do we stand pat at 29? or do we trade up?

if we stay at 29 i say we go after zarkov
- dmarsden2988

Since Lou kept the pick, he has his eyes in someone. So I say we're trading up.

These fans of other teams coming in here and knowing substantially more about our own team and its inner workings...wow, it's really depressing. I thought for sure I was an informed NJ Devil fan. How sad to find out this isn't so!

And to come to learn that Lou Lams and Wade Arnott are liars?! And Todd Cordell uses no factual information in his blogs and is nothing more than a speculator and charlatan?!

But the fans of other teams, they are NOT! They are the shepherds of truth! Ask them fellow Devils fans! For they obviously know more about NJ, the Devils, and the NHL than our lowly fan base could ever even dream to learn!

Wow. My world has come crashing down. I can't wait to see which team Zachary Justin Parise will play for next season. It's sure to be one of those "other" teams that also happen to have half of his childhood friends on their roster.

Clearly NJ is a horrific franchise and no one would ever want to play there.

They never make the playoffs.
Have never won a Cup.
Have no history whatsoever to suggest they are competent, and above all, have not been to a Stanley Cup Final in recent memory.

Truly truly sad to see the great Zachary Justin Parise move on to "greener" fields.

No rumor is correct if it involves Zach staying in NJ, it just simply can't be! Don't believe me? Ask anyone but a NJ fan! We know nothing!

Oh the humanity!!!!
- FLdevilsFAN

Oh how I love Devils fans and how over the top defensive they get when discussing their team/players!

Let's start out with both Todd, homer almost to the Sam Woo level and the rest of these Devil fans who are actually pretending to believe that negotiations haven't even started between Lou and Zach!

Do you guys actually believe that because it is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard...Of course they have had talks and if Lou hasn't had these talks as you guys claim wouldn't he be failing in his duties as a GM trying to get this years most sought after UFA back in the fold?!?!?!

You guys are trying to twist and turn this anyway you can to try and pretend that Zach is most likely gone and that there are numerous facts that support him not wanting to be a Devil any more.

Let's start with you guys pretending that this run to the Finals somehow brings you guys back to being some year in and out contending team of course ignoring the fact that you guys were one OT goal away from getting bounced in round one again by the weakest of all 16 playoff teams in the first round!

You guys went on a nice run to close the season in the last 6 games but no team padded their points more with the gimmick shootout then the Devils with their 12 orr 13 shootout "wins" which was a joke.

This was not some unbelievable playoff run you went on here after almsot getting knocked out in rd 1 by the weakest of the 16 teams and then catching Philly after their wacky Pitt series and then a NYR team that was shot and worn down by rd 3 so while you guys did win each of those I just can't stop laughing how dismissive Devil fans are of other teams as if this is '95-2003 all over again while obviously trying to ignore just how painfully mediocre the team has been since the '03 Cup where you guys crash and burned in spectaular fashion year in and out in round one with a few meager 2nd round appearances sprinkled in but you guys haven't been contenders since Stevens and Nieds were patrolling the blueline!

One run to the Finals doesn't change that and when you look at how old the teams is including Marty who has no replacement anywhere to be found as well as a very middle to bottom of the road prospect pool/depth and it's not hard to see that NJ is FAR from consistent contenders and that's why Zach is bolting for a better situation!

Without being homers please try and convince the rest of us that NJ has this great future ahead and that he wouldn't be better suited going to a team that actually has great prospect depth, players in their prime NOW, and great fans who's support lead to a stable financial situation...NONE of which the Devils have!

The Kings, Bruins and Rangers all offer all of the above and there are plenty of other teams as well that are in a much better long term situation in regards to those 3 factors then what the Devils are so please...please stop crowing like NJ is some year in and out contender while dismissing teams like Minny, Carolina and other potential suitors!

Watching you guys pretend that you aren't a slightly above middle of the road team since 2003 is almost as comical as watching Devil fans try and convince themselves as well as everybody else that the team isn't in a total financial mess to the point where it's almost as pathetic as watching a 4 yr old covering his ears going "lalalalalala...I can't hear you!" when Devil fans discuss it!

You guys attack the NY Post and any other sorce that reports on it as if there is no foundation but it is such a black and white, undeniable situation that it just shows the levels of homerism among the fanbase!

And you guys have nobody but yourselves to blame because for years we heard that it was the CAA that was the root of the disgusting fan support but now with a beautiful brand spanking new building as well as a easily accessible location by mass transit and fan friednly ticket prices you guys still have thousands upon thousands of empties for almsot every game during the season.

But keep trying to pretend that some white knight is just swooping in to just make that 200 million in debt just magiclly disappear and see how that works out for you!

The Devils almost decade long run af being a contender died in 2003...almost 10 years ago so please stop acting like NJ is some place to be because Zach is bolting just like you Captain Scott Stevens tried to do 2 separate times, one of which he illeaglly negotiated with the Blues before he was even allowed to do so because he wanted back to St Louis and out of NJ so bad as well as lifer Elias being a NTC away from signing with the Rangers and Kovalchuk only signed there because LA wouldn't give him that assinine contract that Lou did and it wasn't for lack of trying because anyone who followed those noegotiations remembers how many trips Ilya made to LA to try and get them to come close to the Devils EXTREME OVERPAYMENT as LA was obviously where he wanted to play which is why it dragged out so long because AK only took the payoof from the Devils and steeled there when he saw nobody else was going to come close to the magical 100 million dollar mark which was so important to Ilya.

So keep pretending that both realites aren't the case and have fun shopping in the bargain bin again for UFA's after Zach bolts because people with choices and who have multiple suitors NEVER choose to play in NJ!

Highly doubt he's re-signing there without at least testing the market with it being so close to July 1.

Nobody knows what Parise really wants to do but him. With Brodeur retiring soon and some of the players there aging there is a decent chance that he won't be back. And who really wants to live in NJ??
- J-Dog

Alot of people...It is one of the most densely populated states.

Oh how I love Devils fans and how over the top defensive they get when discussing their team/players!

Let's start out with both Todd, homer almost to the Sam Woo level and the rest of these Devil fans who are actually pretending to believe that negotiations haven't even started between Lou and Zach!

Do you guys actually believe that because it is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard...Of course they have had talks and if Lou hasn't had these talks as you guys claim wouldn't he be failing in his duties as a GM trying to get this years most sought after UFA back in the fold?!?!?!

You guys are trying to twist and turn this anyway you can to try and pretend that Zach is most likely gone and that there are numerous facts that support him not wanting to be a Devil any more.

Let's start with you guys pretending that this run to the Finals somehow brings you guys back to being some year in and out contending team of course ignoring the fact that you guys were one OT goal away from getting bounced in round one again by the weakest of all 16 playoff teams in the first round!

You guys went on a nice run to close the season in the last 6 games but no team padded their points more with the gimmick shootout then the Devils with their 12 orr 13 shootout "wins" which was a joke.

This was not some unbelievable playoff run you went on here after almsot getting knocked out in rd 1 by the weakest of the 16 teams and then catching Philly after their wacky Pitt series and then a NYR team that was shot and worn down by rd 3 so while you guys did win each of those I just can't stop laughing how dismissive Devil fans are of other teams as if this is '95-2003 all over again while obviously trying to ignore just how painfully mediocre the team has been since the '03 Cup where you guys crash and burned in spectaular fashion year in and out in round one with a few meager 2nd round appearances sprinkled in but you guys haven't been contenders since Stevens and Nieds were patrolling the blueline!

One run to the Finals doesn't change that and when you look at how old the teams is including Marty who has no replacement anywhere to be found as well as a very middle to bottom of the road prospect pool/depth and it's not hard to see that NJ is FAR from consistent contenders and that's why Zach is bolting for a better situation!

Without being homers please try and convince the rest of us that NJ has this great future ahead and that he wouldn't be better suited going to a team that actually has great prospect depth, players in their prime NOW, and great fans who's support lead to a stable financial situation...NONE of which the Devils have!

The Kings, Bruins and Rangers all offer all of the above and there are plenty of other teams as well that are in a much better long term situation in regards to those 3 factors then what the Devils are so please...please stop crowing like NJ is some year in and out contender while dismissing teams like Minny, Carolina and other potential suitors!

Watching you guys pretend that you aren't a slightly above middle of the road team since 2003 is almost as comical as watching Devil fans try and convince themselves as well as everybody else that the team isn't in a total financial mess to the point where it's almost as pathetic as watching a 4 yr old covering his ears going "lalalalalala...I can't hear you!" when Devil fans discuss it!

You guys attack the NY Post and any other sorce that reports on it as if there is no foundation but it is such a black and white, undeniable situation that it just shows the levels of homerism among the fanbase!

And you guys have nobody but yourselves to blame because for years we heard that it was the CAA that was the root of the disgusting fan support but now with a beautiful brand spanking new building as well as a easily accessible location by mass transit and fan friednly ticket prices you guys still have thousands upon thousands of empties for almsot every game during the season.

But keep trying to pretend that some white knight is just swooping in to just make that 200 million in debt just magiclly disappear and see how that works out for you!

The Devils almost decade long run af being a contender died in 2003...almost 10 years ago so please stop acting like NJ is some place to be because Zach is bolting just like you Captain Scott Stevens tried to do 2 separate times, one of which he illeaglly negotiated with the Blues before he was even allowed to do so because he wanted back to St Louis and out of NJ so bad as well as lifer Elias being a NTC away from signing with the Rangers and Kovalchuk only signed there because LA wouldn't give him that assinine contract that Lou did and it wasn't for lack of trying because anyone who followed those noegotiations remembers how many trips Ilya made to LA to try and get them to come close to the Devils EXTREME OVERPAYMENT as LA was obviously where he wanted to play which is why it dragged out so long because AK only took the payoof from the Devils and steeled there when he saw nobody else was going to come close to the magical 100 million dollar mark which was so important to Ilya.

So keep pretending that both realites aren't the case and have fun shopping in the bargain bin again for UFA's after Zach bolts because people with choices and who have multiple suitors NEVER choose to play in NJ!
- JR9JA11

Patrik Elias and Marty Brodeur. You should face reality Parise is a devil and will be a devil lifer. You literally have no idea what your talking about in your entire post. Financially we are fine and Lou does his work without announcing it to the world. Zach has stated about how being captain worked in the "first year" and how it was good for "this year" Go look up his most recent interviews. Saying poop like first year and this year sounds like he knows where he is gonna be next year.

Not worried Zach leaves at all. He is not Gomez or Niedermayer. He will be like Patty and never leave have faith everyone!

Not worried Zach leaves at all. He is not Gomez or Niedermayer. He will be like Patty and never leave have faith everyone!
- NickA

Patty was a NTC away from becoming a Ranger so do your homework before citing somebody that was not only bolting but doing so to your biggest rival!

Without being homers please try and convince the rest of us that NJ has this great future ahead and that he wouldn't be better suited going to a team that actually has great prospect depth, players in their prime NOW, and great fans who's support lead to a stable financial situation...NONE of which the Devils have!

Are you (frank)ing serious? Outside of Detroit we have been the most consistent franchise for the last two decades numnuts. Adam Henrique and Larsson are gonna be stars. And our prospect pool is fine. We dont need any superstars since we already got three. Two in there prime and one about to enter it. Once again ill take Lou Lammoriello's opinion on our money situation and that it is not effecting how he does business. But im sure you know more about our monetary situation then him. Other then Detroit there is no team that even comes close when it comes to being a consistent contender.

Patty was a NTC away from becoming a Ranger so do your homework before citing somebody that was not only bolting but doing so to your biggest rival!
- JR9JA11

He didn't bolt dumbass he stayed cause he knows this organization does things the right way.

Oh how I love Devils fans and how over the top defensive they get when discussing their team/players!

Let's start out with both Todd, homer almost to the Sam Woo level and the rest of these Devil fans who are actually pretending to believe that negotiations haven't even started between Lou and Zach!

Do you guys actually believe that because it is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard...Of course they have had talks and if Lou hasn't had these talks as you guys claim wouldn't he be failing in his duties as a GM trying to get this years most sought after UFA back in the fold?!?!?!

You guys are trying to twist and turn this anyway you can to try and pretend that Zach is most likely gone and that there are numerous facts that support him not wanting to be a Devil any more.

Let's start with you guys pretending that this run to the Finals somehow brings you guys back to being some year in and out contending team of course ignoring the fact that you guys were one OT goal away from getting bounced in round one again by the weakest of all 16 playoff teams in the first round!

You guys went on a nice run to close the season in the last 6 games but no team padded their points more with the gimmick shootout then the Devils with their 12 orr 13 shootout "wins" which was a joke.

This was not some unbelievable playoff run you went on here after almsot getting knocked out in rd 1 by the weakest of the 16 teams and then catching Philly after their wacky Pitt series and then a NYR team that was shot and worn down by rd 3 so while you guys did win each of those I just can't stop laughing how dismissive Devil fans are of other teams as if this is '95-2003 all over again while obviously trying to ignore just how painfully mediocre the team has been since the '03 Cup where you guys crash and burned in spectaular fashion year in and out in round one with a few meager 2nd round appearances sprinkled in but you guys haven't been contenders since Stevens and Nieds were patrolling the blueline!

One run to the Finals doesn't change that and when you look at how old the teams is including Marty who has no replacement anywhere to be found as well as a very middle to bottom of the road prospect pool/depth and it's not hard to see that NJ is FAR from consistent contenders and that's why Zach is bolting for a better situation!

Without being homers please try and convince the rest of us that NJ has this great future ahead and that he wouldn't be better suited going to a team that actually has great prospect depth, players in their prime NOW, and great fans who's support lead to a stable financial situation...NONE of which the Devils have!

The Kings, Bruins and Rangers all offer all of the above and there are plenty of other teams as well that are in a much better long term situation in regards to those 3 factors then what the Devils are so please...please stop crowing like NJ is some year in and out contender while dismissing teams like Minny, Carolina and other potential suitors!

Watching you guys pretend that you aren't a slightly above middle of the road team since 2003 is almost as comical as watching Devil fans try and convince themselves as well as everybody else that the team isn't in a total financial mess to the point where it's almost as pathetic as watching a 4 yr old covering his ears going "lalalalalala...I can't hear you!" when Devil fans discuss it!

You guys attack the NY Post and any other sorce that reports on it as if there is no foundation but it is such a black and white, undeniable situation that it just shows the levels of homerism among the fanbase!

And you guys have nobody but yourselves to blame because for years we heard that it was the CAA that was the root of the disgusting fan support but now with a beautiful brand spanking new building as well as a easily accessible location by mass transit and fan friednly ticket prices you guys still have thousands upon thousands of empties for almsot every game during the season.

But keep trying to pretend that some white knight is just swooping in to just make that 200 million in debt just magiclly disappear and see how that works out for you!

The Devils almost decade long run af being a contender died in 2003...almost 10 years ago so please stop acting like NJ is some place to be because Zach is bolting just like you Captain Scott Stevens tried to do 2 separate times, one of which he illeaglly negotiated with the Blues before he was even allowed to do so because he wanted back to St Louis and out of NJ so bad as well as lifer Elias being a NTC away from signing with the Rangers and Kovalchuk only signed there because LA wouldn't give him that assinine contract that Lou did and it wasn't for lack of trying because anyone who followed those noegotiations remembers how many trips Ilya made to LA to try and get them to come close to the Devils EXTREME OVERPAYMENT as LA was obviously where he wanted to play which is why it dragged out so long because AK only took the payoof from the Devils and steeled there when he saw nobody else was going to come close to the magical 100 million dollar mark which was so important to Ilya.

So keep pretending that both realites aren't the case and have fun shopping in the bargain bin again for UFA's after Zach bolts because people with choices and who have multiple suitors NEVER choose to play in NJ!
- JR9JA11

out of all that, all i got was i have no facts to back myself up on dealing with parise and contract talks, but lou parise and his agent are all lying etc etc etc

you could have easily said your lil story without writing a novel

out of all that, all i got was i have no facts to back myself up on dealing with parise and contract talks, but lou parise and his agent are all lying etc etc etc

you could have easily said your lil story without writing a novel
- dmarsden2988

Can't wait till when Zach finally signs so all these (frank)ing retards will stay out of our blogs.

Patty was a NTC away from becoming a Ranger so do your homework before citing somebody that was not only bolting but doing so to your biggest rival!
- JR9JA11

and guess what, he isnt a ranger and im pretty sure if zach wants a NTC he will get one, who doesnt these days?

and guess what, he isnt a ranger and im pretty sure if zach wants a NTC he will get one, who doesnt these days?
- dmarsden2988

Yeah from Toronto cause they have UBER LOADS OF YOUNG TALENT AND AMERICAN BRIAN BURKE. HIM AND ZACH ARE BEST FRIENDS THEY PLAY POKER TOGETHER OVER THE SUMMER.

Can't wait till when Zach finally signs so all these (frank)ing retards will stay out of our blogs.
- NickA

either that or they will say ahhh i was only joking with you, i knew he was going to stay a devil i just wanted him on my team etc


it will be the same as when parise said no way to the rangers, ranger fans in many places were saying that he will def be a ranger, he is great etc, the sec he said no way to the rangers they were saying good we dont want or need him, he is overrated and we dont want devils garbage etc

either that or they will say ahhh i was only joking with you, i knew he was going to stay a devil i just wanted him on my team etc


it will be the same as when parise said no way to the rangers, ranger fans in many places were saying that he will def be a ranger, he is great etc, the sec he said no way to the rangers they were saying good we dont want or need him, he is overrated and we dont want devils garbage etc
- dmarsden2988

Look i dont care people wanna come in here and say we want Zach on our team blah blah blah...But to insult NJ devils and the state and the same time saying we have no shot were terrible...its just dumb. We have the best shot and unless Zachs heart is as green as everyone thinks it then he isn't going to stay. But based on all his interviews throughout the year and what not how he talks about the team and next year. I feel very confident he is staying this is his team to captain and he really seems to enjoy that responsibility.

Parise will not sign anywhere before July 1st. Why would he allow himself to get this close to free agency and not at least see what kind of offers pour in? I'm not saying he absolutely wouldn't re-sign with NJ, but let's face it, anyone in his shoes would be at least a little bit curious about what kind of offers he'll get.
- MnGump

Perfect example of a guy not being a douche while discussing Parise. Good post.

So you're telling me that if Parise knew he wanted to stay in NJ first and foremost that he himself via his agent couldn't initiate contract talks?

I understand full well that talks have not yet commenced, but I think that is in most part due to Parise and his agent wanting to explore FA first and foremost.

That doesn't mean Zach doesn't want to or won't stay in NJ, but think about it, without offers from potential suitors, don't you think the Parise camp really has much less ammo to go into negotiations to see just what NJ is willing to concede to re-sign him?
- MnGump

You need to realize something Lou runs his team like a mob. No info in or out until something has been finalized.

Are you (frank)ing serious? Outside of Detroit we have been the most consistent franchise for the last two decades numnuts. Adam Henrique and Larsson are gonna be stars. And our prospect pool is fine. We dont need any superstars since we already got three. Two in there prime and one about to enter it. Once again ill take Lou Lammoriello's opinion on our money situation and that it is not effecting how he does business. But im sure you know more about our monetary situation then him. Other then Detroit there is no team that even comes close when it comes to being a consistent contender.
- NickA

Oh, I love the Devcil fans always trying to put themselves in Detriots class!

Detroit has been contenders for 20 years...you guys have been pretenders who think they are contenders since 2003!

BIG DIFFERENCE!

and 3 superstars??

who would that be...Kovalchuk is a great talent but the simngle most individual player in the NHL and an absolute turnover machine...Zach is bolting and who is the 3rd..I'd give AL some time before annointing him a superstar!

I've never seen a more dillusional fanbase in all my years the the Devils and you guys really, really have to stop prentending it's the '95-2003 era because that was a decade ago and prentending you are still that franchise is just laughable!

Oh, I love the Devcil fans always trying to put themselves in Detriots class!

Detroit has been contenders for 20 years...you guys have been pretenders who think they are contenders since 2003!

BIG DIFFERENCE!

and 3 superstars??

who would that be...Kovalchuk is a great talent but the simngle most individual player in the NHL and an absolute turnover machine...Zach is bolting and who is the 3rd..I'd give AL some time before annointing him a superstar!

I've never seen a more dillusional fanbase in all my years the the Devils and you guys really, really have to stop prentending it's the '95-2003 era because that was a decade ago and prentending you are still that franchise is just laughable!
- JR9JA11

just curious, what team do you support?

either that or they will say ahhh i was only joking with you, i knew he was going to stay a devil i just wanted him on my team etc


it will be the same as when parise said no way to the rangers, ranger fans in many places were saying that he will def be a ranger, he is great etc, the sec he said no way to the rangers they were saying good we dont want or need him, he is overrated and we dont want devils garbage etc
- dmarsden2988

And did you see where he backed off those comments and said he was backed into a corner answering that waybecause of the Devil reports pressing him on breakup day?

Devil fans really are so fanboyish...he may not signh with the Rangers and I think while he would be a great addition his salary would be too restrictive but I'd bet my last dollar he listens to offers if Sather comes knocking on July 1st!

That being said I don't think he signs in NY or NJ but watching the Devils fans meltdown when he bolts will be fun non-the less!

What makes you think they haven't talked it that numbers haven't been passed around? People act as if Lou, Zach, and Arnott haven't spoken sin e he signed the 1-yr deal. While thats possible its also highly unlikely.

NJ has $x to give to Parise. Period. Regardless of what other teams offer. The offers from other teams aren't you go to make NJ's offer fluctuate that much. Especially with ownership issue/debt still be refinanced and resolved. It's like having $20 in your wallet and trying to make an offer for an item. In the end, you can't over $20 because that's all you have. Of course he wants to test FA. But, if he wants to stay in NJ as he himself has said countless times, a deal will get done assuming the money is there.

Its not about his friends on other teams. Its not about his home state. It all boils down to the same thing as everything else nowadays. Money. If he wants to get rich, he won't stay in NJ. I'm sure Lou will make him aware of what the most they can offer him is going to be. There's nothing to hide from either side. Things aren't as sinister as some dramatic fans like to make them out to be. As far as Parise's camp waiting it out to force NJ's hand into paying him more: as I just stated, given the financial uncertainty im sure NJ won't have much wiggle room and they will conduct business straightforward and openly as they always have done under Lou. But I'm sure you all knew that already.

If Zach WANTS to stay in NJ there are only two things stopping him: himself and his own wants and desires none of us can profess to know (not a NJ fan, not an LA fan, not a MN fan, no one) & NJ financial/ownership issues. That's it. And if he doesn't want to be in NJ the. I hope he does leave. Who wants a player on their team who doesn't want to be there? For reference, see Langenbaby.
- FLdevilsFAN[/img]

I realize NJ fans want him to stay and take much stock in Zach proclaiming he wants to stay. But what's he going to say to millions of NJ fans? I want to leave? He's a professional athlete and while I'm sure he has a lot of respect for his fans and the NJ org. he pretty much HAS to stay as diplomatic as possible.

That being said, Minnesota fans went through the same exact situation with Marion Gaborik. He told the media and fans over and over that he wanted to stay in Minnesota and oddly enough, he left. The kicker is that he was offered just under $8 million a year for 7 years from Minnesota and declined it and ended up accepting a slightly less amount from NY at $7 million for 5 years.


So although I empathize with the plight of NJ fans, I think at this point Zach is looking for the absolute best opportunity to secure his long term future whether that be with NJ or some other team. Personally, I don't think he stays for less money than he can get elsewhere, but obviously thats merely a guess.

Oh, I love the Devcil fans always trying to put themselves in Detriots class!

Detroit has been contenders for 20 years...you guys have been pretenders who think they are contenders since 2003!

BIG DIFFERENCE!

and 3 superstars??

who would that be...Kovalchuk is a great talent but the simngle most individual player in the NHL and an absolute turnover machine...Zach is bolting and who is the 3rd..I'd give AL some time before annointing him a superstar!

I've never seen a more dillusional fanbase in all my years the the Devils and you guys really, really have to stop prentending it's the '95-2003 era because that was a decade ago and prentending you are still that franchise is just laughable!
- JR9JA11

Missed the playoffs twice since 95 there guy. Yeah you clearly don't know a (frank)ing thing about the sport of hockey if thats your opinion on Kovalchuk. Go check his assists totals from this past season and watch a game next year. He passes better then he shoots. Zach is not bolting...Hes the captain this is his team, this is where he has made his life and will be settling down here in one of the many fine suburbs. Delusional? We just made it to the cup finals lol. Your hatred for the devils cause they are good and succesful and are always a contender is hilarious. Ive watched my franchise my entire life and they are always good enough to compete with the best minus a few blips on the radar like John Maclean coaching. Henrique will be a future star has more skill then Zach with the same amount of tenacity. Elias isn't what he used to be but hes still quality and very underrated around the league.

just curious, what team do you support?
- dmarsden2988

Can't you tell...the Devils of course!

Can't you tell...the Devils of course!
- JR9JA11

a sour rags fan i see

I realize NJ fans want him to stay and take much stock in Zach proclaiming he wants to stay.
- MnGump

But what's he going to say to millions of NJ fans? I want to leave? He's a professional athlete and while I'm sure he has a lot of respect for his fans and the NJ org. he pretty much HAS to stay as diplomatic as possible.

That being said, Minnesota fans went through the same exact situation with Marion Gaborik. He told the media and fans over and over that he wanted to stay in Minnesota and oddly enough, he left. The kicker is that he was offered just under $8 million a year for 7 years from Minnesota and declined it and ended up accepting a slightly less amount from NY at $7 million for 5 years.


So although I empathize with the plight of NJ fans, I think at this point Zach is looking for the absolute best opportunity to secure his long term future whether that be with NJ or some other team. Personally, I don't think he stays for less money than he can get elsewhere, but obviously thats merely a guess.

I can't remember what Gomez said but he never openly stated a desire to stay. It was more or less something along the lines of will see what happens. But everything is merely a guess at this point. But honestly im not worried Zach's leaving. Call it a gut feeling but i think hes staying.

Missed the playoffs twice since 95 there guy. Yeah you clearly don't know a (frank)ing thing about the sport of hockey if thats your opinion on Kovalchuk. Go check his assists totals from this past season and watch a game next year. He passes better then he shoots. Zach is not bolting...Hes the captain this is his team, this is where he has made his life and will be settling down here in one of the many fine suburbs. Delusional? We just made it to the cup finals lol. Your hatred for the devils cause they are good and succesful and are always a contender is hilarious. Ive watched my franchise my entire life and they are always good enough to compete with the best minus a few blips on the radar like John Maclean coaching. Henrique will be a future star has more skill then Zach with the same amount of tenacity. Elias isn't what he used to be but hes still quality and very underrated around the league.
- NickA

Again, contenders don't get knocked out in the first round year in and year out since 2003...but keep pretending you've been contenders since 2003 because it's almost as comical as citing with such certainty that Zach is staying when all logical leads point to that not being the case!

You know you guys own his rights and can sign him at any time...you are the only team that can do that right now, right?

It must be Zach's burning desire to return to the Devils that has him waiting until July 1st just to resign!

I can't wait to hear the cries come July 1st!