Devils Reduce Roster to 23

Assigned to Lowell were goaltenders Dave Caruso, Scott Clemmensen, Jeff Frazee, and Jason Smith; defensemen Matthew Corrente, Tyler Eckford, Mark Fraser, Jay Leach, Olivier Magnan-Grenier, Rosario Ruggeri, and Matthew Spiller; and forwards Nicklas Bergfors, Tyler Burton, Eric Castonguay, Kevin Cormier, Patrick Davis, Jon DiSalvatore, Fedor Fedorov, Stephen Gionta, Matt Halischuk, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, Brad Mills, Benoit Mondou, Ryan Murphy, Rod Pelley, Pascal Rheaume, Brad Snetsinger, Michael Swift, Barry Tallackson, Chad Wiseman, and Vladimir Zharkov.

http://devils.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=384982

Vrana and Salmela made the team! :handclap:

Vrana and Salmela made the team! :handclap:

:handclap:

Vrana and Salmela made the team! :handclap:
Now the question is, will either of them play on opening night?

Now the question is, will either of them play on opening night?
Salmela will, Vrana not a chance unless someone is injured.

Now the question is, will either of them play on opening night?

Vrana is not. Sutter already said that his 4 lines are set for opening night.

This is really great! I´m really happy for Vrana and Salmela.

Onnea Anssi!

If clarkson cant keep up with the Pando-Maden tandem then i can see Vrana replacing him, but for opening night, i can only see Salmela playing.

Brookbank made the team. Seems we're running with 8 defensemen again.

Brookbank made the team. Seems we're running with 8 defensemen again.

As long as it wasnt at Salmela or Vrana's expense, i dont mind it at all.

ok so how many guys can we carry? 22? i know we can dress 20, if its 22 than we have 1 more player than we can have.

ok so how many guys can we carry? 22? i know we can dress 20
We can carry 23.

ok so how many guys can we carry? 22? i know we can dress 20

Im pretty sure your allowed to carry 23, no?

12 forwards
6 defenseman
2 goalies
3 healthy scratches

We can carry 23.

o ok thanks great....we are going to be seeing vrana/rupp and greene/brookbank/salmela switcharoo alot

my personal feelings, which may or may not be shared, is that Rupp/Vrana switch with Clarkson moving down to the 4th line and Vrana the 3rd.

Who knows how it will work out but I feel like Clarkson should basically be used as a 4th or enforcer and Rupp should be used against teams we really need that 4th line forecheck against.

my personal feelings, which may or may not be shared, is that Rupp/Vrana switch with Clarkson moving down to the 4th line and Vrana the 3rd.

Who knows how it will work out but I feel like Clarkson should basically be used as a 4th or enforcer and Rupp should be used against teams we really need that 4th line forecheck against.

unfortunately, sutter doesnt agree with you. I wish we could have it your way, but at least for the first couple games, clarkson will play with Madden and Pando. I think vrana would be perfect at the 3rd line RW.

Good news for Vrana and Salmela! I can live with Brookbank if he spends his time in the press box.

With PL3 going down and the addition of Cormier, Lowell could have a tough team this year. If they can't beat them, they can at least beat them up.

More here (http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2008/10/vrana_salmela_make_new_jersey.html).

I like what we have but don't like carrying 8 defensemen. My guess is that we'll send somebody else down and expose him to waivers assuming we can avoid the injury bug. More money for trading options in February.

:handclap::handclap:
congrats to both
have numbers been determined yet?

:handclap::handclap:
congrats to both
have numbers been determined yet?

nothing yet, i guess we will see on Monday when they practice.

This is great news - I was hoping either Salmela or Corrente would stup up and impress. Salmela's time is now - Corrente's is next year hopefully.

unfortunately, sutter doesnt agree with you. I wish we could have it your way, but at least for the first couple games, clarkson will play with Madden and Pando. I think vrana would be perfect at the 3rd line RW.

My sentiments exactly. Clarkson has some offensive upside, but for the most part he's incompetent defensively, which to me should preclude him from a Checking Line role, especially with ours being one of, if not THE, best around.

Vrana has more offensive skill and is capable of playing two way hockey efficiently. It also benefits his future greatly to play with two seasoned vets like Madden and Pando. Clarkson's already proven that he's going to employ his own game at all times and not try to learn much from the people around him.

But whatever, we don't get paid to coach.

ANSSI PANTS

x

:handclap::handclap:
congrats to both
have numbers been determined yet?

go out and get your Salmela #28

Fire and Ice (http://njmg.typepad.com/devilsblog/2008/10/salmela-vrana-m.html#more)

for the Church of Salmela: 2 to the 3rd power = 8. 3 = very holy number.

go out and get your Salmela #28

Fire and Ice (http://njmg.typepad.com/devilsblog/2008/10/salmela-vrana-m.html#more)

for the Church of Salmela: 2 to the 3rd power = 8. 3 = very holy number.

nice nice:handclap:

Vrana #22, Salmela #28.

Vrana #22, Salmela #28.
We've got a lot of good numbers open... 10, 18, 21, 25...

go out and get your Salmela #28

Fire and Ice (http://njmg.typepad.com/devilsblog/2008/10/salmela-vrana-m.html#more)

for the Church of Salmela: 2 to the 3rd power = 8. 3 = very holy number.

:bow:

I guess Vrana isnt going back to number 10 like he was in lowell.

Vrana #22, Salmela #28.

Yessssssssssssss

We've got a lot of good numbers open... 10, 18, 21, 25...

21 is being saved for Tedenby the Ewok.

Great for the kids. I'm looking forward to seeing Salmela. He looked great so far.

21 is being saved for Tedenby the Ewok.

25 is being saved for Corrente next year. :D

21 is being saved for Tedenby the Ewok.

:laugh::laugh:
i can see the resemblance
http://www.rocketfettscollection.com/swchpics/babyewok.jpg
http://www.nhlentrydraft2008.com/Assets/Photos/Tedenby,-Mattias---Pekka-Mononen---HHOF-IIHF-Images.jpg

http://www.dvdactive.com/images/editorial/screenshot/2006/8/explosion2004.jpg

http://jonkoping.expressen.se/polopoly_fs/1.1058198!slot100slotWide75ArticleFull/3447786819.jpg

Vrana #22, Salmela #28.
I'm hoping for more of a Claude Lemieux type of impact rather than a Victor Kozlov impact.

25 is being saved for Corrente next year. :Di was really hoping my relative was making the team this year!

Does anyone else have the similar felling between the way Salmela and Rafalski have come to the devils. Both are on the smaller side, both were/are around the same age when they joined the devils, both have offensive qualites etc.

Yeah.

Does anyone else have the similar felling between the way Salmela and Rafalski have come to the devils. Both are on the smaller side, both were/are around the same age when they joined the devils, both have offensive qualites etc.
Why do I sense a Rafalski-sucks argument coming? JK. If Salmela works into a Rafy-esque type of player, I'll be thrilled.

Does anyone else have the similar felling between the way Salmela and Rafalski have come to the devils. Both are on the smaller side, both were/are around the same age when they joined the devils, both have offensive qualites etc.

I'm not gonna get my hopes up, should be interesting to see what a year under our coaching staff can do for him though.

Rafalski was incredible in 2000 and 2001. He was absolutely amazing in the playoffs in both of those seasons. If Salmela manages to be half the player Rafalski was in those seasons, he'll be our #3 defenseman by November and our #2 by March.

Salmela is no Rafalski.

I'm hoping for more of a Claude Lemieux type of impact rather than a Victor Kozlov impact.

Vrana is supposed to be a very difficult player to play against, very aggravating.

Vrana is supposed to be a very difficult player to play against, very aggravating.
That's definitely more like Claude. Kozlov only aggravated his fellow players and the fans who counted on him to do ANYTHING.

Does anyone else have the similar felling between the way Salmela and Rafalski have come to the devils. Both are on the smaller side, both were/are around the same age when they joined the devils, both have offensive qualites etc.

-Both played in the SM-liiga for a few years before coming to the NHL.
-Both scored the most goals among defencemen in the SM-liiga their last year.
-Both #28.

Anything else?

-Both played in the SM-liiga a few years before coming to the NHL.
-Both scored the most goals among defencemen in the SM-liiga their last year.
-Both no. 28.

Anything else?

I hope he is a physical Rafalski.

whats the estimated point production for a d-man like salmela?

whats the estimated point production for a d-man like salmela?

In his first year, i wouldnt say 25-30 points is out of the question.

whats the estimated point production for a d-man like salmela?
That depends. If he were to suit up for a pee-wee team, I'd think he'd be able to put up 400 points in a 20-game season. For us, I'd like to see him hit the 30-40 range since he will be seeing PP time. That might be high (for us, not the pee-wee thing), but I've got Rafalski on the brain.

In his first year, i wouldnt say 25-30 points is out of the question.
Rafalski put up 32 his rookie season. It would be nice if Salmela could match that, but I doubt he'll be able to.

That depends. If he were to suit up for a pee-wee team, I'd think he'd be able to put up 400 points in a 20-game season. For us, I'd like to see him hit the 30-40 range since he will be seeing PP time. That might be high (for us, not the pee-wee thing), but I've got Rafalski on the brain.

:laugh:

In his first year, i wouldnt say 25-30 points is out of the question.

ok sweet!! hopefully those extra's will help us in the way the defense production did in the mid season streak we had last year. What was it 9 straight wins?

Rafalski put up 32 his rookie season. It would be nice if Salmela could match that, but I doubt he'll be able to.
Didn't Rafy play with a fairly decent defenseman in his first season? Scott Ste . . . wait. It'll come to me. . .

Didn't Rafy play with a fairly decent defenseman in his first season? Scott Ste . . . wait. It'll come to me. . .

Scott Stevenson. Duh.

:sarcasm:

Didn't Rafy play with a fairly decent defenseman in his first season? Scott Ste . . . wait. It'll come to me. . .
Haha, point.

Scott Stevenson. Duh.

:sarcasm:
That's right. I was thinking Scott Stenstrom (http://www.wellness.com/dir/980209/internist/mn/hibbing/scott-stenstrom-fairview-mesaba-clinic---hibbing-md). Man, I was way off

Good news !!!

The only thing that has me thinking is how much playing time will Vrana get ??? If he plays on the 4th line with Zubrus ans Holik, I can see him getting about 8 to 12 minutes per game and when he gains confidence, I can see him bumping Clarkson on the 3rd line by mid-season.

Salmela will be paired with Oduya (according to this board) and will see PP time on the 2nd unit. I definitly think that Rolston was a major acquistion for our PP but Anssi will have a HUGE impact on our 2nd unit. We struggled on our PP and Anssi will whitout a doubt help our situation.

Brookbank will be looking at our 2 new rookies from the pressbox cause there's no way in hell that Brookbank deserve a spot over Greene.

An interesting fact I noticed while updating our Salary Cap thread: two players challenging for a spot on the roster this preseason, Tyler Eckford and P3L, were selected in the seventh round of the 2004 draft.

Not a bad seventh round, eh?

id love to see if anssi can slot into the 1st line pp alongside rolston and just what he could provide there. hes got his work cut out for him though if he wants to get there.

Good news !!!

The only thing that has me thinking is how much playing time will Vrana get ??? If he plays on the 4th line with Zubrus ans Holik, I can see him getting about 8 to 12 minutes per game and when he gains confidence, I can see him bumping Clarkson on the 3rd line by mid-season.

Salmela will be paired with Oduya (according to this board) and will see PP time on the 2nd unit. I definitly think that Rolston was a major acquistion for our PP but Anssi will have a HUGE impact on our 2nd unit. We struggled on our PP and Anssi will whitout a doubt help our situation.

Brookbank will be looking at our 2 new rookies from the pressbox cause there's no way in hell that Brookbank deserve a spot over Greene.
He might not get much at all if Clarkson plays well, and I do hope he does. Vrana was caught in a tough situation because he has to pass through waivers to get sent down. He's too valuable to this team in the future just to let him go, but I don't think he is ready to play the wing yet with our top line in terms of minutes on ice. Hopefully he makes some great headway in practice and the spot starts he gets.

You might be right about him taking Clarkson's spot though. Clarky hasn't really impressed me thus far. He could be a good power forward for this team, but he has to learn some defensive responsibility.

id love to see if anssi can slot into the 1st line pp alongside rolston and just what he could provide there. hes got his work cut out for him though if he wants to get there.His pass to Zach was sweet for his PP assist. Nice skills by Anssi.:yo:

very nice. hope the rookies make thier mark on the team. if hope salmela starts. i could see him having a similar impact to what oduya did in his rookie year.

Semi-hijack:

I didn't want to start my own thread on this, but it sort of fits in here. Who will Brian Gionta be playing with (on I'm assuming the first line)? And what are you guys expecting from him?

Semi-hijack:

I didn't want to start my own thread on this, but it sort of fits in here. Who will Brian Gionta be playing with (on I'm assuming the first line)? And what are you guys expecting from him?

Elias - Rolston - Gionta

Could be a very good year if he can capitilize on rebounds from rolston and the line has already shown excellent chemistry.
And also the fact that hes playing with skilled players on a scoring line rather than playing with madden and pando on the 3rd line like half of last year.

I don't really like Rupp or Brookbank, honestly.. I was hoping for Bergfors to make it along with Vrana and one of the young D-Men.. so happy overall with the team. Hope that Bergfors will get a shot during the season if an injury or really ineffective player occurs.

Don't like holding onto 8 defensemen. Rather carry 2 extra forwards.. Lose Rupp and Brookbank, bring up PLL and Bergfors.

Only negative for them of course is that they would be rotting on the bench if they didn't get into the top 12, so AHL makes sense too.

Semi-hijack:

I didn't want to start my own thread on this, but it sort of fits in here. Who will Brian Gionta be playing with (on I'm assuming the first line)? And what are you guys expecting from him?

what kiwi said,

im expecting over 30 goals and over 60 pts, and if he doesnt reach that i woul be dissappointed

Elias - Rolston - Gionta

Could be a very good year if he can capitilize on rebounds from rolston and the line has already shown excellent chemistry.
And also the fact that hes playing with skilled players on a scoring line rather than playing with madden and pando on the 3rd line like half of last year.

actually pando-madden-X toward teh end of the year was out second line because zajac sucked

Good news, however I'm not happy about the team rolling with 8 defenseman again. I think it's a huge distraction, it keeps the team from gelling as the season goes on, it prevents any mid-season call ups, and it's just plain unnecessary. Brookbank is a serviceable bottom pairing guy, but he's had an entire season to show us what he's capable of and it wasn't impressive at all. I was shocked when he was resigned, and I don't think it's too late to undo that mistake.

Also, I'm a bit confused about Vrana's status. "13th forward"...That means he's not going to play much, or he's going to take Rupp's place every now and then. I can't say I'm too thrilled about either scenario. It's still early, but I think we should make room for him in the top 9 sooner rather than later.

actually pando-madden-X toward teh end of the year was out second line because zajac sucked

what kiwi said,

im expecting over 30 goals and over 60 pts, and if he doesnt reach that i woul be dissappointed

Elias - Rolston - Gionta

Could be a very good year if he can capitilize on rebounds from rolston and the line has already shown excellent chemistry.
And also the fact that hes playing with skilled players on a scoring line rather than playing with madden and pando on the 3rd line like half of last year.


Perfect, thanks guys :)

Good news, however I'm not happy about the team rolling with 8 defenseman again. I think it's a huge distraction, it keeps the team from gelling as the season goes on, it prevents any mid-season call ups, and it's just plain unnecessary. Brookbank is a serviceable bottom pairing guy, but he's had an entire season to show us what he's capable of and it wasn't impressive at all. I was shocked when he was resigned, and I don't think it's too late to undo that mistake.

Also, I'm a bit confused about Vrana's status. "13th forward"...That means he's not going to play much, or he's going to take Rupp's place every now and then. I can't say I'm too thrilled about either scenario. It's still early, but I think we should make room for him in the top 9 sooner rather than later.
I think we'll see Zubrus - Holik - Vrana.

actually pando-madden-X toward teh end of the year was out second line because zajac sucked

oh ok, hopefully ZZpop can play to their potential. Zajac should definately benefit by having the same linemates and parise is just an animal:yo:

20 points from Salmela and I will be happy.

I think we'll see Zubrus - Holik - Vrana.
I want Pando - Madden - Vrana. But I'm sure by 5 games in we'll have seen both those combinations, and many more.

20 points from Salmela and I will be happy.
Agreed. I think 20 would be a very solid rookie season.

Salmela is Das Güd.

sz2QuKRFq-E

i cant wait to see this kid play. i was so sick of having to listen to it...

i cant wait to see this kid play. i was so sick of having to listen to it...

If you've went to some of the preseason games, seen them on TV, and/or heard it on the radio, you would have?

If you've went to some of the preseason games, seen them on TV, and/or heard it on the radio, you would have?i listened to all of them on the radio. needless to say it sucked. but eh better than not seeing/hearing about the game at all.

Salmela is Das Güd.

sz2QuKRFq-E

SNIPE!

If you've went to some of the preseason games, seen them on TV, and/or heard it on the radio, you would have?

Sometimes, it's just not possible. ;)

P.S, My soul has been saved by the Church.

Good news, however I'm not happy about the team rolling with 8 defenseman again. I think it's a huge distraction, it keeps the team from gelling as the season goes on, it prevents any mid-season call ups, and it's just plain unnecessary. Brookbank is a serviceable bottom pairing guy, but he's had an entire season to show us what he's capable of and it wasn't impressive at all. I was shocked when he was resigned, and I don't think it's too late to undo that mistake.

Also, I'm a bit confused about Vrana's status. "13th forward"...That means he's not going to play much, or he's going to take Rupp's place every now and then. I can't say I'm too thrilled about either scenario. It's still early, but I think we should make room for him in the top 9 sooner rather than later.

well if we can count on anything, itll be rupp stinking it up and getting scratched. hopefully that would then move clarkson back there and vrana to the 3rd line. although, id actually rather see vrana play with holik and zubrus. i think theyre a great 3rd and a half line. as for the 8 dmen, couldnt agree more.

well if we can count on anything, itll be rupp stinking it up and getting scratched. hopefully that would then move clarkson back there and vrana to the 3rd line. although, id actually rather see vrana play with holik and zubrus. i think theyre a great 3rd and a half line. as for the 8 dmen, couldnt agree more.

love the avatar aboriginal

oh man aboriginal, that avatar is awesome!

oh man aboriginal, that avatar is awesome!

love the avatar aboriginal

:Di got a little help from our resident avatar guru rg.

:Di got a little help from our resident avatar guru rg.

i think everyone has gotten help from him. He's the team avatar physician. :laugh:

i think everyone has gotten help from him. He's the team avatar physician. :laugh:

haha yea, i knew exactly who to ask for assistance.

To commemorate Salmela making the team, here's a repost from the Vish Q&A cartoon thread this summer:

http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=523
http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=524
http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=525
http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=526
http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=527

haha yea, i knew exactly who to ask for assistance.

http://www.lynlees.com.au/dolls/itemlist.img/Kewpie-Bell-Hop1888.jpg

Good news, however I'm not happy about the team rolling with 8 defenseman again. I think it's a huge distraction, it keeps the team from gelling as the season goes on, it prevents any mid-season call ups, and it's just plain unnecessary. Brookbank is a serviceable bottom pairing guy, but he's had an entire season to show us what he's capable of and it wasn't impressive at all. I was shocked when he was resigned, and I don't think it's too late to undo that mistake.

Also, I'm a bit confused about Vrana's status. "13th forward"...That means he's not going to play much, or he's going to take Rupp's place every now and then. I can't say I'm too thrilled about either scenario. It's still early, but I think we should make room for him in the top 9 sooner rather than later.

Agree on both counts. Rupp should be the 13th forward, not Vrana. Though, I guess it gives Rupp (and Clarkson) motivation to show what they have, as Vrana is ready to push them out of the lineup if they don't.

To commemorate Salmela making the team, here's a repost from the Vish Q&A cartoon thread this summer:

http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=523
http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=524
http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=525
http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=526
http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=527
:biglaugh: :biglaugh:

That gets me every time.

To commemorate Salmela making the team, here's a repost from the Vish Q&A cartoon thread this summer:

http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=523
http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=524
http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=525
http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=526
http://hfboards.com/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=527

I don't see nuffin.

Some of my thoughts...

I don't think any of us need to get all up in arms about the team carrying 8 defensemen, at least not yet. My guess is it's more of a precautionary measure, for the time being, to make sure Salmela is indeed ready to shoulder the load of being an everyday NHL defenseman. I think once he firmly establishes himself, the team will send Brookbank down and risk having him get claimed off waivers. If we did that now and he got claimed and then Salmela fell on his face we wouldn't be in such a great position. Better to have 8 then risk only having 6.

Given the waiver situation, I can't say I'm all that surprised about Vrana making it as our 13th forward, nor can I say I have any problem with it, as much as I was pulling for Bergfors to make the team. Vrana certainly is the more versatile player being a two-way center, so he makes a lot more sense as an extra forward than an offensive-minded RW. I had hoped (and, pathetically enough, even once dreamed) that Fedorov would force Rupp out of the lineup, but the man clearly wasn't playing Devils-hockey this preseason, and for that reason I have no problem with him kindly being shown the door.

As the season goes on, and once Brookbank or, god-forbid, Salmela is sent down to create a vacancy on the roster, I think we'll see some of the guys on Lowell with two-way contracts being temporarily brought up to give some of the starters rest and get themselves a look. Hopefully Bergfors gets the bulk of the looks, but we'll probably see a fair amount of Leblond, Pelley, and maybe Halischuk for forwards, and Corrente and Eckford on d.

All told, I'm very excited about this coming season. When you read the interviews all the players seem to have a real agenda for righting last year's wrongs, which is really nice to see. Beyond that, our 4 forward lines are all bring something to the table, and I think our defense, despite not adding a star, will be an improvement over last year. Especially so if Salmela pans out.

When I see writers having the Devils miss the playoffs and pick somewhere in the top ten I can't help but laugh. This year's team is seriously good. Somebody is going to score 40 goals and I think the team could even flirt with 250 (bare minimum of 225). Take that with Marty in net and I think we're in business.

I agree with you on all counts goose.

Your avatar = epic win.

Your avatar = epic win.

pretty much can't get any more awesome than the greatest character in the history of television donning a devils jersey under a bulletproof vest standing in a graveyard.

pretty much can't get any more awesome than the greatest character in the history of television donning a devils jersey under a bulletproof vest standing in a graveyard.

:laugh::laugh: you realy cant beat that.

OK.. so lets assume the Fed Fed clears waivers and is not traded. Everyone assumes he'll return to Russia but is playing in the AHL even an option? I know he's said he's not interested but it does seem more high profile, at least if your goal is the NHL.

As for the Devils does having him in Lowell even make sense? I was thinking it would be nice to have him in case of massive injuries, or in case he starts tearing it up, but we couldn't even call him up without risking having him taken and getting stuck with the 1/2 cap hit, correct? (BTW is that just a cap hit, or would we actualy have to pay that 1/2 salary?)

And can someone answer me this.. Doesn't it sort of go against the point of having a farm team when only players of a certain age can actually be called up without that crazy risk? Can someone explain what the reasoning for this is? Is it strictly a deterent for teams to send down vets?

I would love it if Fedfed stayed and got determined to play in the nhl by going to Lowell, it would show the coaches that he is really looking for a spot. But i think there is a .01% chance of that happening. The money in russia, and the fact that its his homeland is enough to send him back there.

It all depends on how smart Fed Fed is, supposing playing in the NHL is his dream. Right now the whole league has watched an organization with very high standards allow this kid a very fair second chance to prove himself, and while he exhibited undeniable skill, he still showed a general lack of hustle and selfish play with the puck, basically proving that he hasn't corrected the problems that abbreviated his last stint in N.A. If he's true to his word and bolts back to Russia if his only option here for the time being is the AHL, then he can pretty much cancel any future plans of coming back to try for the NHL because no one is going to extend an olive branch to this guy in the future if he yet again proves he has this entitled approach to the sport.

If he stays and plays in the AHL then it shows he actually wants to better himself and prove people wrong, which means he could be a worthwhile call-up and potential replacement for Rupp at some point during the season. If he finds a team that's willing to trade for him or even just claim him off waivers then godspeed, neither side is worse for wear. If he flees to Russia it shows it was never meant to be. Certainly not with this organization and probably not with any other in the future.

It all depends on how smart Fed Fed is, supposing playing in the NHL is his dream. Right now the whole league has watched an organization with very high standards allow this kid a very fair second chance to prove himself, and while he exhibited undeniable skill, he still showed a general lack of hustle and selfish play with the puck, basically proving that he hasn't corrected the problems that abbreviated his last stint in N.A. If he's true to his word and bolts back to Russia if his only option here for the time being is the AHL, then he can pretty much cancel any future plans of coming back to try for the NHL because no one is going to extend an olive branch to this guy in the future if he yet again proves he has this entitled approach to the sport.

If he stays and plays in the AHL then it shows he actually wants to better himself and prove people wrong, which means he could be a worthwhile call-up and potential replacement for Rupp at some point during the season. If he finds a team that's willing to trade for him or even just claim him off waivers then godspeed, neither side is worse for wear. If he flees to Russia it shows it was never meant to be. Certainly not with this organization and probably not with any other in the future.

damn goose, you need to post more.

Word, Goose. I can't see him going to Lowell though.

unfortunately, sutter doesnt agree with you. I wish we could have it your way, but at least for the first couple games, clarkson will play with Madden and Pando. I think vrana would be perfect at the 3rd line RW.

Depending on who our "checking line" is going against, I don't see Petr Vrana as a regular with Pando and Mad Dog. Ideally, I would like to see Zubrus with Pando and Madden, but Clarkson should do fine. And from time-to-time, Vrana can play the right side. In fact, I could even see Pandolfo on the right side and Vrana or Zubrus on the left side depending on who they are checking.

Pando is great at shooting the one-timer from the right side. Even if he is technically a left winger, the way the game is played today, Jay should try to get to the right boards more where Mad Dog can feed him for the one-timer. I would love to see him score between 15 and 20 goals. No reason he can't. Just has to stay healthy and shoot more.

Sorry to be so optimistic! :sarcasm:

honestly, im just glad hes actually on the roster.