So… What Will Uncle Lou Do? That is the question.

Here is a snapshot of the Devils UFA crop Uncle Lou will be dealing with:

Zach Parise, Martin Brodeur, Bryce Salvador, Alex Ponikarovsky, Johan Hedberg, Ryan Carter, Petr Sykora, Peter Harrold, Steve Bernier, Stephen Gionta, Cam Janssen, Jay Leach, Brad Mills, Tim Sestito.

Much noise has been made of Zach Parise, the prize UFA of this year's class, for obvious reasons. Bryce Salvador, who saw his stock jump after a strong showing in this year's playoffs is another important piece to the puzzle.

Not much has been made in the news that the Devils do not have a goalie signed for next season! Marty Brodeur and Moose Hedberg are still yet to ink on the dotted line!

Below are my comments on each UFA for discussion;

Zach Parise – The Captain. The title is not taken lightly in New Jersey, Uncle Lou has given Zach an honor and responsibility and he knows it. A player of his caliber has earned the right to be courted and make the most of his opportunity and Uncle Lou has never denied any player of that.
There has been many reports and speculation on what he is to do, does he stay in Jersey? Does he go to his hometown and play for the Wild? Detroit can be a great fit!
50/50 odds here as the days to UFA is on countdown, I would not be surprised if there was a signing prior to that. There is conversations have begun and if Zach wants to be a Devil he will.
Kind of reminds me when Patrik Elias was a UFA.

*** Should the Devils lose Zach to greener pastures possible targets could include: Jiri Hudler, Pierre Parenteau or the trade route. The problem is, we do not have enough chips to trade for a similar impact player, New Jersey will have to settle.

Martin Brodeur – No worries here in my opinion. The best goalie in NHL history does not have an agent to work with, as he represents himself, and has earned the honor of going on his own terms.
Talks have not begun due to pending Zach Parise outcome. Once that is handled Marty will sign a one year deal (possibly two) as he will groom his heir apparent for the job… whoever that is.

Bryce Salvador – Bryce is an interesting case that no one knows how will evolve. Kind of gives me Brian Rafalski flashbacks. Does he test the market and earn a nice pay day? Does he stay loyal and build on Jersey Foundation? I could see him going back to St. Louis where is had strong ties to the community.

*** Should the Devils lose Bryce to greener pastures possible targets could include: Cory Sarich who I believe is a poor man's Bryce Salvador and could fit into the system. Adam Larsson in the wings does not address the tough and gritty need the Devils would like on D.

Johan Hedberg – I believe he will sign on for one more year despite his family still residing in Atlanta. I believe his family is the big deciding factor.

*** Should the Devils lose Hedberg they will need a stop gap till some young goalies in the system are mature enough to step up, or a trade happens that brings in a backup. I could also see a one year deal extended to someone such as a Scott Clemmensen, Dan Ellis, Al Montoya, Ty Conklin type of goalies who are veterans and could take on 15-20 games for the upcoming season.

Alex Ponikarovsky – A wild card at this stage. He did fit in well with the Devils and the system.
Does he stay for the same cash or a slight pay cut?

Ryan Carter – Another surprise since being picked up from the Panthers. obviously Coach DeBoer's nod to take him paid off. I do believe Carter stays with a slight pay increase.

Stephen Gionta – Another Devils surprise coming up the the NHL in the last week of season and a contributing factor in the Devils playoff success. Gionta and the Devils are a perfect fit.
Does he accept a two-way offer or a one way low end salary? I say yes.

Peter Harrold – An interesting case. He expected to plan in the NHL but spent most of the season in the minors. When he did come up I thought he handled himself well enough to bump Adam Larsson to the booth. I did like his puck moving skills. I think Bryce Salvador decision will be the domino that will direct the Devils next step with Harrold. Unless, of course, another team jumps on him July 1st! The Devils have Adam Larsson, who i believe can step into this spot.

Steve Bernier – A traveler in the NHL, his NJ stop has been a good thing for his career. A new role has done wonders for his confidence. I see another 1-2 year deal being given to him to remain a Devil.

Petr Sykora – if you remember, Sykora signed late late. This time is no different. From what I hear Sykora would like to remain in Jersey but other dominos have to fall before Uncle Lou knows what is left. There is no hurry on either side to get something done ASAP but Sykora was a good deal at his $650K salary.

These are just my two cents… let the games begin and we will soon see what the Jersey lineup will look like.
It will be an interesting next couple of days with news coming out of Jersey.

Playing Devils Advocate;There has been much in the news about the Devils financial woes and either Parise or Kovalchuk being moved.
Nonsense.

My question is… If Parise stays in Jersey, does Kovalchuk go? My answer is a resounding NO!

Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate

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