New Lines...pending any other signings or trades (merged)

Bergfors Elias Rolston
Parise Zajac Gionta
Pando Madden Langs
Zubrus Holik Clarkson

Rupp is the extra

Maybe switch up bergfors and parise. I like that the lineup is very flexible with several players capable of playing multiple positions.

Martin Oduya
White Corrente/Greene
Salvador Vish

Mottau is the extra

I can see Gionta possible being moved for a puck moving dman.

Oh there are dozens of possibilities here, both with Bergfors and without him. It really comes down to the fact that we have 8 forwards who can be in the top-6:

Elias
Parise
Rolston
Gionta
Langenbrunner
Zubrus
Bergfors
Zajac

After that, we can either use the bottom two lines as a scoring line and a checking line or two checking lines:

Zubrus - Madden - Langenbrunner
Pandolfo - Holik - Clarkson
Rupp

or

Pandolfo - Madden - Langenbrunner
Zubrus - Holik - Clarkson
Rupp

Both of these assume Bergfors will be in the top-6 somewhere.

Assuming Lou doesnt pick up any more fowards, will our lineup for next season be

Parise-Rolston-Elias
Gionta-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Zubrus-Madden-Pandolfo
Clarkson-Holik-Rupp/Pelley (Could be a form of the crashline Holik & Clarkie would be prettyy scary.)

you're an hour late....

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=530994

Assuming Lou doesnt pick up any more fowards, will our lineup for next season be

Parise-Rolston-Elias
Gionta-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Zubrus-Madden-Pandolfo
Clarkson-Holik-Rupp/Pelley (Could be a form of the crashline Holik & Clarkie would be prettyy scary.)

I think it will be more like

Rolston-Elias-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Bergfors
Pandolfo-Mad Dog Madden-Langs
Clarkson-Holik-Zubrus

A-A-A-A

Four pretty solid lines...Holik and Zubrus will tear some **** up, set it on fire and out goes Cindy Crosby for the playoffs :sarcasm:

If everything stays status quo...

Rolston-Elias-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Zubrus
Pandolfo-Madden-Langs
Clarkson-Holik-Rupp

I think it will be more like

Rolston-Elias-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Bergfors
Pandolfo-Mad Dog Madden-Langs
Clarkson-Holik-Zubrus

A-A-A-A

Four pretty solid lines...Holik and Zubrus will tear some **** up, set it on fire and out goes Cindy Crosby for the playoffs :sarcasm:

Unless they trade Zajac, no Bergfors, Vrana or anyone till 2009/2010. (Full time that is)

Rolston-Elias-Bergfors
Parise-Zajac-Langs
Vrana-Madden-Zubrus
Pandolfo-Holik-Clarkson

Vrana is essentially out of the Devils plans, if he was still in them, NJ wouldn't have signed holik and would have had him in that first batch with Clarkson and the rest.

Rolston-Elias-Bergfors
Parise-Zajac-Langs
Vrana-Madden-Zubrus
Pandolfo-Holik-Clarkson
Rupp/Pelley

Gio Vrana and Vish I think should be moved as they are our best/unneeded assets for a top dman.

Parise-Elias-Bergfors (speed on the wings; Elias controls the play)
Rolston-Zubrus-Gionta (speed again on wings; Zubrus bangs & crashes)
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner (grinder line that shuts down & chips in a few goals on turnovers)
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson (wrecking crew that specializes in the wraparound/garbage goal)

Pelley/Sarge extra forward (TBD)

Yes; I think Zajac is dealt - sorry to his loyal fans but he just doesn't show me the grit or energy needed to stay at this point (he's a great kid and I like him all the same). Zubrus has a better faceoff %.. and I'm prepared to sign Gionta and Madden next year as UFA's, thus not leaving a legit slot for Zajac to show me offense. Replacing Holik next year with a younger player shouldn't prove difficult (Pelley).

That's what I'd do as coach/GM; but knowing Lou and the value of the $, I'd say Zajac stays and Gio is odd man out but we need goals and Zajac doesn't score goals; he sets them up at best. Zubrus is the same kind of player only he bangs and holds on to the puck with energy and fire. I'll take that right now to win a cup.

/$.02

Parise-Elias-Gionta
Rolston-Zubrus-Vrana/Bergfors
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

Two scenarios:

1)Keep Elias and Parise together
Parise-Elias-Gio
Rolston-Zajac-Langs
Pando-Madden-Zubrus
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

Martin-White
Sal-Oduya
Vish-Greene/Salmela
Mottau

I think Sutter would have Langs and Gio reversed to spread out the scoring and because he liked Langs on the top line last year, but I dont know if Zajac could keep up with Rolston and Gio.

2) Reunite PZL
Elias<->Rolston-Gio
Parise-Zajac-Langs
Same bottom 6 and D

This gives us the flexibility to move Elias back to wing if rolston can still center. Gives us a second line that we know will work.

A couple other points:

-I expect Gio to be traded for D. But if that doesnt happen, Bergfors doesnt get automatically placed into the top 6 because he needs to prove himself and we have 6 or 7 veterans who can play that role. IF he can impress in training camp, the AHL, or a callup, THEN we have the ability to trade Gio (assuming we have not done so already)

-Corrente spends a year in Lowell because he is coming off an injury riddled junior season and probably needs some polishing up.

-I am in the dump Vish camp but if Sutter realized mottau doesnt belong in the top 4 and puts Sal up there instead, we may need some physicality in our bottom pair, so Vish could be valuable. Salmela and Greene could compete for the last spot to add some offense and Mottau would be a perfect #7 who could fill in and cover for Vish. Is Sutter decides to keep the top 4 from last yr, however (i hope not), I think Vish is useless.

rolston-elias-bergfors
parise-zajac-zubrus
pandolfo-madden-langs
rupp-holik-clarkson

gio traded for a d-man

As it stands I've got:

Parise-Elias-Rolston
Bergfors-Zajac-Gionta
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Zubrus-Holik-Clarkson

Rupp is scratched

Parise-Elias-Gionta
Rolston-Zubrus-Vrana/Bergfors
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

I like the way you think. :nod: (I just switched the first 2 RW because the PEG line was stale last year; but Bergfors with the natural scorers to ease the pressure, Gionta with Rolston is a fresh feel for him too).

Parise-Elias-Bergfors (speed on the wings; Elias controls the play)
Rolston-Zubrus-Gionta (speed again on wings; Zubrus bangs & crashes)
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner (grinder line that shuts down & chips in a few goals on turnovers)
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson (wrecking crew that specializes in the wraparound/garbage goal)

Pelley/Sarge extra forward (TBD)

Yes; I think Zajac is dealt - sorry to his loyal fans but he just doesn't show me the grit or energy needed to stay at this point (he's a great kid and I like him all the same). Zubrus has a better faceoff %.. and I'm prepared to sign Gionta and Madden next year as UFA's, thus not leaving a legit slot for Zajac to show me offense. Replacing Holik next year with a younger player shouldn't prove difficult (Pelley).

That's what I'd do as coach/GM; but knowing Lou and the value of the $, I'd say Zajac stays and Gio is odd man out but we need goals and Zajac doesn't score goals; he sets them up at best. Zubrus is the same kind of player only he bangs and holds on to the puck with energy and fire. I'll take that right now to win a cup.

/$.02

Zajac for Schneider?

I like the way you think. :nod: (I just switched the first 2 RW because the PEG line was stale last year; but Bergfors with the natural scorers to ease the pressure, Gionta with Rolston is a fresh feel for him too).

Is that Rolston in your avatar? Are you Lou?

Zajac for Schneider?

More like 3rd round pick for Schneider.

More like 3rd round pick for Schneider.

bleh, that solves nothing.

if we get schneider they might as well just give us the cup from now. schneider provides the offense we need on d

Vrana is essentially out of the Devils plans, if he was still in them, NJ wouldn't have signed holik and would have had him in that first batch with Clarkson and the rest.

I think it may be the other way around, was he not qualified over a week ago and has yet to accept?

So many possibilities with this group. I think mainly I'd love to see (if Elias MUST play Center) the Rolston/Patty/Gio line; but no matter what happens, imagine Holik - Zubrus - Madden - Langs - Clarkson - Rupp in our bottom 6... oh wait! We don't have to imagine!

Of course there's a trade coming, but I'm already in love with our top 10-12 in terms of forwards if the trades don't affect them.

Salvador is going to be great for the team as well. Hopefully Marty gives him a lesson in agent-firing too ;) Martin = next defensive superstar. CMac = extremely optimistic, and over-tired. Good night and bring on next season!! :handclap:

Zajac for Schneider?

Hmmm... throw in a 3rd round pick and yes. You're getting too much salary relief cheap not to get a pick thrown in.

that's definitely a cup run move for this year alone however... Corrente would have to step up next year for sure.

I like it, but good gracious have you seen the Ducks' D situation? Everyone is a UFA next year except Pronger and he's only 1 more year after that.

YIKES. I think maybe we should be shopping Greene+Brookbank+Vish to them now.... :D

Is that Rolston in your avatar? Are you Lou?

Yes and today... yes. Although the Holik signing blindsided me completely.

I like the way you think. :nod: (I just switched the first 2 RW because the PEG line was stale last year; but Bergfors with the natural scorers to ease the pressure, Gionta with Rolston is a fresh feel for him too).

Not sure I like Zubrus at Center. But the options right now up front are numerous in a good way.

I am also not totally against keeping Gionta. If we do so and plan on obtaining another defense man of use I think a deal would occur closer to training camp whe teams are looking to dump salary to get wherethey want to be for the season.

IF that was the case we could throw a few of the defense man that will battle for 5th and 6th in the lineup and even one of our 2 2nd round picks next draft. Wecould even dangle with Vrana

In this case a 12 man Forward unit of Elias, Parise, Rolston, Gionta, Zubrus, Bergfors, Langenbrunner, Zajac, Madden, Pandolfo, Holik and Clarkson with Rupp as the reserve would be very very nice.

I like the idea of picking up Schneider, but we'd have to dump some salary to make it happen, and that doesn't work for Anaheim.

Zajac for Schneider?

God no.

As for the forward lines:

Parise - Elias - Gionta/Bergfors

Rolston - Zajac - Zubrus

Pandolfo - Madden - Langenbrunner

Rupp - Holik - Clarkson

I like.

Not sure I like Zubrus at Center. But the options right now up front are numerous in a good way.



Zubrus had a 55% faceoff win rating. Where's FOY when we need him... did Zubrus play Center or RW in Washington? Wasn't he on Ovechkin's line for a while?

Could care less for defense, those lines would tear up anything in the NHL.

im gonna make mine assuming the forwards stay as they are now:

bergfors-elias-rolston
parise-zajac-gionta
zubrus-madden-langenbrunner
pandolfo-holik-clarkson

For me the biggest problem is still that the Devils still need Elias and Gionta to wake up for a good portion of the season. Our secondary scoring can't be our primary scoring.

I like the PEG line as our #1 unit with Rolston-Zajac-Langenbrunner on the 2nd line.

Of course Sutter will see how the chemistry on ice is.

I like the idea of picking up Schneider, but we'd have to dump some salary to make it happen, and that doesn't work for Anaheim.

Zajac+Vishnevski+Greene = $3.3 Mil for Schneider + 3rd round pick....

Hmmm... throw in a 3rd round pick and yes. You're getting too much salary relief cheap not to get a pick thrown in.

that's definitely a cup run move for this year alone however... Corrente would have to step up next year for sure.

I like it, but good gracious have you seen the Ducks' D situation? Everyone is a UFA next year except Pronger and he's only 1 more year after that.

YIKES. I think maybe we should be shopping Greene+Brookbank+Vish to them now.... :D

Yes, Our D situation blows, but we have Salcido and Mikkelson who will compete for #6 this year, Mitera and Salcido/Mikkelson will fill in the year after. I would imagine Huskins is resigned b/c he was freaking awesome last year. Beauch will probably be resigned, but i hate his ass.

So that's
Pronger-Mitera
Salcido- Beauch
Mikkelson/DeGray-Huskins

Anyway, I think the Ducks have to be willing to give up Schneider+Draft pick for Zajac. If he plays with Kunitz and Teemu I think he could easily score 45-50 points, which would be ok.

PS - I'm aware that Schneider for Zajac would be a no, I was just trying to see what it would take to get Zajac.

I would LOVE to have vish on the team again, even if he is a bust at that high of a pick, he still hits everything(or atleast he used to)

How bout:

Zubrus-Elias-Rolston
Parise-Zajac-Langs (really want to see them reunited)
Pando-Madden-Holik (ill checking line)
Clarkson-Pelley-Rupp

Trade Gionta, Greene and a second rounder for Danny Boyle who was mention as a player that could be traded by Tampa.

Y

Anyway, I think the Ducks have to be willing to give up Schneider+Draft pick for Zajac. If he plays with Kunitz and Teemu I think he could easily score 45-50 points, which would be ok.

PS - I'm aware that Schneider for Zajac would be a no, I was just trying to see what it would take to get Zajac.

I would LOVE to have vish on the team again, even if he is a bust at that high of a pick, he still hits everything(or atleast he used to)

We should be GM's then... look at the offer I just posted before you... :nod:

Sign Here:___________________

(someone wake up Lou; we've got a deal to make)

FWIW I made all the roster moves for NHL 08 and had my team set up:

Parise-Elias-Rolston
Bergfors-Zajac-Gionta
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Zubrus-Holik-Clarkson

Oduya-Martin
White-Corrente
Salvador-Vishnevski

Brodeur

The game started out poorly for the new Devils against the hated Rangers. They were out of sync, terrible positionally and allowed two goals on the first two shots by Dawes and Dubinsky respectively in the first 4 minutes of the game.

However, the offense finally started to click and after peppering Lundqvist with a barrage of shots Devils rookie Nicklas Bergfors ripped a wrister over Lundqvist's blocker at 12:44 of the 2nd period on the power play for the first goal of 2008-09. Assisting on the goals were Parise and Corrente Going into the third period the Devils were still down 2-1, and it looked like the next season against the Rangers looked as if it would be the same as before.

However 3:18 into the third period, Brian Rolston evened the score with a laser over Lundqvist's blocker again from the point on the power play to tie the game at 2-2 assists to Oduya and Elias.

39 seconds after the Rolston marker Bergfors found himself in alone on Lundqvist and was able to beat him high glove side to give the Devils their first lead, assisting on the play were Brian Gionta and Bryce Salvador.

However, the Devils were not finished on the power play. At 6:42 the Devils found themselves on the end of another power play when Dainius Zubrus let go of a wrist shot again over the glove to give the Devils a wider cushion with Travis Zajac and a tired Brian Rolston drawing the assists.

The Rangers started mounting pressure again on the Devils throwing shot after shot at Brodeur who after a rocky start was solid in between the pipes but at 15:33 the Devils yet again on the powerplay got a goal from Brian Gionta with assists from Parise and Elias.

Game 1 of the 2008-09 season ended in sweet victory for the Devils over the hated Rangers who in the previous season had eliminated the Devils from playoff contention. The powerplay which was abysmal went a whopping 4/5 with goals from Bergfors, Rolston, Zubrus and Gionta. The shots finished 40 a piece and the Devils won the game by a score of 5-2.

3 stars of the game:

3 - Brian Gionta 1G 1A
2 - Nicklas Bergfors 2G
1 - Martin Brodeur 38 Saves

TOI for the Devils

Paul Martin 24:44
Johnny Oduya 22:49
Matt Corrente 20:58
Bryce Salvador 19:29
Zach Parise 16:49
Patrik Elias 16:40
Brian Gionta 16:36
Brian Rolston 16:05
John Madden 15:56
Jay Pandolfo 14:56
Colin White 14:46
Vitali Vishnevski 14:41
Nicklas Bergfors 14:26
Jamie Langenbrunner 14:06
Bobby Holik 14:03
Travis Zajac 13:47
Dainius Zubrus 13:17
David Clarkson 12:00

Brodeur 59:51 40 shots against 38 saves, 2.01 GAA and a SVPCT of 95.

I think it may be the other way around, was he not qualified over a week ago and has yet to accept?

Your right, he was qualified.

Parise-Elias-Rolston
Zubrus-Zajac-Gionta
Pando-Madden-Langenbrunner
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

i dont see how bergfors or vrana are going to get in there.

maybe trade gio and vish for bieksa, and put bergfors where gio was.

What's great about adding Rolston is the possibility of a legitimate second PP unit.

bleh, that solves nothing.

You'd rather trade Zajac than a third round pick? Zajac is worth much more than a third rounder.

Edit: You're a Ducks fan; nevermind.

I like the idea of picking up Schneider, but we'd have to dump some salary to make it happen, and that doesn't work for Anaheim.

Vishnovski for Schneider? Make it happen, Lou! :sarcasm:

What's great about adding Rolston is the possibility of a legitimate second PP unit.

a second?@! ****. we need a first, first. :rant:


haha

We should be GM's then... look at the offer I just posted before you... :nod:

Sign Here:___________________

(someone wake up Lou; we've got a deal to make)

If you think trading Zajac for Schneider is a good move, you're way in left field on this one (and I think it's the 1st time ;))... sorry RG. The Ducks need to DROP salary because of Nierdermayer's return and Schneider will be gone for almost nothing. I think that anything more then a 3rd round pick or 2nd is a overpayment. Zajac's value is alot more then Matthew Schneider... ALOT.

You'd rather trade Zajac than a third round pick? Zajac is worth much more than a third rounder.

Edit: You're a Ducks fan; nevermind.

I'm confused, from a Ducks POV we need Zajac now not a 3rd rounder. From a Devils POV I'm sure a 3rd rounder is more interesting to trade than Zajac which makes complete sense.

I orignally posted something with a lot of asteriks, but I guess you edited your post and I misunderstood it...I think.

You'd rather trade Zajac than a third round pick? Zajac is worth much more than a third rounder.

Edit: You're a Ducks fan; nevermind.

If you think trading Zajac for Schneider is a good move, you're way in left field on this one (and I think it's the 1st time ;))... sorry RG. The Ducks need to DROP salary because of Nierdermayer's return and Schneider will be gone for almost nothing. I think that anything more then a 3rd round pick or 2nd is a overpayment. Zajac's value is alot more then Matthew Schneider... ALOT.

The ducks don't NEED to trade Schneider...yet. Like I said, they are at something like 54.5M which is around 2 million undere the cap. Now, if Teemu comes back then we need too, but as of now we don't. But, technically they don't need to, but they definitely should package him or someone who can bring a top 6 players back somehow

The ducks don't NEED to trade Schneider...yet. Like I said, they are at something like 54.5M which is around 2 million undere the cap. Now, if Teemu comes back then we need too, but as of now we don't. But, technically they don't need to, but they definitely should package him or someone who can bring a top 6 players back somehow

If the price is a 23 year old center (the position we're lacking in the moment) that has the potential to be our #2 center for a 39 year old MEN that will retire in the middle of the year or at the end of the season (at most).... then you must be doing whatever is on Weeonta's avatar (sorry) !!!

we are so big and fast

2 years ago we had

elias-gomez-gio
parise-zajac-langs
pando-madden-brylin
rass-dowd-jannsen

last

parise-elias-langs
pando-madden-gio
rupp-zubrus-clarkson
brylin-zajac-asham

and now if it stays the same

parise-elias-gio
zubrus-rolston-bergfors
pando-madden-langs
rupp-holik-clarkson

or

parise-elias-bergfors
rolston-zajac-gio
pando-madden-langs
zubrus-holik-clarskon

they are amazing lines

Here's what our lines could look like IF we sign Shanahan...He had 46 points last year in 73 games...That's more than Zajac and Zubrus had...

Parise-Elias-Rolston
Shanahan-Zajac-Gionta
Pandolfo-Madden-Langs
Clarkson-Holik-Zubrus

If Shanahan falls over and isn't producing then

Parise-Elias-Gionta
Rolston-Zajac-Zubrus
Shanahan-Madden-Langs
Pandolfo-Holik-Clarkson

Hopefully Holik will shine as a 4th liner, and if hes against other 4th liner guys or 3rd pairing D-units on teams that lack depth they will have trouble matching lines with us.

Every line can score and play quality defense...Trading Gionta for D seems like the best option right now though.

Here's what our lines could look like IF we sign Shanahan...He had 46 points last year in 73 games...That's more than Zajac and Zubrus had...

Parise-Elias-Rolston
Shanahan-Zajac-Gionta
Pandolfo-Madden-Langs
Clarkson-Holik-Zubrus

If Shanahan falls over and isn't producing then

Parise-Elias-Gionta
Rolston-Zajac-Zubrus
Shanahan-Madden-Langs
Pandolfo-Holik-Clarkson

Hopefully Holik will shine as a 4th liner, and if hes against other 4th liner guys or 3rd pairing D-units on teams that lack depth they will have trouble matching lines with us.

Every line can score and play quality defense...Trading Gionta for D seems like the best option right now though.

shanahan is RW and shouldnt even smell our top lines

he would probably play 4th line with holik

shanahan is RW and shouldnt even smell our top lines

he would probably play 4th line with holik

You sure? ESPN has him listed as a LW...And he had more points than Langs last year...So if Shanny shouldn't smell our top lines then really neither should Zubrus, Langs or Zajac. His 23 goals last year were more than Elias too...If we could get him for say 1-1.5 mil that'd be great, but we still need to get some D by trade.

How do you guys think Zajac would do on the wing?

You sure? ESPN has him listed as a LW...And he had more points than Langs last year...So if Shanny shouldn't smell our top lines then really neither should Zubrus, Langs or Zajac. His 23 goals last year were more than Elias too...If we could get him for say 1-1.5 mil that'd be great, but we still need to get some D by trade.

im pretty srue hes a RW, i just think hes too slow to fit our top lines, not that langs is that much faster but i dont think he fits anywhere in our top lines

you know what i think im wrong, i think he actually is a LW. my mistake, my apologies

edit, tsn has him listed as RW, LW

TV ALERT
D3 the mighty ducks on tbs right now

How do you guys think Zajac would do on the wing?

he tried it for like 2 shifts last year and it didnt work out. it was the game against TB, he started off at rw and ended up playing center after like a few shifts. the same game where parise fought boyle

My lineup from NHL 08 works against the Rangers so well.......7-2 in the next game, goals from all 4 lines and Brodeur was spectacular. The PP was 1/2 haha.

I hope it translates.

What's with everybody putting Bergfors on the top line? He hasnt proven **** yet.

Parise Elias Rolston
Zubrus Zajac Gionta
Pandolfo Madden Langenbrunner
Someone/Anyone Holik Clarkson
Rupp

I love that from the first game I saw Clarkson I thought "there's our next Randy McKay" and now we sign Holik and they'll probably play together. Just like old times!

edit: Man looking at these forwards, we haven't been this deep since 2001
edit2: Not to mention with no room for Vrana, Bergfors unless they have a monster camp and barring any trades...Lowell should be able to do something next year:
Gionta Vrana Bergfors
Halischuk Swift Snetsinger
Zharkov Khomutov Tallackson
Davis Murphy Someone

Corrente Eckford
Fraser Salmela
Zimmerman Magnan
Malmivaara (did he go back to Finland?)

Frazee
Doyle

Parise - Elias - Rolston
Zubrus - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Pandoflo - Madden - Gionta
Vrana/Rupp - Holik - Clarkson
Rupp/Vrana

As it stands I've got:

Parise-Elias-Rolston
Bergfors-Zajac-Gionta
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Zubrus-Holik-Clarkson

Rupp is scratched

As much as I like Clarkson, Rupp played better than Clarkie did after the All-Star break. Plus, he's got seniority. :D

Parise-Elias-Langenbrunner
Rolston-Zajac-Zubrus
Pandolfo-Madden-Gionta
Vrana-Holik-Clarkson

If we sign Shanahan, that allows us to trade Gionta and not have a hole on our roster.

Parise Elias Rolston
Zubrus Zajac Gionta
Pandolfo Madden Langenbrunner
Someone/Anyone Holik Clarkson
Rupp

I love that from the first game I saw Clarkson I thought "there's our next Randy McKay" and now we sign Holik and they'll probably play together. Just like old times!

edit: Man looking at these forwards, we haven't been this deep since 2001
edit2: Not to mention with no room for Vrana, Bergfors unless they have a monster camp and barring any trades...Lowell should be able to do something next year:
Gionta Vrana Bergfors
Halischuk Swift Snetsinger
Zharkov Khomutov Tallackson
Davis Murphy Someone



Corrente Eckford
Fraser Salmela
Zimmerman Magnan
Malmivaara (did he go back to Finland?)

Frazee
Doyle


Vrana and Bergfors went back home. 4 year in AHL is enough for this guys. Both is very talented player and will not spend another year in Lowell. Sadly, I think we lose our best prospects now.

What's with everybody putting Bergfors on the top line? He hasnt proven **** yet.

That's why he was playing on the first line in his only game in the NHL...:shakehead

I truly believe that Vrana is still in Lou's plans. The Devils will give Bergfors, Vrana and Corrente honest shots at making the team.

I love the 4th line Jason posted last night of: Vrana-Holik-Clarkson. Of course it all depends if Lou moves Gionta and if he doesn't, we still have 4 pretty good scoring lines. However, we will have a defense by comittee.

What's with everybody putting Bergfors on the top line? He hasnt proven **** yet.

He belongs in the top 6.

What's with everybody putting Bergfors on the top line? He hasnt proven **** yet.

Lamoriello has been quoted that Bergfors is a top 2 line player and will not play on the 3rd or the 4th.

Vrana is essentially out of the Devils plans, if he was still in them, NJ wouldn't have signed holik and would have had him in that first batch with Clarkson and the rest.

I wouldn´t rule him out. If and when there´s a trade coming *cough* Gio plus Zajac *cough*, our assets are on the offense. That means there would open up new spots that are yet vacated.

And one might also consider having all these vets around as an insurance policy, so that there are guys to step up, if youngsters run out of gas.

But of course, Vrana might be also a part of a trade package or walk out. We´ll see.

Elias-Rolston-Gio (probably with a decent center Gio can get his game back)

Parise-Vrana-Bergfors

Madden-Holik-Zubrus

Pando-Rupp-Clarkie

Pelley/Langenbrunner


Martin-Oduya

Salvador-Greene

White-Corrente

Mottau/Vish

:)

Lamoriello has been quoted that Bergfors is a top 2 line player and will not play on the 3rd or the 4th.Maybe that is to protect his ego if he is sent to the minors.

Bergfors was sucked for the past two years in Lowell. There's no way he deserves a spot on one of the top two lines of a team that wants to compete for the division and a Stanley Cup Championship.

He Suglobov Jr. to me until he proves otherwise.

Lamoriello has been quoted that Bergfors is a top 2 line player and will not play on the 3rd or the 4th.

I don't understand that logic. What's wrong with giving him limited 4th line and some 2nd power play time while the kid adapts to the NHL? let him develop into a top line player up here and provide some supplemental scoring on a 4th line until then. i think the Devils have to get past this attitude that the 4th line has to be nothing but banger s and checkers. Any ice time Bergfors gets in the NHL is good experience for him.

Put Rolston and Gionta on the same line and you'll see an improvement in Gionta's game. Rolston with that big shot means rebounds and chances down low for Gionta - his specialty.

Zubrus had a 55% faceoff win rating. That was a small sample size though, but he was still pretty good over the four seasons before that when he took many more faceoffs.


ZUBRUS
SEASON|FOW|FOL|FOW%
1998-99| 16|15|51.6
1999-00| 83|129|39.2
2000-01| 78|112|41.1
2001-02| 49|82|37.4
2002-03| 284|281| 50.3
2003-04| 440|476| 48.0
2005-06| 562|556| 50.3
2006-07| 572|593| 49.1
2007-08| 80|64|55.6
TOTAL|2,164|2,308|48.4%


HOLIK
SEASON|FOW|FOL|FOW%
1998-99| 724|626| 53.6
1999-00| 773|617| 55.6
2000-01| 765|600| 56.0
2001-02| 869|725| 54.5
2002-03| 809|581| 58.2
2003-04| 901|763| 54.1
2005-06| 771|614| 55.7
2006-07| 820|607| 57.5
2007-08| 877|625| 58.4
TOTAL|7,309|5,758|55.9%


MADDEN
SEASON|FOW|FOL|FOW%
1999-00| 366| 404| 47.5
2000-01| 454| 520| 46.6
2001-02| 470| 531| 47.0
2002-03|765| 737| 50.9
2003-04| 734| 643| 53.3
2005-06| 831| 782| 51.5
2006-07| 680| 686| 49.8
2007-08| 768| 677| 53.1
TOTAL| 5,068| 4,980 |50.4%


ROLSTON
SEASON|FOW|FOL|FOW%
1998-99| 23|28|45.1
1999-00| 150|217|40.9
2000-01 |304|362|45.6
2001-02 |600|689|46.5
2002-03 |546|602|47.6
2003-04 |611|594|50.7
2005-06 |187|216|46.4
2006-07 |134|161|45.4
2007-08 |67|98|40.6
TOTAL|2,622|2,967|46.9%


ZAJAC
SEASON|FOW|FOL|FOW%
2006-07| 424|480| 46.9
2007-08 |528|504|51.2
TOTAL|952|984|49.2%


ELIAS
SEASON|FOW|FOL|FOW%
1998-99| 38| 61| 38.4
1999-00| 61| 73| 45.5
2000-01| 64| 91| 41.3
2001-02| 58| 70| 45.3
2002-03| 187| 240| 43.8
2003-04| 18| 31| 36.7
2005-06| 2| 8| 20.0
2006-07| 7| 11| 38.9
2007-08| 354| 422| 45.6
TOTAL| 789| 1,007| 43.9%


PELLEY
SEASON|FOW|FOL|FOW%
2006-07| 40| 58| 40.8
2007-08| 150| 171| 46.7
TOTAL| 190| 229| 45.3%


RUPP
SEASON|FOW|FOL|FOW%
2002-03| 67| 83| 44.7
2003-04| 239| 241| 49.8
2005-06| 127| 138| 47.9
2006-07| 15| 18| 45.5
2007-08| 75| 80| 48.4
TOTAL| 523| 560| 48.3%


PARISE
SEASON|FOW|FOL|FOW%
2005-06| 69|93|42.6
2006-07| 23|29|44.2
2007-08| 50|54|48.1
TOTAL|142|176|44.7%

Based on the personnel the team has now, I have three forward line combos:

Line combo # 1 (no Bergfors top down approach):
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, Rod Pelley

Line combo # 2 (with Bergfors):
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

Line combo # 3 (no Bergfors with spreadout scoring):
Patrik Elias - Brian Rolston - Jamie Langenbrunner (interchangeable with Zubrus, Gionta)
Zach Parise - Travis Zajac - Brian Gionta (interchangeable with Langs, Zubrus
Jay Pandolfo - John Madden - Dainius Zubrus (interchangeable with Langs, Gionta)
Mike Rupp - Bobby Holik - David Clarkson
Barry Tallackson, Rod Pelley

At D, I have two combos - one without Vish (most likely) and one with
Paul Martin - Johnny Oduya
Colin White - Mike Mottau
Bryce Salvador - Andy Greene
Sheldon Brookbank

Paul Martin - Johnny Oduya
Colin White - Mike Mottau
Bryce Salvador - Vitaly Vishnevski
Sheldon Brookbank

Goalies are obvious

If you think trading Zajac for Schneider is a good move, you're way in left field on this one (and I think it's the 1st time ;))... sorry RG. The Ducks need to DROP salary because of Nierdermayer's return and Schneider will be gone for almost nothing. I think that anything more then a 3rd round pick or 2nd is a overpayment. Zajac's value is alot more then Matthew Schneider... ALOT.

I'm basing that purely on making a strong move for the cup next year; not long term. I know Zajac has more upside long term. I would still do it if there's a pick coming along for the ride and we get to dish Vish and his $$ along with it.

Like I've said elsewhere; I'd sign Madden and Gionta back next year which leaves no hole for Zajac anyways other than the 4th line which would easily be filled by someone else (Pelley). I don't carve out the individual names and evaluate solely on that alone; I look at how it serves the lineup and organization long term. I'd also plan on replacing Schneider next season with a long term deal for core D-man (top 2)... but I digress [again].

what about Salmela or what ever his name is on D also?

Holik really puts a wrench in the Forwards. but on the flipside, wthe Devs will be able to roll four competent lines. May not all pack a ascoring punch, but they will all be sound.

Our D now consists of
Martin
White
Oduya
Salvador
MOttau
Brookbank
Greene
Vish
Salmelena
(corrente
Eckford)

Something is going to have to give.....(brook in Lowell, green has to be up or face waivers)

What #'s do Rolston and Holik take now?

What #'s do Rolston and Holik take now?
Available numbers: 10 (Pelley), 12, 18, 21, 22, 25, 28

Rolston will most likely take 12, I'm not sure what Holik will go for.

My lineup from NHL 08 works against the Rangers so well.......7-2 in the next game, goals from all 4 lines and Brodeur was spectacular. The PP was 1/2 haha.

I hope it translates.

Haha I put Bergfors on my second line with Zajac and Langenbrunner and hes totally ripping it up with 14 goals and 7 assists for 21 points in 23 games. Lets hope that translates too.

Available numbers: 10 (Pelley), 12, 18, 21, 22, 25, 28

Rolston will most likely take 12, I'm not sure what Holik will go for.

probably 18 i would guess. Makes it easy for those with the old Holik Jersey's to just grab some paint and fill it in!!!!

from you lowell line-up post earlier, did you forget Palmieri. He signed didn't he? Or will he be back in Erie again. He is better off in Lowell IMO....

I think Zubrus looks better in 23 while Clarkson should switch to 21 and let Holik get 16. 18 shouldn't even be touched.

Yeah pretty sure sarge'd be pissed...... it was just for the comic relief of painting a jersey to make it work....

I think Zubrus looks better in 23 while Clarkson should switch to 21 and let Holik get 16. 18 shouldn't even be touched.

I have a feeling we will be seeing more from Mr. Utility during the year, especially if there is an injury and the team needs to plug a hole quickly.

probably 18 i would guess. Makes it easy for those with the old Holik Jersey's to just grab some paint and fill it in!!!!

from you lowell line-up post earlier, did you forget Palmieri. He signed didn't he? Or will he be back in Erie again. He is better off in Lowell IMO....
He does have a contract with the Devils, but he will be back in the OHL. He's too young to be AHL eligible.

parise-elias-rolston
bergfors-zajac-gionta
pandolfo-madden-langenbrunner
zubrus-holik-clarkson

I think Zubrus looks better in 23 while Clarkson should switch to 21 and let Holik get 16. 18 shouldn't even be touched.
I like your style, then we should put Brookbank with Holik and Clarkson. :)

I like your style, then we should put Brookbank with Holik and Clarkson. :)

Or just not let him play and give 8 to Rupp.

Rupp(8)-Holik(16)-Clarkson(21)

Let Rollie have 12 and Bergfors can grab 17.

i could see zubrus (21 or 22?) getting a new number and holik getting 16 back.....

Rolston gets 12, Bergfors needs something...I'm assuming either 10 or 13.

Or just not let him play and give 8 to Rupp.

Rupp(8)-Holik(16)-Clarkson(21)

Let Rollie have 12 and Bergfors can grab 17.

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/4424/ohoq9.jpg

Rolston gets 12, Bergfors needs something...I'm assuming either 10 or 13.

There's no way he gets 13. Lou will never have that # on his team, and that's why he was never going to sign Mats.

I think 23 for Zubie, 21 for Clarkie, 8 for Rupp and 17 for Bergfors makes the most sense.

What's with everybody putting Bergfors on the top line? He hasnt proven **** yet.

One word: Viuhkola.

Zubrus had a 55% faceoff win rating. Where's FOY when we need him... did Zubrus play Center or RW in Washington? Wasn't he on Ovechkin's line for a while?

for most of 2 years the top line was Ovechkin - Zubrus - Clark. Ovechkin, and two guys that can go into corners and get pucks to Ovechkin.

for most of 2 years the top line was Ovechkin - Zubrus - Clark. Ovechkin, and two guys that can go into corners and get pucks to Ovechkin.

BINGO. That's what I was hoping to hear.

I'm settled.

Parise-Elias-Bergfors
Rolston-Zubrus-Gionta
Pando-Madden-Langs
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

Elias would then be the weakest faceoff center in there, and that's ok given that line should score regardless. Brink Holik in the PP to win faceoffs and screen the goalie for the blast from the point.

PP1 Elias-Holik-Parise Rolston(D)-Martin
PP2 Bergfors-Zubrus-Gionta Langs(D)-?? Salvy/Mottau/Oduya

Available numbers: 10 (Pelley), 12, 18, 21, 22, 25, 28

Rolston will most likely take 12, I'm not sure what Holik will go for.

Rolston wears #14. The # of our most tradeable asset at this time.

BINGO. That's what I was hoping to hear.

I'm settled.

Parise-Elias-Bergfors
Rolston-Zubrus-Gionta
Pando-Madden-Langs
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

Elias would then be the weakest faceoff center in there, and that's ok given that line should score regardless. Brink Holik in the PP to win faceoffs and screen the goalie for the blast from the point.

PP1 Elias-Holik-Parise Rolston(D)-Martin
PP2 Bergfors-Zubrus-Gionta Langs(D)-?? Salvy/Mottau/Oduya

Thats a combo i can really live with. PP lines may be jumbled, but overall I smell what your steppin in....and think it would work well.... But you getting rid of Zajac?

Thats a combo i can really live with. PP lines may be jumbled, but overall I smell what your steppin in....and think it would work well....

Yeah, I really wanted Rolston on pp point with Gio's line, but that would be 2nd unit the way I structured the lines and we all know Rolston isn't going to be sitting the bench waiting for 2nd unit PP duty with that cannon... but glad you like the gist of what I was trying to outline from a chemistry/component standpoint.

I suppose you could bump Gio back up to 1st line and fix all that; I am just fearful the PEG line will fall back into the same rut they did last season.

edit* yes - Zajac in my scenario goes for a true puck moving D-man to fill that ?? slot on the 2nd PP too. I'm thinking trade or keep him and just sign Hainsey but I'd rather do a combo trade to unload some cap salary (Vish+Greene+Zajac = 3.4M)

Rolston wears #14. The # of our most tradeable asset at this time.

He wears 12. He wore 14 because Guerin already had 12...

Yeah, I really wanted Rolston on pp point with Gio's line, but that would be 2nd unit the way I structured the lines and we all know Rolston isn't going to be sitting the bench waiting for 2nd unit PP duty with that cannon... but glad you like the gist of what I was trying to outline from a chemistry/component standpoint.

I suppose you could bump Gio back up to 1st line and fix all that; I am just fearful the PEG line will fall back into the same rut they did last season.

I think Gio really missed that shot from the point in a bad way. He scored 25 or so in the 48 year. with that back now i can see him on the first unit picking up scraps again. No Zajac tho? Pending Trade Bait.

This is what I was worried about with Holik. I like him signing but knew it would cause a few cracks that will need to be fixed.. Time will tell though.... Maybe they feel Bergfors stays one more year in the A and keep Zajac somewhere on the top two (maybe a t Wing). Bring up Bergie when the first injury occurs...

He wears 12. He wore 14 because Guerin already had 12...

Well then so much for that theory, :)

I think Gio really missed that shot from the point in a bad way. He scored 25 or so in the 48 year. with that back now i can see him on the first unit picking up scraps again. No Zajac tho? Pending Trade Bait.

This is what I was worried about with Holik. I like him signing but knew it would cause a few cracks that will need to be fixed.. Time will tell though.... Maybe they feel Bergfors stays one more year and keep zajac somewhere on the top two. Bring up Bergie when the first injury occurs...

Yeah, I think it's completely probable that Zajac stays on wing (Rolston-Zajac-Zubrus) but that's wasting Rolston's speed. Parise-Elias-Zajac just doesn't give me a warm fuzzy, I'd rather have Langenbrunner there at that point. :Sigh: so many possibilities... I just keep hearing Lou referencing Bergfors and top 2 lines and "letting the youth in our system move up" and think it all results in a trade of either Gionta or Zajac and I'd rather have the speed/shot of Gionta right now to win a cup.

If Oduya could actually play as a pairing without Martin then that'd help a lot.

BINGO. That's what I was hoping to hear.

I'm settled.

Parise-Elias-Bergfors
Rolston-Zubrus-Gionta
Pando-Madden-Langs
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

Elias would then be the weakest faceoff center in there, and that's ok given that line should score regardless. Brink Holik in the PP to win faceoffs and screen the goalie for the blast from the point.

PP1 Elias-Holik-Parise Rolston(D)-Martin
PP2 Bergfors-Zubrus-Gionta Langs(D)-?? Salvy/Mottau/Oduya

parise-elias-bergfors
zubrus-rolston-gionta
pando-madden-langs
rupp-holik-clarkson

i think rolston would be better at center then zubie

agree with the PP, but the missing hole on D on pp2 would be oduya

parise-elias-bergfors
zubrus-rolston-gionta
pando-madden-langs
rupp-holik-clarkson

i think rolston would be better at center then zubie

agree with the PP, but the missing hole on D on pp2 would be oduya

I can't argue with that - Zubrus has shown he's a beast at wing too. Just a matter of who's better at faceoffs - him or Rolston.

BINGO. That's what I was hoping to hear.

I'm settled.

Parise-Elias-Bergfors
Rolston-Zubrus-Gionta
Pando-Madden-Langs
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

Elias would then be the weakest faceoff center in there, and that's ok given that line should score regardless. Brink Holik in the PP to win faceoffs and screen the goalie for the blast from the point.

PP1 Elias-Holik-Parise Rolston(D)-Martin
PP2 Bergfors-Zubrus-Gionta Langs(D)-?? Salvy/Mottau/Oduya

:nod:

A PP unit that can do something!


I like your lines too.. I think Langs is a much better fit on that line with Pando and Madden rather than on the top 6

BINGO. That's what I was hoping to hear.

I'm settled.

Parise-Elias-Bergfors
Rolston-Zubrus-Gionta
Pando-Madden-Langs
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

Elias would then be the weakest faceoff center in there, and that's ok given that line should score regardless. Brink Holik in the PP to win faceoffs and screen the goalie for the blast from the point.

PP1 Elias-Holik-Parise Rolston(D)-Martin
PP2 Bergfors-Zubrus-Gionta Langs(D)-?? Salvy/Mottau/Oduya
Zajac?

Zajac?

Gotta go back a few pages to see the explanation - but to summarize: package trade with vish for puck moving D.

Gotta go back a few pages to see the explanation - but to summarize: package trade with vish for puck moving D.

The thing is, does that free up an acceptable amount of cap space? Lou said that the team was imposing its own cap, so for all intents and purposes, lets say it is as high as $55 million. We would honestly need to move Gionta, unless Lou gave Salvador that much money because he believes White is done due to the injury. All I can say is, it is fun with all the speculation that is going on. I will be the puck moving defenseman for free if Lou wants...I am Italian...:sarcasm:

These would just be my start the season line-ups, but we all know Sutter will change them all up by the end of the first period.

Bergfors-Elias-Lagenbrunner
Parise-Zajac-Rolston
Zubrus-Madden-Gionta
Pando-Holik-Clarkson

Sounds like Rolston will start at center so I could see PZL reunited as the second line (which is good news for Zajac and our secondary scoring). So I think well start with this:

Elias-Rolston-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langs
Pando-Madden-Zubrus
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

And if Rolston doesnt work at center then him and Elias could switch. Or, we could shake it up and go with:

Parise-Elias-Langs
Rolston-Zajac-Gio
Same bottom 6

Sounds like Rolston will start at center so I could see PZL reunited as the second line (which is good news for Zajac and our secondary scoring). So I think well start with this:

Elias-Rolston-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langs
Pando-Madden-Zubrus
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

And if Rolston doesnt work at center then him and Elias could switch. Or, we could shake it up and go with:

Parise-Elias-Langs
Rolston-Zajac-Gio
Same bottom 6

Bergfors...

I'm going to assume that Bergfors doesn't make the team.


Parise-Elias-Gionta
Rolston-Zajac-Zubrus/Langenbrunner
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner-Zubrus
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

I never understood why Sutter broke up the PEG line. I thought if he let them develop a little more, they could be a dominant line. Zajac can dish the puck a little, and likes to dig in the corners. I think there is plenty of sandpaper to that line to be successful, especially if Zajac develops a nose for the net.

Bergfors...

will not be handed a spot on the team meaning for him to be in the lineup either:

A) Gionta is traded

B) Bergfors impresses in camp

C) an injury occurs and he gets a chance in the top 6

I could see option B happening, but even if he impresses and makes the team like last year, I dont think he will do well enough to stick with the team all year. Remember, the only reason he made the team last year was because of Langenbrunners injury.

Ideally he gets 25-40 games of experience this year. Best case scenario is he plays so well he forces Lou to trade Gio.

im gonna make mine assuming the forwards stay as they are now:

bergfors-elias-rolston
parise-zajac-gionta
zubrus-madden-langenbrunner
pandolfo-holik-clarkson

i thought the same lines except flop pando and zub.....but then again there are many different things that could be tried.

crash line V2

rupp-holik-clarkson

people are saying that clarkson reminds them of mckay

Just for fun & giggles last night I assembled the following lines and simmed 7 games. Since it was this past year's schedule all those games were on the road which is a disadvantage in the game as well. The results were Devils were 7-0-1 leading the East with 15 pts. Just sayin'... the computer thinks it's a good lineup.

Parise-Elias-Bergfors
Rolston-Zubrus-Gionta
Pando-Madden-Langs
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

Martin-Oduya
White-Salvador
Vishnevski-Mottau

PP1 Elias-Holik-Parise; Rolston-Martin
PP2 Bergfors-Zubrus-Gionta; Langenbrunner-Oduya

PK1 Madden-Pando; White-Salvador
PK2 Holik-Langenbrunner; Martin-Oduya

(funny thing; after I placed Brylin, Asham, Matvichuk on free agent list - Minnesota picked up Brylin for a 2 year contract! :laugh: Payback I suspect)

Tonight I'm going to sit Vish and sim some with Corrente in the lineup.

NHL08?

Oduya and co suck on there. A little bit of edit work and creation RG?

Wheres Zajac?

NHL08?

Oduya and co suck on there. A little bit of edit work and creation RG?

Wheres Zajac?

No editing at all. Took the latest roster update and made the transactions - edit lines and go.

I was testing without Zajac to see how good the AI thought we'd be without him... now I'm hoping to replace Vishneski's and Mottau's names with Corrente and _____ (via trade).

No editing at all. Took the latest roster update and made the transactions - edit lines and go.

I was testing without Zajac to see how good the AI thought we'd be without him... now I'm hoping to replace Vishneski's and Mottau's names with Corrente and _____ (via trade).

Trade Zajac for Bieksa, and dump Vish for a prospect.

Martin - Oduya
Salvador - Bieksa
White - Corrente
Mottau

Awesomesauce.

Trade Zajac for Bieksa, and dump Vish for a prospect.

Martin - Oduya
Salvador - Bieksa
White - Corrente
Mottau

Awesomesauce.

I don't see Lou trading Zajac for Bieksa.

I don't see Lou trading Zajac for Bieksa.

Yeah, and its a shame. :(

Parise Elias Gionta/Bergfors
Rolston Zajac Langenbrunner
Pandolfo Madden Zubrus
Rupp/Vrana Holik Clarkson

Trade Zajac for Bieksa, and dump Vish for a prospect.

Martin - Oduya
Salvador - Bieksa
White - Corrente
Mottau

Awesomesauce.

That's a tight squeeze, but it works on paper... (barely leaves room for a Vrana/Pelley callup due to injury).

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s93/vagel117/caphit.jpg