I think you guys are in a very good "place" right now.

You are around where the Rangers were a few years ago. Scary thought, but when you look at a few teams it becomes apparent.

A decent but not great team who should make the playoffs each year (won't win a Cup but should at least win a round hopefully).

Your prospect pool is at the same point the Rangers was a while back. Filled to the brim with 3rd and 4th line depth guys with a few potential 2nd liners. That's not a bad thing. That's actually a good thing. A lot of depth is never bad.

The higher end guys will come sooner or later. Tedenby has the potential to be one, but I think he's ideally a 2nd line type player. Lou will find one who drops or trade up high to get one when he knows he needs to.

I think that Lou will do it different than Sather. IE not spending like a drunken jackass every July 1st. I think Lou is also doing it right by not signing anything big yet. Zajac needs a contract and Martin will be getting a pretty big one next offseason. He probably thinks that the cap will be going down, which is a very real possibility.

I have read a lot of anger on your board for some reason, but if I was a Devils fan, I'd be pretty happy right now. I think Lou knows that he's not going to win the Cup any time soon and I think he's really building towards the future. The same kind of "win now and win in the future" thing that the Rangers are doing. It's always bad to just tank. I always hate that. I would rather my team make the playoffs in the 8th spot than to finish last (unless some Crosby-level talent is out there, which might be another 15 years from now).

So, all in all, I think Lou has been incredibly smart lately and I think that this easy July 1st is a great thing for the Devils organization. Lou is working on refilling the prospect pool and I think he did a great job this past draft with JJ and a few others. Now he needs to start going for the high risk guys the next few drafts and he'll be in even better shape (which is what the Rangers did the last two drafts and it looks like it's paying off).

I bash him for bad signings like Rolston and Zubrus, but in reality those signings at least keep the team in the playoff races. They aren't the greatest, but they are good complimentary players that do help make the team a playoff team and not a wannabe team. I'm glad that he didn't throw out money on Antropov, who would have been a massive (no pun intended) waste. I still think the trade market is where he should go since the Devils have a ton of depth prospects who could land some half decent players. There aren't many great options left in the UFA market, so I think he might entertain that idea if there are any deals to be had.

You know, I think deep down, you're kind of a Devils fan.

Support for my argument coming from a Rangers fan isn't likely to help my cause. :p:

I loved what the Rangers were doing up until they lost Don Maloney and Sather took over again.

Next year, I see:

Parise - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Rolston - Elias - Clarkson
[FA]/Shanahan - Zubrus - Bergfors
Pandolfo - Pelley - Pikkarainen/Leblond

Oduya - Martin
Salvador - Corrente/Greene
White - Mottau

Brodeur
Weekes (I hope)

The year after, with no changes, I see us potentially adding Cormier, Tedenby, Josefson, Halischuk, Palmieri, Zharkov, Swift, hell even Vasyunov to the lineup. That gives us MASSIVE depth = LOTS of potential trade assets to improve the defense. We no longer have to hold on to everyone that looks promising, because EVERYONE looks promising.

I'm sorry, guys, but I see us in a comparable position to where we were a year ago with the lineup we've got right now, and in an EXTREMELY strong position for 2010-2011.

You know, I think deep down, you're kind of a Devils fan.

I have always said I don't hate the team and my family used to have season tickets. I don't like a lot of Devils fans attitudes, but I don't hate the team at all. When you see a team win 3 Cups in person (well, partly in person as I didn't see all the games since we split the tickets with another family) then you tend to have somewhat of a respect and such for them.

Support for my argument coming from a Rangers fan isn't likely to help my cause. :p:

I loved what the Rangers were doing up until they lost Don Maloney and Sather took over again.

I warmed up to the Gaborik signing a lot. If you saw my thread over there about it, I'm actually going to be doing a charity thing about his games played this year and over the next few years. A few others guys joined in, also. Might as well have some fun with it.

Jonathan = A Local Fan?

hmmm...

A strong camp from Vasyunov might get him a look from the Devils too. He was a high risk, high reward signing. Who knows, he might end up being a reward, or a Suglobov.

I warmed up to the Gaborik signing a lot. If you saw my thread over there about it, I'm actually going to be doing a charity thing about his games played this year and over the next few years. A few others guys joined in, also. Might as well have some fun with it.

Definitely.

I don't particularly like the signing, but honestly I'd rather spend 7.5 on Gaborik than Gomez every time. It's not a great signing, in my opinion, but it's definitely better than Sather's normal July 1st moves.

A strong camp from Vasyunov might get him a look from the Devils too. He was a high risk, high reward signing. Who knows, he might end up being a reward, or a Suglobov.

I see him as more of the latter, but he still has a while to change that.

A strong camp from Vasyunov might get him a look from the Devils too. He was a high risk, high reward signing. Who knows, he might end up being a reward, or a Suglobov.
My preference is to use him as trade bait while he has value. I think Zharkov is the Russian we've got in Lowell who has the potential to challenge for a roster spot and could end up a long-term Devil.

Have you seen his +/- from last year? Crazy stuff.

Definitely.

I don't particularly like the signing, but honestly I'd rather spend 7.5 on Gaborik than Gomez every time. It's not a great signing, in my opinion, but it's definitely better than Sather's normal July 1st moves.

I agree. Before last year, he did average 69 games a year. And if he could get that with the Rangers, it would beat 82 games of Gomez every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

How much cap space do the Devils have now?

I agree. Before last year, he did average 69 games a year. And if he could get that with the Rangers, it would beat 82 games of Gomez every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Very true. The quality of the contract directly hinges on how many games he plays. If he plays a full, or near full season for most of the years of the contract, it's an unqualified success. If he repeats last year a few times, not so much.

I see him as more of the latter, but he still has a while to change that.

Eh, we need goal scorers. He has that ability. Lets see, it'll be his first training camp with the team.

The Devils will need their prospects to develop because they are an older team. If they don't develop, I don't know if they'll be able to put together a solid enough team just through free agency. Lou is probably waiting for some prospects to develop so he can complement them with veteran free agents. Maybe next year.

I don't particularly like the signing, but honestly I'd rather spend 7.5 on Gaborik than Gomez every time. It's not a great signing, in my opinion, but it's definitely better than Sather's normal July 1st moves.

The Gaborik signing was dumb and shortsighted. Like many Ranger moves, the focus was on the near-term and on money, marketing, and media buzz rather than on winning.

Losing Gomez and Antropov while adding Gaborik doesnt significantly make that team any better. At the end of the day, they're in the same place they were a week ago. Incapable of winning a Stanley Cup and in salary cap hell.

How much cap space do the Devils have now?
Like $12M, with Zajac and Shanahan left to sign (and one more UFA forward, probably).

The Devils will need their prospects to develop because they are an older team. If they don't develop, I don't know if they'll be able to put together a solid enough team just through free agency. Lou is probably waiting for some prospects to develop so he can complement them with veteran free agents. Maybe next year.
I think it's more he's hoping they develop so he can use them to complement veteran players we already have.

Like $12M, with Zajac and Shanahan left to sign (and one more UFA defenseman, probably).

Lets hope for this.

EDIT: And Adrian Aucoin just signed a one-year deal for $2.25M. That would have been a nice fit on the Devils for 2009/10.

Like $12M, with Zajac and Shanahan left to sign (and one more UFA forward, probably).

If Lou is going with youth Shanny is not coming back. Zajac will sign and ill be shocked to say anything else happen unless its a Lowell signing. Lou has this team made up. Its called inserting the AHL players into the roster.

Also no need to worry about leadership we still have a ton of that and Parise will take a larger roll on that area as well this year.

Apparently Shanahan will probably be back according to TG. But he also thought BS would return.

Apparently Shanahan will probably be back according to TG. But he also thought BS would return.

Good! He was the only UFA i wanted back

Apparently Shanahan will probably be back according to TG. But he also thought BS would return.
Awesome.

Lets hope for this.

EDIT: And Adrian Aucoin just signed a one-year deal for $2.25M. That would have been a nice fit on the Devils for 2009/10.
There aren't any defensemen who constitute an upgrade. We need another second/third liner.

Apparently Shanahan will probably be back according to TG. But he also thought BS would return.

Where does he say this?

Apparently Shanahan will probably be back according to TG. But he also thought BS would return.

Didnt kno that he said that he will help on the PP

Lou said on TG's blog he wants to see Shanny back and I think so do most devils fans. There are still plenty of spots for the young guys to win.

Ok everyone already said this.

Go devils!!!!!

Here comes Bergfors!!

I'd be thrilled if Shanny returns! :)

Let's just fail this year and bring in Kabanov/Hall/Fowler next year with the first overall pick.

Let's just fail this year and bring in Kabanov/Hall/Fowler next year with the first overall pick.

To get #1 overall, we'd have to bench Parise, Elias and Brodeur. Probably Martin too. I don't think we could suck enough if we tried.

To get #1 overall, we'd have to bench Parise, Elias and Brodeur. Probably Martin too. I don't think we could suck enough if we tried.

hahaha you'd be surprised

Let's just fail this year and bring in Kabanov/Hall/Fowler next year with the first overall pick.

We get Hall, we're winning a cup in the near future. That's how good I think he will be.

Hall
Zajac
Cormie
Pelley

That's a good start up the middle.

That's the lookout that the overwhelming majority of us have, Jonathan. I'm so excited to see what the young guys can do.

We get Hall, we're winning a cup in the near future. That's how good I think he will be.

Hall
Zajac
Cormie
Pelley

That's a good start up the middle.
Josefson?

Josefson?

I know, I forgot all about him. Doesn't matter, we're not coming anywhere near Hall territory.

I know, I forgot all about him. Doesn't matter, we're not coming anywhere near Hall territory.

shhhhh, also Hall/Josefson could and have played wing before. ;)

Now you know we're in trouble when you read a post like that from him.....

He's all giddy cause were gonna use our weak prospects to replace quality veteran players and give the Rangers the opportunity to finish above NJ in the Standing for the first time in 14 years.

What he means is:

"Yes my friend" he says as you are choking to death...."Soon you will be in a better place"

Say it that way it has a different connotation, doesn’t it?

There aren't any defensemen who constitute an upgrade. We need another second/third liner.

Give me Chad LaRose. He was a monster in last years playoffs.

Am I the only person who thinks JimEIV is a troll? :shakehead

Am I the only person who thinks JimEIV is a troll? :shakehead
JimEIV has been longer than I have. He's not a troll. Just determined in his beliefs.

Now you know we're in trouble when you read a post like that from him.....

He's all giddy cause were gonna use our weak prospects to replace quality veteran players and give the Rangers the opportunity to finish above NJ in the Standing for the first time in 14 years.

What he means is:

"Yes my friend" he says as you are choking to death...."Soon you will be in a better place"

Say it that way it has a different connotation, doesn’t it?

Ya know, ever since yesterday, I've learned to just look past your posts.

Jonathan great post and I believe the same thing, while I do believe we should sign a defenseman, allowing our young guys to step in next year is a great idea.

Am I the only person who thinks JimEIV is a troll? :shakehead

He isn't, but....he can be irritating lol.

JimEIV has been longer than I have. He's not a troll. Just determined in his beliefs.

http://www.citv.com.au/media/images/crimeFiles/cf-39-image.jpg

He isn't, but....he can be irritating lol.

I went to the Claude Lemieux school of message board interaction

I went to the Claude Lemieux school of message board interaction

haha redemption ? maybe...

Now you know we're in trouble when you read a post like that from him.....

He's all giddy cause were gonna use our weak prospects to replace quality veteran players and give the Rangers the opportunity to finish above NJ in the Standing for the first time in 14 years.

What he means is:

"Yes my friend" he says as you are choking to death...."Soon you will be in a better place"

Say it that way it has a different connotation, doesn’t it?

I still like you Jim, different schools of thought make this forum a good read.

Try harder if you want all of us to hate you. Take a tip from OnDaMark or Hellsempire.

No offense, but if the Devils are where the Rangers were a few years ago, that isn't exactly an improvement. Considering the Devils were slightly better than the Rangers as late as last year.

Also, the Devils have a situation the Rangers never had - one of the best goalies of all time for another three years and quite possibly no longer.

Jim is a good die hard Devils fan. Just a little surprised with the Devils situation that he want to over-pay for another mercenary. Especially, with Lou's record of signing UFA's.

This is the best road to travel. And please stop with the Marty window. He's had his chances to take a decent team far. And if he doesn't like it, let him ask for a trade. Maybe we can get 5 first rounds picks from Bob Gainey.

And please stop with the Marty window. He's had his chances to take a decent team far. And if he doesn't like it, let him ask for a trade.


That is just wrong.....So wrong.

The Devils will need their prospects to develop because they are an older team.

No we're not.



Am I the only person who thinks JimEIV is a troll? :shakehead

I'm glad he posts here. He and Vinnie provide an excellent counter to the rampant fanboyism found around here.

That is just wrong.....So wrong.


Jim, I was just kidding about trading Marty, but dead serious about how he had his chance to take us far the past few post seasons and didn't. I also understand why Marty seems to get the Obama love on the Devils board. However, I'm just not one of them.

Jim, I was just kidding about trading Marty, but dead serious about how he had his chance to take us far the past few post seasons and didn't. I also understand why Marty seems to get the Obama love on the Devils board. However, I'm just not one of them.

I don't think anyone is looking forward to the post-Marty era of the Devils. I've been hoping we'd restock our goalie prospect pool via the draft for years, but we never pick goalies anymore. It's an ugly business trying to sign or trade for a goalie, as we have learned this offseason with the game of musical chairs being played by the backups of the league. I'm not sold on Frazee. I want to see Lou look for free agent goalies coming from colleges or Europe, two that I think have a shot at the NHL are Ben Scrivens from Cornell and Zane Kalemba from Princeton.

In regards to the OP though, I like the inaction of the Devils this offseason. I think we've been stifling the development of our prospects the last few seasons by clogging our roster with overpaid veterans. We will be slightly worse this season, because the kids aren't going to step in and outperform NHL veterans right off the bat, but I think that getting them that experience will prove to be a wise decision the following year when they start hitting their stride. Cheap, young talent (balanced by the right veterans) is what is winning these days. I'm happy Lou has finally figured that out and has committed to a youth movement.

lets get Kessel

I warmed up to the Gaborik signing a lot. If you saw my thread over there about it, I'm actually going to be doing a charity thing about his games played this year and over the next few years. A few others guys joined in, also. Might as well have some fun with it.

For the record, at least you signed an elite talent in Gaborik. I think everyone knew that Gomez and Drury were mid level stars. The way I feel about Gaborik is the way I feel about Hossa. If your going to spend a lot of money, at least make sure its for the creme of the crop.

I'm going to admit right now that I don't think Hall is all that good. I was not impressed with him at all in the Memorial Cup.

For the record, at least you signed an elite talent in Gaborik. I think everyone knew that Gomez and Drury were mid level stars. The way I feel about Gaborik is the way I feel about Hossa. If your going to spend a lot of money, at least make sure its for the creme of the crop.

I actually think that Hossa is incredibly overrated. I'm so glad that we didn't sign him.

No offense, but if the Devils are where the Rangers were a few years ago, that isn't exactly an improvement. Considering the Devils were slightly better than the Rangers as late as last year.

Also, the Devils have a situation the Rangers never had - one of the best goalies of all time for another three years and quite possibly no longer.

How is it not an improvement?

The Rangers have a fantastic stable of prospects. They didn't have these high end guys they have now until just recently. They were at the Devils area of having a bunch of good but not special plugger type guys. As I said. The good, elite ones will come. Just have to deal with it a bit longer and hope that Conte can get back some of his scouting mojo that he seemed to have lost.

If Lou is going with youth Shanny is not coming back. Zajac will sign and ill be shocked to say anything else happen unless its a Lowell signing. Lou has this team made up. Its called inserting the AHL players into the roster.

Also no need to worry about leadership we still have a ton of that and Parise will take a larger roll on that area as well this year.

Shanny is a one year placeholder. I guess you could make the arguement that Madden was too, but I doubt he'll get approaching Madden money. definately more than the $300K cap he took for partial season last year, but not approaching $3M.

one year placeholders don't get in the way of youth movements, long term contracts do. even the 2 years for Rupp was 1 too many.

Now you know we're in trouble when you read a post like that from him.....

He's all giddy cause were gonna use our weak prospects to replace quality veteran players and give the Rangers the opportunity to finish above NJ in the Standing for the first time in 14 years.

What he means is:

"Yes my friend" he says as you are choking to death...."Soon you will be in a better place"

Say it that way it has a different connotation, doesn’t it?

Hey, I would've been all for seeing Lou sign Havlat and Antropov and make it that much harder to re-sign a guy like Martin who just gives the Rangers fits. All for it.

But he didn't bite and I think it's commendable.

Don't see how you could read my post the way you did. Was giving a very honest assessment of what I see happening in your organization.

I actually think that Hossa is incredibly overrated. I'm so glad that we didn't sign him.

Well the point is, you signed a player that is actually worth the dollar figure he commanded.

Also, here's some forwards I could see Lou going after if he goes the UFA route:

Lang
Fedotenko
Marchant
Sillinger
Pyatt
Moore

Most of the above guys (especially the real vets) will be had for cheap towards the end of the UFA market. Moore would be a nice piece to have around and is a really versatile forward who can really fill in on almost any line at any time. He's the only guy that might cost a bit of money, but if you can score him for under 3.5M, it's a pretty good investment.

The other guys would all be 1 year contract guys and Lang could be a great placeholder on one of the top lines.

Also, here's some forwards I could see Lou going after if he goes the UFA route:

Lang
Fedotenko
Marchant
Sillinger
Pyatt
Moore

Most of the above guys (especially the real vets) will be had for cheap towards the end of the UFA market. Moore would be a nice piece to have around and is a really versatile forward who can really fill in on almost any line at any time. He's the only guy that might cost a bit of money, but if you can score him for under 3.5M, it's a pretty good investment.

The other guys would all be 1 year contract guys and Lang could be a great placeholder on one of the top lines.

Well the point is, you signed a player that is actually worth the dollar figure he commanded.

No, I know. I was just extrapolating on something else is all.

I'm shocked that we didn't overpay for someone like a Havlat or a Gionta, to be honest.

lol, Robert Lang.

Actually, now that I think about it, having one of the softest, worst skaters in the NHL school Marc Staal and make him look very stupid 6 times per year is quite appealing.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5p8HHXZK94&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jZVZipK-JU

No offense, but if the Devils are where the Rangers were a few years ago, that isn't exactly an improvement. Considering the Devils were slightly better than the Rangers as late as last year.

Also, the Devils have a situation the Rangers never had - one of the best goalies of all time for another three years and quite possibly no longer.



That is really retarded. It doesn't even deserve a response.