You can follow Todd on Twitter @ToddCordell!
Training camp has only been underway for a couple of days, and there's already been some interesting developments at New Jersey Devils camp.
Perhaps the most interesting thing to me thus far is how Pete DeBoer has deployed some of his lines.
Some lines, particularly the one's with prospects or AHL players obviously don't mean much but I think there's definitely something to be said about how DeBoer's deployed the top guys. DeBoer told media not to put too much stock into the line combinations, but I'm going to comment on them anyways.
- Each of the first couple days of camp the Devils went with a line of Ryane Clowe - Adam Henrique - Michael Ryder line.
Things could change but I wouldn't be surprised if that's a line combination DeBoer sticks with to start the year. I think that line contains some a variety of different elements in size, speed, two-way play and goal scoring ability. Those three players and their styles complement each other nicely and I wouldn't be surprised to see them skate together in a game scenario and have success doing so.
- One thing I'm really looking forward to seeing is who wins the battle for the 3rd line left wing spot. The Devils have a lot of options there in Rusty Olesz, Mattias Tedenby, Stefan Matteau and Reid Boucher, among others, so whoever gets it will have to earn it.
This is supposed to be a weak spot on the Devils, but I think they could end up getting good production from whoever earns the spot.
Olesz has some good tools and DeBoer has spoken highly of him. Tedenby has reportedly looked very good and better than he has in past years. Matteau had a cup of coffee in the NHL last year and did some good things, especially in the defensive zone. Then you have a goal-scoring dynamo in Boucher.
DeBoer has a good amount of size, speed, and skill to choose from among that group so it'll be interesting to see what he elects to go with.
I think Olesz has the early leg up based off his past experience in the NHL playing under DeBoer, but he'll have to earn his spot.
- We're in the first week of camp and Jaromir Jagr is already sitting out. He's dealing with some soreness that the team says isn't at all serious, so there's no reason to be worried right now. That said, it is a little bit discouraging to see him dealing with stuff like this already.
Let's just hope for the Devils that this isn't a regular occurrence during the season. The Devils could use any scoring they can get and Jagr will be relied upon to create some offense. He can't do that sitting in the press box.
**
Damien Brunner may be talking with the Devils.
Is Martin Brodeur coming back next season? It sounds like he might be.
A look at the Devils player ratings in NHL 14.
Why Eric Gelinas might have a leg up over other defense prospects hoping to make the team.
A look at the Devils top five defence prospects.
A look at the Devils top five forward prospects.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: [email protected]
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»