Niedermayer not sure about staying a Devil...

Looks like Lou wanted to tie up Nieds long-term, however, it seems like Scott isn’t really sure what he wants to do. Maybe he's really considering finishing his career in Vancouver. This might also determine what the Devils do at the draft; they might have no choice but to draft a puck moving defensemen. It would be devastating to lose both Stevens and Niedermayer in the same year, but some how, the Devils will probably remain competitive. I hope!

Reported by Tom Gulitti:

According to an NHL source, Niedermayer, who is due to become a restricted free agent on July 1, turned down a contract offer that would put the 30-year-old defenseman with Brodeur and Scott Stevens at the top of the Devils' salary list at close to $7 million per season. Like Brodeur's and Stevens' deals, the offer included deferred money, according to the source.

"We've talked," Niedermayer said Wednesday. "He [Devils' general manager Lou Lamoriello] wants to sign me. He wants to have me around. I haven't really sat down with my family and thought about what I'm going to do. We're going to do that in the next little bit here."

Niedermayer wouldn't comment on whether Lamoriello made an offer.

"Lou wants me to be part of the team," he said. "That's all I'm going to say."

Well Nieder is a RFA so he'll be a Devil at least one more year. The worst that could happen is that he files for salary arb. If he does that he's as good as gone, he'll play out his 1 year that he gets awarded and he'll jet. More or less exactly what Bobby Holik did.

As usual the Leafs would be happy to take this burden of your minds, much like Mogilny and Nieuwendyk. ;)

j/k This is one guy Lou will break the pattern on.

If he doesn't stay, he's dead meat.

If he doesn't stay, he's dead meat.Yeah? You gonna sock it to him, eh DF. :)

Seriously, Nieds should be a Devil as long as the Devils are competitive. Then again, if he wants to jet, there isn't a thing anybody can do about it. Throwing another million his way isn't going to change his mind if he truly wants to be out in Vancouver. If he does have plans for leaving, I hope he has the decency to either sign somewhere else this summer or sign with the Devils and ask for a trade. Otherwise the Devils get zero from his departure, and Scott Niedermayer drops a thousand rungs on the respectable players ladder.

Yeah? You gonna sock it to him, eh DF. :)

Seriously, Nieds should be a Devil as long as the Devils are competitive. Then again, if he wants to jet, there isn't a thing anybody can do about it. Throwing another million his way isn't going to change his mind if he truly wants to be out in Vancouver. If he does have plans for leaving, I hope he has the decency to either sign somewhere else this summer or sign with the Devils and ask for a trade. Otherwise the Devils get zero from his departure, and Scott Niedermayer drops a thousand rungs on the respectable players ladder.

No, no, I'll get Tie Domi after him :)

As much as I'd love to see Niedermayer retire as a Devil, I can't blame a guy for doing what's best for his family.

As much as I'd love to see Niedermayer retire as a Devil, I can't blame a guy for doing what's best for his family.What's best for Niedermayer and his family is for him to continue breathing without the need for a respirator. Did you not see DF and his threat to make one call to Tie Domi? One call! Sure, DF is normally a mild-mannered hockey fan with a conscience, but cross him and you might as well stick your head between your legs and kiss your . . . well, you know the rest. Somebody call Niedermayer and help him to make up his mind. An angry DF is worse than Don Corlione with a vendetta.

What's best for Niedermayer and his family is for him to continue breathing without the need for a respirator. Did you not see DF and his threat to make one call to Tie Domi? One call! Sure, DF is normally a mild-mannered hockey fan with a conscience, but cross him and you might as well stick your head between your legs and kiss your . . . well, you know the rest. Somebody call Niedermayer and help him to make up his mind. An angry DF is worse than Don Corlione with a vendetta.

:lol you won't like me when Im angry.

We can't lose him, period. I really feel he'd be harder to replace than Stevens. I can't imagine Lou letting him go.

We can't lose him, period. I really feel he'd be harder to replace than Stevens. I can't imagine Lou letting him go.It isn't about Lou letting him go. It is about where Niedermayer wants to play. If he is headstrong about playing closer to his family, forget about it -- he's gone. If he does have plans to leave though, he can at least help the team that has had his name engraved three times on Lord Stanley's chalice. Leave now. The Devils would get multiple picks. Or sign a deal with the Devils with the cooperation of both clubs that a trade will be worked out sometime during the season (if there is a season). I'd take a couple of good prospects for Nieds if the only other option was one more year with him on the team and then "see ya."

Lou won't let him go, but if Nieds wants out, he's leaving. There is nothing anybody can do about that . . . except Tie Domi . . . and DF.

It isn't about Lou letting him go. It is about where Niedermayer wants to play. If he is headstrong about playing closer to his family, forget about it -- he's gone. If he does have plans to leave though, he can at least help the team that has had his name engraved three times on Lord Stanley's chalice. Leave now. The Devils would get multiple picks. Or sign a deal with the Devils with the cooperation of both clubs that a trade will be worked out sometime during the season (if there is a season). I'd take a couple of good prospects for Nieds if the only other option was one more year with him on the team and then "see ya."

Lou won't let him go, but if Nieds wants out, he's leaving. There is nothing anybody can do about that . . . except Tie Domi . . . and DF.
If the option was getting one year out of Neider or receiving multiple draft picks for him I'd would probably regretably go with the latter. That being said I think Lou will take it to the wire with trying to sign him and essentially pass on the opportunity to get those picks. Can't blame him either.

We can't lose him, period. I really feel he'd be harder to replace than Stevens. I can't imagine Lou letting him go.

Agreed that Niedermayer would be more difficult to replace than Stevens.

I'm sure that Lou will do everything he can to keep him, but in the end if he wants to go, he'll go.

:help:

Trade for rob and do it quick

Lamoriello will pay him whatever it takes, but if he wants out, then he's out.
His loss would be really difficult to overcome, and it would probably be three-four years before we could challenge for another cup if he leaves.

However, I still think he will stay.

that Scott doesn't come off like the type of person that's only about the money, plus $7 million per could be a high point in salaries under the new CBA. Also, like some of my fellow posters indicated, if Nieds and the wife want to be closer to home, there is nothing Lou can do about it, but strongly consider moving Nieds and get something instead of nothing. When the next season starts and Nieds decides he doesn't want to re-sign, Lou has to do what's right for the organization.

Niedermayer and his wife live (or at least have a house) on Kootenay Lake in British Colombia.
Frankly, I'm getting really nervous.

Niedermayer and his wife live (or at least have a house) on Kootenay Lake in British Colombia.
Frankly, I'm getting really nervous.

I'd be stunned if Niedermayer isn't a Devil for the forseeable future, but i can't say that I'd shed a tear if he left to play in the Western Conference.

I'd be stunned if Niedermayer isn't a Devil for the forseeable future, but i can't say that I'd shed a tear if he left to play in the Western Conference.

Bloody Flyers fan. :madfire:

;)

Hmm, no Niedermayer would leave salary room for a top Dman..


Chris Pronger actually looks semi-feasible. 7-8 Million for Niedermayer vs 10 million for Pronger (pending new CBA)....

Not gonna happen though. Gota hope for trades..

I'd be stunned if Niedermayer isn't a Devil for the forseeable future, but i can't say that I'd shed a tear if he left to play in the Western Conference.
I can't blame ya.

The simple solution is to move the Devils to Canada, in Cranbrook. Then he'll stay.

Scott, come to Colorado. :D

If he wants to play in Vancouver, trade him straight up for Jovo if there is a chance we will lose him.

Wow, NJ would be terrible for years with those two gone. The Devils were just not the same without Stevens as he was the sandpaper on their defense, and then losing your primary offensive weapon, on an already challenged offense would really hurt.

His price will rocket at arbitration though as he is pretty much a lock to win the Norris this year.

As usual the Leafs would be happy to take this burden of your minds, much like Mogilny and Nieuwendyk. ;)

j/k This is one guy Lou will break the pattern on.
Yes, and the Devils will be happy to take the burden of winning the Stanley Cup Championship off your minds.

Lamoriello will pay him whatever it takes, but if he wants out, then he's out.
His loss would be really difficult to overcome, and it would probably be three-four years before we could challenge for another cup if he leaves.

However, I still think he will stay.
Anybody can be replaced. The Devils would still have two offensive-defensemen in Rafalski and Martin. The problem with the Devils in this past Stanley Cup Playoffs was the lack of another physical defenseman after Colin White.

If I was a betting man, and I'm not, I would bet that Niedermayer signs a one year deal for 2004-05. If that happens, I would be willing to bet that Niedermayer is gone by the start of 2005-06.

I cann't really agree with the idea of hating the guy for wanting to return home when he becomes a free agent.. he's done his time with the Devils organization. That's what the CBA is all about. So you can become a free agent and choose your own destiny. Loyalty to his team is great but so is loyalty to his family. Which is why I can not be angry with Naslund if he chooses some time in the future to move back to Sweden.

Now on the other hand.. if Niedermayer were to go to say Detroit simply because he has a better chance to win there.. that's different.

But in regards to trading Niedermayer I tend to agree you should get whatever you can for him. There's no way Vancouver would trade either Ohlund or Jovanovski for Niedermayer.

But along those lines... if you're going to be trading Niedermayer why not look at trading Brodeur as well. Do a complete rebuild. From everything I've heard you have a young goalie in the ranks who is expected to be a hell of a great guy..

Something like Spezza and Havlat and a 1st from Ottawa for Brodeur. With the sizable returns from Niedermayer 5 years down the road this team should be stacked with some excellent youger players. I'm not sure if that deal I offered on behalf of Ottawa is fair.. but Brodeur is probably one of the most valueble guys in the entire leaque. Ottawa's biggest need is goaltending and is otherwise stacked in all other areas and could afford to make such a huge trade.

I cann't really agree with the idea of hating the guy for wanting to return home when he becomes a free agent.. he's done his time with the Devils organization. That's what the CBA is all about. So you can become a free agent and choose your own destiny. Loyalty to his team is great but so is loyalty to his family. Which is why I can not be angry with Naslund if he chooses some time in the future to move back to Sweden.

Now on the other hand.. if Niedermayer were to go to say Detroit simply because he has a better chance to win there.. that's different.

But in regards to trading Niedermayer I tend to agree you should get whatever you can for him. There's no way Vancouver would trade either Ohlund or Jovanovski for Niedermayer.

But along those lines... if you're going to be trading Niedermayer why not look at trading Brodeur as well. Do a complete rebuild. From everything I've heard you have a young goalie in the ranks who is expected to be a hell of a great guy..

Something like Spezza and Havlat and a 1st from Ottawa for Brodeur. With the sizable returns from Niedermayer 5 years down the road this team should be stacked with some excellent youger players. I'm not sure if that deal I offered on behalf of Ottawa is fair.. but Brodeur is probably one of the most valueble guys in the entire leaque. Ottawa's biggest need is goaltending and is otherwise stacked in all other areas and could afford to make such a huge trade.

If we were able to get Spezza and Havlat and a 1st for Marty, I'll drive him to the airport myself.

That was a problem for sure, but it was one that was significantly magnified by the lack of Devils timely postseason offense along with Brodeur being outplayed by Esche. All 3 of those problems coupled with the consistent inability to get the first goal of the game added up to a first round exit with just the one lone win. Devils manage to pop in 3 or 4 goals a game getting consistent production from 2-3 lines on a nightly basis and we aren't all sounding the fire alarms over a lack of another physical defenseman at the end of round 1 imo.

Agreed, the physical defenseman wasn't nearly as big a problem as no secondary offense behind the EGG line.

Agreed, the physical defenseman wasn't nearly as big a problem as no secondary offense behind the EGG line.
I disagree. The Flyers just ran over the Martin, Rafalski Giroux and Niedermayer, crashed the net and scored quite a few rebound goals. The Devils on the other hand couldn't get in close against the Flyers defensemen.

I disagree. The Flyers just ran over the Martin, Rafalski Giroux and Niedermayer, crashed the net and scored quite a few rebound goals. The Devils on the other hand couldn't get in close against the Flyers defensemen.

Name me the big physical defenseman the Flyers have.

IMO that's more a function of the Flyers forwards driving to the net and the Devils forwards failing to go to the net.

Gionta was about the only Devils forward that consistantly tried to stand in front of the net.

Lamoriello will pay him whatever it takes, but if he wants out, then he's out.
His loss would be really difficult to overcome, and it would probably be three-four years before we could challenge for another cup if he leaves.

However, I still think he will stay.

I agree. Personally, I think this is a bit of an over-reaction. Neidermayer is going to talk about it with his family, he's not saying "no" or "I want more to stay." He's just thinking about it.

Name me the big physical defenseman the Flyers have.

IMO that's more a function of the Flyers forwards driving to the net and the Devils forwards failing to go to the net.

Gionta was about the only Devils forward that consistantly tried to stand in front of the net.Your comparing apples to oranges though. Driving the net is Philly hockey. To defend it well, you need to have physical defensemen to move the big forwards out of the slot. The Devils failed to do so primarily because Hale didn't play much and White can only be out there so often. I won't even address the Scott Stevens situation.

As far as the Devils forwards not crashing the crease, that isn't the Devils scheme as much as it was in the past. The team is smaller and quicker than the teams that had Bobby Holik, Randy McKay, and Jason Arnott parking their bodies in the low slot. Heck, even Claude Lemieux, John Maclean, and Dave Andreychuk pulled that duty at different times. I agree that the Devils should have been buzzing around the net more, but it sure is a lot easier to crash the net when you have big forwards being checked by speedy defensemen. Without physical blueliners, the Devils didn't matchup well to Philly's constant forechecking.

Niedermayer will be in Vancouver, if not this year, then next. Take it to the bank.

He'll sign a one-year deal and then he's done. He'll see his potential winning the Norris tonight, and realize he'll be considered one of the greatest ever if he moves out of the doldrums of Jersey. He's hitting his stride right now. No way he blows it.

Your comparing apples to oranges though. Driving the net is Philly hockey. To defend it well, you need to have physical defensemen to move the big forwards out of the slot. The Devils failed to do so primarily because Hale didn't play much and White can only be out there so often. I won't even address the Scott Stevens situation.

As far as the Devils forwards not crashing the crease, that isn't the Devils scheme as much as it was in the past. The team is smaller and quicker than the teams that had Bobby Holik, Randy McKay, and Jason Arnott parking their bodies in the low slot. Heck, even Claude Lemieux, John Maclean, and Dave Andreychuk pulled that duty at different times. I agree that the Devils should have been buzzing around the net more, but it sure is a lot easier to crash the net when you have big forwards being checked by speedy defensemen. Without physical blueliners, the Devils didn't matchup well to Philly's constant forechecking.


Flyers forwards really aren't all that big anymore.

Primeau obviously cause the Devils major problems, but our other two forwards with size, Handzus and LeClair were non-factors in the series.

Zhamnov, Roenick and Johnsson were the three skaters that did the most scoring.



All teams now need to "crash the net". Goalies are so good now tat if you're not getting rebounds, deflections or screens, you aren't going to score many goals.

out of the same article, Tom Gulitti also wrote the Lou is working on Maddens contract! :)

Like I've mentioned before, I can definetely see him going to Anaheim. We might not have Bryan Murray anymore, but we have one big thing nobody else has, and that is Rob Niedermayer. :D

If we were able to get Spezza and Havlat and a 1st for Marty, I'll drive him to the airport myself.


I take that back. I think I rather have Marty. Congratulations Martin and a very nice looking lady too!

Scotty Norris, you deserve it! Maybe I'm getting paranoid, but Nieds speech sounded a bit like a farewell speech when referring to Lou! :handclap:

Like I've mentioned before, I can definetely see him going to Anaheim. We might not have Bryan Murray anymore, but we have one big thing nobody else has, and that is Rob Niedermayer. :D
I seriously doubt that he would want to go to Anaheim. He does want to play in the southwest, but it's the Canadian southwest where he grew up.

Rob Niedermayer may join Scott when Rob is an UFA, not unlike Paul & Teemu did last summer. I just don't see Scott going to a team like Anaheim.

Maybe Anaheim will hire Burke, and he will send Rob Niedermayer to his old college coach for a 2nd Rounder or something. That is a more likely scenario than Scott Niedermayer becoming a Duck.

Congratulations Martin and a very nice looking lady too!


Here's something to chew on.......he bought that lady hours before the show at a strip club in Toronto ;)

``I've had time to re-charge so I'm looking forward to it for sure,'' Niedermayer said.

-on playing for Team Canada

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=87213&hubName=nhl

woo! take that Kara Yorio! I knew Nieds would never turn down his country.

Here's something to chew on.......he bought that lady hours before the show at a strip club in Toronto ;)


From the looks of her, she'll be well worth it!

From the looks of her, she'll be well worth it!

Oh for sure, she was hot, although, when he gave her a kiss on the cheek, she like jumped, so I thought he didn't even know the girl, he just did it, and she was like, wtf?? lol good times by all.

Lets hope Lou took the boys out last night and Marty was helping Lou talk Scott and John to resign!

A little off topic here, but Nieds says he's NOT going to go to Europe if there is a lockout

http://www.slam.ca/Slam040610/nhl_labour-cp.html

Europe's not for everyone. Star defenceman Scott Niedermayer of the New Jersey Devils will give it a pass.

"I thought about it but we've played a lot of hockey in New Jersey over the last few years so if there is some time off, I'll use it to my advantage, get more rest and spend some time with my family," said Niedermayer.

A little off topic here, but Nieds says he's NOT going to go to Europe if there is a lockout

http://www.slam.ca/Slam040610/nhl_labour-cp.html

Europe's not for everyone. Star defenceman Scott Niedermayer of the New Jersey Devils will give it a pass.

"I thought about it but we've played a lot of hockey in New Jersey over the last few years so if there is some time off, I'll use it to my advantage, get more rest and spend some time with my family," said Niedermayer.

and if you're in Vancouver, family is all you will get, that's the sad truth, Nieder will leave :cry:

As a Flyer fan, I'd love to see Nieds walk :D
But as a hockey fan, it's not a good sign when a player rejects a dollar amount that would tie him among the team's most expensive pieces.
Lou is a good negotiator, nearly an extortionist and if anyone can close this deal, it'll be him.

From the looks of her, she'll be well worth it!I just hope she doesn't have a hot sister . . . for her sake. Marty, you scammer!

I just hope she doesn't have a hot sister . . . for her sake. Marty, you scammer!
:lol

man hearing all this talk from you devils fans about Niedermayer going to Vancouver really brings a tear to my eye ... happy tears!! :D

Lamoriello will pay him whatever it takes, but if he wants out, then he's out.
His loss would be really difficult to overcome, and it would probably be three-four years before we could challenge for another cup if he leaves.

However, I still think he will stay.



I agree as well as Lou will do whatever it takes to make niedermayer to stay in New Jersey. Lou knows he is the next captain when Stevens retires... He will remain with the Devils because that is where his heart is and the ones who gave him this oppurtunity to play in the NHL...

I agree as well as Lou will do whatever it takes to make niedermayer to stay in New Jersey. Lou knows he is the next captain when Stevens retires... He will remain with the Devils because that is where his heart is and the ones who gave him this oppurtunity to play in the NHL...

He may remain a Devil, but a deal would be done already if he knew for sure that he wanted to spend the next 3-5 years in New Jersey. Obviously it's not a slam dunk if he has to talk it over with his family.

He may remain a Devil, but a deal would be done already if he knew for sure that he wanted to spend the next 3-5 years in New Jersey. Obviously it's not a slam dunk if he has to talk it over with his family.


Not really... Niedermayer will sign a contract with the Devils but first has to talk it over with his family if they still want to stay in new Jersey. I believe he likes it here and he will sign... He has been loyal and will still be loyal to the Devils organization... :)

Not really... Niedermayer will sign a contract with the Devils but first has to talk it over with his family if they still want to stay in new Jersey. I believe he likes it here and he will sign... He has been loyal and will still be loyal to the Devils organization... :)

I believe he'll stay a Devil as well, but he hasn't really been loyal as of yet. He's never had the chance to leave.

He knows that he's only a year from reaching UFA status. Hemay also wonder about the direction of the club and will it continue to be a cup threat year after year once Stevens retires.

Not really... Niedermayer will sign a contract with the Devils but first has to talk it over with his family if they still want to stay in new Jersey. I believe he likes it here and he will sign... He has been loyal and will still be loyal to the Devils organization... :)

blah, blah, blah

I believe he'll stay a Devil as well, but he hasn't really been loyal as of yet. He's never had the chance to leave.

He knows that he's only a year from reaching UFA status. Hemay also wonder about the direction of the club and will it continue to be a cup threat year after year once Stevens retires.

Will the Canucks EVER be a cup threat?

Will the Canucks EVER be a cup threat?

with a Jovo-Nieder first pairing.........yes.

Not with the offense they have (Bertuzzi may not be back, Naslund considering retirement).

Not with the offense they have (Bertuzzi may not be back, Naslund considering retirement).

I don't understand why people think that Bert may not be back... the hearing that's coming up is a formality... he will be back for the start of the season. I don't think that anyone in the organization thinks that there is a chance he's not back.

Naslund is also considering retirement, but will finish off his contract... it has one more gaurenteed year, and then a club option I believe... he has said numerous times he will honor his contract, then think if he wants to sign another long term one, or short term, or head home after that... all he said for certain was that he won't be playing hockey into his late 30s... he's barely 30 now.

so with Bert and Naslund, our offense is fine... the Sedins, with all the criticism they take still managed to out score almost every 2nd line in the league, while getting less icetime per game than nearly all other 2nd lines out there... and they're still ony 23.

I'm not worried about our offense at all... and Nieds would definitely make us a much better team...

now if you pointed at goaltending...

Naslund is also considering retirement, but will finish off his contract... it has one more gaurenteed year

I understand that, but Niedermayer has 1 more year with the Devils if he's going somewhere without a trade :)

I understand that, but Niedermayer has 1 more year with the Devils if he's going somewhere without a trade :)

yup... that's why I don't think we'll get Niedermayer this year.

but I also don't think that Nieds will turn down coming to Vancouver because he might think they aren't competitive enough...

he's won his Cups... won everything there is to win really... he's talked about family and home a lot recently... even during the awards night he seemed like he was thinking about going elsewhere.

he is very close to his family though, and comes back to BC every summer... even from within the Devils organization there have been whispers about him wanting to go - like the comments Gomez made about him maybe wanting to go back home.

I don't think that whether Nieds thinks Vancouver can contend or not will be an issue.

As for Naslund leaving... yup... I've come to terms with that... but that doesn't end a franchise.... after Stevens and Niedermayer leave, the Devils will not stop being competitive... after Broduer or Elias leaves, there will still be a chance to build a good team in NJ.

After Naslund leaves, we still have the pieces to build a team around a new core... Bertuzzi, Morrison, the Sedins, Cooke, and what is already a good defense, which could be excellent with Niedermayer on it, will still give us lots of hope to continue trying to win.

Niedermayer-Jovanovski
Ohlund-Sopel
Allen-Salo
Malik

*faints*

Don't get my hopes up..

As for Naslund leaving... yup... I've come to terms with that... but that doesn't end a franchise.... after Stevens and Niedermayer leave, the Devils will not stop being competitive... after Broduer or Elias leaves, there will still be a chance to build a good team in NJ.

Devils minus Brodeur/Elias/Niedermayer/Stevens =

Parise-Gomez-Gionta
Kozlov-Hrdina-Suglobov
Pandolfo-Madden-Stevenson
Brylin-Rasmussen-Marshal

Martin-White
Hale-Rafalski
Albelin-Brown

Ahonen

:blush:

Devils minus Brodeur/Elias/Niedermayer/Stevens =

Parise-Gomez-Gionta
Kozlov-Hrdina-Suglobov
Pandolfo-Madden-Stevenson
Brylin-Rasmussen-Marshal

Martin-White
Hale-Rafalski
Albelin-Brown

Ahonen

:blush:

To me those lines don't look too bad. You don't have Langenbrunner or Friesen in there though. Freeze might be gone, but you never know. The defense will be decent too, and that's assuming Lou doesn't do anything to improve it. Thanks though, you made me feel alot better about the future.

To me those lines don't look too bad. You don't have Langenbrunner or Friesen in there though. Freeze might be gone, but you never know. The defense will be decent too, and that's assuming Lou doesn't do anything to improve it. Thanks though, you made me feel alot better about the future.
I left Friesen off on purpose, but I forgot Langenbrunner. Still I don't believe we could contend with that lineup.

I left Friesen off on purpose, but I forgot Langenbrunner. Still I don't believe we could contend with that lineup.

No that's probably not a contending lineup, but why would Elias leave? He's like 27, and wears the A. Add him and Langenbrunner, and put Marty back in the net, and we're fine. It's absurd to say something like Nuck boy is saying. It's like saying "Oh yea well if Tampa didn't have St. Louis, Richards, Lecavalier, or Khabibulin they wouldn't be good."

May I ask why you people have Elias leaving? He's a little younger than Hrdina and quite a bit younger than Brylin, Marshall and Stevenson.

As for the 'what will the Devils do" questions, Lou Lamoriello is still at the helm of the team, and he will take the necessary action to see that this club continues to be among best in the NHL. If Niedermayer wants to go home, the Devils have two good offensive-defensemen. They might not be as good as Niedermayer in the defensive zone, but Rafalski and Martin can move the puck nicely. Rafalski was selected to the All-Star Game as Scott Stevens' replacement, and Martin played in the Young Stars Game this past season.

I was replying to this post
As for Naslund leaving... yup... I've come to terms with that... but that doesn't end a franchise.... after Stevens and Niedermayer leave, the Devils will not stop being competitive... after Broduer or Elias leaves, there will still be a chance to build a good team in NJ.

He'll stay trust me !

Niedermayer-Jovanovski
Ohlund-Sopel
Allen-Salo
Malik

*faints*

Don't get my hopes up..

Mine neither!

I wonder whether NJ would take Sopel for Nieds right now. Given Sopel's salary, age, and points, and Nieds' imminent UFA status, it's not a completely awful idea.

Enticing the re-sign would be the acquisition of Rob, for Chubarov.

Mine neither!

I wonder whether NJ would take Sopel for Nieds right now. Given Sopel's salary, age, and points, and Nieds' imminent UFA status, it's not a completely awful idea.

Enticing the re-sign would be the acquisition of Rob, for Chubarov.

As long as he's an RFA, I wouldn't do that trade.

Remember that right now Lamoriello holds all of the cards. Here's my logic:
As an RFA, compensation is rediculiously large. Increadibly so, such that if Niedermayer signs for anything near his value NJ's return would be along the lines of a roster player and 5+ first round draft picks. No team can afford to do that for any player in today's market, especially with the inflated value of draft picks.

NJ will match any offer made by other clubs, and more importantly, Lou has to know that if Niedermayer becomes a UFA he's gone. So, using that, if I'm Lamoriello I refuse to sign Niedermayer to anything but a long term deal. No other team can do anything about it because of compensation and Lamoriello is actually willing to pay Niedermayer so he can always match. If another team gets into a bidding war it works in Lou's favor... the higher it goes, the less likely the other team will want to participate because of the compensation.

The problem with all this is the impending lockout. That has the means to make Niedermayer into a sudden UFA, which means he's gone because we would have no means to retain his rights. So we have to hope that there is at least some hockey next year, because I doubt Niedermayer holds out an entire year if there is hockey.

As long as he's an RFA, I wouldn't do that trade.
So we have to hope that there is at least some hockey next year, because I doubt Niedermayer holds out an entire year if there is hockey.He's heldout before, and if much of the season is lost (like in '94), I can totally see him holding out the entire season -- especially if the contract talks bog down because Lou refuses to bend on the long term deal. You are totally right about what Lou should do, but Niedermayer sat once, and though I love the guy for what he does for the Devils, I wouldn't put it past him to sit again.

The thing is, I'd let other teams send him an offer sheet......say 6 years 42 million.......then we match it, and he's ours for 6 years lol

Yes Niedermayer has sat out before but he will resign with the Devils... I do not believe he will go anywhere and Lou will not let him go. Lou learned the last time Niedermayer sat out over a contract. Niedermayer gets about 8 million to stay in New Jersey... The article that says niedermayer turned down a contract, some are looking too into this article especially when Niedermayer says he wants to talk with his family. All players do this before they sign a big contract because of the family and kids staying in their schools for another so many years without moving... After Niedermayer talks with his family he will sign a long term deal with the Devils... Niedermayer is going nowhere guys and girls... A buddy of mine delivers mail to his house and speaks to him a lot. Niedermayer lives close to where I live and sometimes I see him around as well... I just do not see the Devils losing him at all. :(

The thing is, I'd let other teams send him an offer sheet......say 6 years 42 million.......then we match it, and he's ours for 6 years lol

well if Lou refused to sign him unless he took a long term deal and just waited for an offer out there to match, the best thing for the Canucks and Niedermayer to do - if the rumours are true and he wants to go to Vancouver - is sign Niedermayer to a reasonable 1 yr deal - not huge $$... like $2-3 for 1 yr.

then if the Devils match, he's theirs for a year, then a UFA... if they don't match, his compensation isn't as high.... he gives up some salary for the year, which is almost certain to be a lockout season, so likely not all the season will be played anyways, and then gets compensated as a UFA.

the canucks, if they are interested aren't going to sign him to a 6yr offer sheet as a RFA... and if he's serious about going closer to home, he's not going to sign a 6yr deal with another club.

I think that Nieds is in Jersey for another year... Lou won't deal him, like he didn't deal Mogilny or Holik and tried to stay competitive even though he knew he likely wouldn't be retaining him.

Nieds then goes where he wants - and given his ties with his family, and the fact he and his wife come back west every summer, without fail, I'd think it's a very strong chance he's gone after 1 more year - which he could already be thinking gets locked out.

I don't know about you guys, but if I was a Devils fan, I'd be pretty worried after all the comments he's let out... and then his comments at the awards night, and it seems clear in his mind he thinks his stay as a Devil is nearing its end.

well if Lou refused to sign him unless he took a long term deal and just waited for an offer out there to match, the best thing for the Canucks and Niedermayer to do - if the rumours are true and he wants to go to Vancouver - is sign Niedermayer to a reasonable 1 yr deal - not huge $$... like $2-3 for 1 yr.

then if the Devils match, he's theirs for a year, then a UFA... if they don't match, his compensation isn't as high.... he gives up some salary for the year, which is almost certain to be a lockout season, so likely not all the season will be played anyways, and then gets compensated as a UFA.

the canucks, if they are interested aren't going to sign him to a 6yr offer sheet as a RFA... and if he's serious about going closer to home, he's not going to sign a 6yr deal with another club.

I think that Nieds is in Jersey for another year... Lou won't deal him, like he didn't deal Mogilny or Holik and tried to stay competitive even though he knew he likely wouldn't be retaining him.

Nieds then goes where he wants - and given his ties with his family, and the fact he and his wife come back west every summer, without fail, I'd think it's a very strong chance he's gone after 1 more year - which he could already be thinking gets locked out.

I don't know about you guys, but if I was a Devils fan, I'd be pretty worried after all the comments he's let out... and then his comments at the awards night, and it seems clear in his mind he thinks his stay as a Devil is nearing its end.

Niedermayer is DEFINITELY a Devil this year...If nothing else they keep him for this year.....That gives Lou a long time to negotiate...

What comments at the award ceremony? I didn't see it...

Niedermayer is going nowhere guys and girls... A buddy of mine delivers mail to his house and speaks to him a lot. Niedermayer lives close to where I live and sometimes I see him around as well... :(

Yeah, and a buddy of mine is his agents brother and he says that Nieds is done as a Devil. In fact, he hates New Jerseys guts and would rather kill himself then sign another contract with us. My buddy also knows Scott Stevens 3rd cousin's landscaper, who says that Stevens will be forced to sit out next season as well due to his recent undisclosed abuduction by Iraqi troops. :rolleyes:

Seriously you have no credibility. Stop posting this garbage :shakehead

Niedermayer is DEFINITELY a Devil this year...If nothing else they keep him for this year.....That gives Lou a long time to negotiate...

What comments at the award ceremony? I didn't see it...

I agree... I don't see Nieds going anywhere this year - although the chances are that this year is a write-off with a lockout.

I taped the awards ceremony... didn't think of it much the first time I saw it... Nieds seemed pretty emotional it seemed accepting his award, and thanked pretty much everyone in the organization... I read some comments here at HF about the awards night, and some people made mention that it sounded like a farewell speech... went back to watch it again, and it seemed right...

he seemed like he was thanking everyone one last time... I think that Nieds thinks that he might have played his last game as a Devil.. maybe thinking there will be a lockout and then he'll hit UFA status (I think that most players already have prepared for a long lockout).

was pretty emotional though... just kinda odd accepting an award and the way he was thanking everyone, especially Lou, for his time in Jersey.

You know, he could be thanking Lou for believing in him, and knowing what a defensman he is. Seriously, I don't think Nieder realized how good he really is till he was named as one of the starting 8 for Team Canada in 2001 for the 02 Olympics........then after that he just transformed into such a dominant defensman, and people are taking notice.

You know, he could be thanking Lou for believing in him, and knowing what a defensman he is. Seriously, I don't think Nieder realized how good he really is till he was named as one of the starting 8 for Team Canada in 2001 for the 02 Olympics........then after that he just transformed into such a dominant defensman, and people are taking notice.

either that or hating Lou for forcing him into a suffocating system where he couldn't use his attributes to their potential, and took him so long to be recognized as a top elite dman.

maybe in a free flowing system, he'd have been recognized as an all-world player years before he actually was ;)

either that or hating Lou for forcing him into a suffocating system where he couldn't use his attributes to their potential, and took him so long to be recognized as a top elite dman.

maybe in a free flowing system, he'd have been recognized as an all-world player years before he actually was ;)

uhhhhhhhhh huh............well, we're in a defensive system now, and he still played the way he did......so where do you draw the line?

uhhhhhhhhh huh............well, we're in a defensive system now, and he still played the way he did......so where do you draw the line?

I said it more as a joke...

you can take whatever shots at the system you want, but the fact is that it's Cup successful, and you can't argue with that.

Niedermayer is going nowhere guys and girls... A buddy of mine delivers mail to his house and speaks to him a lot. Niedermayer lives close to where I live and sometimes I see him around as well... I just do not see the Devils losing him at all.
I can't even believe you posted this. I almost suspect that someone logged in with your username as a joke.

either that or hating Lou for forcing him into a suffocating system where he couldn't use his attributes to their potential, and took him so long to be recognized as a top elite dman.

maybe in a free flowing system, he'd have been recognized as an all-world player years before he actually was
This is typical uniformed tripe. The Devils led the entire NHL in scoring in 2000-01. You should also consider that maybe in a free-flowing system Niedermayer would see a lot of red lights glowing as he skates back into his own zone.

This is typical uniformed tripe. The Devils led the entire NHL in scoring in 2000-01. You should also consider that maybe in a free-flowing system Niedermayer would see a lot of red lights glowing as he skates back into his own zone.

yea... I usually make sure not to put up "uninformed tripe" even when I already said I was saying it as a joke...

also I realize that the devils led the league in scoring in 2001... and it was after 2001 when Niedermayer was actually seen as a top end dmen - with his team canada selection that year, and the following year on the olympic stage...

my response was to this time period, saying that "prior" to this, Nieds wasn't recognized because of the system he played in.

and like I said, I did say it as a joke...

but it's no secret that the Devils have had the best defensive system in quite some time now... nor is it "uninformed tripe" to suggest that players don't have the same offensive freedom in such a system...

DP, pay no attention to Hells, he'll just make you pull your hair out.

DP, pay no attention to Hells, he'll just make you pull your hair out.
The fact that you go out of your way to bash him is worse.