Who sits when Greene comes back? Better not be Salmela. It should be Mottau.

Martin Salvador
Oduya Greene
Salmela White

pp

LAngenbrunner Salmela
Martin Greene

thoughts?

def not salmela thats for sure, the way hes improved and is coming together is not something lou/sutter should fool around with. but we all know itll prolly be him sent down. and for that, refer to my sig.

Get Langenbrunner off the point on the PP. Get him on the second unit and take Clarkson off the PP. Nothing against Clarkson, he's played well, but he still doesn't belong on a PP. We have 4 puck moving defensemen. 2 have good cannons in Salmela and Greene - split them up, Oduya and Martin are exceptional skaters and can move the puck, split them up.

Salmela - Martin
Oduya - Greene

Obviously, this means that I think Mottau should have a seat when Greene returns, but I really can't see him sitting. I can see Salmela riding the pine or going back down to the A because Sutter...well...

IMO, Salmela's roster spot is his to lose. He has that canon of a shot from the point, and he's so good at keeping the puck in the zone. We haven't had a d-man like that in so long. If he can keep it up, I think Lou will roll with 8 defenseman for a while and eventually move Oduya or Greene near the deadline.

Mottau has gotta gau.

Big NO to trading Oduya by the way.

IMO, Salmela's roster spot is his to lose. He has that canon of a shot from the point, and he's so good at keeping the puck in the zone. We haven't had a d-man like that in so long. If he can keep it up, I think Lou will roll with 8 defenseman for a while and eventually move Oduya or Greene near the deadline.

Thank God you're not the GM. No way Lou trades one of our best defenseman at the deadline.

Oduya is just playing too well - our defense takes a big hit if we were to be without him.

Should be Mottau will be Salmela unless he lights it up in the next few weeks.

gotta go with Mottau.

Who sits when Greene comes back? Better not be Salmela. It should be Mottau.

Martin Salvador
Oduya Greene
Salmela White


Our defence looks so much more respectable with Martin, Salvador, and Greene back in the line-up. If this team can hold on to a playoff sport without Rolston, Holik, Greene, and Brodeur then watch out when March comes around. If they don't get anymore injuries (knock on wood) then they should already be much better when those first three guys come back and when Shanny signs.

Get Langenbrunner off the point on the PP. Get him on the second unit and take Clarkson off the PP. Nothing against Clarkson, he's played well, but he still doesn't belong on a PP. We have 4 puck moving defensemen. 2 have good cannons in Salmela and Greene - split them up, Oduya and Martin are exceptional skaters and can move the puck, split them up.

Salmela - Martin
Oduya - Greene

Obviously, this means that I think Mottau should have a seat when Greene returns, but I really can't see him sitting. I can see Salmela riding the pine or going back down to the A because Sutter...well...

I agree about Clarkson, If his role is to Cause trouble infront of the net, Use Rupp there with his 6 foot 5 frame

But with Langenbrunner, its good to have at least one Righty shot on the point. Martin, Oduya, and Salmela are all lefty's. I am one who believes Langenbrunner stinks but he does have a cannon shot and is righty.

When also, When Rolston comes back, It should be Rolston Salmela, Martin Langenbrunner, who would be a solid number 2 pp point

IMO, Salmela's roster spot is his to lose. He has that canon of a shot from the point, and he's so good at keeping the puck in the zone. We haven't had a d-man like that in so long. If he can keep it up, I think Lou will roll with 8 defenseman for a while and eventually move Oduya or Greene near the deadline.

No, in fact they should sign him long term so that I could finally get that Oduya jersey I've been wanting to get for the last year. I might jump the gun if they don't re-sign him soon and have to settle for a Parise one.

if salmela is sent down and mottau/brokeback stays up, its just more evidence to me of how ****ed the system here is. they seriously have to ease their stranglehold on the past. to me, the pandolfo syndrome is the epitome of whats wrong with the focus of the devs current team concept. on the backend, players like mottau/brokeback show me the syndrome spreads back there too. granted salmela hasnt scored yet (he will)...but how many goals have been scored by the back end?:help:

it depends, if we dont have bobby back by then then we might go with 7 d, or we could rotate someone in and out depeding on the opponent

In my opinion, definitely not Salmela. But knowing Sutter's ways, it probably will be.

I'd bench Mottau.

if salmela is sent down and mottau/brokeback stays up, its just more evidence to me of how ****ed the system here is. they seriously have to ease their stranglehold on the past. to me, the pandolfo syndrome is the epitome of whats wrong with the focus of the devs current team concept. on the backend, players like mottau/brokeback show me the syndrome spreads back there too. granted salmela hasnt scored yet (he will)...but how many goals have been scored by the back end?:help:

Isn't it just three. Mottau white and Greene if i remember correctly. I like Motts but he's not better then Salmela or Greene. He's a seventh guy who should only play when injuries arise or someone needs a rest. Unfortunately I think Sutter likes Mottau's game of being a statue more then Salmela's game of being totally awesome.

In my opinion, definitely not Salmela. But knowing Sutter's ways, it probably will be.

I'd bench Mottau.

why, becuase you think he hates inexpeirnced euros? hes out there alot and on the first pp unit getting like 20 minutes a game

why, becuase you think he hates inexpeirnced euros? hes out there alot and on the first pp unit getting like 20 minutes a game

he gets 13 to 14 minutes a game which is on par for a third paring dman. I don't think its an anti Euro thing but more of a comfort level of having players that have played more in the NHL. It just happens to be that the three guys who are hurt by it are Euro. IMO if Salmela or Bergfors were Canadian it wouldn't change anything regarding Sutter's mindset.

wow, when i opened this thread i looked and was like, who the hell is martin salvador?

mottau should sit by far. but who knows if greene ends up taking a few steps back.

why, becuase you think he hates inexpeirnced euros? hes out there alot and on the first pp unit getting like 20 minutes a game

No, I haven't gotten to that point yet.

What I want: Mottau to sit
What Sutter will do: sit Salmela or maybe even Greene

Get Langenbrunner off the point on the PP. Get him on the second unit and take Clarkson off the PP. Nothing against Clarkson, he's played well, but he still doesn't belong on a PP. We have 4 puck moving defensemen. 2 have good cannons in Salmela and Greene - split them up, Oduya and Martin are exceptional skaters and can move the puck, split them up.

Salmela - Martin
Oduya - Greene

Obviously, this means that I think Mottau should have a seat when Greene returns, but I really can't see him sitting. I can see Salmela riding the pine or going back down to the A because Sutter...well...
This sounds perfect to me.

Anyone who thinks that Oduya should be moved really has some serious issues to deal with. Yeah, he's a UFA and is due for a nice raise...but it's a raise he's earned and why in earth would the Devils consider moving a really quality d-man like him?! He's getting re-signed.

Here we are yearning for quality d-men...and some people want to get rid of arguably the best d-man on the team right now? Yeah, you heard me. Before Martin can get back into form Oduya is our number one...and he's playing like one too. It's incredible what a d-man he's become for us.

And let's not get carried away with Greene here people. Yeah, he played well before his injury and had three secondary assists vs Toronto that night...but where does it say that Greene has spot locked up in the top 6? I like Greenie and the way he played before his injury, but he's gonna need to show with his play that he should be in the lineup.

Greene has the potential for further improvement. Mottau does not. I think Greene at least deserves the chance to get back in the lineup, which means someone has to sit, preferably Mottau.

Mottau should be the #7. I'm not completely sold on Greene like many of you have seemed to be after a few games this year (when everyone was ready to kill him last year). I think competition will be good for that bottom pairing between Salmela, Greene and Mottau.

Thank God you're not the GM. No way Lou trades one of our best defenseman at the deadline.

Oduya is just playing too well - our defense takes a big hit if we were to be without him.

We have 5 defenseman signed going into next season, Greene and Salmela are RFA's, Johnny is unrestricted. Someone has to go.

We have 5 defenseman signed going into next season, Greene and Salmela are RFA's, Johnny is unrestricted. Someone has to go.

And it's not Johnny.

We have 5 defenseman signed going into next season, Greene and Salmela are RFA's, Johnny is unrestricted. Someone has to go.

Like Swede said - it's not going to be Johnny if Lou is smart. Big Bird was right in that Oduya has become a fantastic defenseman.

Mottau or Brookbank can be waived, sent down, or traded. They aren't important long-term for the Devils - Oduya is.

Should be: Mottau.
Will be: Bergfors.

Should be: Mottau.
Will be: Bergfors.

no we wont have 7 defensman when bobby comes back

buy out white at the end of the year. or "matvichuk" him

As founder of the Mike Mottau Manclub, I know I am practically the lone Motts supporter left on here at this point, but I thought the Mottau - Greene pairing played flat out AWESOME the two games they got to work together -- with my boy picking up PRIMARY assists, along with Greene's secondary efforts.

And as much as I am pulling for Anssi, and have been impressed with his game as of late, his is a two-way contract. And part of why Salmela flourished upon his return from Lowell, in my opinion, was because he was logging first pairing minutes with veteran Jay Leach in the AHL (the Captain of Lowell, who performed admirably on his emergency call-up, as well), better learning the North American game -- dealing with the smaller rink size, speed and physicality, etc.

So I do not think getting more seasoning, and playing long minutes on the Lowell first pairing, will hurt his game or his confidence one bit. And he can come and go without being exposed to waivers, so it leaves Brent Sutter and company total flexibility when we are faced with more potential injuries.

So, bash Sutter all you want, but when Greene is healthy I think he will go with these pairings (and rightly so):

Martin - Salvador
Oduya - White
Mottau - Greene

And judging from a more than decent performance last night, let Brookbank stay on as an additional 4th line forward/healthy scratch.

I don't know who sits out but CJ drools.

Martin White
Oduya Salvador
Salmella Greene

That's how it should be. It will probably be though

Martin White
Oduya Salvador
Greene Mottau

Martin White
Oduya Salvador
Salmella Greene

That's how it should be. It will probably be though

Martin White
Oduya Salvador
Greene Mottau

im not sure where you got those, it will probably be

martin-salvador
greene-oduya
white-mottau

maybe oduya with white

im not sure where you got those, it will probably be

martin-salvador
greene-oduya
white-mottau

maybe oduya with white

Yeah why would he break up the Martin Salvador pairing? And most likely Oduya White. Mottau was with Greene pre injury don't see that changing.

Yeah why would he break up the Martin Salvador pairing? And most likely Oduya White. Mottau was with Greene pre injury don't see that changing.

Just as stated above. These would be the likely pairings, unless Anssi goes totally ape**** in the scoring department, which isn't likely.

Should be Mottau, will be Salmela.

Should be Mottau, will be Salmela.

Gulp, real Motts love? Or reverse psychology?

The Man Club needs to know...

As the tide on this board has seemed to have turned almost entirely toward the newbie from Finland with the big shot, despite Motts being second among our D men at +5 (Orrduya being +6) along with his 5 assists (3 primary) versus a -1 and a lone secondary assist for Anssi (despite a few rockets in the general direction of the net.)

Perhaps there is ultimately more upside to be found in one player versus the other (as some have suggested), but I do not accept the reasoning that it has to be developed at the NHL level (to the detriment of the team at present...)

Motts is tied for 50th among all NHL defensemen in assists, which is hardly a disgrace. Yet he gets literally NO RESPECT on this board (outside of the dwindling ranks of the Man Club.)

Will be Salmela and should be Salmela. I just dont see much other than that shot, he needs to be learning his trade in Lowell.

Mottau holds the point on the PP just aswell, and can dish a cleaner pass.

Salvador - Martin
Oduya - Greene
White - Mottau

With Greene and Mottau manning the 1st unit PP points.

Will be Salmela and should be Salmela. I just dont see much other than that shot, he needs to be learning his trade in Lowell.

Thanks for backing me up, brit.

(Despite my foggy mis-reading of Darius' post above, causing my return volley to be utterly backwards... As he clearly no-likey the Motts... Just figuring that out right about now...:help:)

I think Salmela will be out mainly because Mottau and Greene played so well together and Anssi still hasn't got any production out of his big shot. Plus, Salmela can be sent to Lowell. Greene, Mottau and Brookbank can't.

Salmela should stay up. Mottau should become the number 7 defenseman. He's an excellent number 7. He simply should not be getting over 20 minutes per game. I actually wouldn't mind seeing White be scratched from time to time, but I know with his salary, that will never happen.

Regardless, Salmela has looked awesome. He's been the best defenseman that we've had at the point on the power play since Rafalski's departure.

Salvador-Martin
Oduya-Greene
White-Salmela
Mottau

Sutter won't send Brookbank down. He's too useful as a backup forward.

I think Salmela will go back down. He's only gotten 1 point out of all the games he's played so far and his +/- is in the negative. That doesn't bode well for him.

Mottau, who alot of you are criticizing, is at a +5 right now and has looked good in all the recent games he played despite that one freak deflection he made.

I don't know who sits out but CJ drools.

What's that supposed to mean? :help:

Mottau is steadier but I think Ansi brings more O. The thing is we know what we get out of Mottau, he is not going to be any better. Salmela is improving steadily. I'd say take a risk and let Ansi play and see if he can keep it up, if not you still have Mottau.

What's that supposed to mean? :help:

I'm thinking he meant because Greene would be back.

What's that supposed to mean? :help:

4mNhYfVm3Uk

I think Greene and Brookbank should be the 2 that sit. The problem is Salmela is the only one that can be sent down, so likely he will go to Lowell. It's a shame too, because he can certainly help this team.

I think Greene and Brookbank should be the 2 that sit. The problem is Salmela is the only one that can be sent down, so likely he will go to Lowell. It's a shame too, because he can certainly help this team.

:shakehead:shakehead:shakehead

Why, Why and Why?!? Seriously...the haterade needs to be put down NOW!

:shakehead:shakehead:shakehead

Why, Why and Why?!? Seriously...the haterade needs to be put down NOW!

the way greenes played so far before he was hurt, im on team greene this year. my vote goes to mottau.

the way greenes played so far before he was hurt, im on team greene this year. my vote goes to mottau.

That's what I don't get. The kid has been consistent, yet he continues to hate. It's getting pretty obvious now that he HATES Greene...

The first step to recovery is admitting...just admit it BG. It would make the world happier.

Who said he wants to get better? Haven't you ever watched intervention?

Who said he wants to get better? Haven't you ever watched intervention?

Well if he doesn't....that's his issue. He's in the minority though..

:shakehead:shakehead:shakehead

Why, Why and Why?!? Seriously...the haterade needs to be put down NOW!


Why, Why and Why?

Because Anssi Salmela is basically a more efficient and better version of Andy Greene.

They play a very similar game, but Salmela has a much better shot (and that's an understatement), is a more fluid skater, and isnt afraid to take the body. Not to mention he's 2 years younger than Greene, which is substantially important to note when comparing young defensemen in terms of development timeline. In fact, their career paths are even similar in that they were both overlooked. Salmela was overlooked playing in Finland (which isnt uncommon) and Greene was overlooked because NHL scouts dont often frequently attend Miami of Ohio college hockey games.
After the first time watching Salmela in practice/game in the preseason, I was pleasantly surprised and believed he was going to be a serious threat to Andy Greene. As it turned out, someone on the Devils brass seemed to agree with me given he started the year and Greene sat out.
Frankly, instead of saying why, why and why? The better question is what did you see in Andy Greene in 2007-2008 that makes you so certain he should play over Salmela?

the way greenes played so far before he was hurt, im on team greene this year. my vote goes to mottau.

The problem with that, IMO, is you cant play Salmela, Greene, and Oduya all at the same time. I could easily be wrong about that, and if it works, than I'd be fine with Mottau being the one that sits. But hockey is a team game, and you need pure stay at home defensemen on the ice (i.e. you need a Mottau and a Salvador etc..). If you have Salmela, Oduya, and Greene in the lineup at the same time (plus Martin), you're certainly fielding some nice offensive talent on defense, but who is going to grab people and slam them into the boards to tie them up when you're protecting a lead with a minute left? In other words, while Mottau might not be as good as Oduya or Salmela or Greene, you need a few guys like that in the lineup.

Why, Why and Why?

Because Anssi Salmela is basically a more efficient and better version of Andy Greene.

They play a very similar game, but Salmela has a much better shot (and that's an understatement), is a more fluid skater, and isnt afraid to take the body. Not to mention he's 2 years younger than Greene, which is substantially important to note when comparing young defensemen in terms of development timeline. In fact, their career paths are even similar in that they were both overlooked. Salmela was overlooked playing in Finland (which isnt uncommon) and Greene was overlooked because NHL scouts dont often frequently attend Miami of Ohio college hockey games.
After the first time watching Salmela in practice/game in the preseason, I was pleasantly surprised and believed he was going to be a serious threat to Andy Greene. As it turned out, someone on the Devils brass seemed to agree with me given he started the year and Greene sat out.
Frankly, instead of saying why, why and why? The better question is what did you see in Andy Greene in 2007-2008 that makes you so certain he should play over Salmela?

I didn't say he should play over Salmela. I said why should he sit in favor of the others that are out there? You have such a hard-on against him not playing and quite frankly it's getting annoying.

Not once have I said Salmela should sit. I actually want Salmela to play.

My issue with you is that Andy Greene took the time over the summer to improve his game and was actually playing well until he got injured and had to stop playing. Why was Andy benched for the first few games...maybe because they wanted to see what Salmela could do. Did you ever think about that? Or you just so bent on Greene not playing simply because you don't like the guy?

Your hate for Oduya last season is quite similar. So maybe since you have such a chubby for him now, Andy will possibly warm you up by the end of the season.

That's what I don't get. The kid has been consistent, yet he continues to hate. It's getting pretty obvious now that he HATES Greene...

The first step to recovery is admitting...just admit it BG. It would make the world happier.

and also, he is a PPG. only other player besides the Golden Child.

and also, he is a PPG. only other player besides the Golden Child.

Don't add stats...it'll only confuse him and he'll hate him even more.

He's kinda like Sutter...

I didn't say he should play over Salmela.



Then who are you going to sit? SOMEone HAS to sit! Only other way is if you dress 7 on D like last year, and I dont think anyone wants that. You could sit Mottau and play Salmela and Greene, I think you run the risk of not having enough pure D guys on D.



Your hate for Oduya last season is quite similar. So maybe since you have such a chubby for him now, Andy will possibly warm you up by the end of the season.

Oduya was positively AWFUL from games 1 to game 45 to 50 last year. Just horrendous. Then something magical seemed to happen and his last 30 to 35 game last year he was very good. I'd argue he's picked it up and improved even more this year, but that doesnt mean I still dont panic occasionally that he will revert back to late-2007 Oduya. He's without question the most improved Devils player, but he still needs to take the body and improve his defense in front of the net. He often (typically actually) stands in front of the net like a spectator and lets forwards get position on him.

Then who are you going to sit? SOMEone HAS to sit! Only other way is if you dress 7 on D like last year, and I dont think anyone wants that. You could sit Mottau and play Salmela and Greene, I think you run the risk of not having enough pure D guys on D.

If I had to choose, it would probably be Mottau.

Then who are you going to sit? SOMEone HAS to sit! Only other way is if you dress 7 on D like last year, and I dont think anyone wants that. You could sit Mottau and play Salmela and Greene, I think you run the risk of not having enough pure D guys on D.
.

I think greene can settle down and play very solidly in his own end for 13 minutes a night. He's certainly quicker with his feet then Mottau. Lets not make Mottau out to be some stalwart back there either. It's not some big loss if we bench him.

and also, he is a PPG. only other player besides the Golden Child.

Again, and I've been critical of this aspect on this board with relation to many players and issues. There is WAY too much boxscore watching that goes into people's "evaluation" of a player's play on HF Board leading to underrating or overrating people. Guyincognito coined a term for this that I love, called the "Aaron Voros Effect" (AVE for short).

At any rate, just look at Greene's points this year.

Goals = 1 (a softy that Johnson should have easily stopped)
Assists =5 (FOUR were seconday assists)

So, while I would agree that Andy Greene has played well this year, points would certainly NOT be a criteria for which I would use to make that judgement.

look, if he is producing points on an offensively starved team for the most part, i want him to play.

SIT MOTTAU..... Greene and Salmela should both be in the lineup

Mottau would look like a very good defenceman if he was playing 15mins a night, instead he is being forced into a top 4 role because nobody has stepped up proved that they are better...

Hard to argue against Greene when he has points and 1 of the 2 goals the defence has scored this year.

BG, I'm usually on your side, but I really haven't seen much from Salmela to agree with you on this one. His positioning is sub-par, he makes poor judgements with the puck in 5v5 and isn't very good at taking the body...

Salmela for me.

Again, and I've been critical of this aspect on this board with relation to many players and issues. There is WAY too much boxscore watching that goes into people's "evaluation" of a player's play on HF Board leading to underrating or overrating people. Guyincognito coined a term for this that I love, called the "Aaron Voros Effect" (AVE for short).

At any rate, just look at Greene's points this year.

Goals = 1 (a softy that Johnson should have easily stopped)
Assists =5 (FOUR were seconday assists)

So, while I would agree that Andy Greene has played well this year, points would certainly NOT be a criteria for which I would use to make that judgement.

I agree with too many people scoreboard watching but in this case he did play very good before the injury. There's no reason why he shouldn't be given the same opportunity when he healthy. He played better then both Motts and Salmela that right there earns him a spot.

Salmela sits, that should be the obvious choice right now.

He has a great shot from the point on the PP, but is a defensive liability. When a coach wants to cut down on your even strength time says a lot about your defensive play. That's also another reason why we've been dressing seven d-men for recent games, just so that Salmela won't play much at ES.

Salmela needs to spend the rest of the year down in Lowell to work on his defensive game. He'll be a good player for us, but needs work to get there.

Salmela needs to spend the rest of the year down in Lowell to work on his defensive game. He'll be a good player for us, but needs work to get there.

That's just about perfect. He's going to be a player, but he's just so raw still.

we only have him on a one year contract sticking him lowell could send him packing back overseas. I'm only speculating of course. I'm sure he came here wit hthe thought of playing in the NHL not the AHL.

we only have him on a one year contract sticking him lowell could send him packing back overseas.

It wouldnt be overseas, he'd sign with another NHL club. I remember Doc and Chico talking a while ago about how supposedly "a bunch" of other NHL teams tried to sign Salmela after the season he had last year in Finland and he chose the Devils (only God knows why).
It would really be a shame to lose him, especially after seeing how quickly he's progressing. He's a quick study that is literally getting better with every game. I'm not very confident anymore that he would benefit much from playing in Lowell at this point.

It wouldnt be overseas, he'd sign with another NHL club. I remember Doc and Chico talking a while ago about how supposedly "a bunch" of other NHL teams tried to sign Salmela after the season he had last year in Finland and he chose the Devils (only God knows why).
It would really be a shame to lose him, especially after seeing how quickly he's progressing. He's a quick study that is literally getting better with every game. I'm not very confident anymore that he would benefit much from playing in Lowell at this point.

He's an RFA. He would be an extremely low (if any) compensation RFA, but one nontheless.

Again, and I've been critical of this aspect on this board with relation to many players and issues. There is WAY too much boxscore watching that goes into people's "evaluation" of a player's play on HF Board leading to underrating or overrating people. Guyincognito coined a term for this that I love, called the "Aaron Voros Effect" (AVE for short).

At any rate, just look at Greene's points this year.

Goals = 1 (a softy that Johnson should have easily stopped)
Assists =5 (FOUR were seconday assists)

So, while I would agree that Andy Greene has played well this year, points would certainly NOT be a criteria for which I would use to make that judgement.
Greene does something our defense is in desperate need of - he moves the puck efficiently up the ice.

Greene does something our defense is in desperate need of - he moves the puck efficiently up the ice.

I would say that Johnny O does it well too.

Greene does something our defense is in desperate need of - he moves the puck efficiently up the ice.

Really? I'd argue that's one of the few things this teams defense does well. I think Martin, Greene, Salmela, and Oduya all carry the puck up the ice fairly well.

Really? I'd argue that's one of the few things this teams defense does well. I think Martin, Greene, Salmela, and Oduya all carry the puck up the ice fairly well.

Shame they dont really know what to do with it when they get there... :laugh:

Shame they dont really know what to do with it when they get there... :laugh:

*zing* *zing* *zing*

Salmela needs to spend the rest of the year down in Lowell to work on his defensive game. He'll be a good player for us, but needs work to get there.

The criticisms of Salmela's defensive play have their merit, but I think if they're to be corrected he's better left playing in the big league. The AHL is great for prospects who need to acclimate themselves to the more physical pro game or become more sure of themselves on the ice. Salmela, though, has been playing pro hockey for some time now, and though he looked somewhat unsure of himself to start, he's gotten his feet under him and is playing with confidence now. If we're trying to make him better defensively he's better left having guys like Martin, Salvador, and Oduya around him than the Correntes and Jay Leaches. Right now, I don't think he's such a defensive liability that it outweighs or overshadows what he can bring to the team offensively.

It's still early and we'll probably have a much better estimation of how capable he is by the time Andy can return, but if I had my druthers Sammy would stay with the club for the rest of the year for what he can bring to the club offensively (more than Greene). I'm nearly positive that if we trade for another team's defenseman at any time this year it will be Andy that goes out the door in exchange to replace him, along with _____.

Salmela sits, that should be the obvious choice right now.

He has a great shot from the point on the PP, but is a defensive liability. When a coach wants to cut down on your even strength time says a lot about your defensive play. That's also another reason why we've been dressing seven d-men for recent games, just so that Salmela won't play much at ES.

Salmela needs to spend the rest of the year down in Lowell to work on his defensive game. He'll be a good player for us, but needs work to get there.

shrug, hes been very good since his call up and theyve made note of highlighting it as well. also dano and chico make constant points of how we hes played defensively. while i agree mottau has more rounded out defensive game back there, to say salmela is a liability simply isnt true. i will say that he looked VERY shake at the seasons start and the first game upon his call up, but hes been playing up to snuff. also, the reason id sit mottau is while yes greene has more offensive potential, he has a better grasp of defense than anssi does at the moment so he fills the void left by a more defensive saavy(slight margin) mottau. so if they were hypotetically paired together, i wouldnt be overly concerned. lets face it, despite bambis improvement, after martin and salvador, its all a ****ing mess.:(