|
Devils visit Resurging Maple Leafs tonight |
|
|
|
|
|
(New Jersey) - Look at the Eastern Conference standings. Toronto Maple Leafs are in 11th place and hockey fans may say this is a "trap game" for the New Jersey Devils. In reality, the Maple Leafs are a good team and in good hands.
Why do I say that?
The Maple Leafs made some critical changes with their front office staff and coach Ron Wilson has brought fundamental changes to the team. Brian Burke and his solid credentials as a general manager has brought credibility to the franchise. Players want to play in Toronto and that is something Burke wants before placing his poker chips at the trade deadline. Right now, they are riding a four game winning steak.
Is it possible for the Leafs to make an improbable comeback to make the playoffs? I say it is certainly possible. When you have two former Lou Lamoriello proteges, who both Wilson and Burke played for him at Providence College, his influence has produced two proven winners at the NHL level. No doubt, the Leafs are rebuilding but they are still a dangerous team if New Jersey decides to take a night off. Time maybe running out this season, but the Leafs want to finish strong regardless.
The Atlanta Thrashers sent defenseman Niclas Havelid to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Ansii Salmela.
Solid trade. Salmela looked promising during training camp but did not quite pan out the way the Devils had hoped. With Havelid, you bolster up an already solid defensive corps and his personality should mesh well with the unit.
Here is a scouting report sent VIA e-mail to me from Sean Grace who covers the Thrashers for HockeyPrimetime.com
Stay at home D-man who is a fundamentally sound. Not a scoring threat, more a traditional shut-down D man. Not a huge hitter, uses body position to control the puck. He is generally assigned to the opposition’s top scorer. He can also run the point on the PP pretty well. He is a team guy, almost ego-less who does the dirty work in the corners. Very nice guy also, involved in charity work in Atlanta the entire time he was here. Not a cheerleader, very quiet but gets the job done. This guy will help you down the stretch and we are sorry to see him go.
Trade deadline show canceled, but I will be making guest appearances
This is a bummer. Snowstorm that hit the east coast delayed shipping of radio equipment needed to broadcast live on tomorrow. I'll keep you folks updated on our relaunch of our new internet hockey radio channel soon.
I'll be appearing on Brian and Alex's show on Wednesday at 9:00PM EST (Pens Buzzcast). Also my good friend Kevin Lee will have me on his show on his website, www.sportstalkbuzz.com. Of course, I'll be talking about Devils hockey and trades around the league.
e-mail: [email protected]
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»