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Elias Undergoes Surgery, Devils in Need Of Two New Assistants, Other Notes

July 9, 2012, 12:58 PM ET [183 Comments]
Todd Cordell
New Jersey Devils Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
After losing Zach Parise, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Adam Oates and perhaps Petr Sykora, the New Jersey Devils already had their work cut out for them. With the news that Larry Robinson has left the team to join the San Jose Sharks, Lou Lamoriello and the Devils have yet another hole to fill. Here are some notes on that and some other Devils related topics.

- I'll start with Robinson. If you missed it yesterday, the Hall of Famer has decided to take his knowledge and experience to San Jose to join the Sharks as an Assistant Coach there. Robinson signed a two-year deal with the Sharks and has an option in the contract as well. His passion for the game and desire to get closer to his family are two major factors in what led him to this decision.

- With Robinson gone, the Devils now need two new Assistant Coaches: one to help out the forwards and powerplay, and one to help out the defense core. Robinson and Adam Oates, who was hired to become the Washington Capitals Head Coach just a short while ago, are both good coaches and they won't be easy to replace.

I expect Scott Stevens to step into Robinson's old position and run the defense, but that's just speculation on my part. Mike Haviland and Guy Carbonneau are two guys who I think the Devils should consider for the vacancy Oates left.

- Tom Gulitti is reporting that Patrik Elias recently underwent minor surgery on his groin and that he will start skating in three weeks and should be ready for the season.

That's not earth-shattering news, but I figured I should put it out there.

- A few days ago I wrote about how Mattias Tedenby is still valued as a very good prospect by Lamoriello and the Devils, and that he will get a shot to make the team this fall. Today, Lamoriello confirmed my suspicions (quote courtesy of Tom Gulitti): "There’s no question that Tedenby will get every opportunity"

I'm happy to see Lamoriello say that. Tedenby is one of the most talented young players the Devils have, so if he improved his defensive game in Albany and can add some muscle this summer, he could be a very good player this upcoming season.

I'm not going to say Tedenby is the next Martin St. Louis, but St. Louis had the same problems early in his career and because of them the Calgary Flames gave up on him. St. Louis then signed in Tampa Bay, and the rest is history.

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