalski. This team is by no means spectacular, but I think the right pieces are in place and I'm quite excited to see how they gel together with Sutter behind the bench.

I never felt he was done. Until the season starts, I wouldn't be surprised by another move. Of course it would be a trade. We are definitely done signing UFA's.

I never felt he was done. Until the season starts, I wouldn't be surprised by another move. Of course it would be a trade. We are definitely done signing UFA's.

Yep. He's not done.

Let's revisit an older, yet still relevant post from April.

This team is still a middle of the pack/first or second round playoff team.

That's it.

We got tougher and didn't loose team speed, a new head coach, and a reliable/tested backup.

But we still need a key, impact defensman true, & a big, North American Center.




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.



http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=371516&highlight=makeover

Okay Muttley, Let’s see…

Gomez didn’t go to the west.

Lou didn’t get us a puck moving defenseman, unless you consider that to be Karel Rachunek. Nor a big, burly north American center.

No way Elias is asked to give up the “C”, nor has he been.

None of Brylin, Gionta, Langenbrunner, Zajac or Madden have been traded.

Clemmenson isn’t perfectly capable of starting 12+ NHL games and currently resides third on Toronto’s depth chart.

Lou assembled a BIGGER not quicker team.

Brent Sutter is behind the bench, Johnny Mac remaining an assistant.

Wrong essentially on everything, that post was never relevant. Why bring it back now?:help:

Okay Muttley, Let’s see…

Gomez didn’t go to the west.

Lou didn’t get us a puck moving defenseman, unless you consider that to be Karel Rachunek. Nor a big, burly north American center.

No way Elias is asked to give up the “C”, nor has he been.

None of Brylin, Gionta, Langenbrunner, Zajac or Madden have been traded.

Clemmenson isn’t perfectly capable of starting 12+ NHL games and currently resides third on Toronto’s depth chart.

Lou assembled a BIGGER not quicker team.

Brent Sutter is behind the bench, Johnny Mac remaining an assistant.

Wrong essentially on everything, that post was never relevant. Why bring it back now?:help:

Did you even read the title of this thread???

So I wasn't exactly 100% right about everything. O.K., so we have Sutter & Gomez went to the NYR. Sorry for dissapointing you. :shakehead

I feel that Lou is not done making moves before training camp. We still need a big North American Center, something we haven't had since Arnott, and an impact Defenseman. That's why I posted this to begin with.

So it actually is relevant, as it has been a major team makeover this summer thus far.

Perhaps you're content with just Zubrus & Rachunek.

I'm not.

Did you even read the title of this thread???

So I wasn't exactly 100% right about everything. O.K., so we have Sutter & Gomez went to the NYR. Sorry for dissapointing you. :shakehead

I feel that Lou is not done making moves before training camp. We still need a big North American Center, something we haven't had since Arnott, and an impact Defenseman. That's why I posted this to begin with.

So it actually is relevant, as it has been a major team makeover this summer thus far.

Perhaps you're content with just Zubrus & Rachunek.

I'm not.

But, but the way you said it I thought it was an (e5) ! haha

Did you even read the title of this thread???

So I wasn't exactly 100% right about everything. O.K., so we have Sutter & Gomez went to the NYR. Sorry for dissapointing you. :shakehead

I feel that Lou is not done making moves before training camp. We still need a big North American Center, something we haven't had since Arnott, and an impact Defenseman. That's why I posted this to begin with.

So it actually is relevant, as it has been a major team makeover this summer thus far.

Perhaps you're content with just Zubrus & Rachunek.

I'm not.

i think lou signed zubrus to do that job, zubrus uses his body to clear out some space, maybe not as well as arnott, but zubrus is much more talented than arnott imo

completely agree, but the only way to aquire one is by trade, and we would probably have to trade a d-man becaus eotherwise wewould have too many nhl caliber d-man, so if we traded a defenceman it probabl wouldnt be rachunek, or vishnevski because we just got them, not white because of the ntc, so it wpuld have to be martin greene or matvichuk. if we traded one of them we would hae to send somebody else with him to get back a #1d-man because non of them are worth that much. so we would have to probably trade a prospect

Did you even read the title of this thread???

So I wasn't exactly 100% right about everything. O.K., so we have Sutter & Gomez went to the NYR. Sorry for dissapointing you. :shakehead

I feel that Lou is not done making moves before training camp. We still need a big North American Center, something we haven't had since Arnott, and an impact Defenseman. That's why I posted this to begin with.

So it actually is relevant, as it has been a major team makeover this summer thus far.

Perhaps you're content with just Zubrus & Rachunek.

I'm not.

Hockey Nostradamus stuff aside, you and I tend to disagree, you wanting to dismantle this team and rebuild, a "glass is half empty" type of perspective you've held for two consecutive off-seasons... Whereas I think this team -- as currently constructed -- can compete now, as with most every team Lou Lamoriello brings to the ice. A "glass is half full" viewpoint, if you will.

You have mentioned on several occasions you do not approve of the Zubrus signing, whereas I am wildly excited about it, as Zubrus was the one UFA forward I most thought fit the Devils mold. I wanted him on the team BADLY, and he was signed on my birthday -- so I sure got the present I most wanted. Big, defensively responsible, a beast in the corners, with a nice scoring touch, who can play either center or RW, Zubrus is everything our top 6 lacked last season.

Having watched most of the Sabres playoff games last season, he continually impressed me on both sides of the puck and used his size well. He particularly punished Jaromir Jagr during the Rangers series and really got under his skin, forcing him to retaliate foolishly on multiple occasions, which as a Devils fan is about as good as it gets. I am very excited Lou saw the same things I did -- and signed him to a nice LTC. He has "Devils core player" written all over him.

Rachunek is also a good signing, especially in the wake of Raffy's departure, as he posesses offensive ability and is strong on the PP, but in a much bigger package. He is not as complete a player as Rafalski, but dollar for dollar he is a much better value, as the contract Raffy signed with Detroit would be a salary cap noose for this team, and his skills seem to be clearly on the wain (as evident in his playoff fade...) And being a one year deal, essentially he is just holding the space Matt Corrente will fill after another year in juniors.

With these two the team got bigger and grittier, less fancy pants and more meat and potatoes, which is Devils hockey. They are solid, if unspectacular, replacements for the departed Gomez and Rafalski and along with the other depth signings and way more solid coaching staff I feel this team has clearly improved. And we now have Parise and Martin in LTC's, with plenty of cap room to spare, enough to carry a 23 man roster with as many call-ups as we need during the regular season, with enough cash left over to pick up an impact player at the deadline, none of which we could afford last season. We are in GREAT shape for a legit Cup run, IMO.

Now you can dust off your old standard "a second round playoff exit might be good enough for you, but not for me", but many things contributed to that playoff fade, none of which will be the same this season...

First off, many of our core players were playing hurt, namely Madden, White, Gionta and Elias, all nursing nagging groin injuries caused by the crappy ice at CAA. Very likely not going to be the case on our new home ice at The Rock, especially not having to share the arena with an NBA team during the season.

Marty was overworked during the regular season, playing all but 6 regular season games, and ran out of gas during the playoffs. With the inspired signing of Kevin Weekes, a legit 1A starter, Marty can feel comfortable giving up 15 or so of his regular season starts and keep his body fresh for when it really counts.

Likewise, Brian Rafalski played stupid minutes during the regular season, and crashed and burned during the playoffs (really showing his age). This was mostly due to the fact that our third defensive pairing often included god-awful AHL dreck, with players like Alex Brooks, Jim Fahey, Mark Fraser and a timid version of David Hale all of whom merited around 3-4 minutes of ice time, often none in the third period of games. He is gone now, and this season we have 7 legit NHL quality defensemen, all of whom can share the minutes, even in pressure situations. Although Martin will still have to carry the load, as he did in the playoffs (when Rafalski tanked), this time he will have much more help up and down the roster.

And we were too small. We got pushed around like pre-schoolers by the Sens during the second round and had no one to answer the bell. Our roster now includes smash mouth players like Arron Asham, Vitaly Vishnevski, David Clarkson and a healthy Richard Matvichuk, along with the bigger and tougher Zubrus and Rachunek, along with the usual suspects Colin White, Mike Rupp and Cam Janssen to police the situation. No way that happens again with this line-up.

Lastly, Claude Julien lost the team. Lou had to step in, which helped keep folks responsible, but it had to be devisive -- and that is a far from an ideal situation when you want to team to gel as one for a tough, physical playoff run. Brent Sutter will not lose this team.

Considering that team finished second in the East (tied for 5th place in all of hockey), with the top rated defense in the East, with a whopping 107 points (I believe the second best total in franchise history) -- we were an ELITE team last season, a season you wanted to scrap and rebuild during the off-season. You were wrong then, and you are wrong now.

But then again, that is just the "glass is half full" point of view.

Hockey Nostradamus stuff aside, you and I tend to disagree, you wanting to dismantle this team and rebuild, a "glass is half empty" type of perspective you've held for two consecutive off-seasons...


great post, but that is exactly what's happening right now.

The team IS being dismantled/tinkered with/changed, or whatever you want to call it.

When was the last time you've seen a Devils team undergo so many changes?

And I feel Lou is not done yet.

So I wasn't exactly 100% right about everything. O.K., so we have Sutter & Gomez went to the NYR. Sorry for dissapointing you. :shakehead

I feel that Lou is not done making moves before training camp. We still need a big North American Center, something we haven't had since Arnott, and an impact Defenseman. That's why I posted this to begin with.

You're right, you weren't 100% right. You were only 12.5% correct.

And why do we need a "North American" center. What's your beef with Europeans?

When was the last time you've seen a Devils team undergo so many changes?

The 02 offseason.

great post, but that is exactly what's happening right now.

The team IS being dismantled/tinkered with/changed, or whatever you want to call it.

When was the last time you've seen a Devils team undergo so many changes?

And I feel Lou is not done yet.

Your guess is as good as mine on that count.

I, for one, hope he is done. Or close to done, with only minor moves ahead, at most picking up another decent player for a pick or prospect, and possibly a few non-roster veterans invited to training camp. But I am very uncomfortable with a "blockbuster" trade that moves any of our major pieces. With "Peku" Viukhola, Bergfors, Pelley, Corrente and many others competing with all the new faces for very few remaining roster spots, I think this team is extremely deep and has money to spare for down the stretch. I'd hate to gut our offense, for example, chasing a marginal upgrade on defense.

I have tremendous faith in Lou (that Malakhov manuever saved last season, for example), but hearing all those Elias and Gionta rumors I fear an overcorrection that might disrupt the core of this team. Yes, it could be the "blockbuster" that puts us right where we need to be, similar to 2002, shipping out Jason Arnott and the Stanley Cup that followed. But it could also backfire, leaving us without a key component to an already very successful team. I hate the downside risk, to be completely honest, especially before we've seen any of these new guys play together.

Whatever Lou does, it will be the best decision and the correct one. I say that with 100% confidence.

Whatever Lou does, it will be the best decision and the correct one. I say that with 100% confidence.

More like 99%

I see Lou making a deal before camp but it will not be a dramatic blockbuster.

I hold my hopes of Marleau at the deadline as the big one.

I see Lou making a deal before camp but it will not be a dramatic blockbuster.

I hold my hopes of Marleau at the deadline as the big one.

Again, won't happen as he is an unrestricted free agent next season...

Again, won't happen as he is an unrestricted free agent next season...

And San Jose in all likely hood will be on a playoff race and will be looking to gain pieces not give up huge ones. Unless San Jose falls flat on it's face Marleau isn't going to get traded.

More like 99%

Speak for yourself.

I see Lou making a deal before camp but it will not be a dramatic blockbuster.

I hold my hopes of Marleau at the deadline as the big one.

If San Jose is out of the race, and we are where we usually are -- Marleau seems like an ideal deadline acquisition. Looking at what other pending UFA star rentals got at the deadline the last two seasons, this can be done for some combination of mid level players, NHL ready prospects and/or picks. Not trading a current star for a rental...

The next two drafts look pretty stacked, so it is giving up something, for certain, but it might also help our chances in signing him during the off-season if he contributes to a big playoff run and enjoys the idea of winning a cup someday.

Would be a sweeeeeeet pick-up.

Again, won't happen as he is an unrestricted free agent next season...

???

That would be more of a reason for it to happen.

For one NJ will not acquire him and send off assets to get him if they do not intend on signing him.

San Jose would make the deal knowing they can get something for him.

Deals for pending FA's happen often at the deadline. Either as a rent a player or they end up signing long term.

Why do you guys think San Jose is going to be so bad with the team they have? They are going to be top-8 EASILY. Forget Marleau.

This is how I would like the lines to look if Lou is, indeed, finished making any moves before the season starts.

Elias-Viuhkola-Gionta (I truly believe people are overlooking Viuhkola. If he can step up and become comfortable in the NHL and play to his potential, he could be an under the radar type of weapon for us. Apparently he is an amazing play-maker in the finnish league and is very defensively responsible. He could be Gomez part 2 only a harder worker and more trustworthy in the defensive zone)
Parise-Zajac-Zubrus (Parise and Zajac will continue to build confidence and chemistry together, especially under Sutter. Adding Zubrus to this line brings more size and will allow them to create good cycles with all 3 very capable of working wonders along the boards and in the corners)
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner (I have no doubt in my mind that Pandolfo and Madden will have a chip on their shoulders after their struggles in the playoffs. With everyone on this line healthy, expect them to make life a living hell for the opposition's top line while also being able to create scoring chances off of turnovers. Maybe this line can restore some of their '03 magic they had together)
Clarkson-Brylin-Asham (This is one hell of a 4th line that is certainly more than capable of handling 10+ minutes a game. Nobody in the league will want to play against these guys. Asham and Clarkson make this one of the most physical lines in the league. Also very capable of regularly scoring goals which is what this team's 4th line has lacked in recent years)

White-Matvichuk (Shutdown pairing)
Martin-Greene (2 guys who play well in both ends)
Vishnevsky-Rachunek (nothing more than a solid 3rd pairing)

I really like what Lou has done with this team. He has added a dimension of size and physicality that the team has tremendously lacked in the past few years. The signings this summer are typical Lou. He didn’t overpay for Gomez and Rafalski as he thought there were other better, yet cheaper options. Zubrus and Asham are great signings up front as they are both capable of playing very physical while helping out in the scoring department. As I have mentioned (many times this summer), Jari Viuhkola is definitely one to watch. If he can translate his tremendous play from across seas to the NHL for an entire season, he will be a guy that NHL fans around the world will wonder where the hell Lou got him from. I mean, doesn’t it make sense? Lou loses his top-line center in Gomez, the hockey world dooms the Devils AGAIN, and this Viuhkola guy comes out of nowhere and fills the void. If it works out and Jari can handle playing a top line role with Elias and Gionta, I think we are set.

Without a doubt, I am very excited about this year!

The 02 offseason.

nah, getting Langenbrunner, Nieuwendyk & cough-cough...Kamensky...cough-cough..was just adding a few pieces to what was fully-intact core of a proven/true Stanley Cup contender.

What has happened the last several months has totally changed the face of the franchise.

And as I've stated earlier, I feel Lou is not done.

nah, getting Langenbrunner, Nieuwendyk & cough-cough...Kamensky...cough-cough..was just adding a few pieces to what was fully-intact core of a proven/true Stanley Cup contender.

What has happened the last several months has totally changed the face of the franchise.

And as I've stated earlier, I feel Lou is not done.
Yeah, and that big, mono-browed center we had wasn't a big deal at the time. What was his name? I'm almost positive Lou offered him a ton of money to stay. Oh. It will come to me in time.

Oh yeah. We had a pretty good 1st line that had two of its players traded away. Seems to me they were pretty important players too. I'll remember them eventually as well. You are right though. Completely revamping the first line and losing our best (at the time) defensive player not named Scott Stevens is not changing much.

Yeah, and that big, mono-browed center we had wasn't a big deal at the time. What was his name? I'm almost positive Lou offered him a ton of money to stay. Oh. It will come to me in time.



Yes, the Frankenstein's monster look-alike who would be Captain of this team if he was still here. ;)

Lou is always looking to make a move. Whether one happens or not is to be seen.

If he was to make a move, in what position do you all think The Devils still need to improve? Or maybe we don't NEED to improve, but what's our biggest weakness?

This is how I would like the lines to look if Lou is, indeed, finished making any moves before the season starts.

Elias-Viuhkola-Gionta (I truly believe people are overlooking Viuhkola. If he can step up and become comfortable in the NHL and play to his potential, he could be an under the radar type of weapon for us. Apparently he is an amazing play-maker in the finnish league and is very defensively responsible. He could be Gomez part 2 only a harder worker and more trustworthy in the defensive zone)
Parise-Zajac-Zubrus (Parise and Zajac will continue to build confidence and chemistry together, especially under Sutter. Adding Zubrus to this line brings more size and will allow them to create good cycles with all 3 very capable of working wonders along the boards and in the corners)
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner (I have no doubt in my mind that Pandolfo and Madden will have a chip on their shoulders after their struggles in the playoffs. With everyone on this line healthy, expect them to make life a living hell for the opposition's top line while also being able to create scoring chances off of turnovers. Maybe this line can restore some of their '03 magic they had together)
Clarkson-Brylin-Asham (This is one hell of a 4th line that is certainly more than capable of handling 10+ minutes a game. Nobody in the league will want to play against these guys. Asham and Clarkson make this one of the most physical lines in the league. Also very capable of regularly scoring goals which is what this team's 4th line has lacked in recent years)

White-Matvichuk (Shutdown pairing)
Martin-Greene (2 guys who play well in both ends)
Vishnevsky-Rachunek (nothing more than a solid 3rd pairing)

I really like what Lou has done with this team. He has added a dimension of size and physicality that the team has tremendously lacked in the past few years. The signings this summer are typical Lou. He didn’t overpay for Gomez and Rafalski as he thought there were other better, yet cheaper options. Zubrus and Asham are great signings up front as they are both capable of playing very physical while helping out in the scoring department. As I have mentioned (many times this summer), Jari Viuhkola is definitely one to watch. If he can translate his tremendous play from across seas to the NHL for an entire season, he will be a guy that NHL fans around the world will wonder where the hell Lou got him from. I mean, doesn’t it make sense? Lou loses his top-line center in Gomez, the hockey world dooms the Devils AGAIN, and this Viuhkola guy comes out of nowhere and fills the void. If it works out and Jari can handle playing a top line role with Elias and Gionta, I think we are set.

Without a doubt, I am very excited about this year!

couldntve said it better. and i for one am def on the viuhkola bandwagon with you:yo:. been waitin a while for a finn to make the devs top 6. i know he didnt yet, if at all, but i have high hopes for the guy.

Does any of you have some sort of a description somewhere of that Vioukhola guy...or however you spell it? Of course, the lines that were just mentioned would be awesome, but, I highly doubt that he can be labeled as a replacement for Gomez.

I think he can be a point per game player if given a role suited for him. He doesn't score too many goals. Last year in the finnish league he had 7 goals and 38 assists in the 37 games he played. In the playoffs 4+6 in 10 games. Great on faceoffs, strong defensively and a good stickhandler, but giving good passes is his best quality. Also good on both PP and PK. Not the fastest skater, but far from slow.

Thx for the heads up....I heard too, that he was not the fastest skater...is he a bigger guy? Because if he is, than maybe he could be a first line center to create some room for Elias and Gionta, otherwise, he would probably slow them down too much...

There is no way in hell that Viukhola plays first line center. Lou or Sutter would never do that, regardless of how he impresses in camp.

There is no way in hell that Viukhola plays first line center. Lou or Sutter would never do that, regardless of how he impresses in camp.

Seriously... if they want size on the first line, isn't that what Zubrus is for? If Viukhola plays, it will be on the fourth line.

There is no way in hell that Viukhola plays first line center. Lou or Sutter would never do that, regardless of how he impresses in camp.

Yeah, that does seem a bit crazy...isn't there debate over whether the guy even makes the team? If he was good enough to center the 1st line, wouldn't we at least have seen one article on the guy by now? Besides, I was hoping that our 1st line center might be able to chip in more than 13 goals this year.