I think jagr and Ryder should be switched

And there's no chance in hell carter gio and bernier are broken up
- shvingter88

Not even for Ratislav Olesz??

I know some people are going to attack me for this, but here goes...

People are going to be surprised by the Devils this year. It isn't going to be all doom and gloom. during Kovalchuk's absence last year, the only reason the devils strung together 10 losses was the worst run of puck luck I've seen in all the years I've been a hockey fan. They significantly outplayed, outshot and dominated all but 1 game during that stretch. The game that DeBoer coaches is a possession, down-low game. Players like Clowe, Ryder and Jagr will fit well in that system. Jagr clearly wouldn't be the "lead the rush, end-to-end" guy but he will contribute. DeBoer will use him correctly. And 35 points in 45 games last year to go along with 10 assists in the playoffs tells me that although he isn't the player he once was, he still has the tools to contribute.

Finally, the Devils PP was awful last year. Jagr will help that.

Fire away....

Not even for Ratislav Olesz??
- TheJerseyDevil1

He should be on our first line

I know some people are going to attack me for this, but here goes...

People are going to be surprised by the Devils this year. It isn't going to be all doom and gloom. during Kovalchuk's absence last year, the only reason the devils strung together 10 losses was the worst run of puck luck I've seen in all the years I've been a hockey fan. They significantly outplayed, outshot and dominated all but 1 game during that stretch. The game that DeBoer coaches is a possession, down-low game. Players like Clowe, Ryder and Jagr will fit well in that system. Jagr clearly wouldn't be the "lead the rush, end-to-end" guy but he will contribute. DeBoer will use him correctly. And 35 points in 45 games last year to go along with 10 assists in the playoffs tells me that although he isn't the player he once was, he still has the tools to contribute.

Finally, the Devils PP was awful last year. Jagr will help that.

Fire away....
- jbivens13

Well said I agree with ya for the most part. Still a lot of question marks on all the guys we brought in meshing with everyone and creating chemistry. I'm optimistic that they will but ya never know everything can blow up in our face as well.

This comes down to will/can any of the "kids" produce more then Jagr this year. The answer to this is no. So for a team looking to make playoffs (no 1st rd pick this year) the Devils will need Jagr in their line up. We can assume he will get hurt at least once which will give a younger guy an opportunity to play. End of day, if team misses playoffs Jagr can be used as trade bait for a pick. His last two contracts have been 3-4 million. If Lou can get him for under 4 (at one year) then it's a no brainer.

I know some people are going to attack me for this, but here goes...

People are going to be surprised by the Devils this year. It isn't going to be all doom and gloom. during Kovalchuk's absence last year, the only reason the devils strung together 10 losses was the worst run of puck luck I've seen in all the years I've been a hockey fan. They significantly outplayed, outshot and dominated all but 1 game during that stretch. The game that DeBoer coaches is a possession, down-low game. Players like Clowe, Ryder and Jagr will fit well in that system. Jagr clearly wouldn't be the "lead the rush, end-to-end" guy but he will contribute. DeBoer will use him correctly. And 35 points in 45 games last year to go along with 10 assists in the playoffs tells me that although he isn't the player he once was, he still has the tools to contribute.

Finally, the Devils PP was awful last year. Jagr will help that.

Fire away....
- jbivens13

You didn't take into account the losses of David Clarkson and Alexei Ponikarovsky though. Those 2 players were a big part of alot of your "down low" possession. You essentially replaced those two with Clowe and Ryder and now looks to be replacing Kovalchuk with Jagr. I watched a lot of hockey last year, all 3 of the games Leafs vs Devils games. We took the series 6 points to 0 because we would just outlast your possession and let you play the perimeter game and it would amount to nothing. Then, just counter and score when the chances present themselves.

You have to play that possession game when your team lacks speed. You won't be a team that's easy to beat. Especially with a goaltending tandem like Brodeur and Schneider. But I just don't think the Devils are going to have the guns to keep up with an intense division with Pittsburgh,Philly,Washington,Carolina. Even the Islanders are on the up-swing.

This comes down to will/can any of the "kids" produce more then Jagr this year. The answer to this is no. So for a team looking to make playoffs (no 1st rd pick this year) the Devils will need Jagr in their line up. We can assume he will get hurt at least once which will give a younger guy an opportunity to play. End of day, if team misses playoffs Jagr can be used as trade bait for a pick. His last two contracts have been 3-4 million. If Lou can get him for under 4 (at one year) then it's a no brainer.
- Ocean24

Dallas gave him 4.5 last year knowing that if the s-hit hit the fan, they'll still get something out of it.

They end up getting the 29th overall pick from Boston after they panicked about losing Iginla to Pittsburgh. For a 40 year old free agent signing.

I know some people are going to attack me for this, but here goes...

People are going to be surprised by the Devils this year. It isn't going to be all doom and gloom. during Kovalchuk's absence last year, the only reason the devils strung together 10 losses was the worst run of puck luck I've seen in all the years I've been a hockey fan. They significantly outplayed, outshot and dominated all but 1 game during that stretch. The game that DeBoer coaches is a possession, down-low game. Players like Clowe, Ryder and Jagr will fit well in that system. Jagr clearly wouldn't be the "lead the rush, end-to-end" guy but he will contribute. DeBoer will use him correctly. And 35 points in 45 games last year to go along with 10 assists in the playoffs tells me that although he isn't the player he once was, he still has the tools to contribute.

Finally, the Devils PP was awful last year. Jagr will help that.

Fire away....
- jbivens13

Yeah I agree, I suppose. For all the female doging we do, the team always seems to sort itself out once we start playing the games in October. I don't think we'll be spectacular, but we'll be alright.

Should be interesting to see how injuries play out this year since we have so many guys ready to step in when someone goes down. Right now guys like Olesz, Tedenby, Harrold, and all the young D are on the outside looking in, but once someone gets hurt its going to be real interesting to see who claims a roster spot.

Dude had 35 points last season. That would have been 2nd on the Devils. Additionally, he'll get us a pick at the deadline. 3rd or 2nd dependent on how well he's doing (which could be really well considering he could get serious ice-time in NJ). If its under $4M, I'm okay with it.

That being said, I'd still rather it not happen at all.

You didn't take into account the losses of David Clarkson and Alexei Ponikarovsky though. Those 2 players were a big part of alot of your "down low" possession. You essentially replaced those two with Clowe and Ryder and now looks to be replacing Kovalchuk with Jagr. I watched a lot of hockey last year, all 3 of the games Leafs vs Devils games. We took the series 6 points to 0 because we would just outlast your possession and let you play the perimeter game and it would amount to nothing. Then, just counter and score when the chances present themselves.

You have to play that possession game when your team lacks speed. You won't be a team that's easy to beat. Especially with a goaltending tandem like Brodeur and Schneider. But I just don't think the Devils are going to have the guns to keep up with an intense division with Pittsburgh,Philly,Washington,Carolina. Even the Islanders are on the up-swing.
- t_leafs21

I truly believe Clarkson and Clowe are essentially equivalent. Not just saying this because we lost Clarkson, but he IS very overrated and I really feel will be the classic Devil that thrived in NJ's system, got a huge pay day somewhere else, and will never put up numbers close to that ever again (see Gomez, Scott; Gionta, Brian). Clowe had his worst season last year, but that's one year in a shortened season, you can't just automatically discount his years of production for that.

Poni was a non factor last year. Losing him is doesn't hurt us at all, thus why Lou didn't even attempt to resign him, and who no one has yet to the best of my knowledge.

The thing with our losing streak last year is that our entire team philosophy was based around Kovy, so when he went down for 10 games the team had a really hard time recovering despite great possession, but now that Kovy's gone for good, the team philosophy will have to be adjusted.

Todd Cordell: Report: Jaromir Jagr Expected To Sign With The New Jersey Devils Today
- Todd.Cordell

You should be careful what you label as a "report" and pass off as news. Just my two cents, but you don't have to pass along everything that someone writes.

It's pretty clear that this guy does not care what he prints.

You didn't take into account the losses of David Clarkson and Alexei Ponikarovsky though. Those 2 players were a big part of alot of your "down low" possession. You essentially replaced those two with Clowe and Ryder and now looks to be replacing Kovalchuk with Jagr. I watched a lot of hockey last year, all 3 of the games Leafs vs Devils games. We took the series 6 points to 0 because we would just outlast your possession and let you play the perimeter game and it would amount to nothing. Then, just counter and score when the chances present themselves.

You have to play that possession game when your team lacks speed. You won't be a team that's easy to beat. Especially with a goaltending tandem like Brodeur and Schneider. But I just don't think the Devils are going to have the guns to keep up with an intense division with Pittsburgh,Philly,Washington,Carolina. Even the Islanders are on the up-swing.
- t_leafs21

To be honest and I wasn't the one to notice I believe it was martysbetter or rmdevil but a lot of our down low possession game has been Zubs and his injury had a huge impact on us as well. That being said every team had injuries and that's the way it goes. I think we stayed competitive enough to squeak in and who knows we might surprise Patty still has gas in the tank and has the ability to make the worst players look decent.
On Clarkson he will be missed. But as soon as he put up points he got soft and confused he couldn't figure out if he was a goal scorer or a physical force. I also see Clowe having a better year if he can stay healthy. To be honest I wish Havlat wasn't injured I think he would of been bought out and as good as ours with our Czech connection and him being best friends with Elias.

You should be careful what you label as a "report" and pass off as news. Just my two cents, but you don't have to pass along everything that someone writes.

It's pretty clear that this guy does not care what he prints.
- njdevils350

Such sass.

The good thing about signing Jagr, which seems to be overlooked at this point, is that it clears a ton of cap space for next season when the free agent crop is much better.

It will be easier to fill Kovalchuk's (and Parise's) void then with a guy like Sedin, Callahan, Pominville, Gionta, Vanek, Stasny, Marleau, Bouwmeester, Kessel, Phaneuf, Pavelski....

Plenty of options with no GM holding you at gun point.

Jagr really is the best move to resolve the larger issue. And should help a team that was capable of making a cup run at the beginning of the month at least more competitive.

I truly believe Clarkson and Clowe are essentially equivalent. Not just saying this because we lost Clarkson, but he IS very overrated and I really feel will be the classic Devil that thrived in NJ's system, got a huge pay day somewhere else, and will never put up numbers close to that ever again (see Gomez, Scott; Gionta, Brian). Clowe had his worst season last year, but that's one year in a shortened season, you can't just automatically discount his years of production for that.

Poni was a non factor last year. Losing him is doesn't hurt us at all, thus why Lou didn't even attempt to resign him, and who no one has yet to the best of my knowledge.

The thing with our losing streak last year is that our entire team philosophy was based around Kovy, so when he went down for 10 games the team had a really hard time recovering despite great possession, but now that Kovy's gone for good, the team philosophy will have to be adjusted.
- MannySilvers

I understand Poni was a non-factor but he was also a guy that thrived in your system. As did Clarkson. But Carlyle preaches a defensive system as well, Clarkson will fit in just fine with Toronto, especially with linemates like Kadri,Lupul,Bolland.

But how is Michael Ryder going to do? He's one of those natural goal-scorer types. Kind of player that takes advantage of the up-tempo back and forth game. Does he play with Elias or Henrique? I'm not trying to knock the Devils, I just think that division is the group of death. It's going to be really hard to keep up.

Are you a well-balanced team that will be competitive? Yes


Do you lack speed in a division that that is loaded with top-heavy forwards? Yes


Are you better than 4 of Pittsburgh,NY
Rangers,Philadelphia,Washington,Carolina,NY Islanders, Columbus? I just don't see it. You bottomed out in the division last year before they added Washington,Carolina and Columbus. Pittsburgh and Rangers are the top 2 probably. Philly always finds a way to bounce back. F-uckers signed Lecavalier,Streit and Emery.

Such sass.
- TheJerseyDevil1

haha

"Jaromir Jagr has agreed to one-year deal with Devils. Likely won't be officially announced until Tuesday..." via LeBrun

Can Lou just announce something already?!

You didn't take into account the losses of David Clarkson and Alexei Ponikarovsky though. Those 2 players were a big part of alot of your "down low" possession. You essentially replaced those two with Clowe and Ryder and now looks to be replacing Kovalchuk with Jagr. I watched a lot of hockey last year, all 3 of the games Leafs vs Devils games. We took the series 6 points to 0 because we would just outlast your possession and let you play the perimeter game and it would amount to nothing. Then, just counter and score when the chances present themselves.

You have to play that possession game when your team lacks speed. You won't be a team that's easy to beat. Especially with a goaltending tandem like Brodeur and Schneider. But I just don't think the Devils are going to have the guns to keep up with an intense division with Pittsburgh,Philly,Washington,Carolina. Even the Islanders are on the up-swing.
- t_leafs21

Poni sucks

Oh please, please trade him to the Isles at the deadline. I really want to see Jagr play for the entire Patrick Division.

"Jaromir Jagr has agreed to one-year deal with Devils. Likely won't be officially announced until Tuesday..." via LeBrun

Can Lou just announce something already?!
- MannySilvers

I understand Poni was a non-factor but he was also a guy that thrived in your system. As did Clarkson. But Carlyle preaches a defensive system as well, Clarkson will fit in just fine with Toronto, especially with linemates like Kadri,Lupul,Bolland.

But how is Michael Ryder going to do? He's one of those natural goal-scorer types. Kind of player that takes advantage of the up-tempo back and forth game. Does he play with Elias or Henrique? I'm not trying to knock the Devils, I just think that division is the group of death. It's going to be really hard to keep up.

Are you a well-balanced team that will be competitive? Yes

Do you lack speed in a division that that is loaded with top-heavy forwards? Yes

Are you better than 4 of Pittsburgh,NY Rangers,Philadelphia,Washington,Carolina,NY Islanders, Columbus? I just don't see it.
- t_leafs21

I'm not sure, and honestly I'm not really that optimistic about next season regardless, but I'd say the Pens are obviously very good, the Rangers probably are too, but it will be interesting to see how they do with such a different coaching philosophy. I think the Islanders and Bluejackets while in general are on the upswing will have a bit of a down year next year after both having sort of "Cinderella" seasons last year. I don't believe in the Flyers goaltending at all and their D hasn't really improved as far as keeping pucks out of their net. I think the Caps will struggle big time in a much more difficult division and I honestly don't really know what to think about the Hurricanes after they were so disappointing last year.

So in short, if the Devils play better than a lot of people are assuming to, which they tend to do, I don't think it'd be ridiculous for them to make the playoffs, but I'm by no means saying it's a definite.

I truly believe Clarkson and Clowe are essentially equivalent. Not just saying this because we lost Clarkson, but he IS very overrated and I really feel will be the classic Devil that thrived in NJ's system, got a huge pay day somewhere else, and will never put up numbers close to that ever again (see Gomez, Scott; Gionta, Brian). Clowe had his worst season last year, but that's one year in a shortened season, you can't just automatically discount his years of production for that.

Poni was a non factor last year. Losing him is doesn't hurt us at all, thus why Lou didn't even attempt to resign him, and who no one has yet to the best of my knowledge.

The thing with our losing streak last year is that our entire team philosophy was based around Kovy, so when he went down for 10 games the team had a really hard time recovering despite great possession, but now that Kovy's gone for good, the team philosophy will have to be adjusted.
- MannySilvers

You completely ignored his argument. It was that we lost two of our possession players in Ponikarovsky and Clarkson. That's what he was talking about.

However, we replaced their possession skills with Clowe who is just as good and arguably better than Clarkson based on production. Jagr is a possession monster and will easily replace Ponikarovsky's numbers. Basically, in my opinion, we lost Clarkson and replaced him with Clowe who is just as good. Kovalchuk leaving is replaced by Ryder (an obvious huge drop off). Jagr replaces Ponikarovsky and he is a lot better and a lot more dangerous and creative offensively.

Also, we get a year older everywhere (Henrique, Josefson, Tedenby, Loktionov) and we finally have four solid lines and a very formidable goaltending tandem. I think we will be fine this year rolling a four-line game, something this team needs to be successful. We won't wow anyone, we will just play a solid team game and probably hover around a wild card spot.

You didn't take into account the losses of David Clarkson and Alexei Ponikarovsky though. Those 2 players were a big part of alot of your "down low" possession. You essentially replaced those two with Clowe and Ryder and now looks to be replacing Kovalchuk with Jagr. I watched a lot of hockey last year, all 3 of the games Leafs vs Devils games. We took the series 6 points to 0 because we would just outlast your possession and let you play the perimeter game and it would amount to nothing. Then, just counter and score when the chances present themselves.

You have to play that possession game when your team lacks speed. You won't be a team that's easy to beat. Especially with a goaltending tandem like Brodeur and Schneider. But I just don't think the Devils are going to have the guns to keep up with an intense division with Pittsburgh,Philly,Washington,Carolina. Even the Islanders are on the up-swing.
- t_leafs21

Fair points. Poni was invisible alot though, and Clarkson isn't as strong down low as people think. He falls. Often. Google "Air Clarkson" images if you need a laugh. It can go either way. You have to work with the tools you have.

"Jaromir Jagr has agreed to one-year deal with Devils. Likely won't be officially announced until Tuesday..." via LeBrun

Can Lou just announce something already?!
- MannySilvers

What do you think Lou can get for him at the trade deadline?

Are you a well-balanced team that will be competitive? Yes


Do you lack speed in a division that that is loaded with top-heavy forwards? Yes


Are you better than 4 of Pittsburgh,NY
Rangers,Philadelphia,Washington,Carolina,NY Islanders, Columbus? I just don't see it. You bottomed out in the division last year before they added Washington,Carolina and Columbus. Pittsburgh and Rangers are the top 2 probably. Philly always finds a way to bounce back. F-uckers signed Lecavalier,Streit and Emery.
- t_leafs21

We bottomed out because of lack of scoring combined with a few goaltending problems here and there. It will be virtually impossible for the Devils to repeat their shooting percentage (which was extremely low) and their shots for vs shots against ratio without having better GF/GA numbers.

I remember there was a stat, the Devils were number one in outshooting teams last season. The only team in like the top 15 that did not make the playoffs. On the flip side, Toronto was 29th in that department and only one of like two teams in the bottom 14 to make the playoffs.

The Devils had absolutely no luck last year whatsoever. It might sound a little bitter, but it seemed as if the Devils were always trying to force their game around Kovalchuk. Forcing linemates with him that wouldn't work, forcing a PP formation that never worked, etc. This year, I think you will see a different team, a lot more team-oriented team with Kovalchuk, and I think the Devils will surprise.