I am torn with this decision. Greene, in my opinion, should be the 6th d-man, but for strategy purposes or whatever, it might be worthwhile to scratch him a few times.

I really would like to see what Cory Murphy can offer. One of our primary needs going into the offseason was an offensive defenseman, and although he has struggled in his own zone, he might be useful in key situations to give the offense a boost.

Likewise, I love the fact that all indications are that there is a potential youth movement coming through the system now, on the cusp of being ready to make that leap. If he is ready, nothing would make me happier than to see Matthew Corrente take the 7th, or even the 6th, d spot. Our entire team was too old last year, but especially the defense. If I’m not mistaken, Andy Greene is currently our youngest defensemen at the tender age of 27. It would be great to see some more homegrown talent appear on the blueline next year.

That being said, I think it’s anybody’s game. As mentioned above, Leach already has a foothold as the incumbent, but he didn’t play well enough last year to settle that, so if anyone appears to be an upgrade, I’d say the job is theirs.
My hope: Matthew Corrente
My prediction: Jay Leach

We could use the help on the PP. He is the real deal if he can just stay healthy.

I like Andy Greene but offense is needed and I want to see what Murphy can do.

First- Great site John, I enjoy finding all my Devils news in one place.

Specific to the defense, it is clear that we need some changes, We have lost the lockdown defense we had in the previous cup runs and we are one of the poorest scoring defenses in the league.

Lou does not make moves like Murphy unless he really thinks they can contribute, and I am positive he will be given not only a shot to be the 7th guy, but potentially a top 6 defensmen, and hears why:

Ekford and Corrente will be given every chance to make the top 6, but if they don’t they need to go to Lowell and play every day. I would love to see one or both make team, and if that happens Mottau or Greene will be seven. ( remember Mottau came to camp as a depth guy and made the team)

Lets assume Corrente and Ekford go down to Lowell. The best of the rest will make up spots 5 thru 7, and that would probably be some combination of Mottau,Greene, and Murphy. Mottau has been solid for us, but being a small defensman he needs to score more to maximize his value. Greene has shown flashes, but also has had some bad injury luck and if he stays healthy I expect great things from him.Murphy’s scoring cant be ignored, and if he does it in the preseason he will be on this team. We will be playing 8 or 9 D men this year due to injuries, so Leach will get some games.

So where do Corrente and Ekford get thier shot? One will surely take Colin White’s spot when his contract is up. I know thats tough to hear, but he has never been the same since his eye injury and if we have learned nothing else from this off season Lou has no issues cutting the cord. This one is even tougher, but if you take emotion out of it I think for the right top 3 D player he would pakage Paul Martin and one of these Depth players with a prospect and bring in a big shot from the point. Who? I’d love to see Sheldon Souray back, and don’t forget he is best buddies with Marty.

We have drafted alot of D over the last few years and in 2 or 3 years there will be alot of new names here.

I’m very glad at the comments about this – this is a harder decision than one may think!

I’m feeling kind of bad for Greene here, Murphy can definitely battle for that spot as-is because he brings something to the table and then there’s 3 guys who could take that #7 spot as only a stepping stone. I almost want to say – based on the last two seasons – it’s a safe bet he’ll be scratched more than a few times for tactical reasons and in that time, Greene has to be hoping it won’t be a long wait until the next game!

I looked up Whites contract also, and I like locking up Oduya and Salvador that long, But I just don’t think Colin White is a 3 million a year player any longer. The CBA expires in 2011, and there may be some issue with contract terms then as teams are looking to walk away from contracts.

Martin was supposed to be the next coming of a previous player who wore #27 who’s name I have purposely blanked permenantly from my brain , and he just has not taken that step. As a UFA next year he’s going to want alot of money, and I just dont see doing it with Corrente and Eckford waiting in the wings.