Since we're in the midst of the dog days in the summer and news is few and far between these days, I decided yesterday that I would change things up and take your New Jersey Devils questions. Some good questions were asked and I received a solid amount, so in today's blog I'll do my best to answer them.

Note: I did not answer repeat questions.

Q: Can the Devils get lucky twice (and make it to the Stanley Cup Final again)?

A: While I'm probably more confident in the Devils team than most media members are, I'd say the Devils probably won't have as much success this year as last. Sure they have some things going their way, but they lost their Captain and the chances of making it that far in back to back years are not great. Could they do it again? Sure, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Q: What is your gut feeling on Tedenby and Butler for this upcoming season? Do you think they make the team? What lines will they end up playing, or will they be moving around all season? How do you think each will perform?

A: I think at least one of those two will have a fair amount of success at the NHL level this year, and depending on what else the Devils do this off-season, if anything, I could see both playing at the NHL level this season. The spots are there for the taking and they both have the talent to make the team, they just need to show up at camp and use it. How well they'll perform obviously depends on the minutes they play and who they're playing with which will be determined during training camp and preseason.

Q: Do you think Parise being gone will lead to Kovy having a huge year?

A: Not really. Ilya Kovalchuk is coming off a fantastic regular season last year and even better post-season and to expect much more from him probably isn't realistic. Sure he's "the guy" now, but if you look at the minutes he played last year and how much extra powerplay time he got, he was "the guy" last year, too. I expect he'll have another very good season, but I don't think Parise leaving really factors in much.

Q: Going to be a sad day for Devils hockey when Lou steps down, any idea as to when he'll call it quits? Also any names being thrown around yet as to his replacement?

A: Indeed it will. I have no clue as to when he'll retire, but I don't imagine it will be for at least another few seasons. He loves his job and he's obviously still darn good at it, so as long as he enjoys it and is in good health, he'll continue. The two names I've heard are both from within in Chris Lamoriello and possibly Martin Brodeur.

Q: In talking to Lou, A)Do you think he'll make a trade before/during preseason? B)If he does, what defenseman/prospects do you see moving out and for what type of return should we expect?

A: I think that will be determined by three things: the market for defenseman, the offers he receives and the new CBA. If he moves a defenseman I imagine it will be for an upgrade in another area, likely within their group of top-9 forwards.

Q: I know you know a lot about Wedgewood and I like him a lot too. I'm just wondering why wouldn't the Devils let a young kid back up Marty (even next year), like Boston did with Thomas (Rask) and Vancouver did with Luongo (Schneider)?

A: I think there are a few reasons that factored into that: the Devils still want to be a contender, and having a consistent veteran who's loved by his teammates in Johan Hedberg will help the team more than giving a young gun a shot. It's also worth noting that Scott Wedgewood and Keith Kinkaid are not as far along in their development as Tuukka Rask and Cory Schneider were when they landed those roles.

Q: What do you think the chances are we have a lockout and if so, how long?

A: I think at this point the chances of some sort of lockout are pretty good, but there is still a lot of time to work something out. If nothing is done by the September deadline, I could see the NHL going into a minor lockout, but I would be surprised if we saw a lockout for more than a month or so.

Q: Todd, do you think the Devils are going to make a big time trade this year for someone? In other words, do you think Lou will try to get someone big or do you think he will just stick with the team he has now?

A: While Lamoriello is always looking to add to the team and his ears are always open, I think he's pretty happy with his team right now and I don't see any blockbuster type trades coming from the Devils.

Q: Can the devils afford a lost season due to work stoppage? Meaning financially.

A: Can they afford it? Probably. Would it hurt? Absolutely, especially coming off the season they just had. Attendance will likely be up this year.

Q: I read somewhere Dallas may be looking to move Brenden Morrow. Does he have anything left that NJ might be interested?

A: I really like Morrow and think he still has some gas left in the tank, but at this point in his career he's clearly not as effective as he once was. Given his cap hit and the trouble he's had staying healthy over the last little while, I think it's safe to say he won't end up in New Jersey in the event he's moved.

Q: Are the devils done making moves this offseason? Or could there be a D man traded or a forward signed?

A: As I said, the CBA as well as the demand for defenseman will answer that. The Devils have extra defense and are probably willing to move one of their defenseman, but I don't see them going out of their way to get rid of one. Depth on defense is an asset, not a liability.

Q: Think the Devils are in on Bouwmeester?

A: No. I think the asking price as well as his salary are too pricey for the Devils liking.

Q: Which goalie in the system has the best chance to be a #1 when #30 is done (Wedgewood, kincaid, etc)? Or will we go fa route?

A: Since Kinkaid is further along in development now, I'd say he's more likely to be ready at that time than Wedgewood. With that said, I think Wedgewood's potential is higher and that he will be the goalie of the future.

Q: what are realistic expectations for tedenby henrique and jofeson point totals?

A: Jacob Josefson has to stay healthy and Tedenby obviously has to make the team first, but I think 30-40 points would be realistic. As for Adam Henrique, I could see him putting up 50-60 points.

Q: Does David Clarkson go north or south numbers wise compared to last season? What line do you see him fitting with this year?

A: I think it depends where Butler and Tedenby fit in if they make the team as the Devils would likely want to mix and match their talent to have three good scoring lines. With that said, I think Clarkson's production will be around the same this year. I'd say 25 goals with a few more assists added to last season's total is realistic.

I'd like to thank all who asked the questions. As always, you guys made this an enjoyable experience.

I'll be back later if any news breaks.

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