Greene played good for 10 games then was wildly inconsistent. Salvador and Volchenkov need to do more then just block shots, you can't just bring one skill set. They are too slow to hit now and horrible with the puck. Fayne is alright but he's really not a top 4 defensemen and playing him there you won't make the playoffs. He's a good 5th and alright 4th defensemen. We are d corps of 3rd d pairing guys...and Green/Larsson. Only guys worth playing in the top 4 besides. Thinking they are good enough is being a homer, they just got hot and had a good run at the cup. What happened to Carolina and Edmonton after they both went to a cup final? Pretty sure they still both are struggling. If we don't make changes i expect to miss the playoffs and lose a top 10 pick...We need to get rid of 2 defensemen, then try and sign or trade for top 4 guy (no clue who that would be) And hope a young gun is ready to go this year.

Totally, to me resigning Elias is almost a must. All this talk about getting a top 6 from the UFA crop shouldn't be to replace Elias, it's in addition to.

If we lose Clarkson, oh well, if we lose Elias...


- MannySilvers

If we lose Patty it will be a long year.

If we lose Patty it will be a long year.
- rmdevil313

Figuratively a long year.

Literally a short one.

Edmonton lost Pronger. Carolina had a bunch of rentals that fit their line-up for some mysterious reason. The stars aligned for the Hurricanes.

We were also first round fodder when we lost Stevens. I don't think Greene was that inconsistent (offense maybe, not defense), and don't forget that Greene played 2nd unit PP most of those games cuz of Zidlicky.

Larsson was inconsistent. We have guys coming up... possibly Merrill or Gelinas or Urbam to play 2nd pairing with Salvador and Fayne and Volchenkov can fill out depth.

I'd love a legitimate PP Q-back d-man, but the market's simply not there.

If we lose Patty it will be a long year.
- rmdevil313

I really don't think we will. I don't see a reason why Patty would want to leave at this point in his career. He's made good money over his career, and this is the only organization he knows. The only scenario I can picture where he plays elsewhere is if he asks for a trade to a contender midway through the season a la Ray Bourque.

I really don't think we will. I don't see a reason why Patty would want to leave at this point in his career. He's made good money over his career, and this is the only organization he knows. The only scenario I can picture where he plays elsewhere is if he asks for a trade to a contender midway through the season a la Ray Bourque.
- TheJerseyDevil1

Although on second thought, I never thought Marty would reach the free agent market last year, so what the (frank) do I know.

Salvador, Zidlicky, ATrain, Tallinder are all 5/6/7th defensemen.

Similar situation on FW with having 9-10 3rd/4th liners.

Too many scrap heap/garbage bin players.

Time to whip out the checkbook & a get a real top 6 FW & a real #1 & #2 Dman.

I really don't think we will. I don't see a reason why Patty would want to leave at this point in his career. He's made good money over his career, and this is the only organization he knows. The only scenario I can picture where he plays elsewhere is if he asks for a trade to a contender midway through the season a la Ray Bourque.
- TheJerseyDevil1

The difference is Ray Bourque (or Iginla for a more recent example) hadn't ever won a Cup, so they left looking to "finally win one". Patty's got 2.

Also, I'm calling it now, Pens trade Letang for Carolina's 5th...rich get richer!

Also, I'm calling it now, Pens trade Letang for Carolina's 5th...rich get richer!
- FLdevilsFAN

I've been thinking that the last few days too. Wouldn't surprise me at all...

Also, I'm calling it now, Pens trade Letang for Carolina's 5th...rich get richer!
- FLdevilsFAN

Yeah Letang is not fitting into that cap mold unless Carolina plans to get rid of somebody.

Still think the best offer Stalberg gets is 2 mil? I doubt it. He got more minutes in game 6 than he usually does (or if he didnt he played on the 2nd line with players more suited to his skill set) because of some injuries. One thing he showed is he isnt scared to go into the corner. He did get bumped off the puck a few times, but he was still working for it while he was down, that's the kind of mindset that fits into the Devils system. Keep working. Though, the point some people made about him always finding pads may have some truth to it. Trailing 2-1 in the 3rd he cruised down the wing and had room short side on Rask. Think he hit him in the hip.

Clarkson and Bickell will both likely be priced out of the Devils range. I'd expect bidding wars for both. And not for nothing, all of these points came with him playing with Toews and Kane....years ago Grant Marshall benefited in a similar way playing with Elias and Gomez.
- njdevils350

Yes, we have plenty of players like that. I want guys that WIN puck battles, that get the puck PAST the goaltender.. not lose puck battles and shoot at the goalie. I know these are just 2 small instances, but it's consistent with what I read from Hawks fans.

Ok lets say Zid leaves which it seems he is(THANK GOD) and we resign Harrold this is where our D corps is at. I agree we need PP QB (hopefully Larsson is that guy) but we could also use a solid shut-down two-way guy. Ya know someone strong and physical in his own zone but can also do something positive with the puck at the point when he has it. Even if it's just a chip to the corner.

Greene-Larsson, Sal-Fayne, Volch-Harrold, Tally- Urbom/Gelinas/Merril/Burlon
Quite the cup contending defense huh?

If Sal is still on the team which i believe he is we have to put him on 3rd pairing. He proved this year he can't keep up and be responsible. Less ice time would only help improve his play one would think. The problem is Volchenkov is in the same boat and i do not believe we can pair them together and not expect to get scored on a lot. Tally/Harrold obviously don't belong in the top 4 so we are still missing a reliable guy in the top 4. Sucks but we basically are praying a young guy can be in our top 4 besides Larsson of course if no additions are made. I do not see us in the playoffs if one of Sal, Volch, Harrold or Tally is in the top 4. And it's quite hard to say any of Gelinas, Urbom, or Merril will be ready. If Lou's not lying well then Urbom should but that remains to be seen.

ZUBBBBBES!!!!!!!!!!!!