Sutter shares his thoughts on the rooks

Tom Gulitti got some interesting quotes out of Brent Sutter today regarding the play of Anssi Salmela, Petr Vrana, and Nicklas Bergfors. I think it's telling as to why Sutter doesn't give the rookies a lot of minutes, especially in the third period, except out of necessity. Yet, it's heartening that he's excited about the kids and at the same time sticking to the tradition of the Devils: If you're on this team, you will learn to handle defensive responsibilities.

about 1 year ago John Fischer 6 comments 0 recs |

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Ansii Salmela..played 3 games and was sent down…i guess he’s too offensive. Does he have a future?

by Montreal JF on Nov 17, 2008 6:55 PM EST reply actions

JF: Salmela has played 10 games so far this season, featured on the third pairing mostly. He likes to wind it up and shoot at the point, which has been his most noticeable trait. Though he does sometimes make some odd decisions, but that’s likely due to inexperience. I think he’ll remain in that spot until Andy Greene gets back (or Salmela gets hurt).

But he really does have potential of being a serviceable offensive d-man; he just needs to keep improving and adjusting to both the NHL and North American hockey. He’s got a future.

by John Fischer on Nov 17, 2008 7:07 PM EST up reply actions

I like Salmela

I think he’s going to develop into a pretty solid defenseman. Hell, I wanted to dump Oduya last year early and he came around.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Nov 17, 2008 7:02 PM EST reply actions

Is Petr Vrana still up with the team? I know he and Salmela were making some waves earlier this season, but how is he doing?

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by FrankD on Nov 17, 2008 8:25 PM EST up reply actions

Vrana is still up with the team, but given that some of the injuries have subsided, he’s been getting spot duty on the fourth line. He didn’t play on Saturday as Sutter felt Rupp would have been a better presence down low than the smallish Vrana.

I think he’s got a future with the team, but as Holik comes back, I think we’ll see Vrana back to being scratched (healthy) or in Lowell.

by John Fischer on Nov 17, 2008 11:04 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah injuries sure as hell banged the Devs up pretty good. Even outside of Brodeur you guys have been skating on one leg for the past month. I’m surprised they didn’t just ship up the entire Lowell squad. Once Holik and Rolston return it should at least provide a little more size and firepower. But the situation in net still looks miserable. I know when Marty went down everyone speculated the Devs would be in contention for someone (Khabibulin was a big name), but do you think they’re going to move on something soon?

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by FrankD on Nov 17, 2008 11:15 PM EST up reply actions

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