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Devils Ink Fedor Fedorov

July 22, 2008, 11:35 AM ET [ Comments]
Sam Woo
New Jersey Devils Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
After playing two seasons in Europe, Fedor Fedorov has signed with the New Jersey Devils. Fedor, the younger brother of Capitals forward Sergei Fedorov, plays center and played a handful of game with the Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers prior to leaving the NHL for Europe; during this time, he totaled 2 assists in 18 games. Last season, he played for Moscow Dynamo, in the Russian Super League, and he tallied 12 goals with 14 assists in 49 games.

The signing appears to be a depth move at center on part of Devils’ GM Lou Lamoriello, who added size down the middle with this signing (Fedorov stands at 6’ 4” ft. and 230 lbs) as well as some insurance at the pivot. Fedorov is a player that has decent breakaway speed and puck handling for big skater and, with Sutter pushing an up-tempo game; he may get some ice time with the big club. The only concern with this is that Fedorov was one of six players to have his Dynamo contract suspended by International Ice Hockey Federation days before the Devils’ signing was announced. This should not affect his status in the NHL, however.

The Russian Super League, now known as the Kontinental Hockey League, plays fewer games than the NHL but their coaching and player development can be very intense. With their attention to detail on skating and conditioning, you can expect Fedorov to be a better and smarter player than prior to leaving the NHL a few years ago. After all, post-lockout NHL has more wide open ice and he may be able to utilize his size and speed more effectively.

In New Jersey, expect the same intensity from coach Sutter in practice and Fedorov may fit well in the system to get the job done. With Fedorov being on the 23 man roster, you can expect more production from the 4th line players in order to keep their jobs. Mike Rupp, Johnny Oduya, and Mike Mottau were all pleasant surprises under Sutter and Fedorov may have an impact with the team come later in the season.

Could this signing be a hidden gem? Only time will tell, but in the salary cap era, this is a calculated move; Lamoriello did not have to give up any of his assets and he is getting a player with a decent upside and, it would seem, untapped potential.


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