Pittsburgh will never let Paul Martin leave, there are people here who think he is the best defenseman in the game today.

- Thunderbolt

No.

I don't see why Pittsburgh can't retain Niskanen. Oprik + Niskanen's current deal = 6 Mil

Goc, Pyatt, Glass, Stempniak, and Jokinen are all expiring contracts. Jokinen is likely gone coming off a big year. They have plenty of room to work it out, especially with Gibbons, Bennett, and Megna primed for small salary increases and larger roles on the top 9.
- njdevils350

The Pens will make an offer for Niskanen and maybe they will come to an agreement, I don't have a feel but a lot depends on Niskanen and what he wants. If you're a team that needs a right shot on the Power Play he will be a good addition.
Paul Martin-I think he is a good defenseman, not great. Pierre Maguire called him a tower of power, where do you think he came up with that? He sure didn't come up with it on his own.

No way the leafs would keep $2m in salary for the next 6 years. They're a cap team and would screw themselves by doing that
- bobert836

The fact that they gave him that deal in the first place tells you all you need to know about their management. They just gave the worst coach in the league a 2 year extension. I'm pretty confident you'd have no problem getting them to do something else dumb.

It made no sense to bring back both him and sal. Its obvious that those kind of defensman aren't terribly useful anymore and it showed throughout the season when both Sal and ATrain played. Pete was then forced to juggle some incompetent defensmen in his roster all season.

Zidlicky put up 42 points last year on a terrible offensive team. Most of the players you mentioned aren't close to being a competent replacement. Niskanen would be better than Zid but cost a lot more, boyle is probably the same if he's even better anymore, and kimmo is retiring.
- rmdevil313

And yet everyone was outraged when Zidlicky was re-signed last year.

The names I threw out where not meant as point production comparisons (obviously), but rather free agents that have some similar attributes.

If you want the younger players to have more prominent roles, it may not be as beneficial to bring back Zidlicky as it has been in years past. He is always going to need someone to support him defensively. Which is fine. Part of his game. But, is it the best thing for the team moving forward?

If it's such a poor offensive team, as you pointed out, wouldn't it be better to at least consider spending Zidlicky money on forwards and bring in someone cheaper that can skate an move the puck a little bit?

I wasn't condemning Zidlicky by any stretch of the imagination. (Which on occasion can be rampant when things get taken out of context)

The Pens will make an offer for Niskanen and maybe they will come to an agreement, I don't have a feel but a lot depends on Niskanen and what he wants. If you're a team that needs a right shot on the Power Play he will be a good addition.
Paul Martin-I think he is a good defenseman, not great. Pierre Maguire called him a tower of power, where do you think he came up with that? He sure didn't come up with it on his own.
- Thunderbolt

Pierre is a clown

I disagree Todd. i think we need to be looking at some 2nd/3rd line guys because Ruutu and Zubrus are 4th liners at this point.

Boucher-Zajac-Jagr
Elias-Henrique-???
Clowe--???-Ryder
Ruutu-Brunner-Zubrus


Thats how i would be looking at the depth for 2014. Maybe Josefson can step up on the 3rd trio but i doubt it. At least not on opening night.

And yet everyone was outraged when Zidlicky was re-signed last year.

The names I threw out where not meant as point production comparisons (obviously), but rather free agents that have some similar attributes.

If you want the younger players to have more prominent roles, it may not be as beneficial to bring back Zidlicky as it has been in years past. He is always going to need someone to support him defensively. Which is fine. Part of his game. But, is it the best thing for the team moving forward?

If it's such a poor offensive team, as you pointed out, wouldn't it be better to at least consider spending Zidlicky money on forwards and bring in someone cheaper that can skate an move the puck a little bit?

I wasn't condemning Zidlicky by any stretch of the imagination. (Which on occasion can be rampant when things get taken out of context)
- njdevils350

I get what you are saying its just that Zid makes 3 million and probably won't get a raise. That really shouldn't effect our ability to bring in a good forward. And I'll admit I was one who was pissed at bringing zid back but a lot of that was because it overcrowded the roster and he didn't end 2013 so great. He was very good this year and with him and Gelinas playing regularly we should have a pretty good PP.

I disagree Todd. i think we need to be looking at some 2nd/3rd line guys because Ruutu and Zubrus are 4th liners at this point.

Boucher-Zajac-Jagr
Elias-Henrique-???
Clowe--???-Ryder
Ruutu-Brunner-Zubrus


Thats how i would be looking at the depth for 2014. Maybe Josefson can step up on the 3rd trio but i doubt it. At least not on opening night.
- creek

When has brunner played center?

If you think the defense has been great I disagree.

The d-corps isn't THE problem, yes. I'd say scoring is the glaring one.

But it IS A problem. When you got Salvador, Volchenkov and a guy in Zidlicky who takes a minor every game like clockwork, it's a problem. Team defense has been great and minimized the horrid defensemen, but that's because NJ has a billion 3rd/4th liners who are good at few things other than being solid defensively, back checking, and limiting shot attempts.

The only area NJ didn't have (or shouldn't have had) a problem was in net, but NJ & Brodeur managed to make something out of nothing there.

The team isn't 1-2 pieces away from going to a Cup, not without improving the back end’s speed along with upgrading the putrid FW group Lou has pieced together from the dumpsters of the NHL.

To completely ignore the defense would be a mistake IMO. Moving Salvador & Volchenkov to the unemployment line IS an upgrade. One that needs to be made.

Getting rid of them alone will improve the defense.

I'd say the team is 4-5 pieces away (2-3 FWs and 2 D)from contending or at best 2-3 pieces away in a couple years after the young defensemen get some seasoning, experience, and develop into better players assuming everyone's assumption that they're going to be great comes to fruition.

I'd love to see Merrill, Gelinas, and Larsson all starting next year. Yes, it will eventually be an upgrade over Sal & A-Train-wreck, Harrold and eventually even Zidlicky, but to expect it to be the backbone of a contender overnight is a wishing for a little much. The team needs to play them consistently and in all situations, but it won't lead to them contending next season. It may in a few seasons, however. And it may lead to being a long-term contender. This is what Lou should be looking to do. Not this quick-fix garbage.

This is a team in transition and in desperate need of Lou giving in to the rebuilding process by giving the youngsters minutes to develop and getting some young scoring FWs up front, injecting some speed into the lineup, and finally making up for losing Parise & Kovalchuk by somehow luring at least one consistent 30-40 G scorer to NJ.

But I'm sure no one will read all this since the average attention span of an American is about 2 seconds.

If you think the defense has been great I disagree.

The d-corps isn't THE problem, yes. I'd say scoring is the glaring one.

But it IS A problem. When you got Salvador, Volchenkov and a guy in Zidlicky who takes a minor every game like clockwork, it's a problem. Team defense has been great and minimized the horrid defensemen, but that's because NJ has a billion 3rd/4th liners who are good at few things other than being solid defensively, back checking, and limiting shot attempts.

The only area NJ didn't have (or shouldn't have had) a problem was in net, but NJ & Brodeur managed to make something out of nothing there.

The team isn't 1-2 pieces away from going to a Cup, not without improving the back end’s speed along with upgrading the putrid FW group Lou has pieced together from the dumpsters of the NHL.

To completely ignore the defense would be a mistake IMO. Moving Salvador & Volchenkov to the unemployment line IS an upgrade. One that needs to be made.

Getting rid of them alone will improve the defense.

I'd say the team is 4-5 pieces away (2-3 FWs and 2 D)from contending or at best 2-3 pieces away in a couple years after the young defensemen get some seasoning, experience, and develop into better players assuming everyone's assumption that they're going to be great comes to fruition.

I'd love to see Merrill, Gelinas, and Larsson all starting next year. Yes, it will eventually be an upgrade over Sal & A-Train-wreck, Harrold and eventually even Zidlicky, but to expect it to be the backbone of a contender overnight is a wishing for a little much. The team needs to play them consistently and in all situations, but it won't lead to them contending next season. It may in a few seasons, however. And it may lead to being a long-term contender. This is what Lou should be looking to do. Not this quick-fix garbage.

This is a team in transition and in desperate need of Lou giving in to the rebuilding process by giving the youngsters minutes to develop and getting some young scoring FWs up front, injecting some speed into the lineup, and finally making up for losing Parise & Kovalchuk by somehow luring at least one consistent 30-40 G scorer to NJ.

But I'm sure no one will read all this since the average attention span of an American is about 2 seconds.
- FLdevilsFAN

Ok so Atrain, Sal and Zid are the problem (although I'd disagree on Zid) then just get rid of them. We have players ready to step up. It isn't that big of a problem any way you look at it.

I get what you are saying its just that Zid makes 3 million and probably won't get a raise. That really shouldn't effect our ability to bring in a good forward. And I'll admit I was one who was pissed at bringing zid back but a lot of that was because it overcrowded the roster and he didn't end 2013 so great. He was very good this year and with him and Gelinas playing regularly we should have a pretty good PP.
- rmdevil313

Fair enough. We're basically in agreement. No problem bringing him back as long as it doesn't adversely effect their ability to do anything else.

If you think the defense has been great I disagree.

The d-corps isn't THE problem, yes. I'd say scoring is the glaring one.

But it IS A problem. When you got Salvador, Volchenkov and a guy in Zidlicky who takes a minor every game like clockwork, it's a problem. Team defense has been great and minimized the horrid defensemen, but that's because NJ has a billion 3rd/4th liners who are good at few things other than being solid defensively, back checking, and limiting shot attempts.

The only area NJ didn't have (or shouldn't have had) a problem was in net, but NJ & Brodeur managed to make something out of nothing there.

The team isn't 1-2 pieces away from going to a Cup, not without improving the back end’s speed along with upgrading the putrid FW group Lou has pieced together from the dumpsters of the NHL.

To completely ignore the defense would be a mistake IMO. Moving Salvador & Volchenkov to the unemployment line IS an upgrade. One that needs to be made.

Getting rid of them alone will improve the defense.

I'd say the team is 4-5 pieces away (2-3 FWs and 2 D)from contending or at best 2-3 pieces away in a couple years after the young defensemen get some seasoning, experience, and develop into better players assuming everyone's assumption that they're going to be great comes to fruition.

I'd love to see Merrill, Gelinas, and Larsson all starting next year. Yes, it will eventually be an upgrade over Sal & A-Train-wreck, Harrold and eventually even Zidlicky, but to expect it to be the backbone of a contender overnight is a wishing for a little much. The team needs to play them consistently and in all situations, but it won't lead to them contending next season. It may in a few seasons, however. And it may lead to being a long-term contender. This is what Lou should be looking to do. Not this quick-fix garbage.

This is a team in transition and in desperate need of Lou giving in to the rebuilding process by giving the youngsters minutes to develop and getting some young scoring FWs up front, injecting some speed into the lineup, and finally making up for losing Parise & Kovalchuk by somehow luring at least one consistent 30-40 G scorer to NJ.

But I'm sure no one will read all this since the average attention span of an American is about 2 seconds.
- FLdevilsFAN

I agree with most of the points that you make. However, I do think Lamoriello has done a nice job with the hand that he was dealt. Signing short-term, stop gap forwards was the way to go in the wake of Kovalchuk's departure. He did what he could to build a competitive team for this year. I prefer Brunner, Ryder, and Jagr to any potential mid-July 4-5 year commitment.

Now they can start fresh with a plan. It's fair to hold them accountable and expect big things.

As far as Zidlicky, it's a catch 22. This organization went
years without a capable puck-mover after 27 left. It's the type of thing you notice when it's gone and it's not easy to replace. Defensive deficiencies are part of the package with him.

Like I mentioned, they have the option to bring in a Sami Salo type who may be a bit more responsible on the back end, but not an equal puck-mover. Not a cut and dried decision.

If you think the defense has been great I disagree.

The d-corps isn't THE problem, yes. I'd say scoring is the glaring one.

But it IS A problem. When you got Salvador, Volchenkov and a guy in Zidlicky who takes a minor every game like clockwork, it's a problem. Team defense has been great and minimized the horrid defensemen, but that's because NJ has a billion 3rd/4th liners who are good at few things other than being solid defensively, back checking, and limiting shot attempts.

The only area NJ didn't have (or shouldn't have had) a problem was in net, but NJ & Brodeur managed to make something out of nothing there.

The team isn't 1-2 pieces away from going to a Cup, not without improving the back end’s speed along with upgrading the putrid FW group Lou has pieced together from the dumpsters of the NHL.

To completely ignore the defense would be a mistake IMO. Moving Salvador & Volchenkov to the unemployment line IS an upgrade. One that needs to be made.

Getting rid of them alone will improve the defense.

I'd say the team is 4-5 pieces away (2-3 FWs and 2 D)from contending or at best 2-3 pieces away in a couple years after the young defensemen get some seasoning, experience, and develop into better players assuming everyone's assumption that they're going to be great comes to fruition.

I'd love to see Merrill, Gelinas, and Larsson all starting next year. Yes, it will eventually be an upgrade over Sal & A-Train-wreck, Harrold and eventually even Zidlicky, but to expect it to be the backbone of a contender overnight is a wishing for a little much. The team needs to play them consistently and in all situations, but it won't lead to them contending next season. It may in a few seasons, however. And it may lead to being a long-term contender. This is what Lou should be looking to do. Not this quick-fix garbage.

This is a team in transition and in desperate need of Lou giving in to the rebuilding process by giving the youngsters minutes to develop and getting some young scoring FWs up front, injecting some speed into the lineup, and finally making up for losing Parise & Kovalchuk by somehow luring at least one consistent 30-40 G scorer to NJ.

But I'm sure no one will read all this since the average attention span of an American is about 2 seconds.
- FLdevilsFAN

1. The team gave up the fewest shots in the league last year. They also were a top five possession team and 6th in goals against per game. Like you say, the defense isn't the problem. And while Volchenkov and Salvador are horrible, at least one of them will be gone this offseason.

2. Team took the second fewest penalties in the league this past season, having one guy who's prone to taking penalties isn't the end of the world.

3. Brodeur should be gone. That'll solve the goaltending issue we had this season. If he isn't, well even he admits Corey needs to start 60+ games and the only way he's coming back is if he's ok with taking less starts.

4. This team isn't one or two pieces away from being a cup contender, but we are 1 or 2 away from being a non-wildcard playoff team in a weak division. Adding the right scorer, along with better goaltending will have us in a playoff spot. That's assuming Elias and Jagr don't have their production fall off a cliff, which is entirely possible at their ages.

5. Zidlicky likely won't repeat this past season, but he brings a skill set no one else on the defense has, including Gelinas. If he wants to be back, we should re-sign him to a similar contract.

6. Rebuilding is an iffy process and not one I'd ever expect Lou to undertake. For every Chicago or Pittsburgh, there's an Edmonton and NYI. The young guys should earn their minutes, which I think Larsson and Merrill will/have. If Gelinas improves his defense, he will as well.

7. 30-40 goalscorers generally don't make it to FA.

8. No one's forcing you to live here.

If you think the defense has been great I disagree.

The d-corps isn't THE problem, yes. I'd say scoring is the glaring one.

But it IS A problem. When you got Salvador, Volchenkov and a guy in Zidlicky who takes a minor every game like clockwork, it's a problem. Team defense has been great and minimized the horrid defensemen, but that's because NJ has a billion 3rd/4th liners who are good at few things other than being solid defensively, back checking, and limiting shot attempts.

The only area NJ didn't have (or shouldn't have had) a problem was in net, but NJ & Brodeur managed to make something out of nothing there.

The team isn't 1-2 pieces away from going to a Cup, not without improving the back end’s speed along with upgrading the putrid FW group Lou has pieced together from the dumpsters of the NHL.

To completely ignore the defense would be a mistake IMO. Moving Salvador & Volchenkov to the unemployment line IS an upgrade. One that needs to be made.

Getting rid of them alone will improve the defense.

I'd say the team is 4-5 pieces away (2-3 FWs and 2 D)from contending or at best 2-3 pieces away in a couple years after the young defensemen get some seasoning, experience, and develop into better players assuming everyone's assumption that they're going to be great comes to fruition.

I'd love to see Merrill, Gelinas, and Larsson all starting next year. Yes, it will eventually be an upgrade over Sal & A-Train-wreck, Harrold and eventually even Zidlicky, but to expect it to be the backbone of a contender overnight is a wishing for a little much. The team needs to play them consistently and in all situations, but it won't lead to them contending next season. It may in a few seasons, however. And it may lead to being a long-term contender. This is what Lou should be looking to do. Not this quick-fix garbage.

This is a team in transition and in desperate need of Lou giving in to the rebuilding process by giving the youngsters minutes to develop and getting some young scoring FWs up front, injecting some speed into the lineup, and finally making up for losing Parise & Kovalchuk by somehow luring at least one consistent 30-40 G scorer to NJ.

But I'm sure no one will read all this since the average attention span of an American is about 2 seconds.
- FLdevilsFAN

I agree with pretty much everything you said here. Why I wish Larsson and Gelly and hell even Boucher and Matteau got some more games this year. Especially when we where still trying to make the playoffs. But no we play Harold on the PP and call up Sestito, Sislo and Whitney instead of players with legitimate NHL futures. I don't even think we will be that bad if we play around 6 inexperienced guys and rookies next year. We have Jagr, Elias, Zajac, Ruutu, Clowe, Zubs, Greene, etc to help make up for the inexperience we should be okay. Like you said we need more speed and that means playing more youth and I'm all for it.