Brian Gionta FA Situation

Do you think there is any possibility that he will sign here for less?
or do you think he will leave?
if he were to leave, what team do you think he would go to?

to be honest, i cant really see him on any other team. maybe florida. ;)

just wanted to know your thoughts on the whole ordeal...

don't want him back so I don't care, unless he'll take like 1.2 mil

I can see him going to Buffalo.

Khl.

Do you think there is any possibility that he will sign here for less?
or do you think he will leave?
if he were to leave, what team do you think he would go to?

to be honest, i cant really see him on any other team. maybe florida. ;)

just wanted to know your thoughts on the whole ordeal...

i'm perfectly happy if they trade him at the deadline or let him walk. he doesn't bring much anymore besides trying to shoot through goalies chests.

wherever he goes he will never come close to his career year. too bad it happened on a contract year.

don't want him back so I don't care, unless he'll take like 1.2 mil

I wouldn't want him back for 500k. It's amazing how fast time flies because next year will be Bergfors' 5th season with the organization. He deserves a shot in the top 6. It'll be a now or never situation with him.

I wouldn't want him back for 500k. It's amazing how fast time flies because next year will be Bergfors' 5th season with the organization. He deserves a shot in the top 6. It'll be a now or never situation with him.

:amazed:

The additions of Rolston and Holik eliminate that "need" for his defensive skills as pointed out by other posters. Time for Bergfors, and since we cannot afford Gionta, his time has come. We learned the hard way with sellout, so while we could still get something for Gionta, we should.

The additions of Rolston and Holik eliminate that "need" for his defensive skills as pointed out by other posters. Time for Bergfors, and since we cannot afford Gionta, his time has come. We learned the hard way with sellout, so while we could still get something for Gionta, we should.

That's what you'd think, but I'm willing to bet all my vcash that Lou clings to him like he's a golden turd.

If he signs cheap, I'll take him. I have a feeling someone will offer him ridiculous money, maybe the Rangers. If that's the case, lols will ensue

Trade him at the deadline for whatever we can get (we should still be able to get a decent defenceman + second round pick), and consider ourselves lucky.

Lou will sign him. Y'all know he will.

Trade him at the deadline for whatever we can get (we should still be able to get a decent defenceman + second round pick), and consider ourselves lucky.

Kevin Klein and a 2nd for Gio

Kevin Klein and a 2nd for Gio

Isn't that the guy from Wild Wild West?

Isn't that the guy from Wild Wild West?

I guess you could call Nashville that.

It's not a situation... it's not like losing him would kill us.

It's not a situation... it's not like losing him would kill us.

i am just seeing what potential options people think we have, didnt know how to say it besides "sitaution"

Either they trade him or he resigns here or elsewhere for about $3M. No one is going to pay him $4M again.

let that waste walk

Khl.

How about the KGB? ;)

Or midget wrestling? :handclap:

Bet he will be resigned. Not that I want him to be.

By the way, you cant just go into next year handing Bergfors a top 6 role. He has to, you know, uh, make the team first. Putting up numbers this year in the "A" would help. Enough with the prospect mancrush, I want Bergfors to make the top 6 as much as the next guy but you cant just hand it to him before he shows he can do it. Also, be aware that if Gionta walks, you go into next season with Elias-Zubrus-Rolston as your 1st/2nd line. I would be OK with that, they looked good so far this year, but idk how pleased everyone would be with that. I would be fine with that assuming we brought in a top pairing D through free agency of course. Id be ecstatic if our team next year was the exact same as this years minus Gionta plus Bouwmeester or a free agent of his caliber.

Still hoping he signs here. I think he's great on the Madden-Pandolfo line, and will be great with Elias and Rolston as was originally planned.

It's amazing how fast time flies because next year will be Bergfors' 5th season with the organization.

Which shows that he is developing exactly how most NJ scoring forwards develop. :p:

If he signs cheap, I'll take him. I have a feeling someone will offer him ridiculous money, maybe the Rangers. If that's the case, lols will ensue
The Rags are capped-out, and have a bunch of their own players to re-sign
It's not a situation... it's not like losing him would kill us.
we wont even notice he's gone, except for less threads on this forum
let that waste walk

I dont think he'll get much attention from teams, his best days are past

I dont think he'll get much attention from teams, his best days are past

With a premier centre, Gionta could make a huge comeback. Also, if he continues to stink it up, he isnt going to be able to ask for the same as he has now...

A team like Pittsburgh could scoop him up for around $3mill and put him with Crosby. Just like Sykora.

Seriously, what on EARTH makes people think Bergfors is going to go anywhere on this team let alone be the Gionta replacement?

He couldn't make the team out of camp this year, he was the 2nd to be called up behind Vrana, and he doesn't even get 10:00 a night when the team is dressing 7 defense.

How long until everyone answers that phone ringing - it's reality calling. Lou and Brent have made it clear their intentions...

Now to the question at hand from the OP: Gionta at a current rate of $4 million doesn't even warrant re-signing at the same terms, let alone the standard raise under a larger salary cap compared to the time of his current contract.

Take a look at his career goal totals:

'01 - 33 games, 4 G
'02 - 58 games, 12 G
'03 - 75 games, 21 G
'05 - 82 games, 48 G
'06 - 62 games, 25 G
'07 - 82 games, 22 G
'08 - 16 games, 3 G

Pretty apparent you take away a magical season and he is a natural 25-30 goal scorer and given his start this season I don't think we need a $5M 25 goal scorer that everyone is just waiting to have another magical season.

I'd rather use his money to lock up Oduya, Greene, Madden and Salmela and focus on attracting other talent that is more dependable.

His service was appreciated and needed (03) but he has peaked and it's time to move on. Let him re-discover himself in another type of system (like Buffalo) where they can use a run and gun speedy guy that shoots from the outside. Best of luck wherever your journey takes you BG...

With a premier centre, Gionta could make a huge comeback. Also, if he continues to stink it up, he isnt going to be able to ask for the same as he has now...

A team like Pittsburgh could scoop him up for around $3mill and put him with Crosby. Just like Sykora.

"Could" is the key word there. We have too many question marks on our roster as is. Going into this season we couldn't say for sure what kind of numbers Patty, Zubes, Zajac, Gionta, Madden, Pandolfo, Jamie, etc would put up. The only sure bets were Parise and Rolston. I don't think it's worth it to re-sign Gionta on the basis that he might have another 48 goal season. Give Bergfors a shot instead. Gionta has had plenty of time to prove himself.

With a premier centre, Gionta could make a huge comeback. Also, if he continues to stink it up, he isnt going to be able to ask for the same as he has now...

A team like Pittsburgh could scoop him up for around $3mill and put him with Crosby. Just like Sykora.

It's true. He's good for 35 goals with Crosby or Malkin

It's true. He's good for 35 goals with Crosby or Malkin

We don't have a Crosby or Malking. Probably never will. Let him walk.

He'd probably have to take less wherever he goes considering he's never coming close to 48 goals again unless there is sometime who just goes nuts for him. I wouldn't re-sign him and I'd trade him at or near the deadline. I'm guessing he'd stay in the East (Buffalo, NYI, Pitt).

We don't have a Crosby or Malking. Probably never will. Let him walk.

Exactly, I was simply stating that he could end up playing Crosby and become another ex-Devil-pain-in-Marty's-arse.

Like RG said, Bergfors really hasn't done anything to warrant the ice-time either. I like the kid and his chances, but until he can get a good season under his belt in the A, I dont like his future with our team.

I hear the Lamoriello's arent too fond of Brian Gionta these days...

Wouldn''t be suprised if he didn't come back baring a MAJOR, MAJOR discount.

If Lou doesn't trade him and lets him walk, I will be extreamly pissed. At the very least get a 2nd round pick for the guy.

I'm giving very low odds that Brian Gionta is wearing a Devils sweater next year, maybe about 5%.

If we're not a playoff contender he's 100% traded for a pick and/or prospect at the deadline.

If we are a contender and Bergfors is back in the AHL then he stays past the deadline.

If... and Bergfors is still up and producing then he might be available, but we all know how unlikely this scenario is.

But regardless, when it comes free agency time, as much as Lou values Gio's loyalty there is a salary cap and teams need to have guys on entry-level contracts, and just at RW Lou/Sutter will have Bergfors, Halischuk, Zharkov, and most likely Palmieri to choose from, and then Tedenby and Vasyunov on the left and still Vrana that can play anywhere. Maybe the individual odds on any one of those isn't great beyond Bergfors, Vrana, and Halischuk, but collectively there are damn good odds that one of these players is ready to contribute full-time at the pro level.

Gionta will probably get around $3.5M/year for anywhere from 1-4 years, but it won't be here. Not when Lou can give someone else a go at a quarter of the cap hit.

I hear the Lamoriello's arent too fond of Brian Gionta these days...
Wouldn''t be suprised if he didn't come back baring a MAJOR, MAJOR discount.

Why do you say that?

From the rumors flying around, Lou was ready to trade him to get a shot at Hossa last season. So I don't think Lou is afraid to pull the trigger. If he doesn't pull up his numbers this season, he's either going to take a discount or take a hike.

That said, I don't think Bergfors will make the cut either. He doesn't fit Sutter's ideal forward profile, even though the kid does show some skill. I just don't think NJ is a good fit for him.

We're more likely to see Tallackson playing than Bergfors.

Exactly, I was simply stating that he could end up playing Crosby and become another ex-Devil-pain-in-Marty's-arse.

Like RG said, Bergfors really hasn't done anything to warrant the ice-time either. I like the kid and his chances, but until he can get a good season under his belt in the A, I dont like his future with our team.

Don't you mean pain-in-Marty's-chest?

Like "the goose" mentionned, i can see Gionta being moved if we don't make the playoffs. Not that i dislike the guy but he got a good contract because he had a career year with Gomez. Even if we're in a playoff hunt at the deadline... TRADE HIM and let one of the youngsters battle it out for his spot on one of the top two lines.

Sutter needs to realise that playing Bergfors or Vrana on the 4th line with Rupp and Brookbank (just typing is name makes me wanna :cry:) isn't gonna help his cause. Bergfors had a pretty solid season in his rookie year in the AHL but his numbers went downhill after that because our team sucked and he didn't have any support. I can honestly say that IF he does get a chance to showcase his talent on one of the top 2 lines and a little PP time, he can rise a lot of eyebrows.

Do I think Gionta would re-sign here? Yes
Do I think the Devils want him back? Probably not, certaintly not at his current price.

Seriously, what on EARTH makes people think Bergfors is going to go anywhere on this team let alone be the Gionta replacement?

Gionta hasn't exactly set the bar too high, literally and figuratively speaking.

Bergfors has the raw talent and offensive instincts Gionta doesn't. He can be coached, and he can be taught. You can bring up his mediocre AHL stats, but he still has enough potential to be a good NHL player. The only way we can find out if he'll actually come through is to give him a legitimate shot.

Gionta hasn't exactly set the bar too high, literally and figuratively speaking.

Bergfors has the raw talent and offensive instincts Gionta doesn't. He can be coached, and he can be taught. You can bring up his mediocre AHL stats, but he still has enough potential to be a good NHL player. The only way we can find out if he'll actually come through is to give him a legitimate shot.

Says who? Hockey's future? What makes you think Bergfors has anywhere near the talent to belong in the NHL? He's getting his shot right now... On the 4th line, where most of our other Rookies started. Even Elias was on the 4th line at one point. Heck Holik was our top line center that year.

Bet he will be resigned. Not that I want him to be.

I would like them to resign Gionta for $2.5M. Gionta plays very well without the puck, is one of the better forecheckers on the team, and creates turnovers. Lots of positives that dont show up in the box score. Sometimes these things lead to goals, but not points. At $2.5M, I say keep him.



If we are a contender and Bergfors is back in the AHL then he stays past the deadline.


What does Bergfors have to do with the price of tea in China? He's getting 2 seconds of ice time per night and Sutter doesnt like his lack of defense. He doesnt play a significant role in the "to Gionta or not to Gionta" equation.

Says who? Hockey's future? What makes you think Bergfors has anywhere near the talent to belong in the NHL? He's getting his shot right now... On the 4th line, where most of our other Rookies started. Even Elias was on the 4th line at one point. Heck Holik was our top line center that year.

This isn't the same team it was when Elias was on the 4th line. And in terms of raw talent, he has way more to offer than Clarkson, Gionta, Pandolfo, and others. I watched a bunch of Lowell games online last year and Bergfors stood out even when he didn't score. He's not perfect in the defensive zone or playing without the puck, but he'll get better with coaching and experience. The NHL is very different from the AHL, he needs to log more minutes and get used to it. Just look at Anssi. He was a train wreck in the first three games. He was putting up terrible numbers in Lowell, but he came back and he got more ice time and now he's playing much better.

Remember when we lost Gomez? Everyone was like, ok Zubrus is much cheaper replacement who needs Gomez?

We found out didn't we? We got what we paid for, which was someone only half as good. Zubrus is strong on the puck and great in the corners, but he's no Gomez and will never be. This is the same situation you are giving now, You are assuming that Bergfors can easily replace Gionta. I really haven't seen that, and I don't think it would happen at least for another few years. Bergfors has not shown the desire to really play hard like Gionta does. I don't know how we can replace the heart that Gionta shows night in and night out.

Remember when we lost Gomez? Everyone was like, ok Zubrus is much cheaper replacement who needs Gomez?

We found out didn't we? We got what we paid for, which was someone only half as good. Zubrus is strong on the puck and great in the corners, but he's no Gomez and will never be. This is the same situation you are giving now, You are assuming that Bergfors can easily replace Gionta. I really haven't seen that, and I don't think it would happen at least for another few years. Bergfors has not shown the desire to really play hard like Gionta does. I don't know how we can replace the heart that Gionta shows night in and night out.

I never thought Zubrus would replace Gomez, and whoever did was a moron. They're totally different players. Terrible example, F+.

Oh and another quote from the Ken Holland Bible regarding rookies/prospects.

"Because we like skill, when a player joins our team, skill plays with skill. "

Which basically means Bergfors should not play with Rupp. Want to play him on the 4th line? Fine, just give him Vrana and Halischuk as his line mates. Playing him with Rupp does nothing for him.

Edit: Don't give me that "heart" ********. Heart alone obviously isn't putting the puck in the net for Gionta. Hell, I could have more heart than the whole team combined, but I can assure you I won't get close to scoring when I'm out there.

Remember when we lost Gomez? Everyone was like, ok Zubrus is much cheaper replacement who needs Gomez?

We found out didn't we? We got what we paid for, which was someone only half as good. Zubrus is strong on the puck and great in the corners, but he's no Gomez and will never be. This is the same situation you are giving now, You are assuming that Bergfors can easily replace Gionta. I really haven't seen that, and I don't think it would happen at least for another few years. Bergfors has not shown the desire to really play hard like Gionta does. I don't know how we can replace the heart that Gionta shows night in and night out.


Very well said!!! :handclap:

This isn't the same team it was when Elias was on the 4th line. And in terms of raw talent, he has way more to offer than Clarkson, Gionta, Pandolfo, and others. I watched a bunch of Lowell games online last year and Bergfors stood out even when he didn't score. He's not perfect in the defensive zone or playing without the puck, but he'll get better with coaching and experience. The NHL is very different from the AHL, he needs to log more minutes and get used to it. Just look at Anssi. He was a train wreck in the first three games. He was putting up terrible numbers in Lowell, but he came back and he got more ice time and now he's playing much better.

Sure you play the he looks good in the AHL card when it suits you. What about Mottau then? He was great in the AHL, yet people refuse to acknowledge that he has skill.

Why the double standard?

Sure you play the he looks good in the AHL card when it suits you. What about Mottau then? He was great in the AHL, yet people refuse to acknowledge that he has skill.

Why the double standard?

Bergfors has untapped offensive potential based on scouting reports. You cannot expect him to be dazzling while playing with Rupp. Mottau is what he is, a 3rd pairing guy with good hands and positioning, but with minimal skating ability. I don't see a double standard here.

Sure you play the he looks good in the AHL card when it suits you. What about Mottau then? He was great in the AHL, yet people refuse to acknowledge that he has skill.

Why the double standard?

Mottau has skill....

I better get my eyes checked again!

Sure you play the he looks good in the AHL card when it suits you. What about Mottau then? He was great in the AHL, yet people refuse to acknowledge that he has skill.

Why the double standard?

Are you serious? Please tell me you're just playing devil's advocate or something because that comment is borderline retarded.

Remember when we lost Gomez? Everyone was like, ok Zubrus is much cheaper replacement who needs Gomez?

We found out didn't we? We got what we paid for, which was someone only half as good. Zubrus is strong on the puck and great in the corners, but he's no Gomez and will never be. This is the same situation you are giving now, You are assuming that Bergfors can easily replace Gionta. I really haven't seen that, and I don't think it would happen at least for another few years. Bergfors has not shown the desire to really play hard like Gionta does. I don't know how we can replace the heart that Gionta shows night in and night out.

You really thought Zubrus was going to replace Gomez? Really? I'm scratching my head over that one!

I know how you replace his heart....find someone who plays like Zach Parise every night because Gionta sure doesn't do that.


Very well said!!! :handclap:

It doesn't surprise me that you agree with him....

Sure you play the he looks good in the AHL card when it suits you. What about Mottau then? He was great in the AHL, yet people refuse to acknowledge that he has skill.

Why the double standard?





lol wut

You really thought Zubrus was going to replace Gomez? Really? I'm scratching my head over that one!

I know how you replace his heart....find someone who plays like Zach Parise every night because Gionta sure doesn't do that.



Gionta doesn't have the skill Parise does, but watch him play, he's all heart out there most nights. He fights battles in the corners, even against guys much bigger than he is.

Are you serious? Please tell me you're just playing devil's advocate or something because that comment is borderline retarded.

I'm giving you a perspective on what you are saying, because your comments are borderline retarded too.

Gionta doesn't have the skill Parise does, but watch him play, he's all heart out there most nights. He fights battles in the corners, even against guys much bigger than he is.

Something about him this year...I'm just not feeling it!

Something about him this year...I'm just not feeling it!

The only thing wrong with Gionta is that he needs to practice shooting at the net. Sutter has them all practicing positioning, plays etc, but how often do they actually practice their shot accuracy?!

If any of them practice hitting a target the size of a baseball they will improve dramatically. I think interchangable parts did an analysis on the Devil's shot accuracy and it was attrocious. THATS what I think is wrong with them.

I don't think the problem with this team is lack of effort. All the analysis and announcers etc on tv always say the devils play hard. I think its just their accuracy.

Come on, 42 shots on goal and no goal to show for it?

well i do agree with you that they need to hit the net more

like i said, run those drills herb brooks ran in Miracle, except instead of suicides make them hit the net 50 times from the blue line

MoonDragn is right, the only people here whos comments are "borderline retarded" are the ones who have Bergfors as a lock to replace Gionta next year. What if he fails? Then we have Elias-Rolston-Zubrus, which Im fine with, but realistically that lineup is gonna score us less goals then we will this year. Also, we are one injury or one Sutter line shuffle away from having Clarkson on that 1st/2nd line with Elias, and I know how much you all hate Clarkson. People here overrate prospects WAYYYY too much. Yea, Bergfors has SOME skill, but skill alone doesnt do *****. If you are expecting this guy to replace Gionta next year, do you honestly believe he will match Brians 20-25 goal, 50-60 point seasons? Me neither. Realistically hed probably be in the 30 point range, 40 if he is lucky. Thats great that you all want a young guy to develop in a top 6 role with those low point totals, but if you havent realized Brodeur isnt exactly getting any younger and we should be building a team that is ready to compete EVERY year while Martys here, not bending over backward to accommodate our "amazing" prospects.

The only thing wrong with Gionta is that he needs to practice shooting at the net. Sutter has them all practicing positioning, plays etc, but how often do they actually practice their shot accuracy?!


Here's a little nugget about practice - shot accuracy is not something you drill during practice. There are optional skates, and time after practice (once the coach has complete his agenda) where players can stay on and do whatever they like. This is when players isolate on shooting and in particular they usually get 2 or 3 guys and practice the 1 timers, and shot placement.

It is not the responsibility of the coach to instill individual skill - his job is to develop the team and the implementation of his game plan involving systems. It is the responsibility of the player to work on his fundamentals - passing, skating, shooting throughout the off-season and during these optional skates.

[/coachrant]

Remember when we lost Gomez? Everyone was like, ok Zubrus is much cheaper replacement who needs Gomez?

We found out didn't we? We got what we paid for, which was someone only half as good. Zubrus is strong on the puck and great in the corners, but he's no Gomez and will never be. This is the same situation you are giving now, You are assuming that Bergfors can easily replace Gionta. I really haven't seen that, and I don't think it would happen at least for another few years. Bergfors has not shown the desire to really play hard like Gionta does. I don't know how we can replace the heart that Gionta shows night in and night out.


Pleeeaase Bergfors is 21 years old. When Brian was 21 he play with Boston College. Give the kid some time. Bergie is not 29 years old. I can not believe why everyone call Bergie a bust. I love this kid. Bergie display great speed, shot and hockeysense. Give him some time and put him with better players. ;)

Look at this right now, Players born 86 -87:

Sasha Pokulok - South Carolina Stingrays ECHL (Only 3 points in 9 games)
Selected 2005 by Washington Capitals round 1 #14 overall


Bobby Ryan - Bakersfield Condors ECHL
Selected 2005 by Anaheim Ducks round 1 #2 overall


Brian Lee - Binghamton Senators AHL (only 2 points in 11 games)
Selected 2005 by Ottawa Senators round 1 #9 overall


Alex Bourret - San Antonio Rampage AHL (7 points in 14 games)
Selected 2005 by Atlanta Thrashers round 1 #16 overall


Ryan O'Marra - Springfield Falcons AHL ( 2 helpers in 9 games)
Selected 2005 by NY Islanders round 1 #15 overall

I'm giving you a perspective on what you are saying, because your comments are borderline retarded too.

How so? Please provide evidence.

Pleeeaase Bergfors is 21 years old. When Brian was 21 he play with Boston College. Give the kid some time. Bergie is not 29 years old. I can not believe why everyone call Bergie a bust. I love this kid. Bergie display great speed, shot and hockeysense. Give him some time and put him with better players. ;)

Look at this right now, Players born 86 -87:

Sasha Pokulok - South Carolina Stingrays ECHL (Only 3 points in 9 games)
Selected 2005 by Washington Capitals round 1 #14 overall


Bobby Ryan - Bakersfield Condors ECHL
Selected 2005 by Anaheim Ducks round 1 #2 overall


Brian Lee - Binghamton Senators AHL (only 2 points in 11 games)
Selected 2005 by Ottawa Senators round 1 #9 overall


Alex Bourret - San Antonio Rampage AHL (7 points in 14 games)
Selected 2005 by Atlanta Thrashers round 1 #16 overall


Ryan O'Marra - Springfield Falcons AHL ( 2 helpers in 9 games)
Selected 2005 by NY Islanders round 1 #15 overall

This just shows me that it wasn't a great draft. Outside of Crosby, Kopitar. M. Staal, Price, J. Johnson, and Cogliano, the other guys haven't done much in the NHL so far.

Gionta can go do midget films. I hope he's gone soon.

How so? Please provide evidence.

Please, you can't even spell half of the time. Thats borderline retarded right there!

oh siq burn

I wouldn´t mind to see Gionta´s era to reach its end. Of course, it´s not a travesty to see him rejoining the group, but I´m not really advocating re-signing him. Rather focus on John Madden, Travis Zajac and Johnny Oduya. But their contract situation is a complete different thing.

I hope Gio is traded at the trade deadline, so that he is not another player gone without some compensation. No way is he dragging the team down, but he is not necessarily a player I´d want to see signed long-term, yet again. With 20 goals scored he is definitely replaceable from within.

Gionta will probably bounce back scoring 30 goals with a good playmaker and being put back in front of the net in powerplay. That happening elsewhere, hopefully.

And for crying out loud, bustfors, or whatever he is hilriously called, is only 21 years old. Usually players without unique crosbian or gretzkyan talent come to their own around 25 years of age. I think there are very few of us, who have him penciled as a certain lock in our top 6. The way the Devs´ have been built, there are plenty of options to go around.

Yet, Bergy goes to waste playing a couple of minutes a game alongside Rupper and Brokeback mountain. He might not turn out to be a new Elias or Rolston, but so far he´s a card not yet turned. Please, Sutter, pimp his role!

Why do you say that?

I have my sources

I have my sources

Is you source someone who has seen Lou's warroom and or has done work at or on the rock? Does he/she resemble the before pictures of diet commercials.

I would love to keep Gio at 2.5, but i dont think that is going to happen. especially since we are paying Zubrus 3.4 a year.

I have my sources

Isn't it against the rules to claim something and not back it up?

Is you source someone who has seen Lou's warroom and or has done work at or on the rock? Does he/she resemble the before pictures of diet commercials.

:biglaugh: Fantastic!

all you have to do to make it legit is put (e4) after it, duh guys

I have my sources

Did you get an e-mail in your NHL 09 inbox?

:sarcasm:

This just shows me that it wasn't a great draft. Outside of Crosby, Kopitar. M. Staal, Price, J. Johnson, and Cogliano, the other guys haven't done much in the NHL so far.

Stastny went in the second round, 44th overall that year as well. Big miss for us.

Did you get an e-mail in your NHL 09 inbox?

:sarcasm:

No silly.....it was the new "My Little Pony" game....the Ponies were speaking to him!

Did you get an e-mail in your NHL 09 inbox?

:sarcasm:

they dont have inbox's anymore in that game.

they have them in 08 though. :D

they dont have inbox's anymore in that game.

they have them in 08 though. :D

Ha, my bad.. I'm still stuck in the past with plain old original xbox

No silly.....it was the new "My Little Pony" game....the Ponies were speaking to him!

What about Mall Madness?

Didn't that have a phone and all kinds of crazy ****?

What about Mall Madness?

Didn't that have a phone and all kinds of crazy ****?

I don't know...I never had that game!

He snuck a peek at Lou's blackberry (aka etch a sketch)

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s93/vagel117/funny/etch.jpg

I would love to keep Gio at 2.5, but i dont think that is going to happen. especially since we are paying Zubrus 3.4 a year.
Then he can go off to make his way somewhere else. Gio got his payday already.

Please, you can't even spell half of the time. That's borderline retarded right there!

Show me said spelling errors. Firefox 3.0 with spell check has never failed me so far.

I'm still stuck in the past with plain old original xbox

I dont play videogames anymore, but my last system was the original Playstation (the first one that took disks). I have a beautiful 50 plasma HDTV though, and I really want to dip my feet into the water and buy a new Xbox for it. Problem is, I am fairly certain I would become obsessed with Madden, NHL, and Call of Duty and that it would take up way too much of my time for my own good. I'm scared I would become a zombie.

I dont play videogames anymore, but my last system was the original Playstation (the first one that took disks). I have a beautiful 50 plasma HDTV though, and I really want to dip my feet into the water and buy a new Xbox for it. Problem is, I am fairly certain I would become obsessed with Madden, NHL, and Call of Duty and that it would take up way too much of my time for my own good. I'm scared I would become a zombie.

PS3 FTW.

Then he can go off to make his way somewhere else. Gio got his payday already.

true. i can see him going to an offensively inclined team like Boston or Buffalo.

Show me said spelling errors. Firefox 3.0 with spell check has never failed me so far.

http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/rro/lowres/rron270l.jpg

i just want gio gone. thats all. i like him a little more than i like pando.

PS3 FTW.

says the ps3 troglodyte that never joins us online...

i just want gio gone. thats all. i like him a little more than i like pando.

i would rather have Gio then alot of players on the team right now, but his price will be way too high.

I dont play videogames anymore, but my last system was the original Playstation (the first one that took disks). I have a beautiful 50 plasma HDTV though, and I really want to dip my feet into the water and buy a new Xbox for it. Problem is, I am fairly certain I would become obsessed with Madden, NHL, and Call of Duty and that it would take up way too much of my time for my own good. I'm scared I would become a zombie.

HFboards zombie, xbox zombie, what's the difference.

says the ps3 troglodyte that never joins us online...

I'm busy with escuela. After December 18th I'm all yours.

I'm busy with escuela. After December 18th I'm all yours.




no homo

I'm busy with escuela. After December 18th I'm all yours.

I don't care if you cook snails - just get on and join us for some games.

I don't care if you cook snails - just get on and join us for some games.

YES!!

That's what she said!!

PS3 FTW.

Is this an opinion or an indisputable fact?

In other words, do most people believe PS3>Xbox or is that controversial?

How about the KGB? ;)

Or midget wrestling? :handclap:

Or Dwarf Tossing?

Isn't it against the rules to claim something and not back it up?

I have a legit, behind the scenes source and I've cleared it with Classic Devil. Choose to believe me or not, I have reason to lie about it ... especially on something as dumb as the Lamoriello family not being thrilled with Gionta.

I have a legit, behind the scenes source and I've cleared it with Classic Devil. No reason to lie about it. I'm no Devils Repairman.

ESPN rules: 2 sources. :laugh:

I have a legit, behind the scenes source and I've cleared it with Classic Devil. Choose to believe me or not, I have reason to lie about it ... especially on something as dumb as the Lamoriello family not being thrilled with Gionta.

Lou's gonna give Gionta the finest cement boots in all the hudson...

I'm glad Sutter sees things clearly, unlike some of our fans. He agrees with me that Gionta has been playing hard and just having bad breaks...


"The three of them are playing pretty well," Sutter said. "Brian has been playing well for a period of time and wasn't getting rewarded. Now, he's starting to get rewarded. Patty's getting rewarded for the things he's doing and Zubes is the big guy on that line. He's protecting pucks and he's doing a good job too. That line has been productive. I thought tonight all three of them had a real good game,"

http://njmg.typepad.com/devilsblog/2008/11/sutter-wont-name-starter-for-fridays-game.html

I'm glad Sutter sees things clearly, unlike some of our fans. He agrees with me that Gionta has been playing hard and just having bad breaks...


http://njmg.typepad.com/devilsblog/2008/11/sutter-wont-name-starter-for-fridays-game.html

You and Me both MD...He may not have been finishing, but he has been playing very well....and this line of Zubs, Elias, and Gio has some promise.....

Agreed. I know it's Rochester Bias and all that, but Gio has played well for most of the season, even when his point totals (what most of the fans look at to determine performance) didn't show it.

yea hes been playing better

....but i still hate him
keep raising your trade value gio!

Waves to Aboriginal

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/47/fullj.17a07a18f61a133af44fbad2672ebae9/17a07a18f61a133af44fbad2672ebae9-getty-82759845bb021_florida_panth.jpg

yea hes been playing better

....but i still hate him
keep raising your trade value gio!

Hate him? Do you now him? If Gionta sign with TPS abo. Do you still hate him?

Hate him? Do you now him? If Gionta sign with TPS abo. Do you still hate him?

...yes:laugh:

...yes:laugh:


So you pick Jarkko Hattunen over Brian Gionta? :amazed:

i just dont like gionta. cant help it. he would be very good over there though, make turku proud:D.

Work him in a deal for a #1 D-man. Mix draft picks if need be. I wouldn't wait so long to move him.

I dont know...Gio aint that bad, he's starting to heat up, got some chemistry with Elias, and he does hustle every shift.

I dont know...Gio aint that bad, he's starting to heat up, got some chemistry with Elias, and he does hustle every shift.
His play has definitely improved. I still think he's our best trading chip, but he's making his worth clear.

His play has definitely improved. I still think he's our best trading chip, but he's making his worth clear.

I think Lou's going to hold onto him. If he keeps playing well, I doubt Lou will replace him, and we all know now that Bergfors won't be jumping into his spot this season.

I think Lou's going to hold onto him. If he keeps playing well, I doubt Lou will replace him, and we all know now that Bergfors won't be jumping into his spot this season.
I'll be surprised if Bergfors isn't traded before the year is out.

I'll be surprised if Bergfors isn't traded before the year is out.

If there's going to be a guy traded at the deadline to improve the club, I agree, it's definetly going to be Bergfors.

I'm getting the feeling you guys are right. I think Sutter just doesn't like him or something. I did see some great moves by Bergfors last game, and I thought he showed more skill than Rupp or Brookbank. But again, Sutter probably sees something we don't see and probably doesn't think he's ready.

He's young yet. I think he will either get traded or kept in Lowell to season some more.

I think Lou's going to hold onto him. If he keeps playing well, I doubt Lou will replace him, and we all know now that Bergfors won't be jumping into his spot this season.

I hope not. I'm sick and tired of these turdishly inconsistent players. You know as soon as he signs an extension, he'll go back to playing like crap. Hell, the only forward who didn't turn into a giant piece of fecal matter after re-signing is Zach. We need more Zachs.

Put Parise with Brookbank and Rupp and let him play 5 min. Probably no goals from Parises stick.

Put Parise with Brookbank and Rupp and let him play 5 min. Probably no goals from Parises stick.



http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m301/justintelfer/GIFS/whathe.gif

His play has definitely improved. I still think he's our best trading chip, but he's making his worth clear.

He's been playing well the whole season. He has been juggled around on lines like everyone else. His goal totals are not up there, and he has never been a true snoiper, and those who actually think that he is are sadly mistaken. He is a 25 goal scorer, and if he does what he is good at within the PP, he will get the extra 10-15 a season. Truth be told, he wasn't used like this for the past two seasons. Plus our PP really had no QB after Rafalski.
I agree that he is overpaid, but he plays hard, and has a grit for a guy of his stature.

Like many players, if you surround them with someone that compliments their style, you will see production. And i think we found that Zubs and Elias fit well with Gio on the other wing...

His play has definitely improved. I still think he's our best trading chip, but he's making his worth clear.

Based on Gio's contract.....being a free agent after this season...yes, he's a good trading chip

I think Lou's going to hold onto him. If he keeps playing well, I doubt Lou will replace him, and we all know now that Bergfors won't be jumping into his spot this season.

Bergfors should be traded too, he's just gonna leave our system if we keep him in the minors much longer.

Gionta has looked good in every game I have seen. Give the poor guy a playmaker on the PP and he would be a PPG player again.

Gio ever play LW for any period of time?

negative ghostrider

Gionta has looked good in every game I have seen. Give the poor guy a playmaker on the PP and he would be a PPG player again.
With a working Elias he is a PPG player.

Right now the max I'd be willing to give him, however, is around 2.8M, the same we gave Langenbrunner.

With a working Elias he is a PPG player.

Right now the max I'd be willing to give him, however, is around 2.8M, the same we gave Langenbrunner.

i agree with your post. Elias and him are almost ppg players, just under, and i think they found a good linemate in zubrus. Gionta has a very good mindset when with zubrus: just crash the ****ing net. get dirty goals. i think its working out well.

I think langs' contract is a good comparison, he certainly wont and shouldnt get more that Parise or Zubrus, and if he doesnt like that, he can gtfo. i really like gio, but he is not worth a penny over 3, if that. Bergfors looks like he will be ready by next year, especially if he keeps up his good offense/defensive play in Lowell.