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Is Eric Gelinas On The Way Out?

April 15, 2015, 11:29 AM ET [80 Comments]
Todd Cordell
New Jersey Devils Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
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Coming into the off-season Lou Lamoriello has made it well known that he'd like to address the team's lack of scoring, and bring in some help up front.

In order to do that, the Devils may have to ship out one of their young defensemen, and early indications are Eric Gelinas will likely be the odd man out.

Over the last couple days, Tom Gulitti, Rich Chere and Elliotte Friedman have all floated out the idea that the Devils could move a defenseman, with Freidman in particular mentioning Gelinas.

From 30 Thoughts: "8. There is some talk New Jersey, which has some good, young defencemen, will test the market on Eric Gelinas to try and add a youthful forward. What helps is Adam Larsson, who had just one goal and four points in 18 games before Christmas (and was a healthy scratch many nights), had two goals and 20 points in 46 games afterwards. Assistant coaches there are not allowed to talk, but video sure makes it look like Larsson’s stick changed following Adam Oates’ hiring."


While Lamoriello always keeps things tight to the vest, and would never confirm such a report, moving Gelinas could make sense, and it's not at all surprising to see his name being floated out there.

First and foremost, he never really gained the trust of Pete DeBoer, and not much changed under the trio of Lamoriello, Adam Oates and Scott Stevens.

Gelinas was a regular on the powerplay, where he has been extremely effective since coming into the NHL, but otherwise has seen very limited ice at even-strength, and has found himself sitting in the press box on numerous occasions.

The biggest positives in Gelinas' game are undoubtedly his shot, and ability to play on the powerplay, however, he's often given flack for his defensive play, which I think is over exaggerated.

Sure, he'll make a glaring mistake on occasion, but the Devils generated a higher percentage of the scoring chances this season with Gelinas on the ice at even-strength, as opposed to on the bench.

While I'd rather test the waters and try and move Jon Merrill for some help up front, I don't have a problem with Gelinas being shipped out providing the return is good.

Given New Jersey's lack of tradable assets as a whole, they can't afford to strikeout on this one.

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