http://devils.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=433222

THE SAVIOR!!! :facepalm:

:shakehead

Who?!?

Wasn't that someone we picked like in the 6th or 7th round?

Better him than Tuomas Pihlman.

I saw Pikkareinen play for two years in Albany and he isn't that great, but might have the potential to secure a fourth line spot with New Jersey. He's a gritty player who likes to stir it up and has some hands. Kind of Clarkson light I guess you could say. Similar size and right-handed shot as well.

a...boo

Cool, Rangers get Gaborik, Flyers get Pronger and we get a player, whose name I can't even spell.

Maybe adding another Fin is a way to

A) Make aboriginal get season tickets.

or

B) Get Koivu.

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=56020

This... this is the solution?

http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/players/getty_ipikkarainen.jpg

Well, at least he can fight. :sarcasm:

http://www.geocities.com/sm_tappelut/brooks_pikkarainen.jpeg

Who?!?

Wasn't that someone we picked like in the 6th or 7th round?

That's what I said, though it was more like "who the **** is that??"

I think it's great that the initial reaction was "THIS IS THE GUY?!" Please, the moment I read that Gulitti said it was someone on the reserve list, I knew it couldn't be a massive move.

He could end up being useful.

Maybe adding another Fin is a way to

A) Make aboriginal get season tickets.

or

B) Get Koivu.

That must be it! We needed a translator for Koivu...

Lou just signed me too.

well that came out of nowhere...

Cool, Rangers get Gaborik, Flyers get Pronger and we get a player, whose name I can't even spell.

Exactly. Philly is scaring me right now.

Maybe adding another Fin is a way to

A) Make aboriginal get season tickets.

or

B) Get Koivu.

"yo lou, sign my home slice and i'll be there thursday"

:shakehead Why??:help:

Wow, we are in the same postion we were two summers ago. I can't wait to see who our next Zubrus is.

I think it's great that the initial reaction was "THIS IS THE GUY?!" Please, the moment I read that Gulitti said it was someone on the reserve list, I knew it couldn't be a massive move.

He could end up being useful.

Yeah like signing Janssen back on the team... I guess we ARE getting Lemaire back.

Lou and my Post-it® pad have come to terms on a 2 year deal... details to come.

Exactly. Philly is scaring me right now.

Their goalies are Emery/Boucher. Scary teams don't have such a shaky goalie tandem.

I think I can sum up Lou's philosophy like this - throw a bunch a **** at the wall and see what sticks.

This should be a hell of a training camp, lot of jobs open for people to win.

So this is our big free-agent signing and it isn't even a defenseman. FML.

Wooooooooo. We signed a Finnish goon.

jq6NLbcvVhE

mDZR6LYVdok

He will fight for a 4th line spot imo.

Their goalies are Emery/Boucher. Scary teams don't have such a shaky goalie tandem.

Chris Pronger just came to our division, that's reason enough to say "****, we need to do something"...and this isn't it.

oh great

Here's to hoping we sign Rob Niedermayer and then forcing Anaheim to trade us Scott.

http://www.kiekkoareena.com/plogger/thumbs/lrg-130-pikkarainen.jpg

He looks like the illegitimate long-lost Sedin triplet...

It's the same drill every off-season when Lou manages to stay away from the highest price free agents. Even though it's better for the long-term health of the team, people flip out and say OMGZZZ RANGERS SIGNED GENERIC OVEPRICED FREE AGENT #69 WE NEED TO SIGN PEOPLEZS 2!

Just chill out. Pikkarainen is a depth move and he might be able to contribute on the fourth line. Give Lou more than 22 hours before fretting.

Hahaha. You just signed a trainwreck. A trainwreck with a gigantic attitude problem.

He'll probably tell Brodeur to move his stuff so he can sit there at the start of camp.

I think WTF!?! doesn't even begin to cover it... I hope this is just a Joke by Lou and the real signing is coming soon...

It's the same drill every off-season where Lou isn't a retard and manages to stay away from the highest price free agents. Even though it's better for the long-term health of the team, people flip out and say OMGZZZ RANGERS SIGNED GENERIC OVEPRICED FREE AGENT #69 WE NEED TO SIGN PEOPLEZS 2!

Just chill out. Pikkarainen is a depth move and he might be able to contribute on the fourth line. Give Lou more than 22 hours before fretting.

I'm still comfortable with standing pat.

We won't die with elias at center. Though it will still most likely be zubrus now.

A mottau upgrade would be nice but it isn't dire

Aside from maybe some lowell signings. I think we are done.

Chris Pronger just came to our division, that's reason enough to say "****, we need to do something"...and this isn't it.

Right, because doing "something" is always the best method of action.

Doing "something" wins you points in The Hockey News regular season preview as well as in the minds of the provincial HF boards lemmings, but that's about it. Unless that "something" is shrewd multi-year contract or a fair one-year deal, I do not want it to occur.

Hahaha. You just signed a trainwreck. A trainwreck with a gigantic attitude problem.

He'll probably tell Brodeur to move his stuff so he can sit there at the start of camp.

Fed Fed v2 ? lol

Hahaha. You just signed a trainwreck. A trainwreck with a gigantic attitude problem.

He'll probably tell Brodeur to move his stuff so he can sit there at the start of camp.

Petteri Nokelainen just called - he wants you to come back to your boards...

WOOHOOO he is a 76 in NHL 09

Moved to Lowell haha

Dude, he sucked in the AHL. Comethe****on!:cry:

You people are blowing this way out of proportion.. It's just a signing.. It's not like Lou came out and said he'll be a game changer

Another goon / energy guy, he will make the league minimum, who cares.
Calm down people.

You people are blowing this way out of proportion.. It's just a signing.. It's not like Lou came out and said he'll be a game changer

This. Pikkarainen is here to fight for a 4th line spot. Nothing more, nothing less.

I'm happy with the signing. Should have never let him go the first time around. He's another David Clarkson.

I want to see Tulupov & Shanny resigned. If that happens, I'd start doing chimp-flips off my desk!

Hahaha. You just signed a trainwreck. A trainwreck with a gigantic attitude problem.

He'll probably tell Brodeur to move his stuff so he can sit there at the start of camp.


You know...that's probably what this team needs.

I'm just glad Lou softened the blow a bit last night, I can't imagine what some of you guys would be doing right now if nothing were said and you woke up this morning to this news.

I'm just glad Lou softened the blow a bit last night, I can't imagine what some of you guys would be doing right now if nothing were said and you woke up this morning to this news.

You mean unnecessarily freaking out? Well, maybe there would be more of that.

I feel that the fanbase needs to take a Chill Pill™, but that's just me.

Hahaha. You just signed a trainwreck. A trainwreck with a gigantic attitude problem.

He'll probably tell Brodeur to move his stuff so he can sit there at the start of camp.

That's a plus in my book...

I feel that the fanbase needs to take a Chill Pill™, but that's just me.

The top answer is on the board...survey says...........#1 ANSWER!!!!

There were speculations of Pikkarainen signing in the KHL and most of us finns thought he's not good enough to play there (or atleast not mobile enough) and now you're seriously telling me that Devils signed him? Is this a joke? The guy is nothing special even in Finland only happened to have a freaky season and scored some. Whoah!

Clearly this is a diversion of some sort to land Koivu, clearly must be.

Clearly this is a diversion of some sort to land Koivu, clearly must be.

Nope. lol

There were speculations of Pikkarainen signing in the KHL and most of us finns thought he's not good enough to play there (or atleast not mobile enough) and now you're seriously telling me that Devils signed him? Is this a joke? The guy is nothing special even in Finland only happened to have a freaky season and scored some. Whoah!

Whatever. If he isn't good enough to make the team he'll play in Lowell or go back overseas. Big deal.

Illka Pikkareinen.

LOL called this one way early yesterday!

I'm just glad Lou softened the blow a bit last night, I can't imagine what some of you guys would be doing right now if nothing were said and you woke up this morning to this news.

I think it actually made it worse because people were getting their expectations high

Devil fans be runnin crazy this offseason

At least we won't have to deal with some people claiming this guy to be a stud like in the past with Fedorov, Viuhkola, etc. ;)

I remember when we drafted him his comparison was a poor man's Esa Tikkanen.

I remember when we drafted him his comparison was a poor man's Esa Tikkanen.

well if he can jabber nonsense like Esa, he's worth the entertainment value alone! :laugh:

You know...that's probably what this team needs.Yes your right because we all know that you Ranger fans have the inside track that Brodeur is a locker cancer.:laugh:

Boy this is exciting....

Boy this is exciting....
http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-eatdrink062.gif http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-eatdrink055.gif http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/forum/smileyvault-stirthepot.gif

I've never heard of this guy, but whatever, Lou and our scouts aren't stupid.

Let's see if our front office is a little more active today.

One way deal too...I feel for you Devils fans, I really do.

One way deal too...I feel for you Devils fans, I really do.

At what? 2 million a year? Just leave us be. No point in adding fuel to their fire.

Chris Pronger just came to our division, that's reason enough to say "****, we need to do something"...and this isn't it.

People are WAY overreacting to this Pronger signing. The Flyers mortgaged their entire teams future for a 5-7 year period for a 34 year old loose-cannon that is slightly overrated and soon to be on a physical decline. It makes them better THIS year. Then they will have to overpay to keep him since this is the last year remaining on his contract. Why will they overpay? Because it would be a political nightmare to lose him after they gave up 8000 1st round draft picks to get him, and you can bet your azz Pronger's agent knows that.



It's the same drill every off-season when Lou manages to stay away from the highest price free agents. Even though it's better for the long-term health of the team, people flip out and say OMGZZZ RANGERS SIGNED GENERIC OVEPRICED FREE AGENT #69 WE NEED TO SIGN PEOPLEZS 2!

+1

I like this youth movement, and I'm convinced Lou will sign one of the decent remaining FA's before the season starts. The Gaborik signing was incredibly stupid on the Ranger's part, as well as incredibly predictable on G.Sather's part.

One way deal too...I feel for you Devils fans, I really do.

Is it your money? We still can send him to the AHL, only means he will get his full salary wherever he plays.

Is it your money? We still can send him to the AHL, only means he will get his full salary wherever he plays.

exactly, a one way contract doesn't mean you can't be sent down, just means you can't be sent down without going through waivers. no big deal.

According to Pikkarainen (link (http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/jaakiekko/uutiset.shtml/arkistot/jaakiekko/2009/07/909073)) Lamoriello actually called him and asked if he thinks he's ready for the NHL...I had no clue this is how the NHL clubs "scout" players from Europe. :laugh:

Lamoriello: "Are you ready for the big league?"
Pikkarainen: "Hellz yeah I are!!"
Lamoriello: "Son, you just got yourself a one way deal"
Pikkarainen: "Boooyahhhh!"

According to Pikkarainen (link (http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/jaakiekko/uutiset.shtml/arkistot/jaakiekko/2009/07/909073)) Lamoriello actually called him and asked if he thinks he's ready for the NHL...I had no clue this is how the NHL clubs "scout" players from Europe. :laugh:

Lamoriello: "Are you ready for the big league?"
Pikkarainen: "Hellz yeah I are!!"
Lamoriello: "Son, you just got yourself a one way deal"
Pikkarainen: "Boooyahhhh!"

How bout a real translation. He could have misinterpreted and just been asked "Are you ready to come back to the NHL?"

I expect him to be an AHL signee so we can move our young guys up, if anything we should be happy about this.

PL3's replacement in Lowell.

I expect him to be an AHL signee so we can move our young guys up, if anything we should be happy about this.

This makes sense. If we are calling several young players up from Lowell, and not many of our prime prospects in juniors are ready or eligible to go pro, we need to bolster Lowell's lineup somehow, or else they might start to suck so bad that it actually starts hampering the development of some of our better prospects.

PL3's replacement in Lowell.

Eggs-actly.

This crap is embarrassing :shakehead

And somehow someway Madden wasn't worth a 1 year 2.75M contract :dunno:

This crap is embarrassing :shakehead

And somehow someway Madden wasn't worth a 1 year 2.75M contract :dunno:
:facepalm:

Could this be Petr Vrana's fate a few years down the road?

I expect him to be an AHL signee so we can move our young guys up, if anything we should be happy about this.

It is NOT an AHL signee he was given a 1 way contract.

PL3's replacement in Lowell.

Not exactly. The Devils will give Pikkarainen every oppurtunity to make the roster. They gave him a one-way contract after all. And isn't nearly the pugilist Leblond is. Pikkarainen is more of a pest.

This crap is embarrassing :shakehead

And somehow someway Madden wasn't worth a 1 year 2.75M contract :dunno:

He wasn't. 36 years old, on the decline, can't put up points, can't shut down players. He'll be in the fastest player category in the all-star game though......wait, he won't make the all-star game.

I loved Dog, from his first shift way back when, till the last shift he played. But it was time for him, and us to move on.

It is NOT an AHL signee he was given a 1 way contract.

Which only means that he will be paid the same amount of money in Lowell. Doesn't mean he stays with the big club.

Could this be Petr Vrana's fate a few years down the road?

I think he's going for a year to find his bearings.

Not exactly. The Devils will give Pikkarainen every oppurtunity to make the roster. They gave him a one-way contract after all. And isn't nearly the pugilist Leblond is. Pikkarainen is more of a pest.

Clarkson is a pest too, though. I want some grit. I want a tank.

I actually remember Pikkarainen when he was a rookie in camp, years ago now. Coaches had nothing but glowing words for him (was it Burns or Robinson who loved his game?), but he never got a chance to make the jump to the NHL. If he's still the same player he was, he should be a good fourth liner.

Which only means that he will be paid the same amount of money in Lowell. Doesn't mean he stays with the big club.

Jim must think its like NHL09 where all a 1 way contract means is that you can't send players down freely.


He'll come to camp. If he doesn't make the team he'll be a expensive AHL'er

Nothing to worry about.

Not exactly. The Devils will give Pikkarainen every oppurtunity to make the roster. They gave him a one-way contract after all. And isn't nearly the pugilist Leblond is. Pikkarainen is more of a pest.

This is what I don't get. Why is Lou so willing to give players like these all the chances in the world, but can't give our top prospects the same opportunity. I think if anything, Lou is just afraid to lose, which happens when you develop prospects. I think he has to get out of this half-assing it mindset.

Which only means that he will be paid the same amount of money in Lowell. Doesn't mean he stays with the big club.

Well if Lou is going to pay a player a full NHL contract to play in Lowell he really has lost it.

Clarkson is a pest too, though. I want some grit. I want a tank.

http://ultimatepaintballguns.com/images/paintball_mini_tank.jpg

He did score 24 goals last year, good for second in the SM-Liiga, so that'll translate right? :help:

Jim must think its like NHL09 where all a 1 way contract means is that you can't send players down freely.


He'll come to camp. If he doesn't make the team he'll be a expensive AHL'er

Nothing to worry about.

You guys speak out of both sides of your mouth too often. We didn't sign Madden and Gionta for fiscal reasons...But we are going to pay euro-trash a million with a cap hit to play in Lowell???

He did score 24 goals last year, good for second in the SM-Liiga, so that'll translate right? :help:

That will equal 3 goals in the NHL on the 4th line.

Well if Lou is going to pay a player a full NHL contract to play in Lowell he really has lost it.

If Vanderbeek doesn't have a problem with it, I don't see why you should. If he sucks, we can get him off the salary cap with no trouble. It's not like Lou gave him a NMC.

You guys speak out of both sides of your mouth too often. We didn't sign Madden and Gionta for fiscal reasons...But we are going to pay euro-trash a million with a cap hit to play in Lowell???

If you honestly can't see the fiscal difference between committing $25M towards Brian Gionta and $800k to Pikkarainen then it is pointless talking to you.

He'll be in the fastest player category in the all-star game though......wait, he won't make the all-star game.

At 36, I doubt it. I DO, however, specifically remember a game back somewhere between 99-01 when he caught Pavel Bure from behind on a breakaway. Madden in his prime was one of the fastest in the NHL.

But at least if he got the chance, he'd appear in the fastest skater competition, unlike Pavel Bure, who would decline it lest he actually lose and tarnish the "Russian Rocket" marketing.

Well if Lou is going to pay a player a full NHL contract to play in Lowell he really has lost it.

I don't think you've made a good point yet in this thread.

Viuhkola was signed to a one-way contract, as was Federov. It isn't a big deal. These players can be sent down, and I believe that there's an implicit assumption that they will head back overseas if they don't make the team.

That will equal 3 goals in the NHL on the 4th line.

Which would be the same amount of goals Mike Rupp scored.

If you honestly can't see the fiscal difference between committing $25M towards Brian Gionta and $800k to Pikkarainen then it is pointless talking to you.

I was under the impression it was 2M for 2 years....And yes I have a problem with a retred getting 2 for 2 when we could have madden 2.75 for 1.

1 per for 2 is what I mean

I was under the impression it was 2M for 2 years....And yes I have a problem with a retred getting 2 for 2 when we could have madden 2.75 for 1.

I have no idea what the contract is. If it's 2M over 2 years then fine. That's $1M a season if Pikkarainen plays well and makes the team. If not he probably goes back to Finland and the Devils are washed clean of the contract.

At $2.75M Madden had no place on this team.

Ohhhh How cute....I just checked my voicemail and had a message from the Devils about season tickets....Good thing that poor girl misssed me.....I never been more upset with this org.

Ohhhh How cute....I just check my voicemail and had a message from the Devils about season tickets....Good thing that poor girl misssed me.....I never been more upset with this org.

Good. If you are honestly this uspet with the organization only 24 hours into unrestricted free agency then you don't deserve to be a fan.

Good. If you are honestly this uspet with the organization only 24 hours into unrestricted free agency then you don't deserve to be a fan.

They let go vets without a plan and no crop of prospect ready to come in. Period.

When Neidermayer left I was slighty worried...When Gomez left I laughed.

When Mogilny walked the first time I shrugged. When Stevens retired I said No problem. When Rafalski left I said no big deal.

But now... We do not have the team or the quality prospects to withstand this. I don't want to go back to the 1986 Devils....I sat in the 6000 people filled arena back then and I don't want to go back.

They let go vets without a plan and no crop of prospect ready to come in. Period.

When Neidermayer left I was slighty worried...When Gomez left I laughed.

When Mogilny walked the first time I shrugged. When Stevens retired I said No problem. When Rafalski left I said no big deal.

But now... We do not have the team or the quality prospects to withstand this. I don't want to go back to the 1986 Devils....I sat in the 6000K people filled arena back then and I don't want to go back.
Why don't you withhold judgment until we see training camp, and we can find whose judgments about our upcoming players are accurate?

Why don't you withhold judgment until we see training camp, and we can find whose judgments about our upcoming players are accurate?

I guess....But are you comfortable with what is happening?

I guess....But are you comfortable with what is happening?
Yes, without a doubt. This is both exactly what I wanted to see and exactly what I thought we would see. It's the only thing that made sense, both from a competition standpoint and a fiscal standpoint.

They let go vets without a plan and no crop of prospect ready to come in. Period.

When Neidermayer left I was slighty worried...When Gomez left I laughed.

When Mogilny walked the first time I shrugged. When Stevens retired I said No problem. When Rafalski left I said no big deal.

But now... We do not have the team or the quality prospects to withstand this. I don't want to go back to the 1986 Devils....I sat in the 6000 people filled arena back then and I don't want to go back.

You're acting like we let parise go. holy **** calm the **** down.

They let go vets without a plan and no crop of prospect ready to come in. Period.

When Neidermayer left I was slighty worried...When Gomez left I laughed.

When Mogilny walked the first time I shrugged. When Stevens retired I said No problem. When Rafalski left I said no big deal.

But now... We do not have the team or the quality prospects to withstand this. I don't want to go back to the 1986 Devils....I sat in the 6000 people filled arena back then and I don't want to go back.

The Devils offered Niedermayer the max. He took less for Anaheim. Personally I'm glad they didn't sign Gomez to that ridiculous contract. Mogilny was questionable, I'd grant you that. Stevens retirement does not reveal any organizational negligence. Letting Rafalski walk was a bad move, imo.

What there strikes as you as an egregious error?

And the Devils finished third in the conference last season. Why are they all of a sudden going to revert back to 1980s form after losing a 20 goal scorer and a fourth line center?

Yes, without a doubt. This is both exactly what I wanted to see and exactly what I thought we would see. It's the only thing that made sense, both from a competition standpoint and a fiscal standpoint.

I agree. I'm actually excited and relieved.

What there strikes as you as an egregious error?



1. Releasing two clear fan favorites on a team thats only saving grace is their forwards.

2. Signing no marque players with the savings from those players

3. Having a prospect pool that clearly isn't deep enough or ready enough to step in.


That is pretty egregious in my opinion.

I must admit I was being perhaps a tad too critical toward this signing, but not becose I have anything against the Devils, but Pikkarainen, boy do I dislike that pig. Thinking this further I can see him becoming the next Jarkko Ruutu, he's definately as irritating and actually has a better scoring touch than Ruutu.

...great

The Atlantic Division is ours!

1. Releasing two clear fan favorites on a team thats only saving grace is their forwards.

2. Signing no marque players with the savings from those players

3. Having a prospect pool that clearly isn't deep enough or ready enough to step in.


That is pretty egregious in my opinion.
1. Because Brian Gionta doesn't bring to this hockey team enough to warrant paying him even $4M, and because we have other players (like Clarkson) who warrant more icetime. Because John Madden was totally ****ing useless last season and, frankly, was actively detrimental as a component of this hockey team.

2. Because there were no marquee players that fill the holes we really need to fill: center and offensive defenseman.

3. This is a matter of opinion.

I must admit I was being perhaps a tad too critical toward this signing, but not becose I have anything against the Devils, but Pikkarainen, boy do I dislike that pig. Thinking this further I can see him becoming the next Jarkko Ruutu, he's definately as irritating and actually has a better scoring touch than Ruutu.


There you go! Now you're on the trolly! I'd like having pests on the 3rd or 4th lines. Need someone to **** with Avery.

There you go! Now you're on the trolly! I'd like having pests on the 3rd or 4th lines. Need someone to **** with Avery.
I really liked Pikkarainen when he was in camp in the early parts of this decade. He's a great agitator with better than average offensive skills. He's sort of Rupp if he had the soul of Bobby Holik.

He's sort of Rupp if he had the soul of Bobby Holik.

Ha...that would be great.

1. Because Brian Gionta doesn't bring to this hockey team enough to warrant paying him even $4M, and because we have other players (like Clarkson) who warrant more icetime. Because John Madden was totally ****ing useless last season and, frankly, was actively detrimental as a component of this hockey team.

2. Because there were no marquee players that fill the holes we really need to fill: center and offensive defenseman.

3. This is a matter of opinion.

1. come on now...Don't do the typical fanboy now he's gone he sucks routine.

2. What was Boumeester? Pronger(I know not really a puck mover but a great outlet passer) provides plenty of offense and the flyers are only on the hook for 1 year. Blake was available for a year, Ohlund was out there (again I know not really a puck mover). Komisarek would have been a major upgrade to the blueline. Hell even Adrian Aucoin can provide more offense than anything we have, cheaply for 1 year. There were a lot of options.

3. Ok. Seems to be a majority opinion of everyone outside this board...but ok.

1. come on now...Don't do the typical fanboy now he's gone he sucks routine.

2. What was Boumeester? Pronger(I know not really a puck mover but a great outlet passer) provides plenty of offense and the flyers are only on the hook for 1 year. Blake was available for a year, Ohlund was out there (again I know not really a puck mover). Komisarek would have been a major upgrade to the blueline. Hell even Adrian Aucoin can provide more offense than anything we have, cheaply for 1 year. There were a lot of options.

3. Ok. Seems to be a majority opinion of everyone outside this board...but ok.
If you've been reading my posts for the last eight months, you know I've been utterly merciless in my reviews of Madden.

On that list, only Bouwmeester had the potential to really help this franchise. Everyone else is a sidestep, not a differencemaker. We need someone with a huge presence on the blueline. Bouwmeester, Kaberle, Souray, someone of that caliber. No one but Bouwmeester fit the bill - and Bouwmeester never became a free agent. Niedermayer did fit the bill, and we did send him an offer.

I agree. I'm actually excited and relieved.

+1...

On that list, only Bouwmeester had the potential to really help this franchise. Everyone else is a sidestep, not a differencemaker. We need someone with a huge presence on the blueline. Bouwmeester, Kaberle, Souray, someone of that caliber. No one but Bouwmeester fit the bill - and Bouwmeester never became a free agent. Niedermayer did fit the bill, and we did send him an offer.

A side step is better than no step -- And losing veteran forwards while doing the "No Step" is a double dose of pooppie we all have to live with.

Why don't you withhold judgment until we see training camp, and we can find whose judgments about our upcoming players are accurate?

My worry is that instead of giving the prospects a chance, we're going to see these scrubs lou just signed take the place of our prospects.

A side step is better than no step -- And losing veteran forwards while doing the "No Step" is a double dose of pooppie we all have to live with.
So you wanted us to sign some veterans? Let's take a look at some of the veterans we've signed on July 1 or near the beginning of free agency over the last few years:
Brian Rolston
Jay Pandolfo
Dainius Zubrus
Bryce Salvador
Bobby Holik

Now let's cross-reference that with a list of contracts that are killing us/guys that flat out didn't work.
Brian Rolston
Jay Pandolfo
Dainius Zubrus
Bryce Salvador
Bobby Holik

Funny how that worked out.

A side step is better than no step -- And losing veteran forwards while doing the "No Step" is a double dose of pooppie we all have to live with.
Players leave. Madden was worthless. He was a negative asset. Now we've only got one of those, Pandolfo. Gionta had great value, but not $5M worth, and him leaving gives Clarkson more icetime - and don't tell me he didn't earn it last year - and Rolston more icetime, and the potential for players like Bergfors to step up. I don't see the traumatic collapse in the quality of our forwards that you do. I see standing pat with the potential for improvement, instead of standing pat without that potential.

A side step is better than no step -- And losing veteran forwards while doing the "No Step" is a double dose of pooppie we all have to live with.

What? No its not. If you make a lateral signing, your in the same position you were in June 30.

And we have enough veteran leadership throughout our lineup. I know you can never had to much, but that line of thinking didn't help us last year. We need a new approach.

I really liked Pikkarainen when he was in camp in the early parts of this decade. He's a great agitator with better than average offensive skills. He's sort of Rupp if he had the soul of Bobby Holik.

It was in 03-04 that he had a strong training camp and Burns was very happy with his play. He went to find his game in Europe, the Devils were monitoring him and were happy to see him develop. Sure a little later than most. But to come in and just play hard is all we can ask for. For the first time in a long time I'm excited going into training camp with the infusion of youth that we're scheduled to have. Our core veterans are a new group than what they were 1 or even 2 years ago. But they're solid.

J-Lang is a solid captain and leader, he's grown from a kid who followed Nieuwendyk to a leader in the Nieu mold.

Elias has been an elite left winger for 10 years, he's overcome an adversity most of us wouldn't know, and still played at a high level. He's the face of our franchise other than Marty whose face is hidden behind a mask anyways.

Parise, sure is entering his 4th year as a player in the NHL. But he's increased his points total in every season and last season became a force in the NHL, he's always a competitor and always wants to win. He'll have to assume a leadership role on this team, and he's ready for it. He's talked the most since Brent left, shows to me that he's ready to take that step in the locker room and become a leader.

Zubrus, he's been around in the league for 13 years. He's seen some highs and some lows, but he's been around long enough to impart that knowledge on the youngsters.

Rolston, Stanley Cup champion, been around for over 15 years, 1,000 games played. Had an off year last year, but that ankle injury was a tough one. Even Crosby took some time to recover from that. He should be a lot better next season, hopefully.

Zajac, he's the youngest of our elder statesman. But his maturity is beyond his years, and he turned into one of the finer two-way centers in the league last season as evidenced by his finishing in the Selke trophy.

Martin, at 28 years of age is along with White the elder statesman of our blue line. He's a heady player who gives it his all. He's a top 15 defenseman in our league and keeps playing with a poise that is comforting.

White, 32 years old, two time Cup champion. Not the same player he used to be, but he's still solid in the line up and brings a bit of a snarl. It's too bad that eye injury happened to him.

Oduya, he's entering his fourth season now. Last year, he grew by leaps and bounds and has really earned his contract. Losing him would have been far worse for us. A lot worse than losing Gio or Dog.

Sure we still have older forwards left, but we're finally using our youth and the infusion of youth coming in the future is a godsend.

There's a lot to look forward to, there'll be some ups and downs, but, that's what happens. It's a process.

Now let's cross-reference that with a list of contracts that are killing us/guys that flat out didn't work.
Brian Rolston
Jay Pandolfo
Dainius Zubrus
Bryce Salvador
Bobby Holik

Funny how that worked out.

Whaaaaat???

How does Holik's off the books 1 year deal hurt us?

How does 3M per for White and Salvador your 3 and 4 defensemen hurt us? they are typical contracts for that type of dman look around.

Pandolfo was simply reward for years served....The guy gave a lot and never made any money. Not a big deal

Zubrus is just Terrible..No ifs ands or buts about it.

Rolston I am going to give the benefit of the doubt cause Sutter was an idiot and he had a tough to recover from injury.

Players leave. Madden was worthless. He was a negative asset. Now we've only got one of those, Pandolfo. Gionta had great value, but not $5M worth, and him leaving gives Clarkson more icetime - and don't tell me he didn't earn it last year - and Rolston more icetime, and the potential for players like Bergfors to step up. I don't see the traumatic collapse in the quality of our forwards that you do. I see standing pat with the potential for improvement, instead of standing pat without that potential.

I think Madden will be huge for Chicago. He'll give them the playoff experience and grit they need.

1. Because Brian Gionta doesn't bring to this hockey team enough to warrant paying him even $4M, and because we have other players (like Clarkson) who warrant more icetime. Because John Madden was totally ****ing useless last season and, frankly, was actively detrimental as a component of this hockey team.

2. Because there were no marquee players that fill the holes we really need to fill: center and offensive defenseman.

3. This is a matter of opinion.

If you've been reading my posts for the last eight months, you know I've been utterly merciless in my reviews of Madden.

On that list, only Bouwmeester had the potential to really help this franchise. Everyone else is a sidestep, not a differencemaker. We need someone with a huge presence on the blueline. Bouwmeester, Kaberle, Souray, someone of that caliber. No one but Bouwmeester fit the bill - and Bouwmeester never became a free agent. Niedermayer did fit the bill, and we did send him an offer.

OUCH.

He's gone now - can the nuclear launches stop? Spitting on his name for the sake of ammunition in battling Jim really isn't necessary... is it?

Cease fire. At least de-escalate down to conventional weapons?

Pandolfo was simply reward for years served....The guy gave a lot and never made any money. Not a big deal

Now I understand, boy am I glad you aren't the GM.

Yes, without a doubt. This is both exactly what I wanted to see and exactly what I thought we would see. It's the only thing that made sense, both from a competition standpoint and a fiscal standpoint.

the only point I have, which my dad brought up. Brodeur isn't getting any younger...

We're essentially conceding a year as a loss with our franchise goalie

What? No its not. If you make a lateral signing, your in the same position you were in June 30.

And we have enough veteran leadership throughout our lineup. I know you can never had to much, but that line of thinking didn't help us last year. We need a new approach.

Simply adding a veteran defensemen like a Blake or Aucoin to a 1 year deal would improve the defense, be fiscally resposible and if it didn't work out who cares its 1 year.

the only point I have, which my dad brought up. Brodeur isn't getting any younger...

We're essentially conceding a year as a loss with our franchise goalie

That is the essential point

OUCH.

He's gone now - can the nuclear launches stop? Spitting on his name for the sake of ammunition in battling Jim really isn't necessary... is it?

Cease fire. At least de-escalate down to conventional weapons?
Don't get me wrong. He'll be fine for Chicago - not great, but a good guy to have as your third line center. Mostly because they won't use him the same way we use him.

I love John Madden. He was one of the key parts to the 03' cup and added something really special to the 00' team. But he needed to go.

Simply adding a veteran defensemen like a Blake or Aucoin to a 1 year deal would improve the defense, be fiscally resposible and if it didn't work out who cares its 1 year.

Actually I disagree with that. Simply signing veterans is what got us into trouble before. Remember Rachunek and Vishnevski? We don't want to go down that route again.

tank.

the only point I have, which my dad brought up. Brodeur isn't getting any younger...

We're essentially conceding a year as a loss with our franchise goalie
I don't see it. If we'd continued doing what we've typically done, we'd end up out in the first round again. Do you really think that the team we'd have assembled for next year would be better than the one we assembled this past year? I don't see a dramatic decline in team quality, although I doubt we win the division again, and I do see the potential for an increase in team quality, with the GREATEST potential coming in 2010-2011.

A side step is better than no step -- And losing veteran forwards while doing the "No Step" is a double dose of pooppie we all have to live with.

They weren't getting it done and we simply can't put all the blame on Dumb-Dumb Sutter.

It was time the players became accountable, namely the old guard. They're gone, for better or for worse. At least we won't be stagnating in mediocrity with the oldest roster in the league.

tank.

http://macleans.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/rtxcwo0_comp.jpg

Whaaaaat???

How does Holik's off the books 1 year deal hurt us?

How does 3M per for White and Salvador your 3 and 4 defensemen hurt us? they are typical contracts for that type of dman look around.

Pandolfo was simply reward for years served....The guy gave a lot and never made any money. Not a big deal

Zubrus is just Terrible..No ifs ands or buts about it.

Rolston I am going to give the benefit of the doubt cause Sutter was an idiot and he had a tough to recover from injury.

Do you read the posts you respond to? And are you arguing just for the sake of arguement? Honestly can someone be this ignorant to the salary cap and today's NHL.
Posted via Mobile Device

Actually I disagree with that. Simply signing veterans is what got us into trouble before. Remember Rachunek and Vishnevski? We don't want to go down that route again.

Those players didn't get us trouble they provided a perfect stop-gap until we figured out Oduya could play, Mottau could take a regular shift, Greene could make inroads. Brookbank became an option.

That is exactly what we need now.

tank.

Step 1: Fire Lou, force Marty to retire, get Heatley, trade everyone for Campbell,Redden and Briere.
Step 2: ???
Step 3: Profit

Simply adding a veteran defensemen like a Blake or Aucoin to a 1 year deal would improve the defense, be fiscally resposible and if it didn't work out who cares its 1 year.

What do you mean "who cares"? Your the one advocating that you want to win now and your going to offer iffy deals that might work out? No thanks, i'd rather give our younglings a chance.

tank.

Next years draft sucks. F that

Those players didn't get us trouble they provided a perfect stop-gap until we figured out Oduya could play, Mottau could take a regular shift, Greene could make inroads. Brookbank became an option.

That is exactly what we need now.
Jim, here's my best projection for what we'll see next year.

Parise - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Rolston <--> Elias - Clarkson
[FA Addition] - Zubrus - Bergfors
Pandolfo - Pelley - Pikkarainen
Shanahan, Leblond

The FA addition will probably be a third line winger, but could be a second line center (Robert Lang is my choice, or Chad LaRose). Now, tell me: do you really think this is dramatically worse than what we had in the playoffs:

ZZPop
Elias - Zubrus - Gionta (which was our primary checking line, but not particularly productive)
Pandolfo - Madden - Shanahan (shoot me)
Rupp - Rolston - Clarkson (waste of Rolston, Clarkson)

JimEIV, you're overreacting ridiculously.

1. We DO NOT HAVE THE CAP SPACE FOR BIG TICKET SIGNEES. I posted this in the offseason thread but it bears repeating - we have, on the NHL roster (which does not include Pikkarainen or any of the AHL players), 15 players. We have only $12.6MM left to sign the remaining 7 or so that we'll likely carry.

2. We still have to sign Zajac and Shanahan.

3. There aren't as many open spots as you might think - Assuming Zajac and Shanahan, that leaves 3 open forwards and 1 open defense spot (and a goalie).

4. We know that the cap will reduce drastically next year, potentially to 50 or 51MM. We may only have 6 million to work with to sign all these positions to contracts.

5. Paul Martin and David Clarkson will be negotiating new contracts next year.

6. Almost ALL UFAs are way overpriced and signed to too long of a contract versus what they're worth. You often get better value in trades, during a season, wheny ou know what you need.

7. We have more prospects that are ready for a shot than you think. In fact, it's becoming a problem. 3 forward slots?

7a. Bergfors needs a shot at the NHL. No question. The argument "what has he done" is bunk because he's never had a shot. AHL stats do NOT translate into NHL stats. Many a productive player was average in the AHL, and many an AHL all star were average or worse in the NHL.

7b. Rod Pelley. Pelley's played very well in the checking center role, but never had a shot at actually playing the role other than on the 4th line due to Madden. We've had great success with players in this role through the years.

7c. Matt Halischuk. Has been outstanding so far and his development has exceeded expectatons.

7d. If these guys are going to get a legitimate shot, it has to be NOW. Because you have guys like Tedenby, Josefson, Cormier, Palmieri, Vasyunov, Zharkov coming on and likely challenging for spots. Plus, the grit guys like PLLL and Pikkarainen. There are others. There are a wealth of prospects that need to get looks coming. Hanging on to old guys who are no longer producing makes no sense.

8. PLENTY of prospects on defense that can step in now or soon. Corrente, obviously. Eckford. Many of the recent draft picks.

For all these reasons and more - chill out! It's what was needed. We can't afford the big contracts due to cap issues next year - many teams signing players this year are going to regret it when core players have to walk due to the cap drop. We can't afford adding these players because we have to look at the talent we have already...

What do you mean "who cares"? Your the one advocating that you want to win now and your going to offer iffy deals that might work out? No thanks, i'd rather give our younglings a chance.

Look if you have young not-so-ready players and gaps on your team....A 1 year vet doesn't effect the bottom line and can fill those hole.

Its the multi year deals that become a problem.

Holik did nothing for us, but his 2.5 for 1 year did not happer us 1 bit from doing anything. And now the contract is gone....

And I can't count how times I heard Daneyko say Elias had a bounce back year because Holik was in the lockerroom.

Jim, here's my best projection for what we'll see next year.

Parise - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Rolston <--> Elias - Clarkson
[FA Addition] - Zubrus - Bergfors
Pandolfo - Pelley - Pikkarainen
Shanahan, Leblond


The clarkaround pass to a rolston slapshot.. hmm interesting

But that seems about right. I would much rather have Elias playing 2nd line center then zubrus. But i think were probably done FA wise. But i hope we resign Shanny. He can trade spots with pandolfo or something

Look if you have young not-so-ready players and gaps on your team....A 1 year vet doesn't effect the bottom line and can fill those hole.

How is Bergfors "not so ready"? The two games he played last season, he looked very confident. And he scored in his first game.

How is Bergfors "not so ready"? The two games he played last season, he looked very confident. And he scored in his first game.

He played in 8 and sucked in all of them.

He played in 8 and sucked in all of them.
Of course, he got a grand total of 46 minutes in those 8 games.

Those players didn't get us trouble they provided a perfect stop-gap until we figured out Oduya could play, Mottau could take a regular shift, Greene could make inroads. Brookbank became an option.

That is exactly what we need now.

No, I think it was entirely the opposite. Greene was doing great the season before til paired up with Vishnevski and Rachunek. I think those two set back our development a bit. As a knee-jerk reaction, Lou signed guys like Brookbank and Mottau to patch things up. It really wasn't that great. We could have had a better developed Greene and Corrente playing in our lineup right now if we had not signed those 2.

He played in 8 and sucked in all of them.

He averaged 5.6 minutes a game playing on the fourth line most of those games. Oh noes!

His highest playing time was 8 minutes where he scored a goal (he was playing with Zubrus and Rupp :facepalm:).

So how could you say he sucks when we havent actually seen what he can really do?

Holik did nothing for us, but his 2.5 for 1 year did not happer us 1 bit from doing anything. And now the contract is gone....

Actually he worked against us. All those dumb penalties and not even playing in the playoffs, was it worth it?

Of course, he got a grand total of 46 minutes in those 8 games.

In 46 minutes he managed 6 shots.....And 3 in his first game.

Of course, he got a grand total of 46 minutes in those 8 games.
Yeah but if he can't produce offense on a line with Vrana and Rupp how is he going to be able to do anything with Rolston and Elias?

In 46 minutes he managed 6 shots.....And 3 in his first game.
You mean the game he played 8:27, the most minutes he got in any one game, with linemates Zubrus and Rupp... and scored a goal?

I just found the highlights... he didn't just score that goal, he was the guy who made it happen, by taking a quick shot from the slot, winning his rebound, winning the puck along the boards, and snapping a shot into the net while using Zubrus as a screen.

Give the kid a chance to play.

http://endofbench.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/stanley_cup.jpg

You mean the game he played 8:27, the most minutes he got in any one game, with linemates Zubrus and Rupp... and scored a goal?

6 shots in 8 games with 46 minutes played.

He was nocked off the puck regularly in the corners. He looked lost defensively. He look confused without the puck in the offensive zone.

Other than that he was dazzling.

6 shots in 8 games with 46 minutes played.

He was nocked off the puck regularly in the corners. He looked lost defensively. He look confused without the puck in the offensive zone.

Other than that he was dazzling.
And in the one game he got a regular shift with linemates not named Vrana and Rupp... well, not named Vrana... he took 3 shots, won the puck repeatedly, and scored a goal of his own creation.

6 shots in 8 games with 46 minutes played.

He was nocked off the puck regularly in the corners. He looked lost defensively. He look confused without the puck in the offensive zone.

Other than that he was dazzling.
HE WAS PLAYING WITH VRANA AND RUPP

You're impossible to talk to, why are you still on this crusade?

6 shots in 8 games with 46 minutes played.

He was nocked off the puck regularly in the corners. He looked lost defensively. He look confused without the puck in the offensive zone.

Other than that he was dazzling.

Wow. Release him. 46 minutes on the 4th line with Mike "No Talent" Rupp is by far enough talent evaluation time.

You're going overboard. You need to come off the ledge. The Devils don't sign and have never signed pricey veterans to play one year ... we'd rather give a 22 year old a shot at producing than pay a 38 year old to do it.

You talk about signing Blake or Aucoin as if that's something we can just simply decide to do. Do you think Blake and Aucoin wanted to come here for less money knowing it was a one year deal while we ease our kids in?

Lamoriello knows what he is doing.

6 shots in 8 games with 46 minutes played.

He was nocked off the puck regularly in the corners. He looked lost defensively. He look confused without the puck in the offensive zone.

Other than that he was dazzling.

Yup, he got knocked off the puck on the corners and looked lost here..

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Yeah but if he can't produce offense on a line with Vrana and Rupp how is he going to be able to do anything with Rolston and Elias?

Obviously, he won't that's why Ilkka Pikkarainen was brought in.

I just found the highlights...


Was it with Rasmussen break away and the Fedor Fedorov in Russia clips?

I'm sorry I couldn't resist.

Guys...arguing with Jim is like arguing with a pig. The pig enjoys it and you both get muddy.

Myself and some others tried to talk some sense into him last night but he's either arguing for the sake or arguing or he's pathetically ignorant to the situation at hand. My guess is both, actually.

If you put Elias with Rupp and only played him 6 minutes a game he would look like **** too.

Guys...arguing with Jim is like arguing with a pig. The pig enjoys it and you both get muddy.

Myself and some others tried to talk some sense into him last night but he's either arguing for the sake or arguing or he's pathetically ignorant to the situation at hand. My guess is both, actually.

Leave the city fan guy alone with his city logic...

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/9645/city.jpg

Bergfors is the type of player that might produce better numbers at the NHL level, as long as he gets a chance to play with SKILLED players. He can't be plugged into a 3rd or 4th checking line, playing with grinders and be expected to produce. Play him with Elias, let him show what he's got. Lou knows what he's doing here. If these guys don't pan out, we've started to accumulate some decent prospect depth, so if we need to address some team weaknesses via trade, we can do it.

Bergfors is the type of player that might produce better numbers at the NHL level, as long as he gets a chance to play with SKILLED players. He can't be plugged into a 3rd or 4th checking line, playing with grinders and be expected to produce. Play him with Elias, let him show what he's got. Lou knows what he's doing here. If these guys don't pan out, we've started to accumulate some decent prospect depth, so if we need to address some team weaknesses via trade, we can do it.
I want him to play with the big body in Zubrus, who can open up some space for him to work. I don't think we have a LW (or center if Zubbie is playing wing) for them yet.

Leave the city fan guy alone with his city logic...

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/9645/city.jpg

God damn Mongorians.

FhEKn5qc9l8

I want him to play with the big body in Zubrus, who can open up some space for him to work. I don't think we have a LW (or center if Zubbie is playing wing) for them yet.

I'd love a guy like LaRose for that line. Grit, size, and skill. Are you bumping Clarkson up to the second line, I'm guessing?

he's either arguing for the sake or arguing or he's pathetically ignorant to the situation at hand. My guess is both, actually.

Nahh its just this board has a lot of really wrong views that always come to light afterward....

Sutter. Fedor Fedorov, Propsects....Zajac before his breakout season, Claude Julien, Langenbrunner, currently Jaques Lemaire.....It just goes on and on....You guys take a party line and when you're wrong (just about every time) you just glaze over it.

And if you don't take the party line, Even though it is wrong time after time people get upset.

Its kool though...cause I love bumping old threads.

I'd love a guy like LaRose for that line. Grit, size, and skill. Are you bumping Clarkson up to the second line, I'm guessing?
Yeah. I want to see Rolston and Clarkson stay together, and I'd like to see Elias with them. LaRose is also my preferred choice for a Zubrus - Bergfors winger.

I want him to play with the big body in Zubrus, who can open up some space for him to work. I don't think we have a LW (or center if Zubbie is playing wing) for them yet.
I don't know if Zubrus is the guy for Bergfors. I've been dying to see him play with Elias since we drafted him. I nearly threw a fit when Langs came back from injury early this year and put Bergfors back on the fourth line.

Just one game, I still remember opening night in Carolina he almost put home a beautiful pass from Patty near the end of the first.

Nahh its just this board has a lot of really wrong views that always come to light afterward....

Sutter. Fedor Fedorov, Propsects....Zajac before his breakout season, Claude Julien, Langenbrunner, currently Jaques Lemaire.....It just goes on and on....You guys take a party line and when you're wrong (just about every time) you just glaze over it.

And if you don't take the party line, Even though it is wrong time after time people get upset.

Its kool though...cause I love bumping old threads.

What exactly is the party line? We've had some drop-down tear it up fights the last year. Hell, guyincognito and I have gone at it over Sutter repeatedly.

Do I get to define the party line? That'd be cool.

I don't know if Zubrus is the guy for Bergfors. I've been dying to see him play with Elias since we drafted him. I nearly threw a fit when Langs came back from injury early this year and put Bergfors back on the fourth line.

Just one game, I still remember opening night in Carolina he almost put home a beautiful pass from Patty near the end of the first.
Well, originally I was thinking Elias - Zubrus - Bergfors, but everyone started screaming about having Zubrus as the 2C.

Well, originally I was thinking Elias - Zubrus - Bergfors, but everyone started screaming about having Zubrus as the 2C.

I think Rolston-Elias-Bergfors might be the ticket.

What exactly is the party line? We've had some drop-down tear it up fights the last year. Hell, guyincognito and I have gone at it over Sutter repeatedly.

Do I get to define the party line? That'd be cool.

Anyone says anything negetive on this board about any decision that this org makes...You will incure the wrath.

Not always true....there are always the trendy things to criticize. (Which are usually equally as wrong)

Like Rolston's contract or Colin White's defense….Which was once again was proven wrong this year.

I rather be right than liked. and when Bergfors is in Sweden in 2 years I'll bump these threads.

I think Rolston-Elias-Bergfors might be the ticket.
I really don't want to break up Rolston and Clarkson. I think they get the best out of each other. Clarkson brings the cycle and the checking and the deflections, Rolston brings the speed and the shot.

Nahh its just this board has a lot of really wrong views that always come to light afterward....

Sutter. Fedor Fedorov, Propsects....Zajac before his breakout season, Claude Julien, Langenbrunner, currently Jaques Lemaire.....It just goes on and on....You guys take a party line and when you're wrong (just about every time) you just glaze over it.

And if you don't take the party line, Even though it is wrong time after time people get upset.

Its kool though...cause I love bumping old threads.

I'm not going to get into an argument about all those past topics except to say that I didn't take the "party line" with almost all of them, especially the Zajac issue.

Perhaps the majority of the board is taking this stance about our prospects because it's the most sensible way of thinking? That's my guess.

Go ahead and bump all the old threads you want. Not once have I said that we're going to win the cup this coming year or that every prospect we've discussed is going to pan out. Therefore I'm not sure what delight you'll get with digging through and finding this thread for use as ammunition in another droll argument.

I really don't want to break up Rolston and Clarkson. I think they get the best out of each other. Clarkson brings the cycle and the checking and the deflections, Rolston brings the speed and the shot.

Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Elias-Koivu-Bergfors
Rolston-Zubrus-Clarkson for a 3rd line?
Shanahan-Pelley-PL3

??

I'm not sure how I'd feel about that.

Anyone says anything negetive on this board about any decision that this org makes...You will incure the wrath.

Not always true....there are always the trendy things to criticize. (Which are usually equally as wrong)

Like Rolston's contract or Colin White's defense….Which was once again was proven wrong this year.

I rather be right than liked. and when Bergfors is in Sweden in 2 years I'll bump these threads.

I'm not going to waste my time arguing with someone who is so full of himself.

I really don't want to break up Rolston and Clarkson. I think they get the best out of each other. Clarkson brings the cycle and the checking and the deflections, Rolston brings the speed and the shot.

Well then

ZZPops
Elias-?-Bergfors
Rolston-Zubrus-Clarkson
Hali-Pells-Piks

Well then

ZZPops
Elias-PANDOLFO-Bergfors
Rolston-Zubrus-Clarkson
Hali-Pells-Piks
Talk about skilled players!

I think Rolston-Elias-Bergfors might be the ticket.

Looks nice, but I'm not too sold on Elias at center.

Rolston will put up a 45-50 point yr playing on the 3rd line all season. He needs to be in the top 6.

God the only reason I would want Lemaire is because Rolston was awesome under him.

Talk about skilled players!

if Pando EVER sees 2nd line duty... I quit the Devils and jump on the Blackhawks.

seeryusly

Well then

ZZPops
Elias-?-Bergfors
Rolston-Zubrus-Clarkson
Hali-Pells-Piks

Koivu, please? :help:

Well if Shanny's back, this becomes obvious:
Parise Zajac Langs
Rolston Elias Bergfors
Shanny Zubby Clarky
Pando-Pello-Halischo
Pierre-LucLetourneau-Leblond

That fifth line is going to be nasty.

Well if Shanny's back, this becomes obvious:
Parise Zajac Langs
Rolston Elias Bergfors
Shanny Zubby Clarky
Pando-Pello-Halischo
Pierre-LucLetourneau-Leblond

That fifth line is going to be nasty.

HAHA

Pfft Pando 13th forward. Maybe we'll get him to waive his ntc ( not that anyone would take him )

Halischuk would probably be wasted on a 4th line like that though. If Shanny doesn't come back I'd like to see what he could do with Zubs and clarkie

You people are blowing this way out of proportion.. It's just a signing.. It's not like Lou came out and said he'll be a game changer

who are you to get in the way of the 3 month *****fest? that will stop when they beat the Panthers 5-2 in the season opener down in Florida, and then everyone will say "see, I knew they were good!" :laugh:

Well if Shanny's back, this becomes obvious:
Parise Zajac Langs
Rolston Elias Bergfors
Shanny Zubby Clarky
Pando-Pello-Halischo
Pierre-LucLetourneau-Leblond

That fifth line is going to be nasty.

I love that fif line.

Rolston will put up a 45-50 point yr playing on the 3rd line all season. He needs to be in the top 6.

God the only reason I would want Lemaire is because Rolston was awesome under him.

Wonder if Lemaire would accept an assistant position? The man can run a wickid powerplay.

Aslong as Rolston gets first unit PP time (where he truly shines), I am fine with him being on the third line. He's even strength production is so-so anyway.

Yes, I'm advocating Elias get 2nd PP minutes.

Parise - Zajac - Rolston

Martin - Langs

Elias - Zubrus - Bergfors

Oduya - Greene/Mottau/Shanahan

if Pando EVER sees 2nd line duty... I quit the Devils and jump on the Blackhawks.

seeryusly

Maybe Maddog was holding Pambo back all these years?






I keed, I keed.

Wonder if Lemaire would accept an assistant position? The man can run a wickid powerplay.

Aslong as Rolston gets first unit PP time, I am fine with him being on the third line. He's even strength production is so-so anyway.

Yes, I'm advocating Elias get 2nd PP minutes.

Parise - Zajac - Rolston

Martin - Langs

Elias - Zubrus - Bergfors

Oduya - Greene/Mottau/Shanahan

Cannot...compute...arrrrrrrgh
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/protestwarriors/ScannersExplodingHead.gif

Cannot...compute...arrrrrrrgh
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/protestwarriors/ScannersExplodingHead.gif

He'll still be on the top unit on 5-3's, PK time and is first out with Zach in overtime.

I don't want a first PP unit bias either, give them fairly equal minutes on the ice. Keeps them honest.

Wonder if Lemaire would accept an assistant position? The man can run a wickid powerplay.

Aslong as Rolston gets first unit PP time (where he truly shines), I am fine with him being on the third line. He's even strength production is so-so anyway.

Yes, I'm advocating Elias get 2nd PP minutes.

Parise - Zajac - Rolston

Martin - Langs

Elias - Zubrus - Bergfors

Oduya - Greene/Mottau/Shanahan
I'm down with that, maybe switch Oduya and Martin because Martin and Elias work well together. I'm just picturing an umbrella with Rolston on the right and Langs on the left droppin' bombs.

Anyone says anything negetive on this board about any decision that this org makes...You will incure the wrath.

Not always true....there are always the trendy things to criticize. (Which are usually equally as wrong)

Like Rolston's contract or Colin White's defense….Which was once again was proven wrong this year.

I rather be right than liked. and when Bergfors is in Sweden in 2 years I'll bump these threads.

Oooh that explains it. Your one of those guys whos under the false pretense that your always right and were all wrong. God i love cocky people like you.

Well then

ZZPops
Elias- Vishnevski -Bergfors
Rolston-Zubrus-Clarkson
Hali-Pells-Piks

:yo::yo::yo::yo:

He'll still be on the top unit on 5-3's, PK time and is first out with Zach in overtime.

I don't want a first PP unit bias either, give them fairly equal minutes on the ice. Keeps them honest.

I'm willing to try almost anything regarding the PP.

I'm down with that, maybe switch Oduya and Martin because Martin and Elias work well together. I'm just picturing an umbrella with Rolston on the right and Langs on the left droppin' bombs.

:nod:

I prefer your line of thought with having Oduya on the first PP too. Your post about his even strength production and the fact he got close to no powerplay time this last season proves that he could possibly flourish on the man advantage.

Martin on the 2nd unit would also give me enough confidence to put Greene there with him, or maybe even old man Shanahan.

Like it alot.

I'm not going to get into an argument about all those past topics except to say that I didn't take the "party line" with almost all of them, especially the Zajac issue.

Perhaps the majority of the board is taking this stance about our prospects because it's the most sensible way of thinking? That's my guess.

Go ahead and bump all the old threads you want. Not once have I said that we're going to win the cup this coming year or that every prospect we've discussed is going to pan out. Therefore I'm not sure what delight you'll get with digging through and finding this thread for use as ammunition in another droll argument.

as if he's not going to be on everyone's ignore list 2 years from now... or 2 weeks from now.

that being said, the mystery player kind of sucks. there were better mystery players available. I guess that's the risk you take when you sign a mystery player.

I'm down with that, maybe switch Oduya and Martin because Martin and Elias work well together. I'm just picturing an umbrella with Rolston on the right and Langs on the left droppin' bombs.

:nod:

I prefer your line of thought with having Oduya on the first PP too. Your post about his even strength production and the fact he got close to no powerplay time this last season proves that he could possibly flourish on the man advantage.

Martin on the 2nd unit would also give me enough confidence to put Greene there with him, or maybe even old man Shanahan.

Like it alot.

Umbrella:

Langenbrunner-Martin-Rolston
Parise-Zajac

Shanahan-Oduya-Elias
Clarkson-Zubrus

You haz blown my mind DD.

Umbrella:

Langenbrunner-Martin-Rolston
Parise-Zajac

Shanahan-Oduya-Elias
Clarkson-Zubrus
I just want a coach other than MacLean running the PP. Could make all the difference.

Scott Arniel please.

this guy should be fine for us. even if he doesnt make it to our roster full time who cares.... 1 mil per? thats like 2% of our total salary.

the only thing that frustrates me about this org is that apart from last year is that this team seems to do everything in super slow motion. we get it done, we put together a cup contender every year. but in slow motion

that being said, the mystery player kind of sucks. there were better mystery players available. I guess that's the risk you take when you sign a mystery player.

It's like eating the mystery meat. You hope its the one that has you going for 2nds but instead it just makes you have to go number 2. :sarcasm:

Nahh its just this board has a lot of really wrong views that always come to light afterward....

Sutter. Fedor Fedorov, Propsects....Zajac before his breakout season, Claude Julien, Langenbrunner, currently Jaques Lemaire.....It just goes on and on....You guys take a party line and when you're wrong (just about every time) you just glaze over it.

And if you don't take the party line, Even though it is wrong time after time people get upset.

Its kool though...cause I love bumping old threads.

http://mp.hairboutique.com/_images/products/got2b_full_of_yourself_gel_2_mousse_7oz_350w.jpg

the only thing that frustrates me about this org is that apart from last year is that this team seems to do everything in super slow motion. we get it done, we put together a cup contender every year. but in slow motion

Free agency isn't only on July 1st so what is the problem?

O come on people let at least see what he does in first couple of games lol

http://njmg.typepad.com/devilsblog/2009/07/pikkarainen-was-signed-to-play-in-new-jersey.html

Pikkarainen was signed to play in New Jersey

Ilkka Pikkarainen never got a chance to play in New Jersey during his first stint with the Devils.

According to Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello, Pikkarainen, 28, was signed today to play for the Devils and not in Lowell.

"He was signed for here," Lamoriello said.

Lamoriello said that the Pikkarainen, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound right wing, would "help" offset some of the free agent departures of Wednesday, but he wasn't necessarily signed to replace any of the individual players that left -- John Madden, Brian Gionta and Mike Rupp (as well as goaltender Scott Clemmensen).

"He's big and strong and he helps our size factor," Lamoriello said.

Where Pikkarainen fits will be up to the incoming head coach, but Lamoriello said he probably wouldn't be on the first two lines.

"I think he's going to play on the third or fourth line, he said.

Lamoriello said an ankle injury that Pikkarainen suffered in training camp with the Devils cost him a chance to make the team during his first stint with the team.

"He went to the minors and was fine and then never got a chance to get back with the team we had," he said. "So, he went to Europe and he's had a couple of outstanding years there. He's really excited about coming back. He's a feisty player and brings size and strength and he's scoring touch there in an elite league. We're happy he's coming back."

Pikkarainen had 24 goals, 13 assists and 149 penalty minutes, in 54 games with HIFK Helsinki in Finland in 2008-09.

Lamoriello believes Pikkarainen has improved as a player while playing the last three seasons in Finland.

"There's no question in our mind that that's the case," he said.

So far, the Devils have not signed any free agents that were not already property of the team. They re-signed defenseman Andy Greene on Wednesday and, though Pikkarainen played in Finland the last three years, the Devils retained his NHL rights.

League-wise today has been much quieter after a flurry of free-agent signings Wednesday.

There have been a handful of players that signed today, including defenseman Rod Scuderi with Los Angeles, Nik Antropov with Atlanta and Adrian Aucoin with Phoenix.

woud like to see him and Clarkson on the same line, perhaps with Shanny or Zubrus too. that would a very interesting line to watch. plus looks like he can score, maybe a Finish-Lite version of Clarkson?

http://njmg.typepad.com/devilsblog/2009/07/pikkarainen-was-signed-to-play-in-new-jersey.html

I put this in the Sticky TG thread, but it belongs here too.

I don't know what Lou is doing with this. I guess it's a Fedor Fedorov style tryout. If he makes the team, great; we have a cheap grit winger. If not, he goes back where he came from. It increases the chance that Pandolfo will be bought out/demoted or Shanahan will not be re-signed, because we are now running out of winger spots. This is especially true if we sign a centre and Rolston is used as a winger, and if one or both of Bergfors and Halischuk makes the team.

Parise-Langenbrunner
Elias-Bergfors
Shanahan/Rolston-Clarkson
Pandolfo/PL3-Pikkarainen/Halischuk

Some are speculating that he might be used with Clarkson to form a pest line, possibly with Zubrus centring them. That would be quite a sight to behold.

perkele:facepalm:not the finn i wanted, but...i shouldnt complain when theres all of ONE of them on the team. honestly, if he can do exactly what rupp did OR slightly better, then the 4th line will be better for it. plus, if hes willing to throw down for his teammates, thats a plus too. i guess its not so bad, but for the love of sliced bread please sign koivu u big bald ****:facepalm:.


oh and über, id be a sth if i didnt live on stupid long guyland.

give the kid a chance before you bash him

Does anybody have contract numbers for this guy?

perkele:facepalm:not the finn i wanted, but...i shouldnt complain when theres all of ONE of them on the team. honestly, if he can do exactly what rupp did OR slightly better, then the 4th line will be better for it. plus, if hes willing to throw down for his teammates, thats a plus too. i guess its not so bad, but for the love of sliced bread please sign koivu u big bald ****:facepalm:.


oh and über, id be a sth if i didnt live on stupid long guyland.

Hey aboriginal, you're a finn, do you have any interest in Janne Pesonen? Seems like a decent option.

Does anybody have contract numbers for this guy?
Nope. TG said that he doesn't have the terms of the deal yet.

Nope. TG said that he doesn't have the terms of the deal yet.

I'm sure it's under 1 M per, Lou hasn't gone senile yet. This signing seems similar to the Fedorov signing.

Hey aboriginal, you're a finn, do you have any interest in Janne Pesonen? Seems like a decent option.

well, im not technically a finn. i lived in espoo and turku and my girlfriend, and likely future wife is from turku. as for pesonen....i have no idea who he is. im not very good on prospect info...im too lazy to read up on all the good/bad players from elsewhere:laugh:.

well, im not technically a finn. i lived in espoo and turku and my girlfriend, and likely future wife is from turku. as for pesonen....i have no idea who he is. im not very good on prospect info...im too lazy to read up on all the good/bad players from elsewhere:laugh:.

Oh, o.k. he's a guy whose been very good in the Finnish league and came over last season and had a great year in the AHL. 27 year old UFA.

It's a low risk signing. It's not going to hurt any, and who knows, it could end up being a pleasant surprise. He seems to play a type of style that will make him an effective checker, plus chip in with a few goals here and there.

It's a low risk signing. It's not going to hurt any, and who knows, it could end up being a pleasant surprise. He seems to play a type of style that will make him an effective checker, plus chip in with a few goals here and there.

That's what I would think, and were turning into Team Scandinavia West anyway, so I say what the heck...

Oh, o.k. he's a guy whose been very good in the Finnish league and came over last season and had a great year in the AHL. 27 year old UFA.

im all for talented rooks to come here somehow, but im actually very excited to see the development of bergfors, halischuk and pelley next season. that would leave very little room for him should shanny re-sign AND ilkka actually making the team. also should lou actually sign a proven 2nd line center, hed just end up in the minors. i suppose what im saying is unless hes going to be placed directly in the 2nd line center position and put up at least 60 points, no thanks. though the lure of another finn does make me rethink it slightly:D.

On the plus side, his name is bad ass.

Rainen should be his nickname when he makes the roster.

Just relax people on this board are rediculous.......I'm not exactlly thrilled about this signing either, but Philly doesn't scare me with Emery/Boucher tandem. The Rangers oh boy signed Gaborik, so they have another high priced foward who can score, that signing would have made sense if you had a scotty gomez passing to him, and the Islanders hah not even gonna go there, the only team that scares me maybe would be Pittsburgh and you know we beat them out to win the division with our so called bad defense........I think our defense is fine, sure we could use a quality #1 dman, but We did finish in top of the league as the best defensive team.......So everyone just chill the ******* out, unbelievable....Lou knows what he's doing he will make a move but it won't be the pretty moves other teams make, look for role players, like Betts, Malhotra, types.

One D-man i would give a 1 yr contract would be M.A. Bergeron he was awsome for the isles and they dumped him, he would be great on our PP

with our so called bad defense........I think our defense is fine, sure we could use a quality #1 dman, but We did finish in top of the league as the best defensive team.......So everyone just chill the ******* out, unbelievable....

We finished high in the league in Goals Against because the quality of our forwards not the quality of our defensemen.


One D-man i would give a 1 yr contract would be M.A. Bergeron he was awsome for the isles and they dumped him, he would be great on our PP

He (Bergeron) is terrible....His defense would be by far the worst on this team. Even garbage Mottau is better.

How do you pronounce his name?

How do you pronounce his name?
Basically how you would think.

How do you pronounce his name?

ILK-Ka(the IL part sounds kinda like eel not ilk like in english)
PI(the i sounds like ea in speak)K-Ka-rai(like rye)-nen
caps show emphasis

his first name is listed but his last isnt. itll at least give u a good idea of what it sounds like.

http://www.sci.fi/~kajun/finns/male.htm
http://www.sci.fi/~kajun/finns/alllast.htm

We finished high in the league in Goals Against because the quality of our forwards not the quality of our defensemen.

Oh, most definitely. :rolleyes:

The typical argument from a fan whose argument is that the defense is terrible.

Oh, most definitely. :rolleyes:

The typical argument from a fan whose argument is that the defense is terrible.

The defense isn't terrible....It just isn't that good. Man for man, at best, middle of the league.

Are you claiming this is a good defensive group? Top 10 in the league?

The defense isn't terrible....It just isn't that good. Man for man, at best, middle of the league.

Are you claiming this is a good defensive group? Top 10 in the league?

Easily as they proved the last two years.

The defense isn't terrible....It just isn't that good. Man for man, at best, middle of the league.

Are you claiming this is a good defensive group? Top 10 in the league?

As a unit, yeah. We were fourth in the league last year Average Goals Against.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20092ALLAAAAll&sort=avgGoalsAgainstPerGame&viewName=summary

As a unit, yeah. We were fourth in the league last year Average Goals Against.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20092ALLAAAAll&sort=avgGoalsAgainstPerGame&viewName=summary

That speaks more to our 3 exceptional goalies last year and less to our very average defensive corps.

You forgot to mention the fact that our PK was 79.9%, 20th in the league.

Not to mention the fact that literally every one of our forwards last season was defensively sound.

That speaks more to our 3 exceptional goalies last year and less to our very average defensive corps.

You forgot to mention the fact that our PK was 79.9%, 20th in the league.

You are really going to say Scott Clemmemsen is the reason why we were fourth in Goals Against?

Not disrespect to Clemmer but that is funny. :laugh:

And for clarification, I'm not saying we have the best defensive unit in the NHL but it is definitely at least in the Top 15, that isn't even a question and you can argue that it is in the Top 10. And this is all for defensive play; not offense.

You are really going to say Scott Clemmemsen is the reason why we were fourth in Goals Against?

Not disrespect to Clemmer but that is funny. :laugh:

And for clarification, I'm not saying we have the best defensive unit in the NHL but it is definitely at least in the Top 15, that isn't even a question and you can argue that it is in the Top 10. And this is all for defensive play; not offense.

He had a GAA of 2.39. 8th in the entire league. I mean he didn't steal any games but he did play damn good for us.

Marty had a GAA of 2.41, 10th in the league and Weekes had a GAA of 2.42, 11th if he had played enough games to be ranked..

None of our goalies let in more than 95 total goals the entire year. Or had a SV% below .916%. They made our defense look a lot better than they were last year.

Clemmer was solid no doubt but I think it is more that our defense made him look good; not vice versa.

Our defense is a perfect example of the sum being greater then the parts.

We play a good team D with average defensemen, but we dont need a defensemen unless its a great one. There is NO defensemen out ther that would do anything for us. Sure if we could have got Pronger or Nieds or something like that then yea it would help but short of a star they wouldnt do much for our group.

perkele:facepalm:not the finn i wanted, but...i shouldnt complain when theres all of ONE of them on the team. honestly, if he can do exactly what rupp did OR slightly better, then the 4th line will be better for it. plus, if hes willing to throw down for his teammates, thats a plus too. i guess its not so bad, but for the love of sliced bread please sign koivu u big bald ****:facepalm:.



Pikkarainen sure wasnt the most exiting finn available, but Devils organisation being familiar with him made it happen.

Now that Pikkarainen got 1-way deal my prediction about his next season (if he stays in NJ) is this:

As a typical finn he will train hard in the summer to compensate the fact he got 1-way deal. He will focus on improving skating and adding muscle strenght so he can live up to his priori role as 4th/(3rd) liner.

He will change his game to more agitating / hot tempered style. Something he was known early in his career. Because of this he drops the gloves every now and then. He is willing to fight every middle weight in the league and stand up for his team mates even against the heavy weights.

First 25-30 games he plays "well" because he is in good shape thanks to summer training. Might even score some garbage goals form front of the net. Then for the next 15-20 games he hits the wall and just tries to hang in there. Plays minium role and adds couple of fights to his belt.

Somewhere around 50 games mark he really has found his role in the team. His conditioning starts to get better againg and for the rest of the season he plays at constant level. What ever it will be.

So this is the free agent signed that played in Europe that Lou was talking about?!?!?!? :cry:.

Pikkarainen sure wasnt the most exiting finn available, but Devils organisation being familiar with him made it happen.

Now that Pikkarainen got 1-way deal my prediction about his next season (if he stays in NJ) is this:

As a typical finn he will train hard in the summer to compensate the fact he got 1-way deal. He will focus on improving skating and adding muscle strenght so he can live up to his priori role as 4th/(3rd) liner.

He will change his game to more agitating / hot tempered style. Something he was known early in his career. Because of this he drops the gloves every now and then. He is willing to fight every middle weight in the league and stand up for his team mates even against the heavy weights.

First 25-30 games he plays "well" because he is in good shape thanks to summer training. Might even score some garbage goals form front of the net. Then for the next 15-20 games he hits the wall and just tries to hang in there. Plays minium role and adds couple of fights to his belt.

Somewhere around 50 games mark he really has found his role in the team. His conditioning starts to get better againg and for the rest of the season he plays at constant level. What ever it will be.

why does that sound like Aaron Voros to me

He had a GAA of 2.39. 8th in the entire league. I mean he didn't steal any games but he did play damn good for us.

Marty had a GAA of 2.41, 10th in the league and Weekes had a GAA of 2.42, 11th if he had played enough games to be ranked..

None of our goalies let in more than 95 total goals the entire year. Or had a SV% below .916%. They made our defense look a lot better than they were last year.

This just isn't true. Anyone who watched Scott Clemmensen play last season understood that while he did an admirable job, he seldom stole games for the Devils. Decent goalie, but I bet he posts a save percentage below 900 next year in Florida.

The Devils defense is very good defensively, regardless of the goalie.

He will change his game to more agitating / hot tempered style. Something he was known early in his career. Because of this he drops the gloves every now and then. He is willing to fight every middle weight in the league and stand up for his team mates even against the heavy weights.He was maybe the most annoying player in the league and he gotta get some fighting classes if he is going to drop the mits in NJ...though I don´t see him getting in the team anyway.

This just isn't true. Anyone who watched Scott Clemmensen play last season understood that while he did an admirable job, he seldom stole games for the Devils. Decent goalie, but I bet he posts a save percentage below 900 next year in Florida.

The Devils defense is very good defensively, regardless of the goalie.

See this is thing, it IS the goalie. Because goals against is a goaltender stat, not a skater or team stat.

1995 - 4th in goals against (Brodeur 19-11-6, 3 SO, 2.44 GAA)
2009 - 4th in goals against (Clemmensen 25-13-1, 2 SO, 2.39 GAA)

Now are you honestly going to try to tell me that the Devils defense was as strong last year as it was in 1995? Or does it just seem that way because of the strikingly similar goaltender stats?

This franchise has been blessed to have consistently outstanding goaltending for nearly 15 years now, no matter who puts on the pads. I mean, aren't we the ones who always say "the system doesn't make Marty, Marty makes the system"? But no one can deny that the drop off from our late 90's defense to the defense we have today has certainly contributed to our lack of playoff success. And our defense right now isn't terrible, its average or slightly above average. But unless you plan on scoring 300 goals, average defense isn't good enough to win a Cup.

Unless Corrente has a legendary rookie year or the team has an offensive explosion twice as big as last year, we're still just a decent team with a great goalie.

See this is thing, it IS the goalie. Because goals against is a goaltender stat, not a skater or team stat.

1995 - 4th in goals against (Brodeur 19-11-6, 3 SO, 2.44 GAA)
2009 - 4th in goals against (Clemmensen 25-13-1, 2 SO, 2.39 GAA)

Now are you honestly going to try to tell me that the Devils defense was as strong last year as it was in 1995? Or does it just seem that way because of the strikingly similar goaltender stats?

This franchise has been blessed to have consistently outstanding goaltending for nearly 15 years now, no matter who puts on the pads. I mean, aren't we the ones who always say "the system doesn't make Marty, Marty makes the system"? But no one can deny that the drop off from our late 90's defense to the defense we have today has certainly contributed to our lack of playoff success. And our defense right now isn't terrible, its average or slightly above average. But unless you plan on scoring 300 goals, average defense isn't good enough to win a Cup.

Unless Corrente has a legendary rookie year or the team has an offensive explosion twice as big as last year, we're still just a decent team with a great goalie.

wins is a goalie stat too, does that mean the rest of the team has nothing to do with it?

Sounds like Clarkson.

I love me some Clarkson.

Sounds like Clarkson.

I love me some Clarkson.
From what I remember of him, the initial description of the two players is very similar, although Clarkson is more of a stand-up guy while Pikkarainen is more of an intentional irritant. But I'm not expecting him to be Clarkson. I'll be happy with a regular fourth liner, hopefully one who can produce some goals.

From what I remember of him, the initial description of the two players is very similar, although Clarkson is more of a stand-up guy while Pikkarainen is more of an intentional irritant. But I'm not expecting him to be Clarkson. I'll be happy with a regular fourth liner, hopefully one who can produce some goals.

If he's got a little Oilers-era Esa Tikkanen in him, I'll be satisfied.

Sounds like a guy that other teams will love to hate.

If he's got a little Oilers-era Esa Tikkanen in him, I'll be satisfied.

As long as he isn't Devils era Esa Tikkanen.

Sounds like a guy that other teams will love to hate.

Every team needs an good agitator or two. I'd love to see Pikkarainen and Clarkson played together every now and then, just to watch the opposing team go completely nuts. Maybe even put PL3 with them. The idea of a Hanson-esque line makes me very happy, but it would be misusing Clarkson. Too bad.

Every team needs an good agitator or two. I'd love to see Pikkarainen and Clarkson played together every now and then, just to watch the opposing team go completely nuts. Maybe even put PL3 with them. The idea of a Hanson-esque line makes me very happy, but it would be misusing Clarkson. Too bad.
Maybe against the Rangers/Flyers. :sarcasm:

I'm happy we added someone else to bang and piss off the other team. Especially with the flyers trying to become the broad street bullies again and the Rangers adding Donald

i hope leblonde plays too because he is the only one that can fight the heavy weights in the league

So you wanted us to sign some veterans? Let's take a look at some of the veterans we've signed on July 1 or near the beginning of free agency over the last few years:
Brian Rolston
Jay Pandolfo
Dainius Zubrus
Bryce Salvador
Bobby Holik

Now let's cross-reference that with a list of contracts that are killing us/guys that flat out didn't work.
Brian Rolston
Jay Pandolfo
Dainius Zubrus
Bryce Salvador
Bobby Holik

Funny how that worked out.

This post has some merit but I don't know how you include Pandolfo and Salvador on this list.

Pandolfo is what he is - a very good two-way player, an outstanding citizen, and a key figure as an example of the way the Devils do things - the only thing he lacks is a scoring touch. He's the type of player that, though his contributions may not show up on the score sheet, all winning teams have.

And Salvador was definitely a plus - a shot-blocking, battling defender - something that the Devils sorely missed in the Rangers' series the previous season.

Would tend to agree that the other three did not bring back what the organization had hoped they would - though I think having Bobby Holik around probably contributed to the development of a guy like Clarkson.

Whether that merited the contract he received is certainly a subject worth debating.

apparently you didnt watch Pandolfo last year. he was our worst every day player by far, and he makes way too much money