Fix Our Defense

Here's a challenge for all my fellow Devils fans: find a way to fix our defense with the assets we currently have and the cap space we currently have (none). We all know it has to be done, we need another top-level defenseman, but how and who?

As I've made no bones about, I'm particularly partial to McCabe, but fitting him under the cap would be a challenge. Redden is gone but Hainsey is still out there... but if Jeff Finger can get $3.5M, Hainsey is worth $5M at least, which makes McCabe look plausible.

Correct.

Sending out Gionta along with probably Vishnevski plus sending the extra d-men who don't make the team in camp would probably give us enough room for a defensemen making 5 mil+

EDIT: Isn't Bouwmeester an rfa?

Living in Toronto I get to watch a lot of Leaf games. Stay away from McCabe. He is horrible defensivly. He misses the net with half of his one-timers. When an offensive minded defenseman is booed out of Toronto, how do you think he will fit in NJ, when he can't play defense.

PAVEL KUBINA. We need a puck moving D. He came on strong last year and was better than Kaberle the second half of the season.
Who wlse are we going to go after.
Unless
Kaberle.

Who do we give up?
Anyways. This to me was the real problem with the team. IF you have nobody to get the puck to the forwards how are they going to score. The problem has yet to be addressed this offseason

Correct.

Sending out Gionta along with probably Vishnevski plus sending the extra d-men who don't make the team in camp would probably give us enough room for a defensemen making 5 mil+

EDIT: Isn't Bouwmeester an rfa?
The question is which defenseman?

Can we extend Gionta now that he is in his final year? If so, a sign and trade would be a good option. Throw in Greene, who probably has the most value of our expendable defencemen.

Living in Toronto I get to watch a lot of Leaf games. Stay away from McCabe. He is horrible defensivly. He misses the net with half of his one-timers. When an offensive minded defenseman is booed out of Toronto, how do you think he will fit in NJ, when he can't play defense.

PAVEL KUBINA. We need a puck moving D. He came on strong last year and was better than Kaberle the second half of the season.
Who wlse are we going to go after.
Unless
Kaberle.

Who do we give up?
Anyways. This to me was the real problem with the team. IF you have nobody to get the puck to the forwards how are they going to score. The problem has yet to be addressed this offseason



I love this idea. I really do.

Kubina is monstrous in size and would add that offense we need on the blueline.

Maybe something revolving around Gionta for Bieksa. He has the potential to be a pretty good puck mover. He missed most of last season due to an injury. Bergfors could then replace Gionta. Bieksa has a cap hit of $3.75 million so we would have to get rid of Vishnevsky as well.

I love this idea. I really do.

Kubina is monstrous in size and would add that offense we need on the blueline.
We wouldn't have to give up much either. If we gave up Greene and a 3rd, it would get Kubina.

To the person who suggested signing Orpik and trading White:

What does that do other than cost us an extra $1-$2M and completely not solve our puck-moving problem.

Maybe something revolving around Gionta for Bieksa. He has the potential to be a pretty good puck mover. He missed most of last season due to an injury. Bergfors could then replace Gionta. Bieksa has a cap hit of $3.75 million so we would have to get rid of Vishnevsky as well.We are not going to get Bieksa. They lost Luc Bourdon. If they are going to give up Bieksa it is going to take a roster player better than Gionta..

The question is which defenseman?

My guess is McCabe if they can get him to waive his no trade. I don't think Toronto is going to trade Kubina apparently Ron Wilson really likes him. It's obvious that Toronto wants McCabe out and they mostly just want bodies in return for him.

However as others have said other players like Souray may be possibilities as well.

We wouldn't have to give up much either. If we gave up Greene and a 3rd, it would get Kubina.

Isn't Kubina's cap hit $5 million? We would have to make atleast one more move to make him fit. We could package Gionta and Vishnevski together ($5.8 million) for pics and prospects.Trading Gionta means bringing up Bergfors, so don't forget to add Bergfors' salary to our cap.

Zidlicky would have been perfect.

Gionta, Zajac, Bergfors for Bouwmeester, then sign him for 8 yrs/$52M

Gionta, Zajac, Bergfors for Bouwmeester, then sign him for 8 yrs/$52M

Then what do you have your lines at? I think Lou signs Hainsey and uses the threshold.

We are not going to get Bieksa. They lost Luc Bourdon. If they are going to give up Bieksa it is going to take a roster player better than Gionta..

Gionta would be the best linemate the Sedins have had in their career.

We wouldn't have to give up much either. If we gave up Greene and a 3rd, it would get Kubina.

We would need to trade more the other way simply to free up Cap Space and make room for anyone ready to make the jump from Lowell.

I think getting J-Bouw would be the perfect fit for this team. Or see if Burke wants to give up Niedermayer.

I think trading Gionta and Vish for pics and prospects and signing Hainsey makes the most sense. Gives the team some room under the cap and they don't have to give up anything too important.

Then what do you have your lines at? I think Lou signs Hainsey and uses the threshold.

It's an admittedly tough squeeze to fit in a 6.5M salary, losing those three plus Vishnevski.

Parise - Elias - Zubrus
Rolston - Madden - Langenbrunner
Pandolfo - Holik - ?? 1.5M RW
Rupp - Vrana - Clarkson
Pelley

Martin - White
Bouwmeester - Salvador
Oduya - Mottau
Greene

Signing a 3rd line RW under this scenario, puts us just under the cap.

Gotta figure someone more in the 3-4M range is where we're headed.

Possiblilities: Souray, Kubina, McCabe (we could basically have him for free), Bieksa (best solution, may be unlikely).

Gionta would have to be traded in any of these deals because of salary. Id say go for Bieksa if we could move Gionta, one of our thirds next year, and a prospect or extra defenseman like Greene.

If thats not doable, Id go for Kubina by giving up Gionta. Im sure we could get the Leafs to add in a decent amount more to even up the deal (2nd rounder/B level prospect).

I really would want to stay away from Souray or McCabe or even guys like Visnovsky/Zidlicky that were recently traded because now that we have Rolston, we dont need a PP QB anymore. We need a puckmover who can also play defense. (bieksa/kubina)

EDIT: Also trade Vishnevski for a pick if we make a deal for a top 4 defenseman. Otherwise give him a crack at the bottom pair.

Gionta, Zajac, Bergfors for Bouwmeester, then sign him for 8 yrs/$52M

And what do we do about offense? They can move one of those guys (probably Gionta) and be alright but not two or all three without being in a similar or worse offensive position as last year.

I still would not rule out Lou adding Hainsey and the mystery thinckens even more.

HE might add Hainsey and trade Gionta and a D Man for a 1st to a middle of the pack team to free up space.

Martin-Hainsey
White-Oduya
Salvador- Greene/Mottau/Brookbank/Vishnevski/Corrente

Trade one of the extra D Men with Gionta for a 1st. Someone might bite.

ANSI SALMELA! It would just be convenient if he is the next Brian Rafalski.

Even Hainsey, based on Streit, is probably gonna get $5M+

Right now, I think the best deal is Gionta for Bieksa.

Bouwmeester would be great, but I agree it would make things difficult up front.

Gionta, Zajac, Bergfors for Bouwmeester, then sign him for 8 yrs/$52M


I would trade Gionta, Bergfors, Oduya and a first or second round pick for Bouwmeester and perhaps maybe a 2nd (if the Devils send their 1st) or 3rd round pick. If Florida were to trade Bouwmeester they may want a defenseman in return. Then sign Bouwmeester to a long term contract.

We had a 1st/2nd line winger and a center come in, so I'd expect something similar going out. I would think its going to be something big, like Gionta, Zajac, Vishnevski, picks and prospects for a marquis defenseman...hopefully.

How does this sound? A trade revolving around Gionta, for Kubina. Trade Vishnevski for a pick..
Bergfors replaces Gionta....
Martin-Oduya
Kubina-Salvador
White-Greene/Mottau/Corrente

I would trade Gionta, Bergfors, Oduya and a first or second round pick for Bouwmeester and perhaps maybe a 2nd (if the Devils send their 1st) or 3rd round pick. If Florida were to trade Bouwmeester they may want a defenseman in return. Then sign Bouwmeester to a long term contract.

I purposely didn't include a d-man as Florida has Van Ryn, Allen, Boynton, Ballard and Skrastins already. If they want a d-man, they'll have to take Vishnevski.

I'm going to commit blasphemy here, but...

does Lou trade Madden?

Gionta would be the best linemate the Sedins have had in their career.

I was actually thinking about what it would take to get the Sedin's in NJ, yesterday. Obviously not going to happen, especially now, but I contemplated.


I know a lot of people, myself included, are wondering about Corrente making the team next year. Nobody seems to include him in any offers. I like him, but I wouldn't mind putting him in as part of a package if we were to acquire another defenseman. Vish, Corrente, and a mid-range pick could potentially land us a second-tier defenseman. I suppose it all depends on what the other teams are looking for.

I'm going to commit blasphemy here, but...

does Lou trade Madden?

Never in a million years.

And I was all over trading him last offseason.

He should be the Captain. His offense will be even better with a good RW this season. He had a career year last year. He goes nowhere.

Kubina is too much of an up and down player...one year he puts up 35+ points and then next season he puts up only 20-25 points. It seems like he can't be consistent from one year to the next and IMO is overrated.

Never in a million years.

And I was all over trading him last offseason.

He should be the Captain. His offense will be even better with a good RW this season. He had a career year last year. He goes nowhere.

I'm not advocating, just suggesting. But I've been thinking Holik's not going to be the 4th line centre at $2.5M. My first thought was Zajac would be on the move and Madden would centre the 2nd line. But what if it meant clearing Madden's salary in order to acquire Bouwmeester?

How does this sound? A trade revolving around Gionta, for Kubina. Trade Vishnevski for a pick..
Bergfors replaces Gionta....
Martin-Oduya
Kubina-Salvador
White-Greene/Mottau/Corrente

Kubina probably isn't available. Again Ron Wilson really likes him and thus the Leafs probably won't move him. McCabe is the one they will try and force out.

Kubina probably isn't available. Again Ron Wilson really likes him and thus the Leafs probably won't move him. McCabe is the one they will try and force out.

Force him anywhere but here.

I'm going to commit blasphemy here, but...

does Lou trade Madden?

I would think Martin is the player that could surprisingly end up getting moved.

Kubina probably isn't available. Again Ron Wilson really likes him and thus the Leafs probably won't move him. McCabe is the one they will try and force out.

Leafs are also looking for players between the ages of 25-29. Kubina is 31. Gionta is 29. If the right trade comes along, when you are in the process of rebuilding ANYBODY is available...

I would think Martin is the player that could surprisingly end up getting moved.If we trade Martin we need a #1 D coming back...

If we trade Martin we need a #1 D coming back...

trading Martin is a sideways move. There's a forward on the way out.

Just trade Vish, Brookbank, and Greene for a bag of picks and bring up Corrente.

Our forward corps are just dandy now.

trading Martin is a sideways move. There's a forward on the way out.

And if the D coming back is a 1st/2nd pair offensive type guy, you have Oduya, White, Salvador and Martin. You'd have to be crazy to trade Oduya and take on cap. White, you could trade but it's going to be a tough sell. That would put the onus on moving Martin for something cheaper with some upside, or prospect(s)/draft.

There's gonna be some shuffling.

Just trade Vish, Brookbank, and Greene for a bag of picks and bring up Corrente.

Our forward corps are just dandy now.

I disagree on Greene. I still think that he'll be a good player, and to be honest, wouldn't mind him being our #6 at the start of the season if Corrente doesn't make it. He needs a partner though, someone reliable. Not Brookbank.

I think lou is done. The way he sees it i think is we have Greene, Corrente, and Salmela.

I think he is thinking that Greene will be better Corrente is ready and Salmela is a wild card. I think we need a Puck mover also but i dont think we are going to get one. Oh and on a real long Shot u got Eckford

I also think lou is expecting more out of Oduya this year.

Martin - Oduya
Sal - Corrente/Salmela(the other one will not make the team)
White - Mottau/Brooker/Vish/Fraser/Eckford

Listen we cant complain to much the D was one of the best during the reg. season just got tired at the end of the season. I think it will be ok and even if we signed Hainsey his isnt a #1 guy so we just add to the 4-6 d-men we have. Lou is going to stand pat with what he has i think. I dont see a trade either.

Vish Mottau Brookbank Fraser

Never in a million years.

And I was all over trading him last offseason.

He should be the Captain. His offense will be even better with a good RW this season. He had a career year last year. He goes nowhere.

couldnt agree more. before last season i was all for trading him as well and he just showed us why hes such an important player for us and i dont want him leaving at all now. as for the captaincy, im all for him at the helm.:handclap:

Just trade Vish, Brookbank, and Greene for a bag of picks and bring up Corrente.

Our forward corps are just dandy now.

if by dandy u mean still somewhat satisfactory, then i agree. i dont think at all that the additions of herf and rolston will = more goals. and the way it seems now, this is how its gonna roll. sure hope bergfors turns into the next zetterberg.

I would trade Gionta, Bergfors, Oduya and a first or second round pick for Bouwmeester and perhaps maybe a 2nd (if the Devils send their 1st) or 3rd round pick. If Florida were to trade Bouwmeester they may want a defenseman in return. Then sign Bouwmeester to a long term contract.

I would jump on this trade in a second but I suspect that our offer would need to be more like Martin + Gionta for Bouwmeester, which I would still do. Jacques Martin needs to get the Panthers to the playoffs, so I doubt he's in the market for picks.

Im really disappointed about Visnovsky and Zidlicky. Those guys got dealt for almost nothing.

I dont like Bieksa. Hes to injury prone. What about Ohlund? Anybody know what his contract status is? i think hes got a NTC..

Force him anywhere but here.

As their fans are keen to point out...the Rangers aren't done! :)

Im really disappointed about Visnovsky and Zidlicky. Those guys got dealt for almost nothing.

I dont like Bieksa. Hes to injury prone. What about Ohlund? Anybody know what his contract status is? i think hes got a NTC..

One freak injury makes Bieksa injury prone?

One freak injury makes Bieksa injury prone?

I dont know i dont watch much of the Canucks, i thought hes more of a stay at home d-man anyway. i still rather have Ohlund or somebody with more experience like Kubina

I dont know i dont watch much of the Canucks, i thought hes more of a stay at home d-man anyway. i still rather have Ohlund or somebody with more experience like KubinaI concur with Kubina, but we don't need Ohlund....

I dont know i dont watch much of the Canucks, i thought hes more of a stay at home d-man anyway. i still rather have Ohlund or somebody with more experience like Kubina

In 06-07, Bieksa had 12g, 30a. He's a very well-rounded defenseman.

Both Ron Hainsey & Mark Streit are available.

If we are going to grab a defenseman at a decent price (under 2 mil a year) these are the guys you shoot for as the other QB with Rolston on the PP.

Hainsey is my choice.

Both Ron Hainsey & Mark Streit are available.

If we are going to grab a defenseman at a decent price (under 2 mil a year) these are the guys you shot for as the other QB with Rolston on the PP.

Hainsey is my choice.

Streit went to NYI 5yrs/$20.5M

Both Ron Hainsey & Mark Streit are available.

If we are going to grab a defenseman at a decent price (under 2 mil a year) these are the guys you shot for as the other QB with Rolston on the PP.

Hainsey is my choice.

Streit signed with the Islanders

In 06-07, Bieksa had 12g, 30a. He's a very well-rounded defenseman.

i think he means more in terms of a pp qb, and can bring the puck up the ice.

Does anybody know what Meszjaros contract status is? My dream scenario is ottawa signs Hainsey then trades Meszjaros to us for Gionta

Streit went to NYI 5yrs/$20.5M

He got $4 mil?!?!

Lou looks like a genius again. That's nuts!

i think he means more in terms of a pp qb, and can bring the puck up the ice.

Bieksa is a very good PP QB. He's pretty mobile too. Would defintely be a boon to our defense.

He got $4 mil?!?!

Lou looks like a genius again. That's nuts!

Does that really shock you coming from the island? Who wants to play there?? This isn't 1982, they are terrible, attract no attention, and play in arguably the worst arena in the league. Its not a surprise that they have a lot of money to throw at players to get them. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if they were offering Hossa an 8 year, $88 million deal.

yeah somethings gotta be done about the defense b/c i still think that was more of a weakness coming into the offseason than the offense. hopefully lou makes a deal and brings a top 4 guy in

For the person who said that our defense is fine because we allowed a small amount of goals last year, you have to realize that while your statement is true, we're looking for someone who can work a transitional game and make the first pass. I don't see Oduya as that guy, although if Martin is paired with Sal/White then he will have more freedom to roam up ice than he did with Oduya, and he may be pretty good in that sense. But still, our transition game is pretty ugly, and is one of the main reasons why guys like Gio, Elias, and Langenbrunner underperformed in terms of statistics. They were often times forced to skate the puck pretty much from our blue line starting with little momentum because of our defense's inability to find channels and make passes to in-stride wingers.

Rolston's acquisition helps our PP, but doesn't do anything for our transition game.

I'm not a big fan of Kubina at all (he's very slow and is owed $10 million over the next two years). I'd rather have McCabe (even though his contract isn't great) if it didn't cost a whole lot, which I'm guessing is the case considering Fletcher seems to really want him out.

I wonder if Chicago would be willing to trade one of their defencemen now that they signed Campbell to a huge contract.

Some free agents I'd look at (not a great list): Hainsey, Mara, Montador

I'm not a big fan of Kubina at all (he's very slow and is owed $10 million over the next two years). I'd rather have McCabe (even though his contract isn't great) if it didn't cost a whole lot, which I'm guessing is the case considering Fletcher seems to really want him out.

I wonder if Chicago would be willing to trade one of their defencemen now that they signed Campbell to a huge contract.

Some free agents I'd look at (not a great list): Hainsey, Mara, Montador

I would look into Seabrook from Chicago and go the trade route.

I would look into Seabrook from Chicago and go the trade route.

Good luck with that.

Good luck with that.

Hawks are over the Cap and just franchised Brian Campbell. I think they want more scoring. I think Seabrook could be dealt if the price was right.

Hawks are over the Cap and just franchised Brian Campbell. I think they want more scoring. I think Seabrook could be dealt if the price was right.

That price is too high for us me thinks. It would be friggin' sweet though.

I listened to Team 1260 all day here in Edmonton and not once did they mention anything about Souray wanting out of of Edmonton. In fact, they mentioned about how good their blueline is shaping up to be with Souray this year.

Gio for Bieksallent, Bergfors plays on 2nd line with Rolston.

Get it done Lou.

Here's a challenge for all my fellow Devils fans: find a way to fix our defense with the assets we currently have and the cap space we currently have (none). We all know it has to be done, we need another top-level defenseman, but how and who?

As I've made no bones about, I'm particularly partial to McCabe, but fitting him under the cap would be a challenge. Redden is gone but Hainsey is still out there... but if Jeff Finger can get $3.5M, Hainsey is worth $5M at least, which makes McCabe look plausible.

Gionta for McCabe. I'd throw in a 4th too.

I want McCabe here.

Trade for Niedermayer!!! meow!!!!

Hawks are over the Cap and just franchised Brian Campbell. I think they want more scoring. I think Seabrook could be dealt if the price was right.

The return would cost too much... and I think they'd trade Duncan Keith or Cam Barker before Seabrook. Duncan Keith's game is alot like Campbell's and Seabrook is one of the most underated young d-men in the game. I would put him with the Weber's and Greene's of todays NHL.


If Lou can pull that off, he'd be the man... the MOTHER ****ING MAN !!!

Gionta for McCabe. I'd throw in a 4th too.

I want McCabe here.

Just the thought of McCabe here...I almost threw up in my mouth.

Leafs fans can't wait to drop this guy off in the trash.

Possiblilities: Souray, Kubina, McCabe (we could basically have him for free), Bieksa (best solution, may be unlikely).

Gionta would have to be traded in any of these deals because of salary. Id say go for Bieksa if we could move Gionta, one of our thirds next year, and a prospect or extra defenseman like Greene.

If thats not doable, Id go for Kubina by giving up Gionta. Im sure we could get the Leafs to add in a decent amount more to even up the deal (2nd rounder/B level prospect).

I really would want to stay away from Souray or McCabe or even guys like Visnovsky/Zidlicky that were recently traded because now that we have Rolston, we dont need a PP QB anymore. We need a puckmover who can also play defense. (bieksa/kubina)

EDIT: Also trade Vishnevski for a pick if we make a deal for a top 4 defenseman. Otherwise give him a crack at the bottom pair.

first of all, if we got souray, our PP would be quarterbacked amazingly with him and rolston.

After we get souray we sign Shanahan and have the ultimate veteran devil team haha.

lou would complete the blast from the past team :yo:

http://thefourthperiod.com/freeagents/journal.html

apparently Kubina is on the block. what could/should/would we offer for him?

get rid of vish, mottau, greene, brookbank, and sign jason smith

get rid of vish, mottau, greene, brookbank, and sign jason smith

We have White and Salvador as veteran stay at home guys. No need for Smith - though it would fit with the Devils reunion theme.

Here's a challenge for all my fellow Devils fans: find a way to fix our defense with the assets we currently have and the cap space we currently have (none).

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/Rubik's_cube.svg/480px-Rubik's_cube.svg.png

The two dmen I would love to see either Jason Smith (making that three returns of former Devils) or Brooks Orpik (who played with Gio at Boston College). Either one would fit right into your system and would do good. Then maybe trade one of our dmen anyways for a 4 line winger. Sounds like a plan to me.

I concur with Kubina, but we don't need Ohlund....

Ohlund would be FANTASTIC. He's a #1 dman (albeit not the best), signed for slightly more than Colin White. He has a NTC, however.

For the person who said that our defense is fine because we allowed a small amount of goals last year, you have to realize that while your statement is true, we're looking for someone who can work a transitional game and make the first pass. I don't see Oduya as that guy, although if Martin is paired with Sal/White then he will have more freedom to roam up ice than he did with Oduya, and he may be pretty good in that sense. But still, our transition game is pretty ugly, and is one of the main reasons why guys like Gio, Elias, and Langenbrunner underperformed in terms of statistics. They were often times forced to skate the puck pretty much from our blue line starting with little momentum because of our defense's inability to find channels and make passes to in-stride wingers.

Rolston's acquisition helps our PP, but doesn't do anything for our transition game.

Exactly why I thought Redden (if he could get his game back) would have been the perfect fit.

Hmmmm... is Scott Niedermayer available? :sarcasm:

We have 1.3M in cap space when we add the 13th forward (Pelley, Bergfors, whoever you want it to be.).

From a cap perspective, Vish needs to go. He's 1.8M. So, we'd have 3.1M in space for arguements sake. You need to keep 1.5M for a rainy day (worth about 9M in real dollars at the deadline).

So, we go back to 1.6M. Now, you trade a forward. If it's Gio, we can afford a defenseman up to or less than 5.6M cap in return. As a forward trade target, Gio is the obvious choice. The only other one would be Elias, but that opens up new problems, before you even got your arms around the NMC.

So, if you can find a defenseman that makes 5.6M cap, you can have him.

McCabe: 5.75M Cap (a slight overpayment)
Kubina: 5M Cap (I'm not going to include Kaberle)
Chris Pronger: 6.25M Cap (worth the overpayment, but nothing to offer)
Frank Kaberle: 2.2M Cap
Brent Sopel: 2.33M Cap
Ruslan Salei: 3.02M Cap
Sheldon Souray: 5.4M Cap (too expensive)
Jay Bouwmeester: RFA (no incentive to trade, they have cap space)
Kurtis Foster: RFA (not including Kim Johnsson... god no)
Derek Morris: 3.92M Cap
Kevin Bieska: 3.75M Cap
Mattias Ohlund: 3.5M Cap (NTC)
Tom Poti: 3.5M Cap (I think this is in Kim Johnsson territory, would also be a salary dump if the Caps were close to the Cap)

I didn't include various players for various reasons (too expensive... Dan Boyle), having small contracts on teams that are in dangerous cap territory, having large salaries on teams that need to make the floor, just not being realistic, etc.

We have 1.3M in cap space when we add the 13th forward (Pelley, Bergfors, whoever you want it to be.).

From a cap perspective, Vish needs to go. He's 1.8M. So, we'd have 3.1M in space for arguements sake. You need to keep 1.5M for a rainy day (worth about 9M in real dollars at the deadline).

So, we go back to 1.6M. Now, you trade a forward. If it's Gio, we can afford a defenseman up to or less than 5.6M cap in return. As a forward trade target, Gio is the obvious choice. The only other one would be Elias, but that opens up new problems, before you even got your arms around the NMC.

So, if you can find a defenseman that makes 5.6M cap, you can have him.

McCabe: 5.75M Cap (a slight overpayment)
Kubina: 5M Cap (I'm not going to include Kaberle)
Chris Pronger: 6.25M Cap (worth the overpayment, but nothing to offer)
Frank Kaberle: 2.2M Cap
Brent Sopel: 2.33M Cap
Ruslan Salei: 3.02M Cap
Sheldon Souray: 5.4M Cap (too expensive)
Jay Bouwmeester: RFA (no incentive to trade, they have cap space)
Kurtis Foster: RFA (not including Kim Johnsson... god no)
Derek Morris: 3.92M Cap
Kevin Bieska: 3.75M Cap
Mattias Ohlund: 3.5M Cap (NTC)
Tom Poti: 3.5M Cap (I think this is in Kim Johnsson territory, would also be a salary dump if the Caps were close to the Cap)

I didn't include various players for various reasons (too expensive... Dan Boyle), having small contracts on teams that are in dangerous cap territory, having large salaries on teams that need to make the floor, just not being realistic, etc.

the cap thread says we have 2.2 or so, if we get rid of vish thats around 4, trade gio thats 4 more gone but depends what we get back. of taht i would like kubina. the guy is huge and gets a decent amount of points

the cap thread says we have 2.2 or so, if we get rid of vish thats around 4, trade gio thats 4 more gone but depends what we get back. of taht i would like kubina. the guy is huge and gets a decent amount of points

I took 800K or so off for the 13th forward, who isn't counted, at least on the outside cap website. Bergfors is over 800K and I guess Pelley would be a little less but in the ballpark.

Find a way to nab Cam Barker, Kevin Klein or trade someone to make room for Hainsey.

Scratch that last post, go all out to acquire Brent Seabrook.

Campbell, Keith and Barker should be enough for them.

Not the best answer, but sign Mara to a deal similar to Holik's.
He might not play defense, but he would add offense from the blue line. What we're missing is not just a shot from the point, but someone (better than Oduya) to carry the puck up ice. Gio made his living redirecting Rafalski's long shots from the point. Let Mara carry it up, break Gio for the net and deflect Mara's bombs. That would push him back into the 25-30 goal range again.

I'm not too worried about the cap situation right now. It's July 2. There will be people disappearing from the roster by then and NJ will be fine. Lou (hopefully) learned his lesson with Almo a few years ago to make that mistake again.

get rid of vish, mottau, greene, brookbank, and sign jason smith

Eww.

Ewwww.

:barf:

We can move Gionta and Greene for a defensemen. Gio only 29 and I still believe that Greene will turnout to be a good 3/4 defenseman in a few more years.

If we're going to get a puck moving defenceman, the two most likely to be traded have to be Gionta (1yr/$4 mil) and Vishnevski (2 yrs/$4 mil total) because of their contracts.

Here's a challenge for all my fellow Devils fans: find a way to fix our defense with the assets we currently have and the cap space we currently have (none). We all know it has to be done, we need another top-level defenseman, but how and who?

As I've made no bones about, I'm particularly partial to McCabe, but fitting him under the cap would be a challenge. Redden is gone but Hainsey is still out there... but if Jeff Finger can get $3.5M, Hainsey is worth $5M at least, which makes McCabe look plausible.

Based on the numbers at nhlscap.com (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/cap-central/team.php?team=NJ), the team has about $1.35M in space but this includes too many players. If you take out Vishnevski (trade or send to the AHL) and Bergfors (no room on the team unless Gionta is traded), and add Tallackson, there is almost $3.5M in cap space. This is based on a 22 man roster. I have the lines as follows (yes they have changed from the lines I posted yesterday):

Zach Parise - Patrik Elias - Brian Rolston
Dainius Zubrus - Travis Zajac - Brian Gionta
Jay Pandolfo - John Madden - Jamie Langenbrunner
Mike Rupp - Bobby Holik - David Clarkson
Barry Tallackson

Paul Martin - Johnny Oduya
Colin White - Mike Mottau
Bryce Salvador - Andy Greene
Sheldon Brookbank

Martin Brodeur
Kevin Weekes

Total 53,206,073

Now if the team needs to add another D man, they would have to trade Gionta (he's the only one with salary to make it work) and replace him with Berfors and put either Andy Greene, Mike Mottau or Sheldon Brookbank (we would have to waive him) in the AHL, then a salary like McCabe, Kubina, Boyle, etc. might work. We would be pushing the cap again this year but I think Lou could work it.

If Lou intends to actually improve the defense (not just add a warm body for a million or two) I think Gionta has to get moved. He's the only forward who is tradeable and has a salary high enough to get us the cap space we'd need. If Lou could move him and Vish we'd have a decent amount of space.

The two dmen I would love to see either Jason Smith (making that three returns of former Devils) or Brooks Orpik (who played with Gio at Boston College). Either one would fit right into your system and would do good. Then maybe trade one of our dmen anyways for a 4 line winger. Sounds like a plan to me.
Why? The Devils have White and Salvador who play the same role as those two. They need puck-moving defensemen.

Scratch that last post, go all out to acquire Brent Seabrook.

Campbell, Keith and Barker should be enough for them.

not to mention they also have james wisniewski who is decent nd the interchangeable de-forward of for-enseman, dustin byfuglien

Both Ron Hainsey & Mark Streit are available.

If we are going to grab a defenseman at a decent price (under 2 mil a year) these are the guys you shoot for as the other QB with Rolston on the PP.

Hainsey is my choice.

How to fix our D. Do nothing. Last thing we need is yet another second or so liner locked in for multiple years at 2m-3m. Keep our powder dry for next year and a top UFA D.

Next year Madden (2.9m), Gio (4.0m) and Holik (2.5m) are up. That 9.4m will get us a marquee Dman and leave some left over which with other space clearing up and presumably an increase in cap will allow us to replace/resign a top forward.

Stop signing BARGAIN players, please. You get what you pay for......

How to fix our D. Do nothing. Last thing we need is yet another second or so liner locked in for multiple years at 2m-3m. Keep our powder dry for next year and a top UFA D.

Next year Madden (2.9m), Gio (4.0m) and Holik (2.5m) are up. That 9.4m will get us a marquee Dman and leave some left over which with other space clearing up and presumably an increase in cap will allow us to replace/resign a top forward.

Stop signing BARGAIN players, please. You get what you pay for......

Madden will be resigned.

The people that want McCabe obviously have never watched him play in the new NHL and only look at his stats. ALl that guy does is take one timers on the PP. He misses the net half of the time. As for moving the puck up, he is a little better than average, but loses it so often. I wouldn't care if he was the best puck-mover in the league, he can't play defense in the new NHL. I watch 30-40 LEaf games a year. He is the most hated Leaf. The majority of fans are alwyas on his case and the team is trying to run him out. Maybe becasue the fans wanted him out last year.

Based on the numbers at nhlscap.com (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/cap-central/team.php?team=NJ), the team has about $1.35M in space but this includes too many players. If you take out Vishnevski (trade or send to the AHL) and Bergfors (no room on the team unless Gionta is traded), and add Tallackson, there is almost $3.5M in cap space. This is based on a 22 man roster. I have the lines as follows (yes they have changed from the lines I posted yesterday):

Zach Parise - Patrik Elias - Brian Rolston
Dainius Zubrus - Travis Zajac - Brian Gionta
Jay Pandolfo - John Madden - Jamie Langenbrunner
Mike Rupp - Bobby Holik - David Clarkson
Barry Tallackson

Paul Martin - Johnny Oduya
Colin White - Mike Mottau
Bryce Salvador - Andy Greene
Sheldon Brookbank

Martin Brodeur
Kevin Weekes

Total 53,206,073

Now if the team needs to add another D man, they would have to trade Gionta (he's the only one with salary to make it work) and replace him with Berfors and put either Andy Greene, Mike Mottau or Sheldon Brookbank (we would have to waive him) in the AHL, then a salary like McCabe, Kubina, Boyle, etc. might work. We would be pushing the cap again this year but I think Lou could work it.

I like those lines, but I think we should drop Rupp and bring up Bergfors, something like this (although i'm not too fond of breaking Madden and Pando up):

Zach Parise - Patrik Elias - Brian Rolston
Nicklas Bergfors - Travis Zajac - Brian Gionta
Dainius Zubrus - John Madden - Jamie Langenbrunner
Jay Pandolfo - Bobby Holik - David Clarkson
Mike Rupp

I took 800K or so off for the 13th forward, who isn't counted, at least on the outside cap website. Bergfors is over 800K and I guess Pelley would be a little less but in the ballpark.

FYI - Bergfor's salary next season would be 475K, as per nhlnumbers.com

FYI - Bergfor's salary next season would be 475K, as per nhlnumbers.com

According to nhlpa.com, its 560K :dunno:

FYI - Bergfor's salary next season would be 475K, as per nhlnumbers.com
That is wrong. His cap hit is 818,333. Aside from that, I'm pretty sure minimum salary is now 500k.

That is wrong. His cap hit is 818,333. Aside from that, I'm pretty sure minimum salary is now 500k.

Well forget nhlnumbers.com as a reference henceforth!

Well forget nhlnumbers.com as a reference henceforth!

unfortunately, the best salary source is now on Eklund's site. I couldn't get on it all day yesterday. I'm pretty miffed.

I like those lines, but I think we should drop Rupp and bring up Bergfors, something like this (although i'm not too fond of breaking Madden and Pando up):

Zach Parise - Patrik Elias - Brian Rolston
Nicklas Bergfors - Travis Zajac - Brian Gionta
Dainius Zubrus - John Madden - Jamie Langenbrunner
Jay Pandolfo - Bobby Holik - David Clarkson
Mike Rupp

I had the following line combo with Bergfors in it in the Line Combo thread which is similar:
Patrik Elias - Brian Rolston - Brian Gionta
Zach Parise - Travis Zajac - Nicklas Bergfors
Dainius Zubrus - John Madden - Jamie Langenbrunner
Jay Pandolfo - Bobby Holik - David Clarkson
Mike Rupp, Barry Tallackson

This is my least favorite of the three I posted. I don't think Bergfors really fits unless the team trades Gionta. I would rather go with size and spread the scoring out and not have the young guns on one line (which you improved by having Gionta on their line). I just think the team would be better suited for the playoffs with 4 bigger lines that can all grind and score. That's what a championship team looks like to me. Bergfors may be too small for my vision.

Why are people putting Rolston at center and bumping Elias back to wing? Patrik played markedly better at center last season and the position suits his play-making abilities. Rolston would be able to better utilize his shot and speed on wing as well. Just makes no sense.

Why are people putting Rolston at center and bumping Elias back to wing? Patrik played markedly better at center last season and the position suits his play-making abilities. Rolston would be able to better utilize his shot and speed on wing as well. Just makes no sense.

Rolston can play C/RW, Elias can play C/LW. I put Rolston on the right when I could fit it with the lines. When it didn't work, I shifted Elias back to LW and had Rolston in the Centre. It could just as easily be Elias C and Rolston LW if he can play the position.

Mostly I did it in situations where there is a young guy that "needs" to be on a wing and is better suited not playing out of position. A vet like Rolston is more flexible than the young players to adapt.

That is wrong. His cap hit is 818,333. Aside from that, I'm pretty sure minimum salary is now 500k.

Yeah, his base salary next season is 475K, but he has bonuses that effect his cap hit.

The thing I like is that now with Rolston, we have a lot more options with our top 6. He can lineup anywhere, and Parise and Elias can also lineup at LW or C as need be.

Why are people putting Rolston at center and bumping Elias back to wing? Patrik played markedly better at center last season and the position suits his play-making abilities. Rolston would be able to better utilize his shot and speed on wing as well. Just makes no sense.

I'm with you on that. Elias needs to play Center. I mean c'mon, he looks to pass half the time anyway, might as well put him in a position to do it more to a guy with a cannon.

i wonder if tampa would consider moving kuba since they are prolly gonna have to move one of their defensemen????

i wonder if tampa would consider moving kuba since they are prolly gonna have to move one of their defensemen????

More like Boyle.

More like Boyle.

i know they are prolly gonna look to move him first but im just saying is there a chance they would consider moving kuba.

Heres a proposal I posted on the FA board, what do you guys think?

Gionta
2nd Round '09

for

Seabrook/Barker/Keith

Heres a proposal I posted on the FA board, what do you guys think?

Gionta
2nd Round '09

for

Seabrook/Barker/Keith

i think chicago would do that for keith or barker, not seabrook.

Imagine we sign Shanny and Feds :laugh:...We would be the 95 SC finals re-union tour...But then we could trade Zajac and Gionta without any holes...Although I'm really not a fan of trading Zajac at all, I just have a feeling he is a year or two away from being a 50 point guy. But lets say we trade Vishnevski, Gionta, and Zajac for Niedemayer to really complete the re-union

Parise-Elias-Rolston
Zubrus-Fedorov-Bergfors
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Shanahan-Holik-whoever

Martin-Oduya
Niedemayer-White
Salvador-Salmela
Mottau, Brookbank

:yo:

Heres a proposal I posted on the FA board, what do you guys think?

Gionta
2nd Round '09

for

Seabrook/Barker/Keith

No way for Keith. He's the biggest bargain in the league for a defenseman right now.

No way for Keith. He's the biggest bargain in the league for a defenseman right now.

Yeah, I took him off my list of defensemen because I don't see why they would trade him, and even if they did, they would have to take on cap. It's impossible.

Well unless we move someone, I can't see our D improving at all for this year. Especially when there's only $1.35 left under the cap.

Imagine we sign Shanny and Feds :laugh:...We would be the 95 SC finals re-union tour...But then we could trade Zajac and Gionta without any holes...Although I'm really not a fan of trading Zajac at all, I just have a feeling he is a year or two away from being a 50 point guy. But lets say we trade Vishnevski, Gionta, and Zajac for Niedemayer to really complete the re-union

Parise-Elias-Rolston
Zubrus-Fedorov-Bergfors
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Shanahan-Holik-whoever

Martin-Oduya
Niedemayer-White
Salvador-Salmela
Mottau, Brookbank

:yo:

Yah, and our whole team will retire in 2 years.

Well unless we move someone, I can't see our D improving at all for this year. Especially when there's only $1.35 left under the cap.

We *HAVE* to move players, we have way too many of them.

We *HAVE* to move players, we have way too many of them.

Brookbank will be sent down to Lowell (he couldn't last year because he was picked up on waivers), Mottau will be kept as a 7th defensemen, and Greene and Vishnevski are available to be traded in some type of package.

Brookbank will be sent down to Lowell (he couldn't last year because he was picked up on waivers), Mottau will be kept as a 7th defensemen, and Greene and Vishnevski are available to be traded in some type of package.

Winnar. :clap:

Heres a proposal I posted on the FA board, what do you guys think?

Gionta
2nd Round '09

for

Seabrook/Barker/Keith
Chicago is, I believe, either over the cap or perilously close to it. I don't see how they can afford Gionta's salary.

Chicago is, I believe, either over the cap or perilously close to it. I don't see how they can afford Gionta's salary.

The Huet signing was RETARDED.

The Huet signing was RETARDED.

Whats even more retarded is the fact that Tallon said the team actually plans to enter Training Camp with BOTH Khabibulin and Huet.... :huh: try to figure that one out. And they are over the Cap.

Whats even more retarded is the fact that Tallon said the team actually plans to enter Training Camp with BOTH Khabibulin and Huet.... :huh: try to figure that one out. And they are over the Cap.

Ottawa or LA should try to nab Khabibulin.

Whats even more retarded is the fact that Tallon said the team actually plans to enter Training Camp with BOTH Khabibulin and Huet.... :huh: try to figure that one out. And they are over the Cap.

They are almost $2 million over the cap and still have roster positions to fill.

They must be trying to move Khabibulin. He only has the upcoming year left on his contract.

The Huet signing was RETARDED.

It won't be when the get rid of Khabbi.

It won't be when the get rid of Khabbi.

But to bad the whole league now knows that they are forced to move Khabbi. Didn't Burke let one of his goaltenders walk last season to clear up space. Not to sharp on Tallons part if you ask me.

But to bad the whole league now knows that they are forced to move Khabbi. Didn't Burke let one of his goaltenders walk last season to clear up space. Not to sharp on Tallons part if you ask me.

Would a team take a chance on a 35 year old Khabibulin with a $6.75 million cap hit this year? If not, wouldn't the Blackhawks have to then buy him out and still have 2/3rds of his salary count against the cap?

Would a team take a chance on a 35 year old Khabibulin with a $6.75 million cap hit this year? If not, wouldn't the Blackhawks have to then buy him out and still have 2/3rds of his salary count against the cap?
Maybe. And no, that wouldn't help them.

Chicago is, I believe, either over the cap or perilously close to it. I don't see how they can afford Gionta's salary.

I think it would work out if they do in fact trade Khabibulin. If they can get him off the books, or at least $4-$5 million of that salary off the books and trade Seabrook for Gionta and Vishnevski/pick, its very possible.

I think it would work out if they do in fact trade Khabibulin. If they can get him off the books, or at least $4-$5 million of that salary off the books and trade Seabrook for Gionta and Vishnevski/pick, its very possible.

They're not going to do that with Havlat on their roster. And Robert Lang.

What about a guy like Corvo. $2.75 million and signed for two years. He could help. I understnad that Carolina just traded Pitkanen for Cole(who was injury prone), and they might be going backwards, but they have so many forwards who are injury prone, Walker, Whitney, Ruttu, Samsonov, Stillman, Hamilton Larose and players that missed a signifigant amount of time last year in Cullen(GP59), Williams(37)and Brind'Amour(59). Heck their whole forward group is injury prone aside from Staal....
Gionta, Vishevski(salary shed if Carolina can), Greene for Corvo and 3rd

Someone needs to go give Kenny Jönsson the good ol' Lou-style a'talking to, like the one Sutter got.

Someone needs to go give Kenny Jönsson the good ol' Lou-style a'talking to, like the one Sutter got.

hes a little bit of a mary at times, but id still love to see him back there. :handclap:

Would a team take a chance on a 35 year old Khabibulin with a $6.75 million cap hit this year? If not, wouldn't the Blackhawks have to then buy him out and still have 2/3rds of his salary count against the cap?

I'm not exactly sure how much money counts against the cap on a buy-out.

I think we need to look into defensemen that are RFA, this coming season and teams that need a winger. Find those two requirements and we may have the perfect trade partner.

Whats even more retarded is the fact that Tallon said the team actually plans to enter Training Camp with BOTH Khabibulin and Huet.... try to figure that one out. And they are over the Cap.

I made a joke in another thread that Chicago would need both on the ice if they wanted to have a chance at stopping Detroits lineup.

But seriously, LA still needs to spend a good chunk of money to hit the cap floor and have quality rookie goalies but not bona fide number one vet goalie. Khabibuhlin could fill a spot for one year if Chicago traded him for a draft pick / prospect. Likewise, Nashville has cap room (they are just over the floor) and don't have a big name goalie. Same in Colorado. Atlanta has a clear number one in Lehtonen but needs cap hits to get to the floor. And finally, Ottawa has enough cap space and two back up goalies signed to start but no real number one.

Depsite what Tallon says (trying to maximize trade value), there are enough opportunities to ship Khabibuhlin to another team. It just depends on what return he is expecting.

Uh oh... prepare to start thinking that Salvador deal was a steal...

TSN:
Amid swirling speculation Boyle is a trade target, the Lightning reached out on Tuesday following a very active day of free agent signings around the NHL and told Boyle they had no intention of trading him.

Less than 24 hours later, things have changed and Dan Boyle's future in Tampa is very much in play. Sources say the Lighting are close to a deal with three teams, however as many as five teams may be in the mix.

ive voiced my opinion on what our D should be in every thread except for this one and im not cause i go against the grain:sarcasm:

Heres a proposal I posted on the FA board, what do you guys think?Gionta
2nd Round '09

for

Seabrook/Barker/Keith



Duck and cover because you are about to get flamed?

What about a guy like Corvo. $2.75 million and signed for two years. He could help. I understnad that Carolina just traded Pitkanen for Cole(who was injury prone), and they might be going backwards, but they have so many forwards who are injury prone, Walker, Whitney, Ruttu, Samsonov, Stillman, Hamilton Larose and players that missed a signifigant amount of time last year in Cullen(GP59), Williams(37)and Brind'Amour(59). Heck their whole forward group is injury prone aside from Staal....
Gionta, Vishevski(salary shed if Carolina can), Greene for Corvo and 3rd


I agree, Carolina has got around 10M in cap space and Corvo could be the PP QB we desperately need.


We should look into Tom Preissing as well, another PP specialist, and LA has a ridiculous amount of cap space, not to mention they have Doughty, Hickey, and Teubert on deck to man the blueline.

Duck and cover because you are about to get flamed?

yeha def gio zajac oduya and a second maybe id do it and then sign Smith and a foward not to mention we havent signed PELLEY

Duck and cover because you are about to get flamed?

Too late as it was already posted in the Free Agent board and got smacked around like Tina Turner...

Wasn't I talking to Britdevil about Boyle last night or this morning or whatever?

Ive been workn alot since free agency has begun but have followed everything very close but was wondering as i could not fuigure out if Liles had been signed or is still on the market?thx guys

Ive been workn alot since free agency has begun but have followed everything very close but was wondering as i could not fuigure out if Liles had been signed or is still on the market?thx guys

Re-signed with the Avs, i think it was a $4.5mill per year deal. Something like that.

Hope that helps.

Ive been workn alot since free agency has begun but have followed everything very close but was wondering as i could not fuigure out if Liles had been signed or is still on the market?thx guys

He resigned with Colorado.

What will it take to trade/sign Bouwmeester? Gio+Zajac+Vish+'09 2nd Pick? Free up a lot of cap to sign Bouwmeester to a nice contract. IMO he's the answer to our need. period.

What will it take to trade/sign Bouwmeester? Gio+Zajac+Vish+'09 2nd Pick? Free up a lot of cap to sign Bouwmeester to a nice contract. IMO he's the answer to our need. period.

Alot, since even though Bouwmeester might be disgusted with the Panther organization, the Panthers have no motivation to move him. We'll see how much he hates them when he needs to get paid in October.

I think next year's draft is too deep to give away 2nd rounders, I like Bou and all, but aside from the draft factor, I don't think a Zajac and Gio are enough for him.

More like Bergfors, Gio, Rights to Palmieri/decent prospect and then Zajac or Clarkson.

I think next year's draft is too deep to give away 2nd rounders, I like Bou and all, but aside from the draft factor, I don't think a Zajac and Gio are enough for him.

More like Bergfors, Gio, Rights to Palmieri/decent prospect and then Zajac or Clarkson.

We have 2 2nd Rounders next season.

We can trade one of them away.

If we got Bouwmeester without giving up Elias or PArise I would be elated.

This is what gets it done:


Martin
1st in 2009
2nd in 2010 **OR** 1st in 2011.


for

Bouwmeester
2nd in 2011 (IF THEY CHOOSE TO TAKE OUR FIRST)



MARTIN IS IS IS IS IS going to be a top 2 defense man before his career passes him. He will be more then solid on both ends and a quaility defenseman. This is a fair deal.

Bouwmeester is the best defense man in the Eastern Conference and top 5 in the league. I agree with this. But the trade above judging by previous trades since the lockout in recent years is fair. If Florida said no thanks then I hang up and say have a nice day and look elsewhere. TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT (I might consider throwing in Tallackson and Fraser to get rid of some dead wait prospects with no future in the organizaton and open two spots in the A if I need to as well)


Otherwise..I do not want Bouwmeester.


White-Bouwmeester
Salvador-Oduya
Corrente-Greene/Eckford

Why are we trading for Bouwmeester? First give him an offer sheet (he's an RFA) and see if he will sign it and if Florida will match (they may be on their own cap limit). If they match go on from there but the offer sheet route first is a better route because then if you do get him you only give up draft picks (and as mentioned the Devils already have a another second). Then depending on the price make other moves to get under the cap (and pick up picks in rounds that were just given away).

I rather give out an offer sheet that will likely will be matched than give away Martin straight out. Because there is also the off chance they won't match.

Why are we trading for Bouwmeester? First give him an offer sheet (he's an RFA) and see if he will sign it and if Florida will match (they may be on their own cap limit). If they match go on from there but the offer sheet route first is a better route because then if you do get him you only give up draft picks (and as mentioned the Devils already have a another second). Then depending on the price make other moves to get under the cap (and pick up picks in rounds that were just given away).

I rather give out an offer sheet that will likely will be matched than give away Martin straight out. Because there is also the off chance they won't match.

They'll match. Unless you want to make it big enough to piss away a billion draft picks. They have no incentive to move him.

http://blog.dreamhost.com/images/pipe_dream.png

Bouw, Bouw, Bouw! If he ever gets traded and not to NJ, people will say "Oh we could've offered the same package" or blah. Enough.

Saw this floating around on the big board and eventually one of my left field players will hit on-da-mark;) Christian Erhoff anyone?:dunno:

I wouldn't mind, yet to reach his potential,can pass and move the puck and has a good shot.

if I'm not mistaken, he's earning 1'5 - 2 M/y, wouldn't mind at all trading for him.

5th + Gionta perhaps, Joe + Gio could be an insane tandem.

[QUOTE]We have 2 2nd Rounders next season.


I believe we have two 3rd rounders, not 2nd.

They'll match. Unless you want to make it big enough to piss away a billion draft picks. They have no incentive to move him.

Sure they do. Suposebly he has an attitude problem and wants out.

Tallinder sounds good... Buffalo looks to be imploding for some reason.

Tallinder sounds good... Buffalo looks to be imploding for some reason.

yeah i love tallinder. how much would he cost seeing that the defensive market is wacked out?

I like the Kubina idea.

Montador is still available. He'd be... well, he'd be better than Mottau or Greene, anyway.

Montador is still available. He'd be... well, he'd be better than Mottau or Greene, anyway.
I haven't completely given up hope on Greene. I think (hope) he's at the same point Oduya was last offseason. We've seen that he can be a good player, but he's also had some struggles. Hopefully he puts it together this year. IF (and that's a very big if) he can find his form from the 06-07 playoffs and if Corrente can step in as a solid NHLer then our defense might not be absolutely horrific.

Martin - Oduya
Salvador - Greene
White - Corrente

I haven't completely given up hope on Greene. I think (hope) he's at the same point Oduya was last offseason. We've seen that he can be a good player, but he's also had some struggles. Hopefully he puts it together this year. IF (and that's a very big if) he can find his form from the 06-07 playoffs and if Corrente can step in as a solid NHLer then our defense might not be absolutely horrific.

Martin - Oduya
Salvador - Greene
White - Corrente
I tend to agree with you, actually, I was just surprised that Montador hadn't been signed and thought I'd mention it.

I still think that at some point in time I'll end up wearing a Greene jersey, we'll see, though I've been thinking about getting an Albelin one... :)

Has anyone seen Jeff Woywitka play? I think he was a first round pick and played for the Blues - young kid, yeah 24.

Has anyone seen Jeff Woywitka play? I think he was a first round pick and played for the Blues - young kid, yeah 24.

It sounded to me he's part of their future.

Montador is still available. He'd be... well, he'd be better than Mottau or Greene, anyway.

I was really hoping we'd sign Montador. He plays physical and has a nice shot from the point.

Has anyone seen Jeff Woywitka play? I think he was a first round pick and played for the Blues - young kid, yeah 24.

He's had a tough time getting regular ice time in the Blues lineup, which should tell you something. He's not an upgrade.

I had a dream at around 6AM that we traded for Bouwmeester, it seemed so ****ing real, but I couldn't get on the internet to see who we gave up to get him. I woke up and realized it was a cruel joke.

I had a dream at around 6AM that we traded for Bouwmeester, it seemed so ****ing real, but I couldn't get on the internet to see who we gave up to get him. I woke up and realized it was a cruel joke.

Those are the worst kind of dreams, the ones that you honestly think are real, and you slowly realize after you are awake for a few minutes that you were actually dreaming.

Those are the worst kind of dreams, the ones that you honestly think are real, and you slowly realize after you are awake for a few minutes that you were actually dreaming.

Amen brother......it felt so real, maybe it'll come true? Lets hope.

Amen brother......it felt so real, maybe it'll come true? Lets hope.

Hey, they gave up Jokinen for next to nothing, the Luongo trade was a joke, who's to say we can't get J-Bo for crap and can sign him to a 5 year contract?? Lets see what happens over the next few weeks.

do you think boston would trade

Gionta

for

Dennis Wideman
2nd Round Pick in 09

i think that is a very fair deal for both teams.

Wideman is a puck movig dman we need. he is young and had 36 points last year. hes pretty under the radar.

im not sure about wideman's contract but im sure its not 4 mil per year like gio, so it would be a salary cut for us.

Mathieu Schnedier anyone? A 1-year deal, maybe a bonus clause in there. We could probably get him for about what Vish makes (without bonuses).

Wideman is a RFA right now. He made 600k last season. It appears he is going to arbitration with the club.

Mathieu Schnedier anyone? A 1-year deal, maybe a bonus clause in there. We could probably get him for about what Vish makes (without bonuses).

He's under contract for another year at $5.625M. I'd like to have him for that year, but not at that price.

Mathieu Schnedier anyone? A 1-year deal, maybe a bonus clause in there. We could probably get him for about what Vish makes (without bonuses).

No, no, no:shakehead Please no.

Wideman is a RFA right now. He made 600k last season. It appears he is going to arbitration with the club.

do you think you can tell me exactly what arbitration is? i really dont understand it haha :help:

He's under contract for another year at $5.625M. I'd like to have him for that year, but not at that price.

Didn't Anaheim buy him out?

No, no, no:shakehead Please no.

Why not?

do you think boston would trade

Gionta

for

Dennis Wideman
2nd Round Pick in 09

i think that is a very fair deal for both teams.

Wideman is a puck movig dman we need. he is young and had 36 points last year. hes pretty under the radar.

im not sure about wideman's contract but im sure its not 4 mil per year like gio, so it would be a salary cut for us.

Before you make a trade proposal, ask yourself, why would the other team do this?

First of all, they wouldn't have the cap space for this. They have roughly $2.3 million left under the cap and by swapping the Gionta and Wideman salaries, they're over the cap.

Secondly, why does Boston need another winger? They just signed Michael Ryder the other day to a 3 year deal. There is no need for Gionta there now.

Lastly, Boston doesn't even want to deal Wideman. He's young, has a hard shot, and he addresses a need. There aren't exactly a lot of puck movers on their backline. And they're not going to give us a pick either.

Sorry to be so harsh.

do you think you can tell me exactly what arbitration is? i really dont understand it haha :help:

I don't really understand it completely, but basically the team has rights to the players and being an RFA; Wideman must feel that the team is not offering a fair deal on his new contract (under market value) and has requested an arbitrator to review the deal and make a ruling on what is fair.

As I understand it; this is sometimes done on purpose by a team to prevent outside teams from even having a chance to nab an RFA as nobody can tender an offer until the Arbitration is over. The other teams would have to give up draft picks as compensation anyways; so that keeps many clubs from even considering it. This leaves the player in question sort of hostage in some situations as they feel underpaid and at the same time the team that may offer him a good deal would have to give up compensatory picks to do so.

That's my understanding... it could be wrong however.

Before you make a trade proposal, ask yourself, why would the other team do this?

First of all, they wouldn't have the cap space for this. They have roughly $2.3 million left under the cap and by swapping the Gionta and Wideman salaries, they're over the cap.

Secondly, why does Boston need another winger? They just signed Michael Ryder the other day to a 3 year deal. There is no need for Gionta there now.

Lastly, Boston doesn't even want to deal Wideman. He's young, has a hard shot, and he addresses a need. There aren't exactly a lot of puck movers on their backline. And they're not going to give us a pick either.

Sorry to be so harsh.

ok thanks. i asked would boston do the trade so i got an answer. no hard feelings taken. its a message board. i signed up for it so i should be able to take an answer haha.

Didn't Anaheim buy him out?

Not to my knowledge; and there's nothing on the Ducks pages about that. If they did buy him out - that's 1/3rd his value which would make him reasonable for that one remaining year - especially if we could swap Vish in return. I'd be in favor of that. It also would leave a nice slot open next season for either Eckford or another UFA to fill.

Ottawa?

Sens are trying to trade for Bouwmeester today instead, offering up Vermette, Mesjaros, a serious prospect and a #1 in 2010...

I haven't really been keeping up with this thread but, if what about that dude we just signed? Salmela or whatever. What type of defensive player is he?

I haven't really been keeping up with this thread but, if what about that dude we just signed? Salmela or whatever. What type of defensive player is he?

offensive defenseman who is physical

offensive defenseman who is physical

so why are we overlooking him? Seems like most people forget he even signed, and I'd imagine Lou got him for a reason.

so why are we overlooking him? Seems like most people forget he even signed, and I'd imagine Lou got him for a reason.

i think because he hasnt proven anything on the nhl level yet. i personally think he will get a shot on the 2nd and 3rd pairings this year. he is exactly what we need.

so why are we overlooking him? Seems like most people forget he even signed, and I'd imagine Lou got him for a reason.

I thought he was coming in as a rookie. We have seen from Brookbank, Oduya and Greene what happens on the ice when you're trying to feel your way out at this level... we need seasoned and stable skill out there right now. 23 years old and doing well in the Finnish league tells me he's headed to Lowell for at least half a season first; if not an entire year.

Just my take on him... huge upside but will he be the winning lottery ticket to our woes? Time will tell.

I thought he was coming in as a rookie. We have seen from Brookbank, Oduya and Greene what happens on the ice when you're trying to feel your way out at this level... we need seasoned and stable skill out there right now. 23 years old and doing well in the Finnish league tells me he's headed to Lowell for at least half a season first; if not an entire year.

Just my take on him... huge upside but will he be the winning lottery ticket to our woes? Time will tell.

Yeah I get what you mean, but he must have had some skill to be on the national team, no? I just figure if we really need a guy with offensive skill, it might be best to start there so we're not out spending more money.

But you do have a great point, but I guess training camp will be the determining factor.

Either way, I really hope Corrente makes the team.

Ottawa?

I'm pretty sure that's too good a deal for Jacques to actually take, he counter offers with Chris Kelly and Mike Fisher for Bouw a 1st round pick in 09 and 2010.

Ottawa?

Martin is not going to trade with Ottawa.

so why are we overlooking him? Seems like most people forget he even signed, and I'd imagine Lou got him for a reason.

I think most of us learned our lesson last year when hyping up European signees. Remember Viuhkola? Let's wait see. It'd be nice if he was another Rafalski, but time will tell.

so why are we overlooking him? Seems like most people forget he even signed, and I'd imagine Lou got him for a reason.

all i can see past paul martin on defense is the scene from the simpsons where bart is playing musical chairs in the remedial class.


HOORAY!!!! everyones a winner!!!!

Now that Bouwmeester has filed for arbitration, assuming it gets to that point and he is not signed to a multi-year deal or traded in the meantime, it may be wise not to add another multi-year contract right now. I can see going status quo with the defense (Vishnevski may still be moved), and making a trade deadline pickup. Then, Bouwmeester is available as a UFA next year. Granted, it would be a true frenzy of teams going after him.

all i can see past paul martin on defense is the scene from the simpsons where bart is playing musical chairs in the remedial class.


HOORAY!!!! everyones a winner!!!!

"I'm from Canada. They think I'm sloooow, aaaaayy."

"I'm from Canada. They think I'm sloooow, aaaaayy."

:laugh:thats the episode

He's under contract for another year at $5.625M. I'd like to have him for that year, but not at that price.

I would take considering taking him if they take Vish (and his 1.8 million in salary) in return. Schneider might be over the hill, but he's still one of the better offensive dmen in the league.

"I'm from Canada. They think I'm sloooow, aaaaayy."

It's ehhhhh, like how we always say eh?

Now that Bouwmeester has filed for arbitration, assuming it gets to that point and he is not signed to a multi-year deal or traded in the meantime, it may be wise not to add another multi-year contract right now. I can see going status quo with the defense (Vishnevski may still be moved), and making a trade deadline pickup. Then, Bouwmeester is available as a UFA next year. Granted, it would be a true frenzy of teams going after him.

They may go after someone else. and/or go after Bouwmeester at the deadline when they would be better able to fit him in cap wise.

They may go after someone else. and/or go after Bouwmeester at the deadline when they would be better able to fit him in cap wise.

im not bashing u or anything, but all this talk about moves at the deadline irks me. i just dont see the logic in waiting that long to improve upon whats needed now. this team is not fighting for the cup with the defense as is. and the offense will prolly just barely improve its numbers from last year. if lou can improve now, he ****ing better.

im not bashing u or anything, but all this talk about moves at the deadline irks me. i just dont see the logic in waiting that long to improve upon whats needed now. this team is not fighting for the cup with the defense as is. and the offense will prolly just barely improve its numbers from last year. if lou can improve now, he ****ing better.

I agree and thus why I said and/or. The or part meaning if Lou can't get anything done this offseason.

Martin is not going to trade with Ottawa.

You also have to remember, Mazerjos and Vermette are RFAs, so that is in a way risky for him.

do you think you can tell me exactly what arbitration is? i really dont understand it haha :help:

Basically, arbitration is when two parties meet in front of someone called an arbitrator who acts like a judge. That person listens to both parties, and makes a binding agreement. In sports arbitration, an arbitrator will listen to the team to see what they feel that player should make and why they should make that money. Then, the player will say why they feel they should make a certain amount of money. The arbitrator will also look at the salaries of similar caliber players, and from there, decide what the player's salary will be. In the NHL, if the team does not like the ruling in arbitration, they can refuse to sign the player, and he will become an unrestricted free agent.

I agree and thus why I said and/or. The or part meaning if Lou can't get anything done this offseason.

i cant even begin to think about getting my hopes up about jbouw....im still recovering from the jokinen incident:rant::(

You also have to remember, Mazerjos and Vermette are RFAs, so that is in a way risky for him.



Basically, arbitration is when two parties meet in front of someone called an arbitrator who acts like a judge. That person listens to both parties, and makes a binding agreement. In sports arbitration, an arbitrator will listen to the team to see what they feel that player should make and why they should make that money. Then, the player will say why they feel they should make a certain amount of money. The arbitrator will also look at the salaries of similar caliber players, and from there, decide what the player's salary will be. In the NHL, if the team does not like the ruling in arbitration, they can refuse to sign the player, and he will become an unrestricted free agent.

alrighty thanks for clearing that up.

Any chance of Elias being avail for trade? I believe the oilers are looking for linemate (LW) for Hemsky. A deal could be made with Souray and Elias being key players.

Any chance of Elias being avail for trade? I believe the oilers are looking for linemate (LW) for Hemsky. A deal could be made with Souray and Elias being key players.
I seriously doubt he will waive his NTC.

Any chance of Elias being avail for trade? I believe the oilers are looking for linemate (LW) for Hemsky. A deal could be made with Souray and Elias being key players.

I"ll give that a hell ****ing no!

Any chance of Elias being avail for trade? I believe the oilers are looking for linemate (LW) for Hemsky. A deal could be made with Souray and Elias being key players.

Sorry sponge; Elias is pretty much a lock for lifetime devil... and as far as a trade for Souray goes; I'd venture to say it wouldn't be much beyond something like draft picks + maybe someone like a 3rd liner at best. Souray's shot is appealing but Lou let him walk once for a reason. I can't see a top name going the other way at this point - especially for that money. Gionta COULD be a possibility given his UFA status next year; but even that is a long shot knowing Lou's tendencies to undervalue long term contracts coming the other way.

anyone else think different?

Any chance of Elias being avail for trade? I believe the oilers are looking for linemate (LW) for Hemsky. A deal could be made with Souray and Elias being key players.

Elias has a NMC. He leaves Jersey on his own terms.

When all is said and done I think our D will look like this when the season starts:

Martin-Oduya
Salvador-Bieksa
White-Mottau

At the end of the year the Devils might make a move or two and promote Corrente (needs little seasoning in Lowell), just like they did with White back in 2000 and that way Mottau becomes the 7:th guy.

Martin-Oduya
Salvador-Bieksa
White-Corrente

Extra: Mottau, Brookbank

Thoughts?

Rob Blake for one year at $5 M. San Jose took him for that from the Kings. Rob would have helped the Devils win the Cup this coming season or a least be in the Cup final.

Rob Blake for one year at $5 M. San Jose took him for that from the Kings. Rob would have helped the Devils win the Cup this coming season or a least be in the Cup final.
Rob is a quarter of the player he was.

Rob is a quarter of the player he was.

True, but our defense is a tenth of what it used to be.

It's ehhhhh, like how we always say eh?

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Any chance of Elias being avail for trade? I believe the oilers are looking for linemate (LW) for Hemsky. A deal could be made with Souray and Elias being key players.

1) I doubt he'd waive his NTC. And if he did, I doubt it would be to go to Edmonton (shorter flight to the Czech Republic from the East coast, and there is a decent sized Czech community in the NYC area).

2) Elias might be overpaid for his production the last two seasons, but I would think he'd have a lot more value than Souray.

When all is said and done I think our D will look like this when the season starts:

Martin-Oduya
Salvador-Bieksa
White-Mottau

At the end of the year the Devils might make a move or two and promote Corrente (needs little seasoning in Lowell), just like they did with White back in 2000 and that way Mottau becomes the 7:th guy.

Martin-Oduya
Salvador-Bieksa
White-Corrente

Extra: Mottau, Brookbank

Thoughts?

That is realistic, its just contingent of what we have going the other way, and if Lou would send Gionta that far. I don't think he would based on what he said in an interview once about making trades. He said that when making a trade, they look for something that works for everyone. I don't think he would send Gio that far away from home after what he has given to the organization and his loyalty.

When all is said and done I think our D will look like this when the season starts:

Martin-Oduya
Salvador-Bieksa
White-Mottau

At the end of the year the Devils might make a move or two and promote Corrente (needs little seasoning in Lowell), just like they did with White back in 2000 and that way Mottau becomes the 7:th guy.

Martin-Oduya
Salvador-Bieksa
White-Corrente

Extra: Mottau, Brookbank

Thoughts?

I like that defense. With the training camp that Corrente had last year, don't be surprised to see him in the lineup come opening night. I think he's going to be a very good defenseman for the Devils. If groomed right, he has top pairing potential.

When all is said and done I think our D will look like this when the season starts:

Martin-Oduya
Salvador-Bieksa
White-Mottau

At the end of the year the Devils might make a move or two and promote Corrente (needs little seasoning in Lowell), just like they did with White back in 2000 and that way Mottau becomes the 7:th guy.

Martin-Oduya
Salvador-Bieksa
White-Corrente

Extra: Mottau, Brookbank

Thoughts?

i would love if this happened. i think it is the most realistic situation ive seen so far.

I can't see Bieksa getting moved for a year of Gionta, not when there are other options. There's a very likely chance he doesn't get moved period. He's the type of player Gillis seems to be moving towards. I can't see a good trading fit between the two teams to be honest.

I would settle for this;
Martin Oduya
Salvador White
Smith Mottau/Grenne/Corrente(later in season)

Trade VV for a pick. Sign Smith around $2-2.5M

I would settle for this;
Martin Oduya
Salvador White
Smith Mottau/Grenne/Corrente(later in season)

Trade VV for a pick. Sign Smith around $2-2.5M

That wouldn't address our need at all. A well-rounded, puck-moving defenseman is what we need, not Jason Smith.

I would settle for this;
Martin Oduya
Salvador White
Smith Mottau/Grenne/Corrente(later in season)

Trade VV for a pick. Sign Smith around $2-2.5M

Signing Smith is pointless. I'm all for starting the season with Martin, White, Oduya and Salvador as the top 4. But Oduya and Martin have to be split up.

Martin - White
Oduya - Salvador

is more like it, an offensive guy paired with a defensive guy. Then see if Oduya can handle the responsibility. If not, then a trade.

I think Corrente needs to start the season in Lowell. But I'm all for the idea of a mid to late season call-up if he does well. Greene, Mottau, Brookbank as 5-7 guys until then.

To the issue of a deadline pickup:
http://nhlnumbers.com/freeagents.php?team=none&pos=D&summer=2009&status=ufa

Hard to forecast which teams are going to miss the playoffs, but a look at the likely candidates (LA, ATL, PHX, CLB, TOR, NYI, FLA, VAN) indicates perhaps Nick Boynton, Derek Morris and Mattias Ohlund as the only real guys worth taking a look at come deadline time.

With all the crazy money that is getting thrown out to blue-liners, can anyone not blame Lou for not over-spending on someone like Wade Redden? There is a reason Ottawa wanted to get rid of him...He even said he would take a hometown discount to stay with the team and they still didn't want him. We are going to have to build within for our defense, and that isn't such a bad thing. Could Salmela be the much-needed puck moving blue liner everyone wants? From what I hear he is really fast and skillful with the puck. Him and Corrente both look promising...I'd just hate to rely on two rookies to greatly improve our defense...

I'd just hate to rely on two rookies to greatly improve our defense...

Maybe it's time to give them a shot, though. I don't want to create a "Carey Price - second coming of <fill in the blank>" but look back to 2000 with two rookies in Rafalski and White playing a significant role. Again, there's the issue of unfair expectations, plus we had Stevens, Niedermayer and a still 3 years from retirement Daneyko in the lineup too.

Signing Smith is pointless. I'm all for starting the season with Martin, White, Oduya and Salvador as the top 4. But Oduya and Martin have to be split up.

Martin - White
Oduya - Salvador

is more like it, an offensive guy paired with a defensive guy. Then see if Oduya can handle the responsibility. If not, then a trade.

I think Corrente needs to start the season in Lowell. But I'm all for the idea of a mid to late season call-up if he does well. Greene, Mottau, Brookbank as 5-7 guys until then.

To the issue of a deadline pickup:
http://nhlnumbers.com/freeagents.php?team=none&pos=D&summer=2009&status=ufa

Hard to forecast which teams are going to miss the playoffs, but a look at the likely candidates (LA, ATL, PHX, CLB, TOR, NYI, FLA, VAN) indicates perhaps Nick Boynton, Derek Morris and Mattias Ohlund as the only real guys worth taking a look at come deadline time.

This is what I have been saying. I am not 100% certain Lou is going to make this trade fro a certain puck moving defense man. He might see how Oduya and Martin do in that role being split up and make his move closer to or on the deadline.

I do think he will ship Vishnevski or waive him if he finds not takers via the trade route and free up another almost $2 mill. That puts him in perfect position to make a trade later in the year and also gives him time to see who on defense can go to make the trade. Oduya is a UFA next season. So if he is having a good year along with Martin as well the Devils might be okay.

If they do make a trade I can see a guy like Meszeros being acquired for Gionta which will when all said and done be almost the same salary. Regardless Vishnevski will still be cut loose.

That wouldn't address our need at all. A well-rounded, puck-moving defenseman is what we need, not Jason Smith.

I understand that. I'm saying if Lou couldn't trade for a puck-mover, we could live with that.

Yeah, it's Eklund..I know..but nothing else is happening these days so...:

"Steve Montador may be signing with the Blue Jackets, Devils or Thrashers I am told."

If true...is Steve Montador the quality d-man Lou will be adding to the D?! Geeez....

Yeah, it's Eklund..I know..but nothing else is happening these days so...:



If true...is Steve Montador the quality d-man Lou will be adding to the D?! Geeez....

I'd be stoked to have Montador. Big shot from the point, hits, fights. That's a lot more than we can say about some of our other d-men.

I'd be stoked to have Montador. Big shot from the point, hits, fights. That's a lot more than we can say about some of our other d-men.

And a Righty - something we need badly.

I'll never forget the goal Montador scored against San Jose when Calgary had that run in 04 where they won the Cup.

I'd be stoked to have Montador. Big shot from the point, hits, fights. That's a lot more than we can say about some of our other d-men.

Yea i think Montador would be a nice addition. Anybody know what kind of money hes looking for??

Yea i think Montador would be a nice addition. Anybody know what kind of money hes looking for??

I'm sure he could get Finger money from somewhere.

Yea i think Montador would be a nice addition. Anybody know what kind of money hes looking for??

I think he'd be looking for around $2-2.5M. However, with Finger getting $3.5...who knows what will happen.

Yeah, it's Eklund..I know..but nothing else is happening these days so...:



If true...is Steve Montador the quality d-man Lou will be adding to the D?! Geeez....
I'd take Montador.

I'll never forget the goal Montador scored against San Jose when Calgary had that run in 04 where they won the Cup.

You mean when they lost the cup to Tampa Bay...:sarcasm:

You mean when they lost the cup to Tampa Bay...:sarcasm:

Oh no, they won the Cup. That was a pure sham, it was theirs, Gelinas finished it in OT in game 6. As far as I'm concerned, Iginla was the 04 Conn Smythe winner and the Flames won the Cup.

Oh no, they won the Cup. That was a pure sham, it was theirs, Gelinas finished it in OT in game 6. As far as I'm concerned, Iginla was the 04 Conn Smythe winner and the Flames won the Cup.

::: Dr. Evil voice::: RiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighT.

Montador really wouldn't fix anything. He barely cracked Florida's lineup as a defenseman and I believe he played a number of games as a forward.

I don't see him as much of an improvement over Sheldon Brookbank, and I think he's worse than Mottau and Greene.

No need to add another depth defenseman. Devils need quality. Someone who can log good minutes. Not Steve Montador.

Montador really wouldn't fix anything. He barely cracked Florida's lineup as a defenseman and I believe he played a number of games as a forward.

I don't see him as much of an improvement over Sheldon Brookbank, and I think he's worse than Mottau and Greene.

No need to add another depth defenseman. Devils need quality. Someone who can log good minutes. Not Steve Montador.

Uhh...What? I agree that he's not a top 4 guy, but he's waaaay better than Brookbank and Greene. Mottau's decent so I won't lump him in with those two.

It's more a matter of rather having Greene than Montador, because Greene's shown flashes and can do some good things.

I've never seen anything in Montador to suggest he can upgrade this defense. Totally unreliable, even if he had better numbers this year.

Uhh...What? I agree that he's not a top 4 guy, but he's waaaay better than Brookbank and Greene. Mottau's decent so I won't lump him in with those two.

What the hell are you talking about? Mottau's decent? He's just as bad. Were you even watching the playoffs? Mottau made so many mistakes that we were getting scored on left right and center with him on ice.

Do you even follow the devils games or do you just have selective memory? He had some ok games towards the end of the season but he had some really horrible games in the beginning of the season. If he was solid we would have won more games than we did.

What about Bryan Berard? He can help with carrying the puck out of the zone and would give us potentially 3 pairings of puck moving D men/stay at home D-Men

Martin-White
Oduya-Salvador
Berard-Corrente
Mottau/Greene (Greene can split time with Berard and Mottau could be an occasional situational D Man)

Berard would be cheap and could be worth looking at.

I'm not going to make comparisons but I still think Montador sucks, tends to make some horrible decisions, and doesn't have enough of an offensive upside to be worth it.

What the hell are you talking about? Mottau's decent? He's just as bad. Were you even watching the playoffs? Mottau made so many mistakes that we were getting scored on left right and center with him on ice.

Do you even follow the devils games or do you just have selective memory? He had some ok games towards the end of the season but he had some really horrible games in the beginning of the season. If he was solid we would have won more games than we did.

I agree 10000000000%.

Mottau is an AHL defense man who over achieved last season and should not be in the top 6 next season.

I am fine with him as a 7th.

I really did not trust going into the post season with Mike Mottau as one of our defense man.

I believe Lou at this point may not force anything and wait to see how training camp unfolds. If Corrente makes the team and the Andy Greene from the 2007 Tampa playoff series shows up, then Lou will be in a good position. Although, many of us wanted Greene out the door after last season, I can see how the Devils still have hope for the kid.

I believe Lou at this point may not force anything and wait to see how training camp unfolds. If Corrente makes the team and the Andy Greene from the 2007 Tampa playoff series shows up, then Lou will be in a good position. Although, many of us wanted Greene out the door after last season, I can see how the Devils still have hope for the kid.

Be careful, Weeonta might call the Devils Defense awful then concede victory.

I agree with you completely. And I am sure like me you acknowledge the need for a puck moving D- Man, but this could be solved later on down the road. Oduya, Martin and Greene is not nearly as bad as anybody thinks.