Is Gionta "useless" now that Gomez is gone ???

I don't know if it's just me but Brian Gionta looks lost out there. He's the kind of player that needs a puck feading centermen like Gomez to perform at full potentiel. Elias and Parise have found chemistry the past few games but Gionta seems to be the odd man out and Langenbrunner even took his place on the top line for about half of tonight's game... and look great B.T. W. I'm not saying Gionta's no good but what I'm saying is he might help out another team more then he can with us and Lou could get a decent return and maybe save some $$$ for next year. I'm thinking prospect and a decent pick for this or next years draft would be enough.

1 - Is there any way Lou moves him before the deadline ???
2 - Would Gionta + mid-level prospect Vs Brule and a 1st round pick be fare ???

I love Gionta and always have, but you're right. He just doesn't seem as effective out there. Like I said in another thread, he's never been extremely good at beating people 1 on 1 or making things happen by carrying the puck. He's at his best when he has someone to set him up because he's a prime finisher.

Anyway, we would have to be the ones giving up a pick to get Brule.

I think the Canucks would be interested since he seems like he would fit well in our system. He would look good on the Sedins' RW and give us a right handed shot on the PP.

the problem is there as it Brian Englands(sp) said it tonight on vs that there is simply no shots coming from the point....rafalski's departure too (shots from the point) certaintly hurt his game as well as Gomez's style, as it pains me to admit it. I dont doubt the fire in his belly but he cant capitlize on his bread and butter which is those tip in in/garbage man goals in front of the net.....I love the guy for his heart alone, I hope he can find a new groove maybe with an aquistion at the deadline, but he is not worth the money he is getting so that being said do we deal him or try to accomadate hm with someone who can get the puck to him in his sweet spot in front of the net....

he is one of my favorite players and im torn, and it hurts to hear the media and othe fans/posters say he needs to be traded, but we will have to see what Lou will do, his value we can all agree is not very high at this time, its just going to be one of those things we will have to wait it out and see..:shakehead

Man i miss the Egg line when it was en fuego tear drops:(

I think the Canucks would be interested since he seems like he would fit well in our system. He would look good on the Sedins' RW and give us a right handed shot on the PP.

yes he woudl, i know they are plagues with injuries with D-men and that would help his game out too when they are healthy as they have a strong backline but what could we possibly get in return??

yes he woudl, i know they are plagues with injuries with D-men and that would help his game out too when they are healthy as they have a strong backline but what could we possibly get in return??

I'd give Gionta, Vrana and a mid range pick for Bourdon and Kesler.

I'd give Gionta, Vrana and a mid range pick for Bourdon and Kesler.

we could use them but arent both hurt at the moment, and I would hate to give up Vrana who I think can be a real asset. i would love to have Kessler and easily sit Asham(which pains me as well cause I love this guy when he comes to play but hasnt really found much success here, which we all are dissappointed.....good proposal though just the homer in me would hate to see those guys leavve town.:shakehead

we could use them but arent both hurt at the moment, and I would hate to give up Vrana who I think can be a real asset. i would love to have Kessler and easily sit Asham(which pains me as well cause I love this guy when he comes to play but hasnt really found much success here, which we all are dissappointed.....good proposal though just the homer in me would hate to see those guys leavve town.:shakehead

Kessler could verry well be the next "mad dog"... he has a verry good 2 way game plus he generates alot more offense then Madden. Bourdon would maybe even be able to step right away because our D is just horrible right now and Luc would possibly fetch the #5 or #6 spot.

Lou would save some $$$ with Brian's contract and could focus on spending the money on a top pairing d-men.

I'd give Gionta, Vrana and a mid range pick for Bourdon and Kesler.

Considering how much Nonis & the coaching staff rave about Kesler and his role on our shutdown line, I doubt he gets moved.

But Bourdon and Krajicek are available (prolly not until the offseason though, since our defense has been massacred by injuries.)

Considering how much Nonis & the coaching staff rave about Kesler and his role on our shutdown line, I doubt he gets moved.

But Bourdon and Krajicek are available (prolly not until the offseason though, since our defense has been massacred by injuries.)

Yeah DALW this is what I was talking about although Gio could really propell the nucks they really dont know what he can bring to the table....he woudl make us sorry for the deal, looking what dancing anson did with them.

I have a feeling both sides just wouldnt do it, great point Caspian about kessler Nonis loves kessler and rightfully so we the Devils know the value of that sort of player and after the whole price matching offer from the flyers i doubt he would be moves....it also creates a problem that would have to form a formidable 4th line that could log good minutes to use kessler as a center unless we use him on the top 2 lines which I can see happening but we arent built that well as far as depth this year....but im all for bring up bergfors and vrana with rupp ona 4th to get some pucks in the net asham and Cam(yet to play I know) but our 4th only get 5 minutes tops a night.

See what Versus can do?

Gomez has nothing to do with Gionta. Gionta is a garbageman, if pucks do not consistantly get to the net, he doesn't score.

48 was a fluke.

It's also called looser around the net than it used to be. Did you see Mottau on the PK? He would have went off 5 times during that shift the first year post-lockout.

I love Gionta and always have, but you're right. He just doesn't seem as effective out there. Like I said in another thread, he's never been extremely good at beating people 1 on 1 or making things happen by carrying the puck. He's at his best when he has someone to set him up because he's a prime finisher.

Anyway, we would have to be the ones giving up a pick to get Brule.

He can be an animal coming down the wing.

That's his two things, carrying the puck down the wing and cleaning up messes.

Kessler could verry well be the next "mad dog"... he has a verry good 2 way game plus he generates alot more offense then Madden. Bourdon would maybe even be able to step right away because our D is just horrible right now and Luc would possibly fetch the #5 or #6 spot.

Lou would save some $$$ with Brian's contract and could focus on spending the money on a top pairing d-men.

I like bourdon too but they rigth now with injuries their D makes ours look like 00. 01, or 03 scary eh??

As a habs fan, I'd gladly take him off your hands.:naughty:

As a habs fan, I'd gladly take him off your hands.:naughty:

send us Plecanek (sic) or Latendresse

He can be an animal coming down the wing.

That's his two things, carrying the puck down the wing and cleaning up messes.

True, but I mean bobbing and weaving...getting himself in position for a better shot or a pass. He usually just streaks down the wing and fires it. It works about 5% of the time.

To the OP, pretty much, yes...

It hurts, as we all love Gio, and everything he brings to the table, but without a true #1 center he looks dead in the water, also the lack of shots from the point is really hurting his production. Theres no garbage for him to clean up!!

With the way Parise/Elias/Langs produced last night, it seems we are set with a true 1st line. The Parise/Elias combo is a thing of beauty, and with both players known chemistry with Langs, it makes them a dangerous unit to handle. I like the PEG line, but this one is a significant upgrade from that!!

Gio doesnt really fit on the 2nd line either, Zubes and Zajac are puck winners, players that drive the net and grind out their production, Gio's style doesnt fit that!!

The 3rd line has its garbage man in Clarkie, who is much better on that line than Gio anyway. Also Gio wont play 4th line.

Yes he is going to be traded, but for what, Im not sure. A 2nd line scoring threat? Or part of a greater package for a #1 Dman??

I say move for a legit scoring threat, who suits the Devils new style of play, a Guilame Latendresse type, or San Jose's Steve Bernier would both interest me. Also a swap of Gio for Tanguay would really round out our top 6.

That whole segment on Versus was just retarded.

That being said, I'm so down for Latendresse for NJ. We NEED a French Canadian for Marty if we want to win the Cup this year.

That whole segment on Versus was just retarded.

That being said, I'm so down for Latendresse for NJ. We NEED a French Canadian for Marty if we want to win the Cup this year.

Proposed a few trades in the trade board, one around Gio for Latendresse was one of them.

I too would love him in Jersey, he would round out our 2nd line with Zajac and Zubes perfectly.

That whole segment on Versus was just retarded.

That being said, I'm so down for Latendresse for NJ. We NEED a French Canadian for Marty if we want to win the Cup this year.

I seriously doubt the Canadians will let Latendresse go. At this point, he's a 3rd/4rth liner and he's like.. 20-21 years old.


I say... Lets trade up Gionta+5th round pick vs Brian Campbell.. Then, call up Nicklas Bergfors.

I seriously doubt the Canadians will let Latendresse go. At this point, he's a 3rd/4rth liner and he's like.. 20-21 years old.


I say... Lets trade up Gionta+5th round pick vs Brian Campbell.. Then, call up Nicklas Bergfors.

I think Buff can get a much better deal than that for Campbell (a higher pick and Center) and Campbell would walk in free agency, he wants to be wined and dined by the leagues GM's, id rather sign him in July than trade for him, even then I doubt I would.

Also, I would love to see Bergfors up with Parise and Elias, but I dont think this is the year for him, next year he will be in the lineup.

Gionta is a great player that needs a supporting cast. To trade him is not the answer. To get quality players "here" that will make him shine like the past is the answer.

We do need a trade if we plan on making it to the Stanley Cup this year. The major flaw we have is Zubrus. He did not turn out like we hoped he would. Unfortunately, who the hell would want his contract? Nobody, we're stuck with him for at least another 2 years with hopes that he eventually turns it around.

So, who is left for us to trade that is worthwhile. I'll say it till I'm blue in the face...

Greene - who is in Sutter's dog house
Zajac - the only "other" young player with upside (Parise will not be traded)
Asham - has been a huge disappointment for the Devils
Vrana - will never be a steady on the Devils roster
Bergfors - See above
Fraser - if he was wanted in NJ, he would have been called up. (Not sign Brookbank)
Brookbank - Wanted to see more of him. Seemed solid enough. Could still be here next year. Could also be traded too.
Tallackson - given many opportunities. His time has run out

Those are the players we have to dangle around for trades.

That being said, Lou should make every effort to find out what combo of those players above will get us a proven leader & scorer with 3-5 years of quality play left in him. Look at Sundin or Jokinen.

And a defensemen who is young, proven & would have a strong career as a Devil. Answer, (if available) Campbell or Boyle.

I would think with our list of players above, Lou could make a package that could land us 1 offensive & 1 defensive player from those 4 players I listed above.

And getting back to what I wrote earlier, obtaining those players would compliment Gio & others in putting pucks in the net (and stopping them too)

It seems like the only shots Gionta ever takes are weak as hell and have no chance of ever getting past the goalie.

Greene - who is in Sutter's dog house
Zajac - the only "other" young player with upside (Parise will not be traded)
Asham - has been a huge disappointment for the Devils
Vrana - will never be a steady on the Devils roster
Bergfors - See above
Fraser - if he was wanted in NJ, he would have been called up. (Not sign Brookbank)
Brookbank - Wanted to see more of him. Seemed solid enough. Could still be here next year. Could also be traded too.
Tallackson - given many opportunities. His time has run out



Greene - yes he is likely tradeable, I see him in a package with Gionta for something big.
Zajac - No, he is our only natural offensive center, and is doing fine in his second year on the second line.
Asham - You will be lucky to get a 5th.
Vrana & Bergfors - Developing in the AHL, Vrana just played in the AHL allstar game, and is being groomed as a takeover from Sarge. Bergfors is a 20 yr old rookie, who has earned comparisons to Elias. About the only prospect with good value in the farm, doubt hes traded.
Fraser - Is playing his final year in the AHL, will be on the Devils blueline next year.
Brookbank - Waiver pickup, lucky to get a 6-7th rounder.
Tallackson - Well, you would be lucky if we could squeak 7th dman for him.

Nothing of tradevalue outside of Greene in there.

Gionta is our most tradeable asset, you have to give to receive.

Also, only way your going to land Campbell or Boyle is by offering up Zajac, which retroactively makes us worse on offense. Also, the day Lou signs a Jokinen or a Sundin, offering the guys you listed and mid range picks, is the day I discover my ability to put things up my bum and crap them out my mouth.

Gionta needs to stop taking those weak slap shots from along the boards just inside the blue line and get his nose in the crease. He didn't score 48 goals 1 year because he was a "sniper". He did it mainly off deflections and rebounds...I just don't see him around the net enough any more.

Yeah, I can see Gionta getting traded. He'd have some pretty good value since he was a 48 goal scorer a few years ago. He, Greene and Asham look like they could definitely be on the block.

True, but I mean bobbing and weaving...getting himself in position for a better shot or a pass. He usually just streaks down the wing and fires it. It works about 5% of the time.

Agreed. Except it probably works about 0.5% of the time. Lately I've been calling Gio king of the wide-angle, long-range slapshot. You just don't score that way in the NHL.

The Versus segment definitely over-sensationalized the impact of Gomez's departure but I don't think you can completely eliminate it as a factor, either. Fact is we don't have a playmaking center on this team and Gio is the kind of winger who needs one. Engblom's point, about Rafalski's departure hurting our ability to get good point shots on net and keep the puck in the offensive zone, thereby minimizing Gio's garbage-goal opportunities, is also convincing.

I love Gionta but if we're not going to acquire a playmaker, he's not going to help us much. If we can improve our back line (and not just for a half-season) by trading him, it's worth considering.

Greene - yes he is likely tradeable, I see him in a package with Gionta for something big.
Zajac - No, he is our only natural offensive center, and is doing fine in his second year on the second line.
Asham - You will be lucky to get a 5th.
Vrana & Bergfors - Developing in the AHL, Vrana just played in the AHL allstar game, and is being groomed as a takeover from Sarge. Bergfors is a 20 yr old rookie, who has earned comparisons to Elias. About the only prospect with good value in the farm, doubt hes traded.
Fraser - Is playing his final year in the AHL, will be on the Devils blueline next year.
Brookbank - Waiver pickup, lucky to get a 6-7th rounder.
Tallackson - Well, you would be lucky if we could squeak 7th dman for him.

Nothing of tradevalue outside of Greene in there.

Gionta is our most tradeable asset, you have to give to receive.

Also, only way your going to land Campbell or Boyle is by offering up Zajac, which retroactively makes us worse on offense. Also, the day Lou signs a Jokinen or a Sundin, offering the guys you listed and mid range picks, is the day I discover my ability to put things up my bum and crap them out my mouth.

Gionta & Brylin will not be traded at this time. It would have to be someone young with a future. Thus, Zajac or Greene.

Teams looking to unload higher priced players want low-cost players that show promise. Therefore, your list above.

And to trade away those players above to obtain two of those four players I listed, to have on our roster now & for a few years down the road is certainly worth doing.

Its about now, not later.

If Lou does decide to move Gio and I truly doubt he does, the team that get's him would be getting one heck of a player and I can see Gio scoring some big goals in the playoffs for that team. It's not just missing Gomez, it's Rafalski too. How many goals has Gio scored off of Brian passes and point shots? Versus stated last night that the Devil defensemen have the lowest shot total from the point that get to the net and that stat hurt's Gionta's goal production.

I'll gladly take Gionta off of your hands....

I'll gladly take Gionta off of your hands....

Yeah, hey no problem!! Marc Staal for Gionta straight up, no worries.

I seriously doubt the Canadians will let Latendresse go. At this point, he's a 3rd/4rth liner and he's like.. 20-21 years old.


I say... Lets trade up Gionta+5th round pick vs Brian Campbell.. Then, call up Nicklas Bergfors.

wouldn't want Lat anyway. He sucks compared to Gionta. The guy was responsible for most of our goals the last few games against the Canadiens.

Gionta is a much better player. He is suffering right now cause he doesn't know which way the puck is bouncing because our D-men are so inconsistent. Once they get their act together, mark my words, Gionta will score like crazy.

You guys are forgetting that Gionta is also a great passer. He can feed both Zubrus and Zajac. So all three of them can be setup any way they want in front of the net depending on the situation. Its actually a great fit for Gionta on that line.

wouldn't want Lat anyway. He sucks compared to Gionta. The guy was responsible for most of our goals the last few games against the Canadiens.

Gionta is a much better player. He is suffering right now cause he doesn't know which way the puck is bouncing because our D-men are so inconsistent. Once they get their act together, mark my words, Gionta will score like crazy.

You guys are forgetting that Gionta is also a great passer. He can feed both Zubrus and Zajac. So all three of them can be setup any way they want in front of the net depending on the situation. Its actually a great fit for Gionta on that line.

Latendresse is 21, and has 14 goals on Montreals 3rd line, I would hardly say he sucks.

I love Gio, and everything he does for the team, but hes overpayed without an elite passer on his line. Hes a garbage man, not a sniper. Also, I wouldnt count on our current dcorps getting any better at offense, unless Rachunek and Oduya can keep it up (Oduya being on a 3 game point streak, and 1 G 8 A in his last ten games!).

Gionta is also, nowhere near a great passer, in fact I would say thats an area of his game he needs to work on.

Brian Gionta for Nathan Horton

it worked in 2k8, and Lou is way better than video games are so....do it, do it.

If Lou does decide to move Gio and I truly doubt he does, the team that get's him would be getting one heck of a player and I can see Gio scoring some big goals in the playoffs for that team. It's not just missing Gomez, it's Rafalski too. How many goals has Gio scored off of Brian passes and point shots? Versus stated last night that the Devil defensemen have the lowest shot total from the point that get to the net and that stat hurt's Gionta's goal production.

And if everyone has noticed, as the Devs Defense starts shooting the puck, the team offense goes up. Happend during the LA game and last night in the third period vs the Habs. You do not always need a booming shot from the point, you just have to get a puck near the crease, hope for a deflection/Rebound/Bounce and thats where guys like Gio/Clarkson/Rupp will score. Ie Clarksons goal last night....

Latendresse is 21, and has 14 goals on Montreals 3rd line, I would hardly say he sucks.

I love Gio, and everything he does for the team, but hes overpayed without an elite passer on his line. Hes a garbage man, not a sniper. Also, I wouldnt count on our current dcorps getting any better at offense, unless Rachunek and Oduya can keep it up (Oduya being on a 3 game point streak, and 1 G 8 A in his last ten games!).

Gionta is also, nowhere near a great passer, in fact I would say thats an area of his game he needs to work on.

Didn't Zubrus score about the same amount of goals in his time at the Canadiens? I think he played on their 3rd line also.

Either way, Latendresse looks like he has problems defensively, and has given opponents opportunity to score on his team. I dunno how good he really is til he gets in a lineup in NJ.

I don't think you can really judge a player on another team until they play in our system with our players.

Its not about gio, its about finding a legit #1 center who can pass the puck to him.

You know one thing I've noticed about this team? Nobody keeps their sticks down on the ice. I saw the penguins team always had their sticks on the ice at all times but our team waves their stick around like they were flags or they are a few inches off the ice and when pucks come to them, sometimes it misses their stick completely.

The only people who are really good with the sticks on the ice are Martin, Elias, Parise, Langenbrunner and Madden. it is no surprise they are the ones with the most impressive plays

Didn't Zubrus score about the same amount of goals in his time at the Canadiens? I think he played on their 3rd line also.

Either way, Latendresse looks like he has problems defensively, and has given opponents opportunity to score on his team. I dunno how good he really is til he gets in a lineup in NJ.

I don't think you can really judge a player on another team until they play in our system with our players.

Very good points moondrgn, im just trying to find out about the options the Devils have going forward.

Also, I suggested Latendresse as a power forward like him would seem to be a Sutter type player, I mean look at Langenbrunner, if we could get a more offensively gifted power forward like him, Sutter would heavily appreciate it. I have feeling he prefers the power forward to fast-sniper type players.

Probably a reason as to why he was so relectunt to put the PEG line back together, as there is no size there, so felt it necessary to keep Zubes with Elias and Gio. Also, last night, he obviously felt the PEG line was being shutout, so by putting Langs in Gio's place, it added an edge of physicality to the line.

The only guys I can see having trade value at this point would be Gionta and Greene, which is a hard pill to swallow, as I really like both, but if it makes the team better, then how can you not move them??

I think we already have a winning combo in those two lines. Gionta is good with Elias and Parise for slower opponents who don't skate as fast, like the Flyers. Against faster opponents Langs is the better deal for the extra power.

Just because Gionta doesn't work in last night's situation doesn't mean he won't work for the rest. It just depends on the situation. I don't think theres need for a panic button yet. If our defense starts to chip in on the offense I think our problems could be over.

I just wish Greene can play instead of Vishnevski

Agreed. Except it probably works about 0.5% of the time. Lately I've been calling Gio king of the wide-angle, long-range slapshot. You just don't score that way in the NHL.

The Versus segment definitely over-sensationalized the impact of Gomez's departure but I don't think you can completely eliminate it as a factor, either. Fact is we don't have a playmaking center on this team and Gio is the kind of winger who needs one. Engblom's point, about Rafalski's departure hurting our ability to get good point shots on net and keep the puck in the offensive zone, thereby minimizing Gio's garbage-goal opportunities, is also convincing.

I love Gionta but if we're not going to acquire a playmaker, he's not going to help us much. If we can improve our back line (and not just for a half-season) by trading him, it's worth considering.

Quoted for truth.

Very good points moondrgn, im just trying to find out about the options the Devils have going forward.

Also, I suggested Latendresse as a power forward like him would seem to be a Sutter type player, I mean look at Langenbrunner, if we could get a more offensively gifted power forward like him, Sutter would heavily appreciate it. I have feeling he prefers the power forward to fast-sniper type players.

Probably a reason as to why he was so relectunt to put the PEG line back together, as there is no size there, so felt it necessary to keep Zubes with Elias and Gio. Also, last night, he obviously felt the PEG line was being shutout, so by putting Langs in Gio's place, it added an edge of physicality to the line.

The only guys I can see having trade value at this point would be Gionta and Greene, which is a hard pill to swallow, as I really like both, but if it makes the team better, then how can you not move them??

Good post. I like what Sutter did putting Langs on the wing with Parise and Elias, they jsut seemed to click.

Gionta seems to be in a tough spot here. The guys that he depended on the most for his production, Gomez and Rafalski, both left. For all the **** that Rafi got for his shot, it was a very deflectable shot, one of Gionta's specialties. Gomez also created alot of room for Gionta in front of the net for garbage goals. I love what Gio brings to the team, but he may need to go to a place where it's a better situation for him. I think Gio and Greene could swing a good package for a puck moving D-man or power forward at the deadline. I'd hate to trade Greene, but if Sutter's going to keep him up in the press box, we might as well get some use out of him.

It seems like the only shots Gionta ever takes are weak as hell and have no chance of ever getting past the goalie.

Didn't used to be that way.

Agreed. Except it probably works about 0.5% of the time. Lately I've been calling Gio king of the wide-angle, long-range slapshot. You just don't score that way in the NHL.

The Versus segment definitely over-sensationalized the impact of Gomez's departure but I don't think you can completely eliminate it as a factor, either. Fact is we don't have a playmaking center on this team and Gio is the kind of winger who needs one. Engblom's point, about Rafalski's departure hurting our ability to get good point shots on net and keep the puck in the offensive zone, thereby minimizing Gio's garbage-goal opportunities, is also convincing.

I love Gionta but if we're not going to acquire a playmaker, he's not going to help us much. If we can improve our back line (and not just for a half-season) by trading him, it's worth considering.


The only problem with that is he watching Wings Rafalski and not Devils Rafalski.

Devils Rafalski, last season, had a helluva time getting his shots through and had a hard time holding the point.

He had a bit of a goal scoring spree down the stretch, but I mean, the first half of the season, him getting the pucks through on the PP (let alone 5 on 5) was borderline pathetic.

Its not about gio, its about finding a legit #1 center who can pass the puck to him.

i disagree, I believe we need a legit #1 and/or 2 D, so Gio can tip those long shots in, but a center wouldnt hurt...

Gionta is a great player that needs a supporting cast. To trade him is not the answer. To get quality players "here" that will make him shine like the past is the answer.


I completely agree with that point. I actually posted something similar a few hours ago on another message board. Bringing in a playmaker will not only help Gio, but also the rest of our team. I like Zajac but I'm not against moving him, as a Gio in his groove is a bigger plus than I ever see Zajac developing in to. Of course, it's unfair to compare goalscoring with allaround play, especially with a sophomore player, but I just don't see Zajac turning into a great player, unfortunately. With Madden pretty much a sure-fire spot at 3rd line center, that pretty much means that Zajac has to be 2nd or 1st line center, when in reality, he may be more suited for a 3rd line style of play. Moving Zajac and a pick or two (or a lesser player) could bring in a 1st/2nd line playmaking center, something that we really lack (something made evident by our offensive consistency, which is at the level of... water and oil).


A few players that could be useful at center...

Tomas Plekanec - His cap hit is 1.4 this season and 1.8 next season, so that's a pretty cheap center. He's got wheels and good vision/passing. He's really sort of like a poor-man's Gomez traitor.

R.J. Umberger - Despite being the victim of one of the most viciously clean hits I've ever seen (and seen a million times thanks to Youtube), he's a good player. He can pass, shoot, has size and pretty good vision, decent speed... He's not a real playmaker but I think he would work well with Gio. I don't think it would take too much to get him. He's on 1.25m this year, and is an RFA next season, so it could be a temp move, or he could end up being a Devil for a few years.

Savard, but he's on 5m a year for a few years and I doubt Boston will move him.



So yeah, I think that the agenda should be to bring in the last piece of the puzzle that our offense needs, because we don't have a playmaker.The lines would then probably look like...

Parise - Elias - Langenbrunner
Zubrus - New guy - Gio

It's not going to get 48 goals out of him, but with someone like Plekanec, I think he could definitely get 35-40 in a full season, which is pretty good for a second line player. Langenbrunner seems to have good chemistry with Elias as well as Parise, although it is definitely too early to say that for certain, as our chemistry this year has had zero lasting power. But with that, it's good for now and for the future, if the new guy sticks around.

I think just off year for gio and he be find next year after losing the traitor. But if we trade him we could just get him back in two year anyway :)

Last year Gionta still had a great season and there was that excuse that he couldn't produce as much since he was injured for 1/4th the season.

But now, it's different. Gionta is a great player, but he needs a great line to show his top skills off.

Its not about gio, its about finding a legit #1 center who can pass the puck to him.

I couldn't agree more... but who do we give up in order for us to land a #1 center ??? Now that's the real question.

There isn't anything on our roster that would fetch us a #1 center other then Brodeur and Parise... and that's not happening. Lou isn't gonna trade Zajac for a rental player and he doesn't have enough value for a #1 center or #1 d-men. So we're basically screwed with the Gionta we know today other then the Gionta we knew 2 years ago.

That's why I was proposing a trade beetween the Devils and Columbus. Columbus is looking to make the playoffs for the 1st time in franchise history so adding someone like Gionta on they're top line with Nash would only do them good and in return we could get a young player that is underperforming in C.B. J. like Gilbert Brule. Brule has been disapointing so far but he was playing no more then 5 minutes/game on the 4th line... with Jody Shelley !!! No wonder he only has 4 points in 33 games this year.

Gionta, Greene and our 4th round pick
Vs
Brule and they're 1st round pick


What do you say C.B.J. fans :thumbu:

Colombus wouldn't give up their 1st round pick for Gionta. He's doesn't hold that much value. At the same time, the trade doesn't help us at all because now we have two holes in our top six at forward, and we're losing a good defenseman to go with it. Big, fat, NO.

I couldn't agree more... but who do we give up in order for us to land a #1 center ??? Now that's the real question.

There isn't anything on our roster that would fetch us a #1 center other then Brodeur and Parise... and that's not happening. Lou isn't gonna trade Zajac for a rental player and he doesn't have enough value for a #1 center or #1 d-men. So we're basically screwed with the Gionta we know today other then the Gionta we knew 2 years ago.

That's why I was proposing a trade beetween the Devils and Columbus. Columbus is looking to make the playoffs for the 1st time in franchise history so adding someone like Gionta on they're top line with Nash would only do them good and in return we could get a young player that is underperforming in C.B. J. like Gilbert Brule. Brule has been disapointing so far but he was playing no more then 5 minutes/game on the 4th line... with Jody Shelley !!! No wonder he only has 4 points in 33 games this year.

Gionta, Greene and our 4th round pick
Vs
Brule and they're 1st round pick


What do you say C.B.J. fans :thumbu:

Right now, it looks like we don't need another Center. Elias looks great at that spot with Parise and Langenbrunner/Gionta on his wing. And you said it yourself about Brule. He's playing on the 4th line. No way he's going to be Centering out first line anytime soon.

So right now I say that our top priorities are getting 1) a puck moving defenseman and 2) a forward to provide more depth. If Gionta goes to get either one of these types of players, so be it.

I think just off year for gio and he be find next year after losing the traitor. But if we trade him we could just get him back in two year anyway :)

If that is what may seriously happen, then Lou should do his best to sign him to an extension asap for he will want even more money after next season.

Gionta has always been a favorite of mine but, he needs a great center to be effective. Lou should try to trade him while he still has value left. Gionta needs a guy like Gomez.

Gio useless???? no F'in way!

Gionta has always been a favorite of mine but, he needs a great center to be effective. Lou should try to trade him while he still has value left. Gionta needs a guy like Gomez.

istead of trading gionta, we should get a guy who is going to help him:help:.i mean we all know gio can score, lou just has to put the supporting cast around him preferably VIA UFA market this offeseason.......

Johnny Mac needs to sit down with Gio and go over his personal playing strategy...

Gionta has a lot of upside: his speed, his shot, his stick skills. He needs to start playing to his level and utilizing his strengths.

There is hope for him yet.

Gionta is not useless but he is tradeable. He is just not the same player this season. He is underachieving this season.

a lot of trade proposals always have us trading a 1st or 2nd rounder (not only this thread).

looking at our farm system: we need all the 1st/2nd round picks we can get....even if they aren't even Top 20.

Gionta has always been a favorite of mine but, he needs a great center to be effective. Lou should try to trade him while he still has value left. Gionta needs a guy like Gomez.

I disagree. I think Keith Jones from VS. made a great point last night - the loss of Rafalski has had a bigger impact. Gionta is a guy who goes to the net and likes to set up in the slot. While the loss of a pass-first playmaker has hurt Gionta's production, I think the lack of accurate and hard shots from the point and other long-range areas has led to fewer rebounds for Gionta to pick up. Something Rafalski was particularly adept at; moving the puck forward and putting up and on net. Not necessarily scoring goals, but he'd put it in the zone - which is the key. With fewer shots hitting the net; the rebounds aren't there for Gionta or anyone else to sweep up and in.

What's more, many of the goals in Gionta's 48 goal season came from the power play. The mercurial nature of the Devils' PP this season has also hurt; though one could argue it's not nearly as effective because of Gionta's lack of lamp lighting. But that's sort of a chicken and egg sort of thing.

That all said, I don't think trading Gionta for a prospective, maybe-he'll-become-a-#1 center isn't going to worth it. Either the Devils will overpay for minimal gains or get someone who isn't going to be worth it. As much as I'd love to see Gionta, Bergfors, and a 2nd rounder for Olli Jokinen; I have little faith in such a trade happening.

istead of trading gionta, we should get a guy who is going to help him:help:.i mean we all know gio can score, lou just has to put the supporting cast around him preferably VIA UFA market this offeseason.......

When was the last time you saw Lou go after a big name UFA ??? How about never !!! Look, I don't want to trade Gionta either because he's still a top six forward but unfortunately he's the kind of player that needs a supporting cast to showcase his talent and we're not getting a player like Gomez anytime soon.

Gionta won't be able to get us a BIG return, mainly because he's struggling this year and he has a 4M$ cap hit. I understand that trading away Gionta would hurt us this year... but let's be real for a second, are we a cup contender WITH Gionta in our lineup ??? I think the answer to that is no (don't mean to be pessimist... just realistic).

So why don't we try to land a top prospect and a pick and let Lou and David Conte do what they do best... draft. I' m shure that Bergfors can do what Gionta is doing right now plus we would save 3.4M$ next year. I don't want to rebuild from scratch but adding some more depth to our franchise wouldn't be that bad of a thing considering that Bergfors and Vrana our our best forwards and Corrente is our only real prospect at defense.

Just my opinon boyz :thumbu:

When was the last time you saw Lou go after a big name UFA ??? How about never !!! Look, I don't want to trade Gionta either because he's still a top six forward but unfortunately he's the kind of player that needs a supporting cast to showcase his talent and we're not getting a player like Gomez anytime soon.

Gionta won't be able to get us a BIG return, mainly because he's struggling this year and he has a 4M$ cap hit. I understand that trading away Gionta would hurt us this year... but let's be real for a second, are we a cup contender WITH Gionta in our lineup ??? I think the answer to that is no (don't mean to be pessimist... just realistic).

So why don't we try to land a top prospect and a pick and let Lou and David Conte do what they do best... draft. I' m shure that Bergfors can do what Gionta is doing right now plus we would save 3.4M$ next year. I don't want to rebuild from scratch but adding some more depth to our franchise wouldn't be that bad of a thing considering that Bergfors and Vrana our our best forwards and Corrente is our only real prospect at defense.

Just my opinon boyz :thumbu:

I believe you are correct. Why not let Bergfors play?? He looked pretty good in the one game he actually did play and nearly had a goal. It would be nice to let him play and save all that money spent on Gionta. Can we take Gionta's heart out and give it to Bergfors?

I believe you are correct. Why not let Bergfors play?? He looked pretty good in the one game he actually did play and nearly had a goal. It would be nice to let him play and save all that money spent on Gionta. Can we take Gionta's heart out and give it to Bergfors?

I think Bergfors would mesh well with Elias and Parise too, but I still think he needs to wait until next season. That will be his time to step up.

Nashville have 2 quality defenseman available in Ryan Suter and Kevin Klein. Would anybody like to see either on the Devils?? I would take either, either would look great next to White or Martin, and would give us some much needed offense from the point.

I wonder if we could dangle Gionta for Suter and call up Bergfors to replace Gio on the 2nd line?

EDIT: This of course would be an offseason trade.

I believe you are correct. Why not let Bergfors play?? He looked pretty good in the one game he actually did play and nearly had a goal. It would be nice to let him play and save all that money spent on Gionta. Can we take Gionta's heart out and give it to Bergfors?

I just don't feel that now is the time and the place for Bergfors to get his shot. I would've been okay with seeing Bergfors up earlier in the season, but now the games are winding down and the race is getting tighted so I wouldn't have much confidence in throwing a kid into that type of a spot. He should get his chance next year.

I just don't feel that now is the time and the place for Bergfors to get his shot. I would've been okay with seeing Bergfors up earlier in the season, but now the games are winding down and the race is getting tighted so I wouldn't have much confidence in throwing a kid into that type of a spot. He should get his chance next year.

Its a gamble, it really is. Maybe he fits in great on the second line, maybe third, maybe forth, maybe bench. I would love to reallocate some of that cap space to upgrade the D.

You also have to think about after next season. Lets say we make a trade not involving Gionta for a pp qb defenseman. He has a good year, scoring around 25-30 goals and about 65 points. He will be a UFA, and it just seems too hard to extend a contract at his current price. If he would take less money, then great, but if I were in Lou's position, I would approach Gionta now about a contract extension at a lower price, and if he declines, I would seriously consider trading him.

Its a gamble, it really is. Maybe he fits in great on the second line, maybe third, maybe forth, maybe bench. I would love to reallocate some of that cap space to upgrade the D.

You also have to think about after next season. Lets say we make a trade not involving Gionta for a pp qb defenseman. He has a good year, scoring around 25-30 goals and about 65 points. He will be a UFA, and it just seems too hard to extend a contract at his current price. If he would take less money, then great, but if I were in Lou's position, I would approach Gionta now about a contract extension at a lower price, and if he declines, I would seriously consider trading him.

I second that motion. Lou is a business man first and for most and that's why he let Gomez and Rafalski walk, because he wasn't ready to overpay. Same thing is going to happen with Brian if Lou doesn't give him a extension before the end of the year. Some stupid team is gonna offer him all kinds of $$$ for no reason and he's gonna take it... do you blame him !!!

What I'm saying is that we should try and part with him now since we don't have the tools to snatch a #1 center to feed him the puck or a #1 d-men that can actually HIT the net from the blueline. There's no way we're getting a big name free agent this summer, so that covers about all of our options to get Gionta back on a roll.... no ???

If any of you have a better suggestion, please... let me know.

If we trade Gionta for picks or young players, doesn't that mean that most who are suggesting that he's moved are giving up on the season and looking to tweak for the future?

Right now, it looks like we don't need another Center. Elias looks great at that spot with Parise and Langenbrunner/Gionta on his wing. And you said it yourself about Brule. He's playing on the 4th line. No way he's going to be Centering out first line anytime soon.

So right now I say that our top priorities are getting 1) a puck moving defenseman and 2) a forward to provide more depth. If Gionta goes to get either one of these types of players, so be it.

If we're trading Gionta versus a puck moving d-men or a forward for more depth to help us right now, we're only getting somebody else's problem. There's no way we're getting a puck moving D-men that is already established in the NHL as a #1 or #2 d-men for Gionta. Secondly, why would we trade away Gio for some depth. Who ever we're getting in return won't be as good as Brian... so might as well keep him.

Don't you guys think that it's time to get younger ??? Our farm team isn't actually packed with future top 6 forwards or top 4 d-men. We have all kinds of 3rd and 4th liners but that won't help our cause.

I say we trade Gionta for a prospect and a pick and let Conte and Lou do they're thing this summer then we bring Bergfors to fill the void left by Gionta on that second line with Zubrus and Zajac. That will save us some $$$ IF Lou decides to go crazy this summer and actually sign a top pairing defensemen... at a reasonable price of course :naughty:

You also have to think about after next season. Lets say we make a trade not involving Gionta for a pp qb defenseman. He has a good year, scoring around 25-30 goals and about 65 points. He will be a UFA, and it just seems too hard to extend a contract at his current price. If he would take less money, then great, but if I were in Lou's position, I would approach Gionta now about a contract extension at a lower price, and if he declines, I would seriously consider trading him.

Lou can't offer him a contract extension until he is in the final year of his contract.

[QUOTE=DEVILS ALL THE WAY;12369727]When was the last time you saw Lou go after a big name UFA ??? How about never !!!

I sure hope he at least makes a play for either Boyle or Campbell in the off season.

If we trade Gionta for picks or young players, doesn't that mean that most who are suggesting that he's moved are giving up on the season and looking to tweak for the future?

Like I said before, are we cup contenders WITH Gionta in our lineup ??? It's :cry: me to have to answer that question myself but the answer is no. Our D is horrible and there's no way we're getting past the secound round with those guys let alone the 1st round.

Take away Gionta and replace him with Bergfors.. we're still a playoff team but not a SC contender. If we were only one good player away from being a legitamite SC contender, I'd say yes but we're about 2 or 3 players short of teams like Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Montreal and Philly.

I want to win right away, like everyone else but I'm also looking at the big picture and the future of this franchise. Marty isn't going to be Marty for ever and as soon as he's gone... WE'RE IN TROUBLE so we better have some young talent waiting to pick up the slack and it might be a soon as two to tree years from now.

Lou can't offer him a contract extension until he is in the final year of his contract.

I know, I was making sure everyone else knew...:sarcasm:

Trade Gionta for picks/prospects and sign Campbell with the extra cap room...

It's not fishing season yet, let's wait til summer then throw Gionta on the downrigger and go trolling in open waters. ;)

It's not fishing season yet, let's wait til summer then throw Gionta on the downrigger and go trolling in open waters. ;)

Don't you think we'd get a bigger return if we trade him before the deadline to a team that will need his services to make a push just to get in the playoffs or a team that is a RW away from being a REAL stanley cup contender, instead of this summer ???

the problem is there as it Brian Englands(sp) said it tonight on vs that there is simply no shots coming from the point....rafalski's departure too (shots from the point) certaintly hurt his game as well as Gomez's style, as it pains me to admit it. I dont doubt the fire in his belly but he cant capitlize on his bread and butter which is those tip in in/garbage man goals in front of the net.....I love the guy for his heart alone, I hope he can find a new groove maybe with an aquistion at the deadline, but he is not worth the money he is getting so that being said do we deal him or try to accomadate hm with someone who can get the puck to him in his sweet spot in front of the net....

he is one of my favorite players and im torn, and it hurts to hear the media and othe fans/posters say he needs to be traded, but we will have to see what Lou will do, his value we can all agree is not very high at this time, its just going to be one of those things we will have to wait it out and see..:shakehead

Man i miss the Egg line when it was en fuego tear drops:(

brian engblom;)

Brian Gionta is not playing that much different then in years past, its just his shooting % has gone way down this season. If you give him his career average of 13% he then has 25 goals 21 assists for 46 points in 53 games.

I don't know why he isn't scoring, it seems Parise is the one scoring the goals that Gionta is having trouble scoring.

Maybe I jumped the gun a little fast, maybe instead of trading Gionta we should be looking for a player who will get him going. Zajac certainly isn't a good enough center yet. At age 25 he may be ready. If we somehow got a 2nd line center to play with Gionta then we may be getting somewhere.

Like I said before, are we cup contenders WITH Gionta in our lineup ??? It's :cry: me to have to answer that question myself but the answer is no. .


What kind of message does it send to your team and fans when you declare you're not a contender when you're battling for first place in the division?

What kind of message does it send to your team and fans when you declare you're not a contender when you're battling for first place in the division?

Like Barry Melrose said, the thing is that in the West there are a couple Great teams, while the east there is alot of Good teams. The only team that can be considered Great in the east is Ottawa and that's not really true anymore. Hopefully we can become great if all our players decided to show up every single night.

This may be out in left field, why not try to get Sergei Fedorov. Known as an amazing playoff performer, final year of his 6.8 million contract and CBus could be out of the picture by half a month.

Like Barry Melrose said, the thing is that in the West there are a couple Great teams, while the east there is alot of Good teams. The only team that can be considered Great in the east is Ottawa and that's not really true anymore. Hopefully we can become great if all our players decided to show up every single night.

That may be true. But guess what...the Devils certainly werent the best team in 94-95 either. And that can be said about a lot of championship teams (see 2007 New York Giants).

If we somehow got a 2nd line center to play with Gionta then we may be getting somewhere.

We would all love for Lou to get Marleau and Boyle at the deadline, that's not the problem... the problem isWHO DO WE GIVE UP !!!

And with that question said.... we're either stuck with the Gionta we know today or we can trade him and go for youth.

Gionta for Ohlund is the rumour flying around this town right now. Ohlund went home for ''personal reasons''.

Gionta for Ohlund is the rumour flying around this town right now. Ohlund went home for ''personal reasons''.
Well know that the Flames have officially announced that they resigned The Dion, I guess it's time to look at some other D-men. I wouldn't mind Ohlund, but he has a NTC. I remember reading in the summer that his daughter had some medical problem and he wanted to come east so he could get better care for her. Do you know anything about that?

What kind of message does it send to your team and fans when you declare you're not a contender when you're battling for first place in the division?

I'm not saying we suck... what I'm saying is that we don't stand a chance against teams like Ottawa or Detroit or Pittsburgh or Montreal in a 7 games series. We might get by the 1st round but we don't have the defense to go all the way and if you think we do then we have a much bigger problem at hand.

Everybody on this board wants a #1 center and a #1 puck moving d-men, including myself, but it ain't going to happen anytime soon because we don't have what it takes to land those kind of players... unfortunately.

That's why it would be a good idea to trade Brian (and his contract) for youth and focus on guys like Boyle or Campbell once free agency begins. Even if we don't get a UFA the likes of Boyle or Campbell we're still in good position with Bergfors as Gionta's replacement and Lou would have a HUGE cushion regarding cap space.

Gionta for Ohlund is the rumour flying around this town right now. Ohlund went home for ''personal reasons''.

I was under the impression that Vancouver's entire top 6 was injured. Could they really afford to lose another defenseman?

Gionta for Ohlund is the rumour flying around this town right now. Ohlund went home for ''personal reasons''.

If Lou can somehow pull that off, he'd be a genius. Oh, wait... the guy IS a genius :naughty:

I'm not saying we suck... what I'm saying is that we don't stand a chance against teams like Ottawa or Detroit or Pittsburgh or Montreal in a 7 games series. We might get by the 1st round but we don't have the defense to go all the way and if you think we do then we have a much bigger problem at hand.

Everybody on this board wants a #1 center and a #1 puck moving d-men, including myself, but it ain't going to happen anytime soon because we don't have what it takes to land those kind of players... unfortunately.

That's why it would be a good idea to trade Brian (and his contract) for youth and focus on guys like Boyle or Campbell once free agency begins. Even if we don't get a UFA the likes of Boyle or Campbell we're still in good position with Bergfors as Gionta's replacement and Lou would have a HUGE cushion regarding cap space.

We have excellent chances against these two teams.

Well know that the Flames have officially announced that they resigned The Dion, I guess it's time to look at some other D-men. I wouldn't mind Ohlund, but he has a NTC. I remember reading in the summer that his daughter had some medical problem and he wanted to come east so he could get better care for her. Do you know anything about that?

Wasnt aware of that - but something is definitely sketchy when he is erased from the canucks.com roster, he is home for ''personal reasons'' and there are trade winds flying around.

As for losing another defenceman, Krajicek and Mitchel will be back soon - Bourdon has filled in well and looks like he is NHL ready as it stands now. The Canucks are just sorely in need of some scoring that is why they would make the trade.

Wasnt aware of that - but something is definitely sketchy when he is erased from the canucks.com roster, he is home for ''personal reasons'' and there are trade winds flying around.

As for losing another defenceman, Krajicek and Mitchel will be back soon - Bourdon has filled in well and looks like he is NHL ready as it stands now. The Canucks are just sorely in need of some scoring that is why they would make the trade.

Well Paul Martin and a couple of other Devils players disappeared from the roster for a while but that didn't amount to anything. I think it's a glitch since all the team sites are now networked to NHL.com

We have excellent chances against these two teams.

We had all kinds of problems last year defending Prospal, Vinny and St-Louis. Do you think it's gonna be all that different defending Malone, Crosby and Malkin or that line of Kostitsyn, Plekanec and Kovalev versus our crappy defense. We don't have a #1 d-men on our team and no Paul Martin isn't a #1 d-men. He might be #1 on our team but he isn't considered as a #1 d-men in the league. We have alot of #3 and #4's but no #1.

With the defense we have today, it's a good thing Marty's beetween the pipes for about 95% of all games because we'd get hosed if we had any other goaler

This may be out in left field, why not try to get Sergei Fedorov. Known as an amazing playoff performer, final year of his 6.8 million contract and CBus could be out of the picture by half a month.

I'd go for Fedorov.

We had all kinds of problems last year defending Prospal, Vinny and St-Louis. Do you think it's gonna be all that different defending Malone, Crosby and Malkin or that line of Kostitsyn, Plekanec and Kovalev versus our crappy defense. We don't have a #1 d-men on our team and no Paul Martin isn't a #1 d-men. He might be #1 on our team but he isn't considered as a #1 d-men in the league. We have alot of #3 and #4's but no #1.

With the defense we have today, it's a good thing Marty's beetween the pipes for about 95% of all games because we'd get hosed if we had any other goaler

Last year was totally differnt than last year. Madden and Pandolfo did not have good years and Juliens system really hampered our offense because of the amount of time that he kept them out there for versus the ice time that our scorers got. And please, do me a favor, don't compare Vinny-Marty-and Prospal with Kovalev's line. I have no confidence issues going up against those guys. And we should have no problems with the Penguins if our forwards step up and score against Pittsburgh's mediocre goaltending.

As for Vancouver, Ohlund for Gionta makes too much sense not to happen. Both can cure their problems via one trade.

I'd like to see Gionta-Greene for Ohlund-Cooke

I'd go for Fedorov.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s93/vagel117/40yr-1.jpg

We had all kinds of problems last year defending Prospal, Vinny and St-Louis. Do you think it's gonna be all that different defending Malone, Crosby and Malkin or that line of Kostitsyn, Plekanec and Kovalev versus our crappy defense. We don't have a #1 d-men on our team and no Paul Martin isn't a #1 d-men. He might be #1 on our team but he isn't considered as a #1 d-men in the league. We have alot of #3 and #4's but no #1.

With the defense we have today, it's a good thing Marty's beetween the pipes for about 95% of all games because we'd get hosed if we had any other goaler

Well sort of... We ran the Lightning, and those three guys, out of the playoffs last season (with a team worse than this year, IMO) and it wasn't all that tough.

And I personally think we would do the same to the Pens. As much as folks poop on our Defense, we are currently the #3 D in the East and are MUCH BETTER than the Pens in that regard. And their goalie tandem sucks. I think we'd trounce them...

And we'd prolly sweep the Canadiens, another team you seem to be afraid of for no apparent reason.

Gionta wakes up tonight in Buffalo! He has a good game and scores a goal. (one only wishes that would happen)

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s93/vagel117/40yr-1.jpg

:biglaugh:

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s93/vagel117/40yr-1.jpg

funny before, funny still


no no no no no no no no no thank you very much

Get rid of Gionta ASAP!! Useless!

Wasnt the goal credited to Mottau???

Gionta + for Ryan Suter

Greene for Fedorov

Gionta + Greene + Bergfors

vs

Hossa.....sign him to a 5 year 37 million deal, and this team is instantly a cup contender....

Is it gonna happen? No way

Wasnt the goal credited to Mottau???

Gionta + for Ryan Suter

Greene for Fedorov

brit I rarelly disagree with you but it seems a lateral move and I really question Feds drive as have most....i wish we jumped on Nashville in the offseason when they were unloading and really made a move for a couple of their great d-men(but philly seems to be their buddies therefore they would be no friend to us). hindsight is 20/20 i guess. I wish we had components to make a run at wber damn that would be up there with getting Dion:shakehead

Somehow it will work itself out, I hope Lou can pull a couple of under the raydar moves...I liek the thought of jackman and another Impending UFA dman coming here and try to sign em before UFA market bloats up....I have faith in Lou you guys should too ahhhhaaahhaariigttty then:sarcasm:

Gionta + Greene + Bergfors

vs

Hossa.....sign him to a 5 year 37 million deal, and this team is instantly a cup contender....

Is it gonna happen? No way

that would be the be ULTIMATE way the hockey gods can make up for what happend to us.....

with neids not making a choice and forcing our hand with the 3 M's and Gomez lying and taking the raft over to the garden(infact that would be great if RG or Brit could photoshop gomez immigrating on a raft to the Garden:biglaugh:)

COMMON HOCKEY GODS:thumbu:

brit I rarelly disagree with you but it seems a lateral move and I really question Feds drive as have most....i wish we jumped on Nashville in the offseason when they were unloading and really made a move for a couple of their great d-men(but philly seems to be their buddies therefore they would be no friend to us). hindsight is 20/20 i guess. I wish we had components to make a run at wber damn that would be up there with getting Dion:shakehead

Its a risk for sure! Also hes out with a concussion atm, factor in that he's 40 years old (as RG likes to remind us with his dvd cover ;)) he could be a waste of a tradeable asset.

Im not sure what Lou is going to do, as hes pretty unpredictable, but I would hope we move some salary for promising talent, at least thats what I hope happens.

Wasnt the goal credited to Mottau???

Gionta + for Ryan Suter

Greene for Fedorov

According to Chico Madden touched it... which is not what I saw. I thought it either went in clean or Pando touched it.

I'll reserve further comment on the ex-Red Wing... ;)

According to Chico Madden touched it... which is not what I saw. I thought it either went in clean or Pando touched it.

I'll reserve further comment on the ex-Red Wing... ;)

Oh, I see, well in any case, its a nice boost of offense from our d-corp, seems they are collectively producing quite alot of that recently, must be some sort of magical Sutter-aid :naughty:

Fourty-rov would be a chace yes, but we dont really have much to loose on him, even if its just for faceoffs, playoff leadership and his known playoff performances. Also, it would more than likely be his last appearance in the playoffs, and may play insane to go out with a bang. Im a huge optimist arent I?

Oh, I see, well in any case, its a nice boost of offense from our d-corp, seems they are collectively producing quite alot of that recently, must be some sort of magical Sutter-aid :naughty:

Fourty-rov would be a chace yes, but we dont really have much to loose on him, even if its just for faceoffs, playoff leadership and his known playoff performances. Also, it would more than likely be his last appearance in the playoffs, and may play insane to go out with a bang. Im a huge optimist arent I?

You know brit I agree with you about feds i would give him a chance but not at the cost of Greene. A high pick yes cause he is a UFA rigth(i dont really know). I can agree this is the move Lou will make a low risk High reward type, but we just cant lose Andy even if he is sitting in the press box...Karel and Mikey m are producing now but I think its only a matter of time before Sutter and Lou will see we need him in the lineup

You know brit I agree with you about feds i would give him a chance but not at the cost of Greene. A high pick yes cause he is a UFA rigth(i dont really know). I can agree this is the move Lou will make a low risk High reward type, but we just cant lose Andy even if he is sitting in the press box...Karel and Mikey m are producing now but I think its only a matter of time before Sutter and Lou will see we need him in the lineup

Yeah, I was really high on Greene last year, and was one of the "hes the next rafalski" crew in the offseason. I just feel there is something going on with him behind closed doors that we cant see. Maybe and attitude problem, maybe he just doesnt work hard enough in training or has vocally complained about the bike-treatment. Sutter seems to like hard trainers, players that fight for there roster spot (Rupps inspired play, Ashams benching??), maybe he feels Greene feels he should just recieve a spot, without having to fight for one.

Maybe im just rationalising a crappy situation, in any case, Greene needs playing time, be it in NJ, Lowell or somewhere else, this isnt helping his develpoment.

Plus it seems Fedorov is out with a concussion, and probably wont even be back before the trade deadline or at a stretch, the playoffs.

Oh, and just while im talking about it, im glad ive stuck with Johnny Oduya all the way, hes starting to look really pretty good out there.