Oduya...

So it was posted on the sharks board that Johnny Oduya was in a rumor (eklund I know but I still wanted to know) involving the sharks, I'm asking devils fans what it would take for him to come to SJ.

So it was posted on the sharks board that Johnny Oduya was in a rumor (eklund I know but I still wanted to know) involving the sharks, I'm asking devils fans what it would take for him to come to SJ.
Another defenseman who could replace him in our top-3 for a $600,000 cap hit? He played 25 minutes tonight.

Are Boyle, Blake, Vlasic, and Ehrhoff seriously not enough?

So it was posted on the sharks board that Johnny Oduya was in a rumor (eklund I know but I still wanted to know) involving the sharks, I'm asking devils fans what it would take for him to come to SJ.

Honestly, I would take a combo of picks and prospects so we can make room for Salmela. He will fetch around 2.5-3 on the open market because he has definitely turned his game around.

Are Boyle, Blake, Vlasic, and Ehrhoff seriously not enough?

It's not their value or skill, it's the contract.
Oduya is a +11 on a $600k contract.

Boyle is a +10 on a $6.6M contract.
Vlasic is doing better than Oduya, a +18 on a $1.1M contract ($3.1M next year)
Ehrhoff is a -5 on a $3.1M contract.

Thornton and that angry german backup goalie you guys have

I wonder why the sharks need oduya though, and why the devils don't need oduya, the only decent puck mover (martin, I know) we have.

give us Lukowich back.:yo:

POST NUMBER 1996

THIS WAS A DREADFUL YEAR, THE ONLY SEASON THE DEVILS MISSED THE PLAYOFFS FROM 1990 TO NOW.

Work out a 3 team deal that would send us JDD from Edmonton. Awesome looking goalie prospect and one of the most agile goaltenders I've ever seen.

Honestly, I'd take a 2nd rounder for him. Why? I think Salmela is ready for another shot at the NHL. He showed a significant improvement the first time he got recalled from Lowell. He only got sent back down because Rolston came back. Now he's putting up great number's in the AHL, his +/- is no longer in the negatives, and he'll be able to contribute more offensively.

I also think Lou's going to add another d-man before the deadline. The Shanny signing says it all. They're gunning for it this year, but they really need to solidify the blueline to make that happen. Lou knows the D needs help. He was allegedly in the running for Campbell at the deadline last year, and he said on two separate occasions that he wanted add a "top-3 defenseman" in the summer.

Oduya's a UFA this summer and we have Salmela, Greene, and possibly Eckford or Corrente fighting for a full time spot next year. If Lou acquires a "top-3" d-man at the deadline who isn't a UFA at the end of the season, we probably would have to let Oduya walk anyways. It's a deep draft, might as well get something for him.

Honestly, I'd take a 2nd rounder for him. Why? I think Salmela is ready for another shot at the NHL. He showed a significant improvement the first time he got recalled from Lowell. He only got sent back down because Rolston came back. Now he's putting up great number's in the AHL, his +/- is no longer in the negatives, and he'll be able to contribute more offensively.

I also think Lou's going to add another d-man before the deadline. The Shanny signing says it all. They're gunning for it this year, but they really need to solidify the blueline to make that happen. Lou knows the D needs help. He was allegedly in the running for Campbell at the deadline last year, and he said on two separate occasions that he wanted add a "top-3 defenseman" in the summer.

Oduya's a UFA this summer and we have Salmela, Greene, and possibly Eckford or Corrente fighting for a full time spot next year. If Lou acquires a "top-3" d-man at the deadline who isn't a UFA at the end of the season, we probably would have to let Oduya walk anyways. It's a deep draft, might as well get something for him.
I'd rather keep him for the playoff run.

I wonder why the sharks need oduya though, and why the devils don't need oduya, the only decent puck mover (martin, I know) we have.

They dont......hence....it's an Eklund rumor.

And if the Devils had to toss out a low-paid Dman, I'd rather get rid of Greene than Oduya, and replace him with Salmela.

You know, Salmela, the guy who had another assist tonight and now has 18 points in 25 games on defense, while at the exact same time Andy Greene hasnt dont anything in pretty much forever. :facepalm:

I'd rather keep him for the playoff run.

This.

I'd rather keep him for the playoff run.

If we can acquire a top pairing d-man, I really don't feel the need to. We already have 8 defenseman.

If we can acquire a top pairing d-man, I really don't feel the need to. We already have 8 defenseman.
I'd keep him and use Mottau as the seven.

I'd trade him if he's included for that deal for a top defenseman. Other than that I would say he's unavailable.

I'd keep him and use Mottau as the seven.

I think that if Salmela can give a little more offensively and be just about the same defensively, it wouldn't make sense to keep oduya when we can't afford to keep him anyway. We should have learned from the gomez situation where we knew he was gone at the end of the season and should have gotten something for him. In this case, especially if we acquire a top pairing guy, I don't see him staying.

I'd trade him if he's included for that deal for a top defenseman. Other than that I would say he's unavailable.

I agree to some extent. I'd only want him traded if I knew a top pairing d-man is coming here, although I don't think it would/could happen in the same deal. A team that's trading a top-pairing d-man at the deadline probably isn't making the playoffs, and therefore has no use for a #4 d-man who is a UFA at the end of the season.

I think that if Salmela can give a little more offensively and be just about the same defensively, it wouldn't make sense to keep oduya when we can't afford to keep him anyway. We should have learned from the gomez situation where we knew he was gone at the end of the season and should have gotten something for him. In this case, especially if we acquire a top pairing guy, I don't see him staying.
I'm not saying sign him in the offseason. I'm saying for the remainder of this season. At $600,000, unless he's going in a trade for a top-pairing defenseman, we have absolutely no incentive to trade him. Even if it means losing him in the offseason for nothing.

Right now Oduya's one of our better dmen and he's making near league minimum. I think we're better served just hanging on to him and seeing what happens this summer. Even if we lose him, his value to the team the rest of the season and into the playoffs could be worth more than the 2nd or 3rd rounder we'd get for him.

I'd love to make room for Salmela too, but I'd rather it be through either Greene or Mottau. Specifically Mottau. If Greene loses a spot I'd rather it be in a trade for another dman back.

My 500th post....and it only took me nearly 3 years :laugh:

wow people are underrating oduya. he is much better than salmela, especially in his own end.

probably only vlasic

I'd rather keep and re-sign Oduya, possibly for a discount. He's becoming part of the core, and seems to fit the system well.

wow people are underrating oduya. he is much better than salmela, especially in his own end.

probably only vlasic

Dude, why the hell would San Jose trade Vlasic for Oduya? They have no incentive whatsover to make that trade. They lost Luko and now they need someone to replace him.

Besides, Vlasic >>> Oduya. And that's before you count the fact that Vlasic is only 21, is already better than Oduya, and is signed for 4 more years while Oduya is a UFA at the end of the season.

Dude, why the hell would San Jose trade Vlasic for Oduya? They have no incentive whatsover to make that trade. They lost Luko and now they need someone to replace him.

Besides, Vlasic >>> Oduya. And that's before you count the fact that Vlasic is only 21, is already better than Oduya, and is signed for 4 more years while Oduya is a UFA at the end of the season.
I want Vlasic on the Devils. :p:

He's the French-Canadian Marty needs.

I'd rather keep and re-sign Oduya, possibly for a discount. He's becoming part of the core, and seems to fit the system well.

Disagree completely. This team is seriously lacking a top pairing d-man, and spending $2M+ on Oduya would be a waste. I think Salmela, Greene, or even Eckford could easily replace Oduya next season. There's no need to keep him with those guys in the system. He's a good defenseman, but I don't feel the need to pay him big bucks to stay. He's not that important.

Dude, why the hell would San Jose trade Vlasic for Oduya? They have no incentive whatsover to make that trade. They lost Luko and now they need someone to replace him.

Besides, Vlasic >>> Oduya. And that's before you count the fact that Vlasic is only 21, is already better than Oduya, and is signed for 4 more years while Oduya is a UFA at the end of the season.

i didnt say it was going to happen, but look at their roster and their cap hits, is there anyone else you would want? we dont need a forward and if we are trading arguably our second best defenseman, we should probably get a defenseman back.

i dont think they would do that, but thats all i would want in return

I want Vlasic on the Devils. :p:

He's the French-Canadian Marty needs.

I'd take him in a heart beat. But if Lou traded Oduya to get him, I'd suspect that there was some foul play involved.

i didnt say it was going to happen, but look at their roster and their cap hits, is there anyone else you would want? we dont need a forward and if we are trading arguably our second best defenseman, we should probably get a defenseman back.

i dont think they would do that, but thats all i would want in return

You are drastically overrating Oduya if you think he's our #2. San Jose will probably offer a pick or prospect for him and that's it. They sent Steve Bernier and a 1st for Brian Campbell last year, the Devils would be lucky to get a quarter of that in terms of value for Oduya.

I'd take him in a heart beat. But if Lou traded Oduya to get him, I'd suspect that there was some foul play involved.
Future considerations from the Malakhov deal: Lou can exchange any defenseman with an expiring contract for any San Jose defenseman with an expiring contract, regardless of age, size, skill, point production, intelligence...

You know you like it. (And before you say Vlasic is signed through next season... he is, but his current deal expires at the end of this season.)

Disagree completely. This team is seriously lacking a top pairing d-man, and spending $2M+ on Oduya would be a waste. I think Salmela, Greene, or even Eckford could easily replace Oduya next season. There's no need to keep him with those guys in the system. He's a good defenseman, but I don't feel the need to pay him big bucks to stay. He's not that important.

I'm not impressed with Greene. He gets bumped off the puck too easily in his own end. He's not nearly as good of a skater as Oduya either. Salmela seems to have a pretty good first pass and a rocket shot, but again Oduya's skating brings an element that none of them can bring which is to lead to rush.

Future considerations from the Malakhov deal: Lou can exchange any defenseman with an expiring contract for any San Jose defenseman with an expiring contract, regardless of age, size, skill, point production, intelligence...

You know you like it. (And before you say Vlasic is signed through next season... he is, but his current deal expires at the end of this season.)

Hmm...so you're saying we can essentially make SJ our new St. Louis? If so, I'm game. Lou and his loupholes. Gotta love it.

Future considerations from the Malakhov deal: Lou can exchange any defenseman with an expiring contract for any San Jose defenseman with an expiring contract, regardless of age, size, skill, point production, intelligence...

You know you like it. (And before you say Vlasic is signed through next season... he is, but his current deal expires at the end of this season.)

Whoa, thats not a loophole thats a god damn crater. Are you sure about those details?

You are drastically overrating Oduya if you think he's our #2. San Jose will probably offer a pick or prospect for him and that's it. They sent Steve Bernier and a 1st for Brian Campbell last year, the Devils would be lucky to get a quarter of that in terms of value for Oduya.

you dont think he is arguably our second best defenseman? he has the highest plus minus of the defenseman, most pts, hes 2nd on toi on the team (around the same as salvador). i dont think saying that he is arguably our second best defenseman is a stretch

all i said was if we trade oduya to san jose, i would only want(and all we could afford ) is vlasic . i realize it wont happen

you dont think he is arguably our second best defenseman? he has the highest plus minus of the defenseman, most pts, hes 2nd on toi (around the same as salvador). i dont think saying that he is arguably our second best defenseman is a stretch

all i said was if we trade oduya to san jose, i would only want(and all we could afford ) is vlasic . i realize it wont happen

I rank our d-men in this order: Martin, Sal, White, Oduya, Mottau, Greene. Martin is barely a #1 d-man...no way in hell Oduya is a #2.

Future considerations from the Malakhov deal: Lou can exchange any defenseman with an expiring contract for any San Jose defenseman with an expiring contract, regardless of age, size, skill, point production, intelligence...

You know you like it. (And before you say Vlasic is signed through next season... he is, but his current deal expires at the end of this season.)

wait, is that really part of the deal? maybe that trade wasnt so bad. if thats true, vlasic would definitley be coming here and that would be highway robbery

I rank our d-men in this order: Martin, Sal, White, Oduya, Mottau, Greene. Martin is barely a #1 d-man...no way in hell Oduya is a #2.

i said OUR number 2 defenseman, and i think your rankins are a bit off. slide oduya in the 2 hole and youve got it

Besides, Vlasic >>> Oduya. And that's before you count the fact that Vlasic is only 21, is already better than Oduya, and is signed for 4 more years while Oduya is a UFA at the end of the season.

The thing a lot of Devils fans forget about with Oduya, is the fact that he's not that young. He's only been in the NHL a little bit, so people tend to think of him as a 22 or 23 year old, when in reality he's 27 years old. So, what you're seeing with Oduya now is pretty much what you're going to get. It's not like he's going to "develop" much further and be Paul Coffey two years from now. Whereas, a 21 year old like Vlasic? Six years from now with all the development time he's got ahead of him? By the time HE's 27 it's likely he will be a greatly improved player from where he is now.

You people are taking me way too seriously. I need to do something to damage my credibility.

If that had really been part of the Malakhov deal, I would go out and celebrate naked, in Chicago, in January.

You people are taking me way too seriously. I need to do something to damage my credibility.

If that had really been part of the Malakhov deal, I would go out and celebrate naked, in Chicago, in January.

****111111 why cant you jsut use the smilies like they are intended, like this:cry:

Salmela seems to have a pretty good first pass and a rocket shot, but again Oduya's skating brings an element that none of them can bring which is to lead to rush.

Salmela can carry the puck up, Sutter allowed him to in his brief stay as a Devil. I imagine he's probably getting better at it in Lowell. As for Oduya, I agree he can rush the puck up ice pretty well for a defenseman, so why doesnt he? Either Sutter or Oduya himself doesnt have much confidence in that aspect of his game because he doesnt do it very much.

i said OUR number 2 defenseman, and i think your rankins are a bit off. slide oduya in the 2 hole and youve got it

I think his rankings are spot on, I think the issue is you overrate Oduya.

I think his rankings are spot on, I think the issue is you overrate Oduya.

your kind of known as teh oduya hater so i cant say i didnt expect that but you cant argue the stats. he is first in pts by a defenseman, plus minus and is second on teh team on toi and you cant say thats because he plays with martin because he hasnt all year

As for Oduya, I agree he can rush the puck up ice pretty well for a defenseman, so why doesnt he? Either Sutter or Oduya himself doesnt have much confidence in that aspect of his game because he doesnt do it very much.



i like when i see oduya rush into the zone with his speed alone and try to make something happen. trouble is, most of the time he flubs a pass or has a brainfart and does something stupid with the puck and its turned over. dont get me wrong, he shows decent flashes sometimes and i like to see that, but if u look at martin when he rushes into the offensive zone, theres loads more poise and creativity. if this is the ceiling for oduya and he would get a decent return, then lou should do it. if nothings available, then he can ride out the season and well see how effective he can be this playoff run. hell most likely walk but i suppose thats ok with so many young dmen in lowell ready to push for their place in the roster.

your kind of known as teh oduya hater

I'm "kind of known as the Oduay hater" by the same 3 or 4 people though, the Oduya lovers. I really think my analysis of him has been spot on. I think he's played well for most of this year, except for about an 8 game stretch from late Nov to mid Dec when he was awful. But I'm certainly in the camp that thinks he's more of a $1.5M player than a $2.5M player, and if he wants $2.5M, it's see you later Charlie if I was Lou. That said, I'd rather keep Oduya than Greene if it comes down to an either-or situation.

hell most likely walk but i suppose thats ok with so many young dmen in lowell ready to push for their place in the roster.

That's another good point. BTW, WTH is with that avatar, did you lose a bet?

I'm "kind of known as the Oduay hater" by the same 3 or 4 people though, the Oduya lovers. I really think my analysis of him has been spot on. I think he's played well for most of this year, except for about an 8 game stretch from late Nov to mid Dec when he was awful. But I'm certainly in the camp that thinks he's more of a $1.5M player than a $2.5M player, and if he wants $2.5M, it's see you later Charlie if I was Lou. That said, I'd rather keep Oduya than Greene if it comes down to an either-or situation.

maybe i overrate oduya, but i think you and apparnetly a few others underrate him. sutter seems to like him seeing how much toi he gets

i think greene is overall a better player, but hes in a rut atm and not playing to his full ability. oduya isnt always consistant, but hes more so than greene. i think greenes injury really set him back further than were lead to believe.

BTW, WTH is with that avatar, did you lose a bet?

haha nah, i came across it during my studies and found it to be brilliant:laugh:. i only have one avatar bet out there atm and im still not concered about losing.

i only have one avatar bet out there atm and im still not concered about losing.

Gio scores 2 in the dump tomorrow :D

Disagree completely. This team is seriously lacking a top pairing d-man, and spending $2M+ on Oduya would be a waste. I think Salmela, Greene, or even Eckford could easily replace Oduya next season. There's no need to keep him with those guys in the system. He's a good defenseman, but I don't feel the need to pay him big bucks to stay. He's not that important.

And I disagree because Oduya is better than Greene already (IMO, he's not too great, period) and has proven himself better offensively and defensively than Salmela (Granted Salmela only had a little time up, and one hell of a shot, but that's literally it). I also don't think Eckford is a hot prospect, nor will he step in and be better than Johnny. Oduya is solid, and if we can sign him on the cheap end, I'd rather have him than our Voltron of crap. He's an average-to-good 3-4 guy. If he wants a fat raise, kick him to the curb.
Where you are right, however, is that getting a #1 should be a priority, and where/how could we afford him. Figure P-Mart, Salvador, White are givens next year. Isn't Greene RFA? Bam, a few picks. Mottau's signed I believe.

Whoever we grab-Martin
Salvador-Oduya
White-Mottau/Some prospect (Corrente? Fraser? Isn't Salmela UFA after this season or did I get misinformation?)

wow people are underrating oduya. he is much better than salmela, especially in his own end.

probably only vlasic
I think that's a little bit too much

BTW thanks for the responses look like this is an amazing board lol.

Yeah, I would have no interest in moving Oduya right now, unless it was part of a package for a top pairing defenseman. And like someone said, no team willing to part with a defenseman like that (ie, a non playoff team) would have interest in a UFA coming back.

If the Devils can't re-sign Oduya this offseason so be it, but I'd rather keep him for the rest of the season and playoff run then move him for a small return. And that's obviously Lou's thinking as well, considering how many UFA's we've seen walk in the past few years.

And besides, since this is an Eklund rumor, that means it's is very unlikely that Oduya will be traded and it certainly won't be to the Sharks.

And I disagree because Oduya is better than Greene already (IMO, he's not too great, period) and has proven himself better offensively and defensively than Salmela (Granted Salmela only had a little time up, and one hell of a shot, but that's literally it). I also don't think Eckford is a hot prospect, nor will he step in and be better than Johnny. Oduya is solid, and if we can sign him on the cheap end, I'd rather have him than our Voltron of crap. He's an average-to-good 3-4 guy. If he wants a fat raise, kick him to the curb.
Where you are right, however, is that getting a #1 should be a priority, and where/how could we afford him. Figure P-Mart, Salvador, White are givens next year. Isn't Greene RFA? Bam, a few picks. Mottau's signed I believe.

Whoever we grab-Martin
Salvador-Oduya
White-Mottau/Some prospect (Corrente? Fraser? Isn't Salmela UFA after this season or did I get misinformation?)

salmela isa RFA iirc

The thing a lot of Devils fans forget about with Oduya, is the fact that he's not that young. He's only been in the NHL a little bit, so people tend to think of him as a 22 or 23 year old, when in reality he's 27 years old. So, what you're seeing with Oduya now is pretty much what you're going to get. It's not like he's going to "develop" much further and be Paul Coffey two years from now. Whereas, a 21 year old like Vlasic? Six years from now with all the development time he's got ahead of him? By the time HE's 27 it's likely he will be a greatly improved player from where he is now.

Exactly. This thread was too much for me to stomach last night. I had to tap out. Oduya is so freaking overrated, if we could deal him for a 2nd rounder and pick up another Cormier/Burlon in the draft, I'd totally do it.

Exactly. This thread was too much for me to stomach last night. I had to tap out. Oduya is so freaking overrated, if we could deal him for a 2nd rounder and pick up another Cormier/Burlon in the draft, I'd totally do it.

Thank you. Why keep someone who we aren't going to resign if we can get a pick for him and can add our own minor leaguer who is better offensively/on the powerplay?

Oduya to San Jose for a pick.

Pando to Boston for a pick.

Clemmenson for a pick.

Trade 1st./Gionta/Greene for Hamhuis and Klein and 2nd.

Exactly. This thread was too much for me to stomach last night. I had to tap out. Oduya is so freaking overrated, if we could deal him for a 2nd rounder and pick up another Cormier/Burlon in the draft, I'd totally do it.

This is Oduya overachieving in a contract year. Imagine when he reverts with a fat contract on the Devils.

I want Vlasic on the Devils. :p:

He's the French-Canadian Marty needs.

Well we would only need a French-Canadian for this year, because Cormier will be here to support him next year...;)

But on the topic of Oduya, he is turning into a legit top 4 d-man who is good at both ends of the ice. His contract is 600k and i would want to keep him UNLESS it gets a better defenseman. I cant really see Lou trading Oduya for just picks, because the only other good puck mover that we have is Martin, and he certainly cant do it all by himself. Also seeing how this is coming from Eklund, it probably wont happen.

They dont......hence....it's an Eklund rumor.

And if the Devils had to toss out a low-paid Dman, I'd rather get rid of Greene than Oduya, and replace him with Salmela.

You know, Salmela, the guy who had another assist tonight and now has 18 points in 25 games on defense, while at the exact same time Andy Greene hasnt dont anything in pretty much forever. :facepalm:

AHL = NHL?


If this is "the year", I don't see why we get rid of a top 4 defenseman, even if he is overrated by some of our fans. The fact is that he's a very good skater, is pretty decent with the puck, and has good chemistry with a handful of our defensemen. Again, if this is "the year" where we make a legit c*p run with a rested Marty, two backups who can at least do a decent job, and depth out our ass up front, it would make more sense to move a prospect and a 3rd or maybe 2nd round pick for a d-man who can help us come playoff time. The issue there is that we lose a pick in this draft, which is obviously a deep one, but it's Lou, so I'm sure he'd find a way to turn our 1st into a slightly lower 1st and a mid-range 2nd.

I'm not particularly in favor of getting rid of a pick, but it's just throwing an idea out there, since most of the talk has been the other way around.

I do agree though that Johnny Oduya is getting a little overrated here. I am an Oduya fan, but i would probably deal him for a second round pick, especially if we had someone to replace him with. I just dont think salmela is ready to take a key role in our defense this year. If looking at the NHL Scoresheet is bad to examine how a player is playing, then what is looking at an AHL scoresheet?

I do agree though that Johnny Oduya is getting a little overrated here. I just dont think salmela is ready to take a key role in our defense this year. If looking at the NHL Scoresheet is bad to examine how a player is playing, then what is looking at an AHL scoresheet?

I will be the first to agree that "scoresheet evaluation" is a TERRIBLE way to solely evaluate players (especially between leagues), and I think that goes on way too often.

BUT, when the evidence becomes so overwhelming, like Salmela piling up AHL points and Greene literally not scoring AT ALL, just 1 point (a secondary assist) in his last 15 games, I really dont know what else to say to the Greene-supporters. It's not like he's that great on defense either. He's -2 over that stretch at a time the Devils outscored opponents 43 to 29, and a few of those goals against were empty netters to boot and he's not even on the ice for those. Seriously, I can argue till I'm blue in the face about Greene and I dont think I can change the Greene-crew's mind, but I'd rather have Leach (for defense) or Salmela (for offense) in the lineup. IMO, Pando and Greene have been the 2 biggest disappointments on the team this year, so yeah, I think Salmela IS ready to play a key role (or Leach) and Greene should sit.

Thank you. Why keep someone who we aren't going to resign if we can get a pick for him and can add our own minor leaguer who is better offensively/on the powerplay?

I understand that sentiment, but if you trade Oduya for a pick then who replaces him for the playoff run? I dont like to lose players for nothing either, but he is needed on this team for this year. And frankly, everyone seems to think it's a no-brainer that Oduya could land the Devils a 2nd round pick, I'm not so sure about that.

I will be the first to agree that "scoresheet evaluation" is a TERRIBLE way to solely evaluate players (especially between leagues), and I think that goes on way too often.

BUT, when the evidence becomes so overwhelming, like Salmela piling up AHL points and Greene literally not scoring AT ALL, just 1 point (a secondary assist) in his last 15 games, I really dont know what else to say to the Greene-supporters. It's not like he's that great on defense either. He's -2 over that stretch at a time the Devils outscored opponents 43 to 29, and a few of those goals against were empty netters to boot and he's not even on the ice for those. Seriously, I can argue till I'm blue in the face about Greene and I dont think I can change the Greene-crew's mind, but I'd rather have Leach (for defense) or Salmela (for offense) in the lineup. IMO, Pando and Greene have been the 2 biggest disappointments on the team this year, so yeah, I think Salmela IS ready to play a key role (or Leach) and Greene should sit.

I agree with you on this. I do not think Andy Greene has played well at all and I would like to see Salmela up to replace him for a few games and see what happens. He is much more physical and isnt afraid to move the puck up the ice. He also isnt afraid to skate it into the zone. Our PP was also awesome when he was QB-ing it. I just dont think it would be good to replace Salmela with Oduya.

I do agree though that Johnny Oduya is getting a little overrated here. I am an Oduya fan, but i would probably deal him for a second round pick, especially if we had someone to replace him with. I just dont think salmela is ready to take a key role in our defense this year. If looking at the NHL Scoresheet is bad to examine how a player is playing, then what is looking at an AHL scoresheet?

The argument for Salmela isn't all the based on the scoresheet though. Eckford is doing well on the scoresheet, but no one is asking for him to get called up. My argument is that Salmela played well when he got called up. He showed a significant improvement over his 1st stint, and now he's flourishing at the AHL level. He's shown that he's a quick learner. I think he deserves another shot.

For everyone who is saying how Salmela can fill in the void if Oduya is traded..Have you been watching him in the AHL or just going by his stats?

I don't know how easily some of you could throw away Oduya for a pick with the way our defense is playing and going towards the playoffs..

We ***** about the blueline corps and our answer is to trade Oduya for picks and bring up an unproven youngster?

No, the plan is to trade Oduya and bring up a youngster IF we can acquire a top-pairing d-man before the deadline. Read the thread.

I don't know how easily some of you could throw away Oduya for a pick with the way our defense is playing and going towards the playoffs..

Well......my idea isnt to replace Oduya with Salmela this season, it's to replace Greene with Salmela this season.

And I absolutely want to see Salmela next season on this team for 82 games.

Exactly. This thread was too much for me to stomach last night. I had to tap out. Oduya is so freaking overrated, if we could deal him for a 2nd rounder and pick up another Cormier/Burlon in the draft, I'd totally do it.

You can't deal one of your top four defenseman during a playoff hunt and not get a roster player in return. Not only would it mess up team chemistry, but it could force the team to lose faith in their management. This isn't Tampa Bay.

The argument for Salmela isn't all the based on the scoresheet though. Eckford is doing well on the scoresheet, but no one is asking for him to get called up. My argument is that Salmela played well when he got called up. He showed a significant improvement over his 1st stint, and now he's flourishing at the AHL level. He's shown that he's a quick learner. I think he deserves another shot.

I think he deserves another shot, but not in replacement of Oduya. Im thinking in replacement of Greene or Mottau. I think if we had both Salmela and Oduya in the lineup like we used to we will do fine.

I think he deserves another shot, but not in replacement of Oduya. Im thinking in replacement of Greene or Mottau. I think if we had both Salmela and Oduya in the lineup like we used to we will do fine.

I think he could bring more to the table than either offensively, and if you pair him with someone responsible like Salvador he could do well.

I'd also like to see him in a Greene-like callup down the stretch.

You can't deal one of your top four defenseman during a playoff hunt and not get a roster player in return. Not only would it mess up team chemistry, but it could force the team to lose faith in their management. This isn't Tampa Bay.

Have Sutter have the forwards stop aggresively backcheck and see how long you stand by that statement.

When you top six consists of guys like Oduya, Mottau, Leach, Salvador, Greene and White. Outside of Martin, you can deal anyone.

Have Sutter have the forwards stop aggresively backcheck and see how long you stand by that statement.

When you top six consists of guys like Oduya, Mottau, Leach, Salvador, Greene and White. Outside of Martin, you can deal anyone.

If the coach stopped them back checking I think the team would die of shock let alone lose confidence in management. Maybe they could play a third defenseman instead of a goalie while they're at it.:help:

If the coach stopped them back checking I think the team would die of shock let alone lose confidence in management. Maybe they could play a third defenseman instead of a goalie while they're at it.:help:

The fact that Oduya is a top four defensemen doesn't really mean he's top four. The forwards masked alot of the shortcomings on this defense that's all.

Are Boyle, Blake, Vlasic, and Ehrhoff seriously not enough?

Yeah, they'd be enough. But we might have cap issues.:laugh:

No, the plan is to trade Oduya and bring up a youngster IF we can acquire a top-pairing d-man before the deadline. Read the thread.

Why not just keep Oduya if we trade for a top defender? It would give us nice defensive depth.. Especially barring an injury.. I think this board heavily overrates our prospects

I just don't see the sense in trading our top-pairing dman unless he's included in that package for a top defender

The fact that Oduya is a top four defensemen doesn't really mean he's top four. The forwards masked alot of the shortcomings on this defense that's all.

Yeah, I know what you were getting at. But the system we play is the system he plays in. He plays more minutes than all but Martin. He often doesn't look great out there, like Mottau, but he keeps getting the job done and he is underpaid.

He probably is our number 2 now; not the notional "number two defenseman" that people discuss with players like Rafalski, Komisarek, Regehr and Beauchemin in mind, but most teams number 2 defencemen aren't a "number two defenceman" if you look at it that way and likely won't be unless we get a decent retraction in the size of the league.

An interesting stat I noticed is that the Devs have dressed 9 defencemen this season and all 9 are plus players. I don't know if any other teams can say that. I'll look into it.

As I guessed, no other team has every defenseman with a plus rating at the moment. Boston are closest with seven plusses and Lashoff and Boychuk even. The other 28 teams all have at least one D-man with a minus rating.

I know this is a statistcal freak and proves nothing but it does suggest the guys on the team aren't hurting us too badly this season.

As I guessed, no other team has every defenseman with a plus rating at the moment. Boston are closest with seven plusses and Lashoff and Boychuk even. The other 28 teams all have at least one D-man with a minus rating.

I know this is a statistcal freak and proves nothing but it does suggest the guys on the team aren't hurting us too badly this season.

That's pretty legit and definitely not a ridiculous, meaningless stat. It shows balance.

i dont know how you guys can say he is overrated. if people are calling him our best defenseman, or a legit number 1, or even 2, than yes, they aer overrated him, but he is definitley our number 2/3.

the guy was plus 27 last year, second in pts from a defenseman and this year he is plus 11, first on our team in pts by a d man. he is top 3 in skaters, is good in his own end, can play the pk and pp, has a hard shot at the point and plays pretty smart hockey. some people jsut magnify his mistakes and bad games

Oduya would be in most top fours in the league.

I'd give him a contract extension before I would trade him.

Yeah, I would have no interest in moving Oduya right now, unless it was part of a package for a top pairing defenseman. And like someone said, no team willing to part with a defenseman like that (ie, a non playoff team) would have interest in a UFA coming back.

If the Devils can't re-sign Oduya this offseason so be it, but I'd rather keep him for the rest of the season and playoff run then move him for a small return. And that's obviously Lou's thinking as well, considering how many UFA's we've seen walk in the past few years.

And besides, since this is an Eklund rumor, that means it's is very unlikely that Oduya will be traded and it certainly won't be to the Sharks.
Yeah but I thought it was an interesting rumor, and it sparked some comments, so yeah ;)

Oduya isn't going anywhere. The guy might be the best bargain in the league and is our best defenseman on many nights. I know that Martin is our #1 d-man, but Oduya is just as good on many nights and often better too.

People saying they'd be happy with 2:nd rounder in exchange for him are simply dumb. This is a quality NHL d-man we're talking about here.

Yeah, he's 27 years old...just as Martin. And on many nights those two are equally good. People are acting like Oduya doesn't mean anything to this team when he's probably one of the most important players on the team. Sutter and the staff have realised that too.

Why won't Oduya become better just because he's 27? Martin is older and people expect him to take strides in the coming years...but Oduya doing the same is out of the question? That's just stupid.

Oduya will get the deal he deserves. I hope he gets it from the Devils. If not, that other team will be one lucky team to have a d-man of Oduya's caliber.

Great post Devilswede, you stated it perfectly.

Yeah but I thought it was an interesting rumor, and it sparked some comments, so yeah ;)

It's cool, stop by whenever.

May the force be with you.

And don't forget the gooodie bag on teh way out!!1

The fact that Oduya is a top four defensemen doesn't really mean he's top four. The forwards masked alot of the shortcomings on this defense that's all.

Holy crap, batten down the hatches and load the cannons. Trust me, I've made this argument for over a year now.

Have Sutter have the forwards stop aggresively backcheck and see how long you stand by that statement.

When you top six consists of guys like Oduya, Mottau, Leach, Salvador, Greene and White. Outside of Martin, you can deal anyone.

Ok, our defense sucks, so lets trade the little blueline depth we have in exchange for no immediate help?

No key roster player should be traded during the season. Doesn't matter if he's a UFA or not.

We're not the Islanders. Shipping out guys like Madden and Oduya for picks at the deadline is a sellers move, not a buyers move.

No key roster player should be traded during the season. Doesn't matter if he's a UFA or not.

We're not the Islanders. Shipping out guys like Madden and Oduya for picks at the deadline is a sellers move, not a buyers move.

Yes, thank you.

We have always been buyers, not sellers. No reason to think this year will be any different, especially since we have a very strong team.

Oduya stays, and I hope he gets a long term deal from us in the offseason.

If you don't like Oduya then you can giiiiiit out.
nT0OqHr3wHQ

First, who's to say Lou is shopping Johnny, maybe it was San Jose who brought up his name. However, I will say that Johnny has a pretty good pay-day coming and the question is how much is Lou willing to pay him? Can Johnny command possibly $3 mil per? I see him at the very least looking for no less then $2.5 per year.

if a trade involving anyone on this team will bring a valuable return(or positional improvement), then it should be done obviously. i think we all understand that. i like oduya and how much better hes playing compared to last year so i dont really wanna see him go. but if he gets the devs a better player in a package deal, well then im sure lou will make the deal. although, i really think lou wants to make a run for it all this year and oduyas been a very very important part of the machine so i dont see lou making a move including him the longer the season goes on. that is of course unless he brings in a better dman in his place.

2 of his 3 goals are GWG :D fun fact

It's cool, stop by whenever.

May the force be with you.

And don't forget the gooodie bag on teh way out!!1

lol what do i get inside the goodie bag? a trap:sarcasm:?

lol what do i get inside the goodie bag? a trap:sarcasm:?

i see what you did there. :rant::sarcasm:

haha i kid i kid, much respect for the devils and their fans, good luck.

haha i kid i kid, much respect for the devils and their fans, good luck.

:laugh: for sure bud, sharks game was awesome last night!

Why not just keep Oduya if we trade for a top defender? It would give us nice defensive depth.. Especially barring an injury.. I think this board heavily overrates our prospects

I just don't see the sense in trading our top-pairing dman unless he's included in that package for a top defender

If Lou is gonna pick up a top-pairing dman, he's coming from a team that isn't making the playoffs... hence a pending UFA like Oduya would be worth less then nothing in that kind of package for a team that isn't shooting for Lord Stanley ;)

Well, if the Sharks really want Johnny... from a swedish point of view I could live with a Douglas Murray - Johnny Oduya swap. ;-)

I just love the toughness Murray brings.

Other than that I want Johnny to stay.

These guys are probably my favorit swedish d-men right now. Not because they are the best but because they are fun to watch and both have great fighting spirit / team spirit.

You people are taking me way too seriously. I need to do something to damage my credibility.

If that had really been part of the Malakhov deal, I would go out and celebrate naked, in Chicago, in January.
The New Jersey Devils made a major move to get under the NHL salary cap Sunday by sending suspended defenceman Vladimir Malakhov and a conditional first-round draft pick to San Jose for defenceman Jim Fahey and the rights to left wing Alexander Korolyuk.

We signed Holik and Shanahan for one year and our team is getting old, so we're clearly buyers this season! Our defense needs an upgrade and we certanly won't get better on D by trading away Oduya. :shakehead

To aquire a D-man we should give up one or two offensive guys but not a other D-man.

If we could acquire Vlasic by trading away Pandolfo, Oduya and some draft picks... I would be all over that. Honestly.

If we could acquire Vlasic by trading away Pandolfo, Oduya and some draft picks... I would be all over that. Honestly.

Why on earth would the take Oduya, Pando, and a few picks for Vlasic. :huh:

You need to give something to get something.

Why on earth would the take Oduya, Pando, and a few picks for Vlasic. :huh:

You need to give something to get something.
Maybe they'd love Madden as well.

Maybe they'd love Madden as well.

Never give up on the Maddog.

This off-season is gonna be interesting...First of all our main priority should probably be locking up Zajac to a nice long term deal...He's not gonna be cheap...And then Gionta, Oduya and Madden :help:...I think Oduya will prob. want at least 3 mil from us, and some teams would certainly offer him at least that...

I think this offseason, the defence will be addressed, just like the offseason was addressed this offseason.

This off-season is gonna be interesting...First of all our main priority should probably be locking up Zajac to a nice long term deal...He's not gonna be cheap...And then Gionta, Oduya and Madden :help:...I think Oduya will prob. want at least 3 mil from us, and some teams would certainly offer him at least that...

I'll take Oduya back.. Madden- only for less and around a 2 year deal..

Gionta.. Eh, it's hard for me to take him back. I think he'll command $4+, and if need be, we can slot Rolston there next season..

Priority next offseason: #1 center and D

I think this offseason, the defence will be addressed, just like the offseason was addressed this offseason.

Oh yeah? ;)

Do the snauzeberries taste like snauzeberries too?

Priority next offseason: #1 center and D

I think the #1 D-man needs to be first priority. But if we can get both, then Madden wont be necessary. Because it will be #1 Center, Zajac as the number 2 center and then Zubrus should be the third line center. I dont think Madden would come back at a cheap price, especially since Cormier really could be the fourth line center here, and if not, a guy like Pelley or maybe even Holik will do.

I think the #1 D-man needs to be first priority. But if we can get both, then Madden wont be necessary. Because it will be #1 Center, Zajac as the number 2 center and then Zubrus should be the third line center. I dont think Madden would come back at a cheap price, especially since Cormier really could be the fourth line center here, and if not, a guy like Pelley or maybe even Holik will do.

Only reason I was shooting for #1 center instead of D was because I heard the D this offseason is slim pickings and there's an abundance of forwards... Market prices for D are prob going to be through the roof

(Edit: I just took a look at UFA center.. Meh.. http://nhlnumbers.com/freeagents.php?team=none&pos=C&summer=2009&status=ufa)

If Madden doesn't return, I hope he goes out West... To Edmonton or something.. It would be weird playing him often

A lot of unanswered question to fall this offseason to see what Lou will do first.. We'll have plenty of time when the seasons over

For now, we beat the Rangers, we have Brendan Shanahan, and we're in 1st place :)

I'm willing to bet we don't get neither a #1 center or #1 D-men. Zajac IS our number 1 center as long as he plays with Parise. Zubrus has been getting the job done and I'm thinking Mad-Dog comes back for something around 2 mill.

Oh yeah? ;)

Do the snauzeberries taste like snauzeberries too?
Nice, great movie :nod:

I'm willing to bet we don't get neither a #1 center or #1 D-men. Zajac IS our number 1 center as long as he plays with Parise. Zubrus has been getting the job done and I'm thinking Mad-Dog comes back for something around 2 mill.

Not a chance Madden takes an offer less than Pandolfo's.

Originally posted by Clarkson Falls Down
Not a chance Madden takes an offer less than Pandolfo's.

Your right. Its the unfortunate truth.

i'm freakin out
maaaaaaaaaan

The thing about Oduya is, it was only 4 years ago he was a 6-7 d on Djurgården in the swedish elitserien and had 6 points in 49 games and 139 PIM. He's gone a long way since then and will improve as he is a real hard worker, I think he has at least 7-8 years left in the NHL as he has the determination and work ethic to keep his level of game up.

Never give up on the Maddog.
If Madden is the piece that gets us an amazing defenceman like Vlasic, I would give up on him in a SECOND.

i'm freakin out
maaaaaaaaaan

you are freakin out,






man

If Madden is the piece that gets us an amazing defenceman like Vlasic, I would give up on him in a SECOND.

http://di1.shopping.com/images/di/35/49/44/5f49335f444b7343334c79574966714f506b77-100x100-0-0.jpghttp://www.decodeunicode.org/de/data/glyph/196x196/2260.gifhttp://animal.discovery.com/fansites/e-vets/dogbehavior/gallery/yelp_dogbite.jpg

Was anybody else very impressed with Johnny last night? I thought he skated with a lot of poise, he took the body, got his stick in the passing and shooting lanes (flukey goal was a flukey goal) and was generally a beast back there. I also thought he was pretty damn good on the penalty kill whilst P-Mart sat in the box. Let's hope it continues.

Was anybody else very impressed with Johnny last night? I thought he skated with a lot of poise, he took the body, got his stick in the passing and shooting lanes (flukey goal was a flukey goal) and was generally a beast back there. I also thought he was pretty damn good on the penalty kill whilst P-Mart sat in the box. Let's hope it continues.

Yes I was very impressed the last couple of games with him. He looks like hes getting back to last years form. Really excited for him.

Was anybody else very impressed with Johnny last night? I thought he skated with a lot of poise, he took the body, got his stick in the passing and shooting lanes (flukey goal was a flukey goal) and was generally a beast back there. I also thought he was pretty damn good on the penalty kill whilst P-Mart sat in the box. Let's hope it continues.

I like Oduya but i absolutely hate when he takes a lazy penalty like he did last night. He does that occasionally does it and it's just frustrating. He has a nice shot and his overall game has gotten so much better.

I like Oduya but i absolutely hate when he takes a lazy penalty like he did last night. He does that occasionally does it and it's just frustrating. He has a nice shot and his overall game has gotten so much better.

Considering his ice time and amount of games played, he has the least PIM (18) amongst defenceman with more than 40 games played (Greene has 12 PIM in 24 games). Unless you want him to be almost perfect, I think that the odd penalty is very forgiveable...

Exactly, penalties are a part of the game..and they're gonna happen, especielly to a d-man that plays as much as Johnny. He was a beast last night and the best player on the ice, not even a doubt about it. And that says a lot, because all the players on our team were good.

Oduya has become such a premier d-men in such a short period of time it's almost scary. There isn't a game where Oduya doesn't make at least two or three great plays, either offensively or defensively. I just feel so calm when he's on the ice, he's so confident with the puck and makes wise decisions with it all the time.

Was anybody else very impressed with Johnny last night? I thought he skated with a lot of poise, he took the body, got his stick in the passing and shooting lanes (flukey goal was a flukey goal) and was generally a beast back there. I also thought he was pretty damn good on the penalty kill whilst P-Mart sat in the box. Let's hope it continues.

I was, but I'm keeping quiet on the Oduya subject for the rest of the year.

I like Oduya but i absolutely hate when he takes a lazy penalty like he did last night. He does that occasionally does it and it's just frustrating. He has a nice shot and his overall game has gotten so much better.

He has improved dramatically on the penalty side... in Sweden he usually was on top of the penalty stats (in the entire leauge).

Considering his ice time and amount of games played, he has the least PIM (18) amongst defenceman with more than 40 games played (Greene has 12 PIM in 24 games). Unless you want him to be almost perfect, I think that the odd penalty is very forgiveable...

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

Yes I was very impressed the last couple of games with him. He looks like hes getting back to last years form. Really excited for him.
So far, he's been a lot better than last year. Way more consistent--the first half last year was frightening before being paired with P.Mart.

I can't comprehend the hate Oduya gets from some Devils fans. Makes no sense. He's not Scott Niedermayer. He is a good NHL dman who has made a very positive contribution to this year's team.

Theres no real reason to knock Oduya anymore. He is so much better than he was last year.

So far, he's been a lot better than last year. Way more consistent--the first half last year was frightening before being paired with P.Mart.

I can't comprehend the hate Oduya gets from some Devils fans. Makes no sense. He's not Scott Niedermayer. He is a good NHL dman who has made a very positive contribution to this year's team.

I've been to numerous games in 232 and some of those guys just have a strong hate for the guy.

It seems like he can just touch the puck and he'll get a "Trade Oduya!" shouted at him.

I've been to numerous games in 232 and some of those guys just have a strong hate for the guy.

It seems like he can just touch the puck and he'll get a "Trade Oduya!" shouted at him.

Those are the same people who called Elias "Captain Fancy Pants".

That area has some.... unique individuals

There are some normal souls (Cowbell)

Those are the same people who called Elias "Captain Fancy Pants".

Hmm. So that's where my friend gets it from. He goes to 232 a lot.

That area has some.... unique individuals

There are some normal souls (Cowbell)

I still say one of the best times I've had at the Rock was when I was in 208/209 for a midweek game against San Jose last year. That's a good section there.

As long as he keeps playing the way he is right now there is no reason to trade him.

Hmm. So that's where my friend gets it from. He goes to 232 a lot.



I still say one of the best times I've had at the Rock was when I was in 208/209 for a midweek game against San Jose last year. That's a good section there.

That was a fun game. I always refer to that day when I met my buddy there after work and I had my backpack and brief case banking on no one sitting next to us, and sure enough, the only empty seat in the row was next to me. Also gets me pissed that I can't bring a backpack into yankee stadium, yet there are women who bring bags in that are the size of body bags. I must be missing something.

That was a fun game. I always refer to that day when I met my buddy there after work and I had my backpack and brief case banking on no one sitting next to us, and sure enough, the only empty seat in the row was next to me. Also gets me pissed that I can't bring a backpack into yankee stadium, yet there are women who bring bags in that are the size of body bags. I must be missing something.
Boobs.




;)

He has improved dramatically on the penalty side... in Sweden he usually was on top of the penalty stats (in the entire leauge).

He used to think it was fun to see how many times per week he could randomly toss a puck unobstructed over the glass. Sutter or Robinson somehow convinced him not to stop playing this "game within a game" last year and his PIMs have decreased ever since.


Boobs.



Clever

jOhn Oduya great defenseman anyone says different delirous!!!

if you dont like oduya you can gitttt out