After Thinking About It..Maybe Lou Might Just Stay Put (For Now)

Maybe Lou is actually thinking of just....staying put! Do nothing else other then upgrade Lowell, let the defense pan out for itself, and of the 8 defense man one can be sent to Lowell depending on who had a worse Camp. Then during the season if the need arises to pick up a D Man whther duringthe season or at the deadline it is always an option since we have cap Space.

Maybe we should just let it ride. Bergfors is NOT a 100% lock to make this team. he could be another Chrisian Berglund. It might be better to keep Gionta in his contract year, throw him on RW with Elias and see if he can put up 30-35 Goals and make our lines even stronger. Bergfors could also work out but that is not a lock. Same with Corrente who has not had a season in Lowell yet. Even if Bergfors did make the team Rupp could be the reserve

Enter the season (Lets say Bergfors makes the team):

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

Rupp/Pelley or Vrana


Martin
White
Oduya
Salvador
Greene
Vishnevski

Brookbank and Mottau battle for the 7th spot where the other is sent to Lowell but could get a call up during the season. Corrente starts in Lowell

Lou has $2 mill in Cap Space. A trade for a Defenseman can occur at the deadline.

Maybe this is the way to go.

I think that Lou is set for now, as well. Maybe he'll make a depth signing or something along those lines soon. I think that a trade will happen before the season starts, though.

I think that Lou is set for now, as well. Maybe he'll make a depth signing or something along those lines soon. I think that a trade will happen before the season starts, though.

Thats the thing..I am not sure if he even intends to do that!! Unless the opportunity presents itself where a trade is offered to him that makes us better. But he might just let the defesne pan out for itself and make the upgrade at the trade deadline.

Our team has 4 solid lines and 8 defense man that are either NHL capable or better.

If Martin breaks out then we have our puck moving defesne man.

"After Thinking About It..Maybe Lou Might Just Stay Put"

because of course, our Defense is the bomb.

Daneyko - Driver

Stevens - Albelein

Chambers - Niedermayer

"After Thinking About It..Maybe Lou Might Just Stay Put"

because of course, our Defense is the bomb.

Daneyko - Driver

Stevens - Albelein

Chambers - Niedermayer

Our Defense will NEVER EVER be that good again. It is spoiled to think that way.

the defesne we have now is not miserable.

We have 3 really good defensive prospects in Corrente, Eckford and Salmela...

We are spoiled when it comes to defense...We used to have Stevens, Rafalski, Daneyko and Nieds...and not really spoiled when it comes to offense, we have never even had a player score 100 points lol...not even in the 80s.

Our Defense will NEVER EVER be that good again. It is spoiled to think that way.

the defesne we have now is not miserable.

:cue Muttley:

We have 3 really good defensive prospects in Corrente, Eckford and Salmela...

Yes but none of them are proven and even if Corrente did make the team all that happens is Brookbank gets released or sent to Lowell with Mottau and Vish is the 7th.

I am really not so sure that Lou is content on making a trade the more I think of it. I think he plans to upgrade the D eventually but I think he is happy with the 8 he has now on the roster and will see how it pans out. He has improved our forwards to the point where scoring is not as much of an issue.

...or at least until the dust settles. No cap space and the market looks like a wedding dress sale after all the 3-8 sizes are gone. There's at least one significant trade before Sept., book it.

Plenty-o-time

There's at least one significant trade before Sept., book it.

I really do not know about that.

Even if the plan is for Corrente and Bergfors to make the team. A Vish for a 4th or a Mottau and Brookbank to Lowell transaction might be all he plans on doing.

Martin could be our puck moving defense man.

Plenty-o-time

Just saw your new sig. Gonna get my JB widget countdown clock right now;)

I really do not know about that.

Even if the plan is for Corrente and Bergfors to make the team. A Vish for a 4th or a Mottau and Brookbank to Lowell transaction might be all he plans on doing.

Martin could be our puck moving defense man.

I don't think blockbuster 'cause we don't have the assets, unless he changes the face of the team somehow, but something along the lines of an extra intangible: big point shot, set up pivot, who knows. I guess it does depend on how much they are really banking on Corrente, but with his recent injury history and inexperience, maybe not much yet.

Our Defense will NEVER EVER be that good again. It is spoiled to think that way.

the defesne we have now is not miserable.

True, but right now our defense is nowhere close to being that good. We want to try to get as close to that as possible with the turdy assets we currently have. In other words, that defense was a Mercedes SLR McLaren, our current defense is a Mercedes C-class. We want to try to get an E-class, maybe even S-class if we get lucky.

True, but right now our defense is nowhere close to being that good. We want to try to get as close to that as possible with the turdy assets we currently have. In other words, that defense was a Mercedes SLR McLaren, our current defense is a Mercedes C-class. We want to try to get an E-class, maybe even S-class if we get lucky.

I think our defense is better than the Rangers. Even with Redden I don't think they are in any better shape than we are. Rosival is good but he's not better than Martin.
The rest of their D haven't really panned out the way they expected.

I think our defense is better than the Rangers. Even with Redden I don't think they are in any better shape than we are. Rosival is good but he's not better than Martin.
The rest of their D haven't really panned out the way they expected.

I'm sorry, that's just not true.

True, but right now our defense is nowhere close to being that good. We want to try to get as close to that as possible with the turdy assets we currently have. In other words, that defense was a Mercedes SLR McLaren, our current defense is a Mercedes C-class. We want to try to get an E-class, maybe even S-class if we get lucky.

Yes but I think he will wait to see how the defense man he has look first. It is never to late to make a trade unless 3PM deadline day passes. We have improved by adding without subtracting while Pittsburgh and the Rangers have lost players. We are a better team. No dobut a playoff team and a division winning contender at MINIMUM. I think Lou might stay put with Cap Space and make his deal in February.

I'm sorry, that's just not true.

We'll see this season.

True, but right now our defense is nowhere close to being that good. We want to try to get as close to that as possible with the turdy assets we currently have. In other words, that defense was a Mercedes SLR McLaren, our current defense is a Mercedes C-class. We want to try to get an E-class, maybe even S-class if we get lucky.

You like cars much?:sarcasm:

I thought all Mercedes were good? But I'm a car:dunce:

Yes but I think he will wait to see how the defense man he has look first. It is never to late to make a trade unless 3PM deadline day passes.

We've seen the defenseman we have:

Vish - Sucks
Mottau - Mediocre
Brookbank - Sucks
Greene - Mediocre (still as potential)
Oduya - Serviceable
White - Serviceable
Salvador - Serviceable
Martin - Good

We haven't seen Salmela play in N.A. yet, and if Lou's expecting Corrente and/or Eckford to be top pairing defenseman next season, we're screwed.

We've seen the defenseman we have:

Vish - Sucks
Mottau - Mediocre
Brookbank - Sucks
Greene - Mediocre (still as potential)
Oduya - Serviceable
White - Serviceable
Salvador - Serviceable
Martin - Good

We haven't seen Salmela play in N.A. yet, and if Lou's expecting Corrente and/or Eckford to be top pairing defenseman next season, we're screwed.

This is why I'm noway convinced that Lou is done.

We've seen the defenseman we have:

Vish - Sucks
Mottau - Mediocre
Brookbank - Sucks
Greene - Mediocre (still as potential)
Oduya - Serviceable
White - Serviceable
Salvador - Serviceable
Martin - Good

We haven't seen Salmela play in N.A. yet, and if Lou's expecting Corrente and/or Eckford to be top pairing defenseman next season, we're screwed.

They were serviceable enough to enter last season with.

I am not saying he does not intend to upgrade the Defense. But I am also not sure he plans to do anything before the season starts.

Our offense could still be better but that does not mean he is going to do anything this offseason. Even though a lot of it is Marty, our defense still as a unit combined for one of the lowest GAA's in the league, kept us as a 4th seed or better for the entire season where there was a stretch we were 1st in the Conference. Lou might let them ride. If things do not look good he pulls the trigger.


You act as if we are doomed and a 10th seed if we enter the season like this.

We'll see this season.

Look, I'd love bash the Rags, but on what basis do you think our defense is better than theirs?

Paul Martin MAY be better than Rozsival (I think they're about equal), but EVERYONE else on our blue line sucks. Redden, Staal, Girardi >>> some combination of White, Salvador, Oduya, Mottau, Brookbank, Vish, Greene.

They were serviceable enough to enter last season with.

I am not saying he does not intend to upgrade the Defense. But I am also not sure he plans to do anything before the season starts.

No they weren't. Brodeur made them look 300 times better than they actually were so if we don't improve on D, expect another early exit.

With the market for D-men right now, especially solid 2 way D-man, I can't see many being offered up in trades unless they have ridiculous contracts (McCabe, Boyle). Even if we were to find a trading partner, I think the asking price would be way too high.

My guess is Lou waits, and hope Martin and Oduya progress as they did towards the 2nd half of last year, White can produce more like the 06 White, a full year of Salvador, and a rotation of Mottau, Greene, and Vish. I don't think corrente will be on the big club this year.

No they weren't. Brodeur made them look 300 times better than they actually were so if we don't improve on D, expect another early exit.

Again, I am not saying we are going to enter the post seasson with this defense. I am saying we might enter the REGULAR SEASON with this defense and see how it pans out. This is very realistically possible.

Look, I'd love bash the Rags, but on what basis do you think our defense is better than theirs?

Paul Martin MAY be better than Rozsival (I think they're about equal), but EVERYONE else on our blue line sucks. Redden, Staal, Girardi >>> some combination of White, Salvador, Oduya, Mottau, Brookbank, Vish, Greene.

Rozsival = Martin
Salvador = Girardi
Oduya + White = Staal
Redden not sure yet, but he isn't gonna be the savior they think he is.

rest of their junk matches our junk pretty much.

The big thing is they lost Tyutin, one of their better puck moving D-men. He was big and aggressive and was the reason why they were able to gain our zone so easily. Now with him gone I don't think Redden is going to fill his shoes.

I could be dead wrong about Redden, but do you really think he's a 6.5 mil defenseman?

We've seen the defenseman we have:

Vish - Sucks
Mottau - Mediocre
Brookbank - Sucks
Greene - Mediocre (still as potential)
Oduya - Serviceable
White - Serviceable
Salvador - Serviceable
Martin - Good

We haven't seen Salmela play in N.A. yet, and if Lou's expecting Corrente and/or Eckford to be top pairing defenseman next season, we're screwed.

We need to rid ourselves of this baggage. Brookbank, Mottau and possibly Vish (allthough I like his physicality in a 3rd pairing role).

We need to add a good top 4 dman, then were set. Maybe Salmela comes in and blows us away, but I really doubt that happens.

If he really is done for now, this is how I would want to start:

Oduya - Martin
Salvador - Vish/Salmela
White - Corrente

Mottau, Brookbank and Greene gonezo.

With the market for D-men right now, especially solid 2 way D-man, I can't see many being offered up in trades unless they have ridiculous contracts (McCabe, Boyle). Even if we were to find a trading partner, I think the asking price would be way too high.

My guess is Lou waits, and hope Martin and Oduya progress as they did towards the 2nd half of last year, White can produce more like the 06 White, a full year of Salvador, and a rotation of Mottau, Greene, and Vish. I don't think corrente will be on the big club this year.

And this with 4 solid lines up front is not chopped liver. Martin and White (and Greene to an extent) under achieved last season) Keeping Gionta makes us even stronger up front and we have a pretty decent defense. Come February deadline day Lou brings in a top defense man. Niedermayer is a UFA next offseason......CLUE CLUE!!!

Again, I am not saying we are going to enter the post seasson with this defense. I am saying we might enter the REGULAR SEASON with this defense and see how it pans out. This is very realistically possible.

i agree

We need to rid ourselves of this baggage. Brookbank, Mottau and possibly Vish (allthough I like his physicality in a 3rd pairing role).

We need to add a good top 4 dman, then were set. Maybe Salmela comes in and blows us away, but I really doubt that happens.

If he really is done for now, this is how I would want to start:

Oduya - Martin
Salvador - Vish/Salmela
White - Corrente

Mottau, Brookbank and Greene gonezo.


Greene is in their plans. He mentioned him as one of the 4 defense man they consider locks next season. and this is not necesaarily a bad thing. Greene was a sophomore. He deserves another chance. He might become a solid defense man who uses that shot of his. I can see him being dealt and Lou might consider it as well, but for now I think he stays.

first of all Paul Martin is BETTER then good! I still dont believe we saw the best from Paul Martin yet.

He did his best to address the O money wise and part of his mission this off season was to try to get at least one stud D. Not saying him, but as an example, Leopold or some other name that escapes us now. We are all antsy because of all the activity going on, but I'm telling he's due, long over due for a significant transaction.

He did his best to address the O money wise and part of his mission this off season was to try to get at least one stud D. Not saying him, but as an example, Leopold or some other name that escapes us now. We are all antsy because of all the activity going on, but I'm telling he's due, long over due for a significant transaction.

Yes but he would go 10 years without making a deal if he did not find one that makes the team better.

Scott Niedermayer is a UFA next season. I would love to have Cap space at the deadline to add him for the post season...wouldn't you?

can someone look me straight in the face and tell me this teams defense down right Sucks right now and we go nowehre this season with them? that is just not true.

I am really starting to be convinced that Lou enters the season with the players we have now. (Including Berfors and Corennte)

Greene is in their plans. He mentioned him as one of the 4 defense man they consider locks next season. and this is not necesaarily a bad thing. Greene was a sophomore. He deserves another chance. He might become a solid defense man who uses that shot of his. I can see him being dealt and Lou might consider it as well, but for now I think he stays.

People wanted Greene to be the new Rafalski and when he didn't and actually was incredibly less than adequate, well, we know how it goes here in HFMB. But the kid has talent and is young. At the very least he is a trade-able commodity who is low cost and with enough upside that other teams might bite in a package deal.

can someone look me straight in the face and tell me this teams defense down right Sucks right now and we go nowehre this season with them? that is just not true.

Our defense sucks and we arent getting anywhere in the playoffs with them.

Neidermayer - Beauchemin
Pronger - Whoever...

Lidstrom - Rafalski
Kronwall - Stuart

Oduya - Martin
White - Salvador

One of these things is not like the other.

Unfortunately, I can *see* Lou entering the season with this lineup, however, I think we *need* an upgrade at Defense if this team is expected to compete well in the post-season, though a post-season appearance should never be taken for granted.

Again, I am not saying we are going to enter the post seasson with this defense. I am saying we might enter the REGULAR SEASON with this defense and see how it pans out. This is very realistically possible.

Lou specifically said he wanted to acquire a top 3 d-man via "transaction" this summer. He also acknowledged that our D sucked last year. If he knows he has to make major improvements to the blue line, why would he wait until the season gets underway when most teams are settled and less willing to make a trade?

Greene is in their plans. He mentioned him as one of the 4 defense man they consider locks next season. and this is not necesaarily a bad thing. Greene was a sophomore. He deserves another chance. He might become a solid defense man who uses that shot of his. I can see him being dealt and Lou might consider it as well, but for now I think he stays.

Thanks, I'm glad someone else listened to Lou's interview besides me.

From the way Lou talked he is still pretty sold on Greene. I don't think he's gonna abandon him so fast so easily yet.

It really will depend on how everyone does in Training camp. I can't wait.

Our defense sucks and we arent getting anywhere in the playoffs with them.

Neidermayer - Beauchemin
Pronger - Whoever...

Lidstrom - Rafalski
Kronwall - Stuart

Oduya - Martin
White - Salvador

One of these things is not like the other.

We need a stronger D for the post season I agree . But Lou might see how this pans out in the Regular Season first before making his move.

Yes but he would go 10 years without making a deal if he did not find one that makes the team better.

Scott Niedermayer is a UFA next season. I would love to have Cap space at the deadline to add him for the post season...wouldn't you?

can someone look me straight in the face and tell me this teams defense down right Sucks right now and we go nowehre this season with them? that is just not true.

I am really starting to be convinced that Lou enters the season with the players we have now. (Including Berfors and Corennte)

I'm with ya entirely. And yes, he wouldn't just trade for the sake of trade. But where we disagree is that nothing else (not major major) but significant will get done. And you can call me on it in Sept;) I'll owe ya a Carvel ice cream at the Rock.

Our defense sucks and we arent getting anywhere in the playoffs with them.

Neidermayer - Beauchemin
Pronger - Whoever...

Lidstrom - Rafalski
Kronwall - Stuart

Oduya - Martin
White - Salvador

One of these things is not like the other.

Great, now this is stuck in my head, thanks:sarcasm:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tZIvgQ9ik48&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tZIvgQ9ik48&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Our Defense will NEVER EVER be that good again. It is spoiled to think that way.

the defesne we have now is not miserable.

We're just going by what Lamoriello stated that he wanted to add two defensemen. Salvador is one and were is the other? Unless Lou means the new guy from Sweden??

Lou specifically said he wanted to acquire a top 3 d-man via "transaction" this summer. He also acknowledged that our D sucked last year. If he knows he has to make major improvements to the blue line, why would he wait until the season gets underway when most teams are settled and less willing to make a trade?

He never acknowledged our D sucks last year. No way did he say or think that. That is completely made up by you. I think he is thrilled with how the D panned out but realizes it could and should be improved. Sutter loved Mottau and Brookbank.

Just because he would like to improve our D does not mean he is going to. What if he called 30 GM's and they all said no to a deal? there is never a guarantee. He wanted to add a top Center and he did in Rolston. Maybe his idea of signing a D was adding Salvador and riding it out.

I think he knows the D needs to improve but he is in no hurry. He also said 2 days ago if this is the only moves we make after the signings, he is thrilled.

We're just going by what Lamoriello stated that he wanted to add two defensemen. Salvador is one and were is the other? Unless Lou means the new guy from Sweden??

I just do not think it is necessarily going to happen before the season starts. Not every goal can be reached.

He never acknowledged our D sucks last year. No way did he say or think that. That is completely made up by you. I think he is thrilled with how the D panned out but realizes it could and should be improved. Sutter loved Mottau and Brookbank.

Just because he would like to improve our D does not mean he is going to. What if he called 30 GM's and they all said no to a deal? there is never a guarantee. He wanted to add a top Center and he did in Rolston. Maybe his idea of signing a D was adding Salvador and riding it out.

I think he knows the D needs to improve but he is in no hurry. He also said 2 days ago if this is the only moves we make after the signings, he is thrilled.

Defensively it was ok (mainly due to Marty and excellent 2-way play from the forwards) but transitionally they were ****ing poor.

Martin (maybe Oduya) was the only guy who could carry the puck, but was limited because he was the workhorse and had to play a shutdown role.

This is where we need a trade.

Defensively it was ok (mainly due to Marty and excellent 2-way play from the forwards) but transitionally they were ****ing poor.

Martin (maybe Oduya) was the only guy who could carry the puck, but was limited because he was the workhorse and had to play a shutdown role.

This is where we need a trade.

And thats why in no way Roszival is equal to Martin. I just don't see it.

Yes but he would go 10 years without making a deal if he did not find one that makes the team better.

Scott Niedermayer is a UFA next season. I would love to have Cap space at the deadline to add him for the post season...wouldn't you?

can someone look me straight in the face and tell me this teams defense down right Sucks right now and we go nowehre this season with them? that is just not true.

I am really starting to be convinced that Lou enters the season with the players we have now. (Including Berfors and Corennte)

If Anaheim was on pace to make the playoffs, why the hell would they trade Niedermayer? My point is that Lou knows we need help on D today, why would he wait to acquire a defenseman at the deadline when his options are so limited. None of the teams bound for the playoffs would be willing to deal their top 4 d-men. He may get a UFA, but as we have seen in the past, major assets and/or picks would have to be sent the other way.

We need a stronger D for the post season I agree . But Lou might see how this pans out in the Regular Season first before making his move.

All of our problems last year started with our defense.

We couldn't score on the PP because we didn't have anything close to a point shot until Jamie came back.

We had trouble scoring in general because aside from Martin, none of our d-men were able to help out our forwards. They can't break out of our zone, make a decent outlet pass, or get pucks to the net.

Our defenseman just hung back at the blue line when we were on offense and never really made an effort to contribute offensively. They didn't seem involved in the play at all, they were more like observers.

Marty was getting run all the time and other teams were scoring ugly goals off of deflections because our d-men couldn't keep the crease clear for him.

Marty stood on his head all season long because he had pylons playing in front of him and was burnt out by the time the playoffs rolled around.

We rotated our bottom 3 defensemen and sometimes went with 7 total. If we were so good on D, there would have been no need to carry 9 defensemen.

He never acknowledged our D sucks last year. No way did he say or think that. That is completely made up by you. I think he is thrilled with how the D panned out but realizes it could and should be improved. Sutter loved Mottau and Brookbank.

Just because he would like to improve our D does not mean he is going to. What if he called 30 GM's and they all said no to a deal? there is never a guarantee. He wanted to add a top Center and he did in Rolston. Maybe his idea of signing a D was adding Salvador and riding it out.

I think he knows the D needs to improve but he is in no hurry. He also said 2 days ago if this is the only moves we make after the signings, he is thrilled.

I heard him on XM say that the defense was weak last year and was one of the reasons the Rags tossed us out of the playoffs, which is why the #1 item on his summer wish list was a top 3 d-man.

Also, if Sutter loved Brookbank, why did he sit in the press box all year?

Defensively it was ok (mainly due to Marty and excellent 2-way play from the forwards) but transitionally they were ****ing poor.

Martin (maybe Oduya) was the only guy who could carry the puck, but was limited because he was the workhorse and had to play a shutdown role.

This is where we need a trade.

I do not disagree.

But again, I am not so sure Lou is going to be quick to make a deal this offseason. he might stay put and with the new addiotns up front, a fresh new season and new start might see how it pans out. Martin is a capable transition specialist.

I like the idea of having an under achieving Gionta on the right side of Parise or Elias or Rolston and seeing if he can put up 30-35 next season and make us a team with 3 and even 4 solid linesthat can score with the bottom 2 being more of a shutdown.

Andthen february 23rd...at 2:56 PM the Devils acquire pending UFA Scott Niedermayer from the Anaheim Ducks. (this is pure speculation on my part but I really think it is realistic that he might stay put this OFF SEASON)

If Anaheim was on pace to make the playoffs, why the hell would they trade Niedermayer? My point is that Lou knows we need help on D today, why would he wait to acquire a defenseman at the deadline when his options are so limited. None of the teams bound for the playoffs would be willing to deal their top 4 d-men. He may get a UFA, but as we have seen in the past, major assets and/or picks would have to be sent the other way.



All of our problems last year started with our defense.

We couldn't score on the PP because we didn't have anything close to a point shot until Jamie came back.

We had trouble scoring in general because aside from Martin, none of our d-men were able to help out our forwards. They can't break out of our zone, make a decent outlet pass, or get pucks to the net.

Our defenseman just hung back at the blue line when we were on offense and never really made an effort to contribute offensively. They didn't seem involved in the play at all, they were more like observers.

Marty was getting run all the time and other teams were scoring ugly goals off of deflections because our d-men couldn't keep the crease clear for him.

Marty stood on his head all season long because he had pylons playing in front of him and was burnt out by the time the playoffs rolled around.

We rotated our bottom 3 defensemen and sometimes went with 7 total. If we were so good on D, there would have been no need to carry 9 defensemen.

:bow:

I think our defense is better than the Rangers. Even with Redden I don't think they are in any better shape than we are. Rosival is good but he's not better than Martin.
The rest of their D haven't really panned out the way they expected.

Their defense was better than ours last year by a good margin. They overpaid (a lot) for Redden, but he certainly doesn't make them worse.

Again, I am not saying we are going to enter the post seasson with this defense. I am saying we might enter the REGULAR SEASON with this defense and see how it pans out. This is very realistically possible.

I agree with you that it is quite realistically possible, but I hope not.




All of our problems last year started with our defense.

We couldn't score on the PP because we didn't have anything close to a point shot until Jamie came back.

We had trouble scoring in general because aside from Martin, none of our d-men were able to help out our forwards. They can't break out of our zone, make a decent outlet pass, or get pucks to the net.

Our defenseman just hung back at the blue line when we were on offense and never really made an effort to contribute offensively. They didn't seem involved in the play at all, they were more like observers.

Marty was getting run all the time and other teams were scoring ugly goals off of deflections because our d-men couldn't keep the crease clear for him.

Marty stood on his head all season long because he had pylons playing in front of him and was burnt out by the time the playoffs rolled around.

We rotated our bottom 3 defensemen and sometimes went with 7 total. If we were so good on D, there would have been no need to carry 9 defensemen.

Thank you! I agree with everyhing you said.

I'd add one more thing: Sutter wants to play a more aggressive game, but such a game exposes our crappy D. I really want Sutter to be able to implement his system, but he can't do it with the stiffs we have at the blueline.

I do not disagree.

But again, I am not so sure Lou is going to be quick to make a deal this offseason. he might stay put and with the new addiotns up front, a fresh new season and new start might see how it pans out. Martin is a capable transition specialist.

I like the idea of having an under achieving Gionta on the right side of Parise or Elias or Rolston and seeing if he can put up 30-35 next season and make us a team with 3 and even 4 solid linesthat can score with the bottom 2 being more of a shutdown.

Andthen february 23rd...at 2:56 PM the Devils acquire pending UFA Scott Niedermayer from the Anaheim Ducks. (this is pure speculation on my part but I really think it is realistic that me might stay put)

Ok, but I think your expecting too much. Far too much.

Ok, but I think your expecting too much. Far too much.

Agreed. A year under Sutter, see how far he could take them. Now he's in assess what is needed to improve the team chances mode and do some magic and get it.

Optimism train:)

Agreed. A year under Sutter, see how far he could take them. Now he's in assess what is needed to improve the team chances mode and do some magic and get it.

Optimism train:)

We will make a trade for a defenseman before camp starts. We will.

I do not disagree.

But again, I am not so sure Lou is going to be quick to make a deal this offseason. he might stay put and with the new addiotns up front, a fresh new season and new start might see how it pans out. Martin is a capable transition specialist.

I like the idea of having an under achieving Gionta on the right side of Parise or Elias or Rolston and seeing if he can put up 30-35 next season and make us a team with 3 and even 4 solid linesthat can score with the bottom 2 being more of a shutdown.

Andthen february 23rd...at 2:56 PM the Devils acquire pending UFA Scott Niedermayer from the Anaheim Ducks. (this is pure speculation on my part but I really think it is realistic that he might stay put this OFF SEASON)

You're telling me I'm making stuff up when your entire argument is driven by this fantasy of acquiring Niedermayer 4 minutes before the deadline?!

Burke is going to just hand over Niedermayer at the deadline right? Yep, when Anaheim is in the race for a playoff spot he's going to trade his #1 defenseman for whatever dog crap we have lying around. And no, he's not going to make any effort whatsoever to re-sign him. That would just be silly.

Ok, but I think your expecting too much. Far too much.

I might be when it comes to the Niedermayer fantasy.

But if you think I am expecting to much thinking Gionta could score 30 then I disagree. He is capable of putting 30 goals in the net. We added without subtracting so far. I also think our defense is better then it was last year and bette rthen it played last year. If White bounces back and Greene or Oduya and Martin play well and can carry the puck out of the zone this team is very dangerous. That is not unrealistic.

Yes our defense can be better and I expect Lou ti look for defense at the deadline or even during the season. I am not going to be shocked, or EVEN unhappy if he is done this off season.

Rolston-Elias-Gionta-White-Martin
Parise-Zajac-Bergfors-Salvador-Oduya
Zubrus-Madden-Langenbrunner-Greene-Vishnevski
Pandolfo-Holik-Clarkson

Rupp and Mottau reserves.

Brodeur and Weekes


That is not a bad team people. It really is not.

Especially when we lost only Asham and Brylin and the Rangers anbd Pens have not gotten better yet.

And thats why in no way Roszival is equal to Martin. I just don't see it.

Martin and Roszival are equals offensively, perhaps with a slight edge to Roszival. But Martin easily trumps him in the defensive zone.

Martin is clearly the better defenseman. And I'm far from a homer. Overall, the Rangers have a better top 4. But we'll see who Lou gets.

You're telling me I'm making stuff up when your entire argument is driven by this fantasy of acquiring Niedermayer 4 minutes before the deadline?!

Burke is going to just hand over Niedermayer at the deadline right? Yep, when Anaheim is in the race for a playoff spot he's going to trade his #1 defenseman for whatever dog crap we have lying around. And no, he's not going to make any effort whatsoever to re-sign him. That would just be silly.

The point I am making is not driven by Niedermayer being my deadline wet dream. I already said I admit that might be far fetched as an example and very unlikely.

I am saying there is absolutely no time that Lou referred to our defense as one that sucks or is even minutely bad. And he does not even think it because...it is not really that bad.

Forget about Niedermayer. It was stupid I brought it up.

But it is not unrealistic to think Lou wants to stay put until after the season starts and work with what he has. And if he does the team is better then last season.

How can anyone be satisfied with our current set of defenseman is beyond me. It's actually quite putrid.

We need another defenseman. Period.

Keep Martin, White, Salvador, Oduya and Corrente. Buy Brookbank, Mottau and Greene bus tickets to Low-hell.

Add a top 4, point producing, transistion dman and were golden.

The point I am making is not driven by Niedermayer being my deadline wet dream. I already said I admit that might be far fetched as an example and very unlikely.

I am saying there is absolutely no time that Lou referred t our defense as one that sucks or is even minutely bad.

Forget about Niedermayer. it was stupid I brought it up.

But it is not unrealistic to think Lou wants to stay put until after the season starts and work with what he has. And if he does the team is better then last season.

I doubt Anaheim will trade Nieds. But I do expect Lou to make a serious bid for him if he hits UFA next year. Maybe Nieds realizes that he was more comfortable in NJ? Who knows.

We will make a trade for a defenseman before camp starts. We will.

All aboard!:)

[QUOTE=Devs4thCup;14711882]Martin and Roszival are equals offensively, perhaps with a slight edge to Roszival. But Martin easily trumps him in the defensive zone.

Martin is clearly the better defenseman. And I'm far from a homer. Overall, the Rangers have a better top 4. But we'll see who Lou gets.[/QUOTE

Agreed. The D factor is why I don't think they are on par with each other, but sub Martin with Rosz on the NYR top4 and I would welcome it with open arms.

But it is not unrealistic to think Lou wants to stay put until after the season starts and work with what he has. And if he does the team is better then last season.

He knows what he has though. It's not like he brought in a guy like a Redden and then decided to wait 3 months before assessing if the team would be better with another addition to the defense.

This is basically the same guys that we saw last year. Yes, they're competent in the regular season, but the playoffs are a concern. I think that we have 1 very good defenseman and 3 good ones, and the rest are stinkers. Corrente should make the team which means that Lou needs to get another guy.

the defense still ****ing sucks. i dont get how simply signing salvador improved it.

I doubt Anaheim will trade Nieds. But I do expect Lou to make a serious bid for him if he hits UFA next year. Maybe Nieds realizes that he was more comfortable in NJ? Who knows.

I was stupid for even bringing that up and into this thread.

My point is that I do not disagree with one point anyone has made about our defense last season and the look of it right now.

But I am not sold on Lou being content on making a deal for a top 3 this offseason. He is a patient man and I think he likes the defense. and I do not care what anyone says, it is not a bad defense. can it be better? yes. Can it be A LOT better? not so sure..Martin, White and Greene under achieved last season. Salvador has been added and there is a spot for Corrente assuming he looks ready he sends Vish packing for a 5th or something (which I do not consider a trade like the type other posters are tralking about)

I might be when it comes to the Niedermayer fantasy.

But if you think I am expecting to much thinking Gionta could score 30 then I disagree. He is capable of putting 30 goals in the net. We added without subtracting so far. I also think our defense is better then it was last year and bette rthen it played last year. If White bounces back and Greene or Oduya and Martin play well and can carry the puck out of the zone this team is very dangerous. That is not unrealisic.

Yes our defesne can be better and I expect Lou ti look for defense atthe deadline or even during the season. I am not going to be shocked, or EVEN unhappy if he is done.

Rolston-Elias-Gionta-White-Martin
Parise-Zajac-Bergfors-Salvador-Oduya
Zubrus-Madden-Langenbrunner-Greene-Vishnevski
Pandolfo-Holik-Clarkson

Rupp and Mottau reserves.

Brodeur and Weekes


That is not a bad team people. It really is not.

Especially when we lost only Asham and Brylin and the Rangers anbd Pens have not gotten better yet.

Hahaha. That defense looks AWFUL. You are overrating our players big time. Go back and look up the box scores for some of the games when we dominated offensively. In those games, our defenseman stepped in and made major contributions. It all starts from the back end, if you have defenseman that cannot do the little things in the offensive zone to help make life easier for your forwards, your offense as a whole will suffer. Which is exactly what we saw last year. It almost felt like the other team had a 5-3 advantage in their zone because our defenseman were invisible.

The point I am making is not driven by Niedermayer being my deadline wet dream. I already said I admit that might be far fetched as an example and very unlikely.

I am saying there is absolutely no time that Lou referred to our defense as one that sucks or is even minutely bad. And he does not even think it because...it is not really that bad.

Forget about Niedermayer. It was stupid I brought it up.

But it is not unrealistic to think Lou wants to stay put until after the season starts and work with what he has. And if he does the team is better then last season.

It's not unrealistic, just too early to tell. But I think most us want to bet or hope or dream or wish that it doesn't stay this way.

the defense still ****ing sucks. i dont get how simply signing salvador improved it.

That is far fetched. Our defense does not suck. It needs improvement but suck is embellishing it.

Hahaha. That defense looks AWFUL. You are overrating our players big time. Go back and look up the box scores for some of the games when we dominated offensively. In those games, our defenseman stepped in and made major contributions. It all starts from the back end, if you have defenseman that cannot do the little things in the offensive zone to help make life easier for your forwards, your offense as a whole will suffer. Which is exactly what we saw last year. It almost felt like the other team had a 5-3 advantage in their zone because our defenseman were invisible.

Good point. Like the stretch when they dominated Carolina and even White got on to the score sheet.

He knows what he has though. It's not like he brought in a guy like a Redden and then decided to wait 3 months before assessing if the team would be better with another addition to the defense.

This is basically the same guys that we saw last year. Yes, they're competent in the regular season, but the playoffs are a concern. I think that we have 1 very good defenseman and 3 good ones, and the rest are stinkers. Corrente should make the team which means that Lou needs to get another guy.

Again, for the PLAYOFFS I agree we would need to make a move. But not in July or August. More like the deadline.

Our Defense will NEVER EVER be that good again. It is spoiled to think that way.

the defesne we have now is not miserable.

LOL...no it's a lot worse than that....it's a joke.

That is far fetched. Our defense does not suck. It needs improvement but suck is embellishing it.

No, it ****ing sucks.

You can't get much worse than what we have now.

LOL...no it's a lot worse than that....it's a joke.

No, it ****ing sucks.

You can't get much worse than what we have now.

all aboard!

Again, for the PLAYOFFS I agree we would need to make a move. But not in July or August. More like the deadline.

Defensively, they were covered up by Marty and our stellar checking line.

Offensively, Atlanta had a better blue line.

I was stupid for even bringing that up and into this thread.

My point is that I do not disagree with one point anyone has made about our defense last season and the look of it right now.

But I am not sold on Lou being content on making a deal for a top 3 this offseason. He is a patient man and I think he likes the defense. and I do not care what anyone says, it is not a bad defense. can it be better? yes. Can it be A LOT better? not so sure..Martin, White and Greene under achieved last season. Salvador has been added and there is a spot for Corrente assuming he looks ready he sends Vish packing for a 5th or something (which I do not consider a trade like the type other posters are tralking about)

Sucks is too harsh, but it isn't finals material and that's where it matters. Looks better with a legit #2 or versatile solid #3. A #1 might not be possible.

Hahaha. That defense looks AWFUL. You are overrating our players big time. Go back and look up the box scores for some of the games when we dominated offensively. In those games, our defenseman stepped in and made major contributions. It all starts from the back end, if you have defenseman that cannot do the little things in the offensive zone to help make life easier for your forwards, your offense as a whole will suffer. Which is exactly what we saw last year. It almost felt like the other team had a 5-3 advantage in their zone because our defenseman were invisible.

We were giving up 30 and 40 shots a lot of times and Marty bailed us out. Nobody denies this. i am not arguing or disagreeing. Well I am about our defense being awful. that is far fetched. But there is no doubt it could be better.

With the lines we have, the players we have and the TEAM we have as a hole I think Lou is fine entering the REGULAR season and see how it pans out. That is all I am saying.

No doubt we need to address the D before the playoffs. Especially since in the last 15 games it would b nice to have a strong enough D where Weekes can start and give Marty a few games off and avoid fatigue entering playoff time.

People act like it is the worst sin if Lou waits and bides his time. this team can be netter. But this team is good enough to enter the season and comfortably be in the playoff picture all season.

That is far fetched. Our defense does not suck. It needs improvement but suck is embellishing it.

u just see the glass as half full. while normally im optimistic, given the performance last year and also that nobody has been moved yet, im of the glass is half empty opinion....for now. they are dying for offense from the point, and the balls to stand up for marty. while i feel salvador will be more defensive of marty along with whitey, i just dont see how martin and oduya are going to improve so drastically to raise the numbers. itll def be great to have rolstons bomb from the point on the pp, but he cant play defense the whole game. im sorry, but i just dont agree with u on the defense. i think they suck and need some improvement. and not midseason and def not all the way at the deadline. they need it now. i still have faith in lou to get some work done. so im hoping hes got something up his sleeve.

Sucks is too harsh, but it isn't finals material and that's where it matters. Looks better with a legit #2 or versatile solid #3. A #1 might not be possible.

Why do people keep bringing up the Stanley Cup Final and the playoffs?

All I said is Lou might be set to enter the regular season with the team he has in tact right now. This does not mean he is not going to make a deal during the season or at the deadline.

I am sorry if I am disappointing people in there hopes we make more moves this off season. And I could be wrong ...we might.

But I am not so sure this is Lou's intention.

the defense still ****ing sucks. i dont get how simply signing salvador improved it.

Anyone keeping Vishnevski out of the lineup is improving our D, says I.

all aboard!

No, no, don't derail the optimism train:cry:
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u230/ppcccaps/parvarish13.jpg

I think he's done for now. Unless a really solid UFA signing offer/trade offer comes his way. He made an appropriate splash.

We're better than we were last year. Plus we have Salvador for the whole season, a solid guy who will help clear out the crease. We only had White/Brookbank to do that last year. I guess Vish counts too. But clearly Salvador is on the same skill level as White.

And everyone is saying 'we need a new puck-moving defenseman'. Well, we do. But Martin and Oduya are at least "ok" at doing that. You don't have to worry about the powerplay because you have Rolston/Langs/Elias back there. I think our puck-moving on defense has increased with the addition of Rolston. And Salvador really helps solidify our back end. We have more force back there with Salvador, because while Brookbank was tough he wasn't too skilled.

The "top" UFAs are all signed, and anyone else he goes after might be an overpayment. I think he'll sit back for awhile, see how we the team performs and then evaluate from there. He did say they would have a self-imposed cap.

And let us not forget, Parise hasn't quite had a breakout season yet. He is very capable of getting 40 goals this year. Zajac will hopefully improve, and I think we'll all be happy if he puts up 50-60 points. Elias has some pressure off him, so does Zajac and Zubrus.

I'm thinking this is a very "Devils" team that will surprise the NHL and fly under the radar again to the near top of the conference.

I would have really liked to have Satan though!

If Lou is set I wish he would change his mind. Elias belongs on wing with Parise with a quality center. The Devils don't have that quality center as of now. The trend for NHL teams is is youth and speed, Devils got older and didn't gain any speed.

Timmonen, Coburn

Markov, Streit

Whitney, Gonchar

Rosival, Tyutin (Gomez on PP)

These teams got through the first round and on because they had puck movers, good one's at that.

The Devils are one step away from that, we need a top 3 offensive blue liner.

No, no, don't derail the optimism train:cry:
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u230/ppcccaps/parvarish13.jpg

Choo Choo...chuga chuga chuga chuga...choo choo.

Why do people keep bringing up the Stanley Cup Final and the playoffs?

All I said is Lou might be set to enter the regular season with the team he has in tact right now. This does not mean he is not going to make a deal during the season or at the deadline.

I am sorry if I am disappointing people in there hopes we make more moves this off season. And I could be wrong ...we might.

But I am not so sure this is Lou's intention.

Because that's why we're in the league. :help:

Why do people keep bringing up the Stanley Cup Final and the playoffs?

All I said is Lou might be set to enter the regular season with the team he has in tact right now. This does not mean he is not going to make a deal during the season or at the deadline.

I am sorry if I am disappointing people in there hopes we make more moves this off season. And I could be wrong ...we might.

But I am not so sure this is Lou's intention.

Admit or not, it is about the finals in this neck of the woods and you know that. But banking on a mid season/deadline deal when the price goes up IMHO is more unrealistic, especially how Lou does things.

Anyone keeping Vishnevski out of the lineup is improving our D, says I.

this much is true atleast. i can see him being moved either alone or in a package before the likes of gionta.

I think he's done for now. Unless a really solid UFA signing offer/trade offer comes his way. He made an appropriate splash.

We're better than we were last year. Plus we have Salvador for the whole season, a solid guy who will help clear out the crease. We only had White/Brookbank to do that last year. I guess Vish counts too. But clearly Salvador is on the same skill level as White.

The "top" UFAs are all signed, and anyone else he goes after might be an overpayment. I think he'll sit back for awhile, see how we the team performs and then evaluate from there

I would have really liked to have Satan though!

I agree except when White is healthy and able to play to his potential he is miles and miles better then salvador and more important to this team that Salvador would ever be. Salvador is a solid defense man but White is leadership material. If he bounces back our defense is much better already.

Admit or not, it is about the finals in this neck of the woods and you know that. But banking on a mid season/deadline deal when the price goes up IMHO is more unrealistic, especially how Lou does things.

All i expect Lou to think about is winning the Cup. that is what I want the most as a fan.

But the deadline contracts in terms of Cap Hits are less, and pending ufa players or teams out of contentions players could be dumped for picks. The prices go down a lot at the deadline.

We will see what happens. Maybe Lou will make us all have something more to talk about aside from what has already happened. Maybe he wuill make a deal. But I am not going to be surprised even a little bit if he does not until after training camp at EARLIEST.

Again, for the PLAYOFFS I agree we would need to make a move. But not in July or August. More like the deadline.

Hahaha. You just don't get it do you? It's a lot easier to fill our gaping hole on defense now than it is to do so at the deadline. If we do it now, we can avoid over paying, and get a player who isn't going to be a UFA at the end of the season. If we do it at the deadline, we won't have nearly as many options since over half the league would be fighting for a playoff spot. We'd have to trade with a bottom dweller and probably over pay for a guy who wasn't even on the top of our list.

We have 3 really good defensive prospects in Corrente, Eckford and Salmela...

I think Lou goes into training camp with the defense we have now & expects all three of these guys to seriously compete for spots. Same thing for the offense. I think Lou really wants to infuse the lineup with maybe 2-3 rookies & if they perform well enough in the preseason, he'll make room for them.

I don't see Lou making a trade for a big name defenseman at this point. We don't have enough offense that we could trade a Gionta away, so it would probably cost the Devils some prospects (which they are thin on) & I just don't see Lou risking the future since likes to have a good balance between age groups on the team.

I think Lou has a lot of confidence in this group & is going to see what happens. A lot of guys underperformed last year & I think he's looking for much better seasons from the likes of Zajac, White, Zubrus, Gionta, Greene...as well as more development from Martin & Clarkson. If the team underperforms, then he makes a few moves at the trade deadline.

All i expect Lou to think about is winning the Cup. that is what I want the most as a fan.

But the deadline contracts in terms of Cap Hits are less, and pending ufa players or teams out of contentions players could be dumped for picks. The prices go down a lot at the deadline.

We will see what happens. Maybe Lou will make us all have something more to talk about aside from what has already happened. Maybe he wuill make a deal. But I am not going to be surprised even a little bit if he does not until after training camp at EARLIEST.

And I'm with ya on some of your points. Let's agree to disagree and check back when TC starts or if I'm correct earlier than that;)

Timmonen, Coburn

Markov, Streit

Whitney, Gonchar

Rosival, Tyutin (Gomez on PP)

These teams got through the first round and on because they had puck movers, good one's at that.

The Devils are one step away from that, we need a top 3 offensive blue liner.



Okay I am done with this thread. People can keep talking but I am done. I never said we do not need a puck moving defense man. Everyones example is based on the playoffs. I think Lou makes a signifcant move to bolster the bluline before the playoffs..But what does that have to do wit hthe offseason right now?

Unless someone can convince me we cannot compete with this defense this seaon the same one that competed last year and a better offense then I might agree. But otherwise, I am not gonna be shocked if Lou stands pat until closer to the playoffs.

I think Lou goes into training camp with the defense we have now & expects all three of these guys to seriously compete for spots. Same thing for the offense. I think Lou really wants to infuse the lineup with maybe 2-3 rookies & if they perform well enough in the preseason, he'll make room for them.

I don't see Lou making a trade for a big name defenseman at this point. We don't have enough offense that we could trade a Gionta away, so it would probably cost the Devils some prospects (which they are thin on) & I just don't see Lou risking the future since likes to have a good balance between age groups on the team.

I think Lou has a lot of confidence in this group & is going to see what happens. A lot of guys underperformed last year & I think he's looking for much better seasons from the likes of Zajac, White, Zubrus, Gionta, Greene...as well as more development from Martin & Clarkson. If the team underperforms, then he makes a few moves at the trade deadline.

You said it a lot better then I did. And it only took you one post.

I agree except when White is healthy and able to play to his potential he is miles and miles better then salvador and more important to this team that Salvador would ever be. Salvador is a solid defense man but White is leadership material. If he bounces back our defense is much better already.

Salvador was one of the Blues´ leaders in the locker room. So he too has the ability lead, if necessary. But it´s true what you said about White playing up to his potential. It´s just that with his eye injury, White won ´t be the player he could be.

Hopefully the Devs get another addition to their blueline. Vishnevski out is an improvement, but more is needed.

Okay I am done with this thread. People can keep talking but I am done. I never said we do not need a puck moving defense man. Everyones example is based on the playoffs. I think Lou makes a signifcant move to bolster the bluline before the playoffs..But what does that have to do wit hthe offseason right now?

Unless someone can convince me we cannot compete with this defense this seaon the same one that competed last year and a better offense then I might agree. But otherwise, I am not gonna be shocked if Lou stands pat until closer to the playoffs.

So you admit defeat? Nice.

VICTORY IS MINE!

Okay I am done with this thread. People can keep talking but I am done. I never said we do not need a puck moving defense man. Everyones example is based on the playoffs. I think Lou makes a signifcant move to bolster the bluline before the playoffs..But what does that have to do wit hthe offseason right now?

Unless someone can tell me we cannot compete with this defense the same one thast competed last year and a better offense then I might agree. But otherwise, I am not gonna be shocked if Lou stands pat until closer to the playoffs.

I completely agree with you. We competed just fine last year. We actually were on top of the East til we added Salvador.

I think we can be contenders again this season but I definitely agree we need to make a trade for a #1 defenseman to really improve this team. But I have never seen what Corrente is capable of. Remember he played with Petriangle and was considered one of the top d-men of the Icedogs. If he can do that he should be able to make the camp easily.

I'm not sure if this adds anything to the discussion but here goes:

Brookbank was acquired on waivers last year and was an RFA this offseason. If Lou didn't think he would make the team, why would he have signed him? Wouldn't he have to be waived to go down to the minors if he doesn't make the team. If so, then he will be staying in Lowell because Lou isn't going to subject him to recall waivers.

Mottau was also just signed. I'm not sure what his status is re: waivers but given his play last year, I could very well see the team keeping him on as a 3rd pairing defenceman. If not, I could see the last spot being a toss up between him and Greene with the other going to Lowell.

We need Bouwmeester.

I'm not sure if this adds anything to the discussion but here goes:

Brookbank was acquired on waivers last year and was an RFA this offseason. If Lou didn't think he would make the team, why would he have signed him? Wouldn't he have to be waived to go down to the minors if he doesn't make the team. If so, then he will be staying in Lowell because Lou isn't going to subject him to recall waivers.

Mottau was also just signed. I'm not sure what his status is re: waivers but given his play last year, I could very well see the team keeping him on as a 3rd pairing defenceman. If not, I could see the last spot being a toss up between him and Greene with the other going to Lowell.

Brookbank was a UFA. Just because Lou signed him doesn't mean he'll be on the team next year. Columbus signed him the year before and he ended up getting waived. It can (and hopefully will) happen again.

So you admit defeat? Nice.

VICTORY IS MINE!

I never admitted defeat. We both agree this team needs a D Man. We both TOTALLY disagree about your opinion that this defense downright sucks.
I said a trade might not happen this offseason. Or even anywhere near the beginnning of the season.

I never admitted defest. We bot hagree this team needs a D Man

I said it might not happen this offseason. Or even anywhere near the beginnning of the season.

What? I can't hear you over the music...

sogKUx_q7ig

I beleive we all start out saying we needed a quality center and defenseman to improve last seasons Devils before 7/1/08. After the 7/1/08 Devils' activity we still don't have a quality center or a defense man. We got an aging center in Holik and and aging winger in Rolston. Otherwise we have the same team as last season excluding Brylin. So we improved slightly with Holik and Rolston on offense but that IMO doesn't make us a Cup contender. We have Brodeur so we need to make a run now not later.

Corrente, Eckford and Salmela. . . . what category would each of these defensemen fall into??? stay at home? puck movers?

Corrente, Eckford and Salmela. . . . what category would each of these defensemen fall into??? stay at home? puck movers?

Defensive defenseman, offensive defenseman, offensive defenseman.

Eckford has size, if he learns to use it and gets better defensively, he could be a solid two-way defenseman, but I think that's a stretch at this point.

One thing I will confess to is we do not have a right handed shooting D Man other then Brookbank and the Rangers are going to get better as well as the Pens before September. So that could be one thing that leans towards Lou making a deal sooner then later.

Regardless, we are a batter team then alst year and could enter the season with who we have.

Defensive defenseman, offensive defenseman, offensive defenseman.

Eckford has size, if he learns to use it and gets better defensively, he could be a solid two-way defenseman, but I think that's a stretch at this point.

i think corrente is most comparable to bieksa. tough kid who can move the puck.

Its honestly illogical for us to wait until the trade deadline when we would only be making a deal without 10 or so teams who are not competing for the cup. It makes sense to do it now to allow the players to get used to each other as well as allowing us to have many more options.

I love our new PP though

1st unit
Rolston and Langenbrunner at the point and Elias, Parise, and Gionta out front.

2nd Unit
Martin and Oduya at the point with Zubrus, Zajac, and Berfgors out front.

I love our new PP though

1st unit
Rolston and Langenbrunner at the point and Elias, Parise, and Gionta out front.

2nd Unit
Martin and Oduya at the point with Zubrus, Zajac, and Berfgors out front.

I'd put Martin at the point on the first PP unit with Rolston.

I'd put Martin at the point on the first PP unit with Rolston.

Yeah, they're not putting 5 forwards out at once, that's a disaster waiting to happen.

There will be alot of postgame bike rides if they do that.

I think the fact that the Devils have a whopping 14 forwards and 8 defensemen says that someone is going somewhere - especially if Corrente, Vrana, Bergfors, etc. are looking to challenge for spots.

That said, it's...July 3rd. There's plenty of time for a trade to be made. I think now is the time to see who does what and who would be willing to take some players.

Personally, I think since trades are eventually coming, it could mean Mottau, Greene, and Brookbank stick around as they are serviceable while not eating up much cap space. And that's important as the Devils have used up their space for the most part and they aren't going to be right at the max.

See, here's the thing, we can continue talking until we're blue in the face about how the Devils need a puck-moving defenseman or a general upgrade to the defense. Should the Devils either look to obtain this help, they will have to consider the cost. The cap alone is a big cost. For starters, consider the defensemen in this market, they made some ri-dic-u-lous money. Seriously, Mike Commodore is making more than any single Devil d-man except for Paul Martin. The Devils should not and really can not (they are only a million or so under the cap?) overpay for a name guy. Also, the other cost is in trading talent. Given the team's biggest problem from last season and since 1996 (excepting 2000-01) is scoring, the money had to be spent for someone who can score (which they did in Rolston). That makes sense. But what won't make sense is to give up scoring and other valuable (this definition includes bargains like Greene, Mottau, Oduya) talent for this need as it will just put the Devils back to where they started. Especially if they try to go big and somehow convince, say, Florida to give up on their ace defenseman. It's not that I disagree with the idea; but I just don't see it as viable right now.

So I think Lou is right to let things settle, see who's out there, who is a viable option without costing too much, and working it out from there. Otherwise, we're going to have the same or similar complaints in a few months time.

I love our new PP though

1st unit
Rolston and Langenbrunner at the point and Elias, Parise, and Gionta out front.

2nd Unit
Martin and Oduya at the point with Zubrus, Zajac, and Berfgors out front.

Everything can look good on paper (or html in this case) but you haven't seen it on ice.

I've been saying it (maybe not on the forums) but ever since we lost Gomez, our ability to skate the puck into the offensive zone has gone down significantly, especially on power plays. We just don't really have a fast and crafty puck handler like him besides Gionta, and still Gomez trumps him in every way.

Rolston and Holik are good two way forwards...we have so many of them now that should really help our defense...If Salmela is the next Rafalski, Corrente the next Bouwmester, and Eckford the next Gonchar we will be more than great :yo:

I love our new PP though

1st unit
Rolston and Langenbrunner at the point and Elias, Parise, and Gionta out front

I can understand going with 4 Forwards and 1 D on the PP but no D? I would not be comfortable with that. A bad pass or bounce and the short handed defense has a break away.

My 1st PP would be Martin and Rolston at the point. Elias, Parise and Langenbrunner up front. This leaves Gionta on the 2nd PP unit making it strong.

2nd PP Unit

Greene and Oduya or even possibly Holik on the point with Gionta, Zubrus, and Zajac or Bergfors up front.

Everything can look good on paper (or html in this case) but you haven't seen it on ice.

I've been saying it (maybe not on the forums) but ever since we lost Gomez, our ability to skate the puck into the offensive zone has gone down significantly, especially on power plays. We just don't really have a fast and crafty puck handler like him besides Gionta, and still Gomez trumps him in every way.

They changed the rules. This is less important now... if you can win your faceoffs.
If they win the faceoffs, they will have a chance to maintain and dominate possession, at least until they produce one chance. No more getting the puck in the defensive zone, losing the faceoff, and fighting an uphill battle the entire shift.

So I think Lou is right to let things settle, see who's out there, who is a viable option without costing too much, and working it out from there. Otherwise, we're going to have the same or similar complaints in a few months time.


Makes sense, good point.

My apologies, haven't made it to your blog in awhile.

Makes sense, good point.

My apologies, haven't made it to your blog in awhile.

Don't get me wrong, I'm quite confident that someone will be traded or sent down. There's way too many players here and it only makes sense to keep them all if Lou/Sutter/we know that people are getting injured for a seriously long time. Even then, the prospects could fill those spots in.

The Cap is definitely a factor in terms of making a deal. If We trade Gionta's $4 million we can take on a $5 million player but it would be tight. We might have to waive or trade Vish also. No biggie.

I am not disputing the fact that a trade is feasible.

I am just saying based on Lou's track record he is a very patient man and not as aggresive as someone like Sather. He also has a lot of confidence in the players. HE could let the defense man that we has now, the same ones that we had all season last year with no Salvador and a set of either underachieving forwards or 4 lines that lacked depth and were changed up and still finished a 4th seed.

MArty was 70% of the reason we had the lowest GAA. HE carried us and less exposed the defense. But anyone who thinks the defense is horrible is blind and clueless about the game of hockey. Greene, White and Martin underachieved and are much better then they played and offer a lot more then they did last year. Martin took on a bigger role ad responsibility and I think that effected him as well.

This defense is good enough to ride it out and bide time for the perfect chance to make a trade. Lou might be thinking what happens if he deals Gionta and a defense man and Bergfors is a bust or Corrente is a bust or both?

Bottom line, no doubt Gionta is our top tradeable asset. We need room for prospects. These prospects are not guaranteed to be effective.

There a a lot of things to think about when making a deal. Lou is a content GM.

He knows we need a puck moving defense man but he might just eant to see with the team assembled if the D can pan out first. Then he evaluates and makes his move during the season.

We have a very potent offense. The Devils have a balance spread over 4 lines that could put them top 1/2 of the league in goals scored (Top 15) . I really feel that. Bergfors can be fit in even with no deal if Rupp becomes the reserve forward.

Corrente could be fit in if he pans out in Camp and Mottau and Brookbank can be sent to the A. Or Vish could be dealt for a 5th before camp.

I am not sold 100% that by September 1 this team will have a new addition to the blueline. We need a right handed shot and a better transition defense man and that can be solved in one trade for one defense man. I am not arguing it will not happen. I am arguing as to when and this presumed guarantee that everyone has that a deal is imminent this offseason.

Don't get me wrong, I'm quite confident that someone will be traded or sent down. There's way too many players here and it only makes sense to keep them all if Lou/Sutter/we know that people are getting injured for a seriously long time. Even then, the prospects could fill those spots in.

No I completely got your point 'cause I think something will happen also. Solid, contributing if not major, blockbuster type move.

Lou was a coach before he was the GM. He knows what he is doing. He can judge players a lot better than us Armchair GMs. I think everything will work out fine.

Lou was a coach before he was the GM. He knows what he is doing. He can judge players a lot better than us Armchair GMs. I think everything will work out fine.

:GWC: You know you enjoy it too;)

:GWC: You know you enjoy it too;)

Yeah, but I admit it when I'm wrong. People here just seem to think they know more than Lou. come on.

:GWC: You know you enjoy it too;)

i knew i recognized ur user tag from somewhere:laugh:
7_bcmMUS0bA

Yeah, but I admit it when I'm wrong. People here just seem to think they know more than Lou. come on.

It's a forum, what can we do?:dunno:

:)