You can follow Todd on Twitter @ToddCordell!
With training camp less than two weeks away, teams are finalizing their rosters and beginning to set their pre-camp depth charts.
I was able to get a look at the Devils depth chart for their defence and goaltenders on top of being given information about jersey numbers for some new and current Devils.
Here are some notes on that:
- Perhaps the most interesting information I gained access to Wednesday evening was the Devils depth chart for their defence core heading into camp. Before I talk about it more in-depth, here are the pairings that were on the board:
Anton Volchenkov - Marek Zidlicky
Andy Greene - Adam Larsson
Bryce Salvador - Peter Harrold
* - Mark Fayne
Whether it be injuries, a young defenseman earning a spot or anything else, a lot can change between now and the start of the regular season. That said, I don't like what I see on this depth chart.
First and foremost, I'm a big believer in Mark Fayne. He may not be flashy and he won't put up many points, but he's a pretty reliable defenseman who can eat up about 20 minutes per night against tough competition. Young defenseman who can handle those minutes don't grow on trees.
Even though Fayne sat out some games last year, he faced the toughest competition among all Devils defensemen when he did play.
Pete DeBoer is a very good coach and I'm pretty sure the Devils use advanced stats a fair bit, so I have a hard time believing DeBoer doesn't realize what he has in Fayne. I'm inclined to believe his usage will increase this year despite the pre-camp depth chart. At least it should.
- Sticking with defensemen, word is Andy Greene had an "A" sewed on to his Devils jersey for training camp. Considering he was wearing an "A" on his jersey at Yankee Stadium when the press conference for the Devils - Rangers outdoor game took place, I think it's probably safe to say he's replacing Ilya Kovalchuk as one of the assistant captains.
Greene is a grossly underrated defenseman who's played tough minutes and performed well for the Devils for years, so I think he's very deserving of a letter on his jersey.
- Word is Mark Fayne gave up No. 29 to one of the newest Devils, Ryane Clowe. It looks like Fayne will switch to No. 7.
More jersey information: Michael Ryder is expected to wear No. 17. Hopefully for the Devils he can score goals like the guy who used to wear that number.
I haven't gotten this confirmed yet, but Cory Schneider is expected to use the same number as in Vancouver, which is No. 35.
- Last note about the depth chart I had a little gander at: Martin Brodeur was ahead of Schneider on the depth chart and is the teams No. 1 goaltender heading into camp. That's not the least bit surprising, in my opinion, and I think it's extremely likely Brodeur and Schneider will split starts pretty much right down the middle. The playoffs could be a different story, but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves.
Camp opens in 12 days!
**
Potential camp invites for the Devils.
My take on Adam Henrique's six-year, $24 million extension..
Ilya Kovalchuk hints at possible return to the NHL.
A look at the Devils top five defence prospects.
A look at the Devils top five forward prospects.
Jeff Frazee signs in Italy.
Jaromir Jagr one and done?
Expectations for Adam Larsson?
Why the Devils will compete for a playoff spot.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: [email protected]
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»