What Should Devils Fans Expect: Andy Greene

by John Fischer on Aug 17, 2009 9:27 PM EDT in Devils Issues, Views & Analysis

The first restricted free agent that the Devils re-signed this summer was Andy Greene, now a New Jersey Devil for the next two seasons. He was signed on July 1 for $1.475 million per Tom Gulitti. As it currently stands, he was the #6 defenseman on the Devils last season and will look to be there again for another season.

Last season was rough for Greene. For starters, Anssi Salmela started the season ahead of him. Yet, Greene was not deterred and eventually got back into the line up in the middle of October. In his first 6 games, Greene put up 1 goal, 5 assists, and even had 2 games where he played more than 19 minutes. Then he suffered a hand injury which sidelined him for the next 25 games. When he returned, he was literally just "there" on the third pairing only scoring 1 more goal and 2 more assists for the rest of the season. Nevertheless, he stayed up in New Jersey all season and did get a new deal.

Since he was the Devils 6th best defenseman, this isn't a big deal. But considering puck movement and offensive awareness are his key skills, it makes you wonder. Now that he's signed a deal where he's being paid just less than Mike Mottau, what can we expect from the 26 year old defenseman in 2009-10?

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2008 - Andy Greene	49	2	7	9	3	22	0	0	0	0	38	5.3

Before answering that question, let's go more in depth into Greene's 2008-09 season. For starters, did you know that while Greene only averaged 16:13 of ice time per game last season, he had the second highest average power play time among defenseman? That's right, Brent Sutter chose Greene as the lone defenseman on the second unit more often than not, and so he averaged 1:43 of power play time per game.

How did Greene do? Not well! While I won't harp on the on-ice/off-ice numbers on the power play, as the first unit well outperformed the second unit, Greene contributed absolutely zero points on the power play! No assists, no goals, and only present for 7 power play goals. I know he missed a big chunk of the season and it's also a function of the power play unit he was on, but seriously - zero points. Johnny Oduya managed 5 points in his limited power play time, and as a result - I said that Oduya should be considered to be on the power play. Based on last season, it's really a no-brainer to choose Oduya over Greene.

Defensively, Greene did as well as you'd expect from a third pairing defenseman. He didn't take too many penalties - only 22 minutes. As expected, according to Behind the Net's even strength stats, Greene faced the lowest relative quality of competition on the team at -0.093 and the lowest relative quality of teammates at -0.113. In terms of on-ice/off-ice stats, when Greene came onto the ice, the shots against per 60 minutes shot up from 25.0 to 30.0; yet the goals against per 60 minutes dwindled from 2.13 to 1.49. Offensively, goals for per 60 minutes dropped from 2.67 to 1.93 and shots for per 60 minutes dropped from 29.7 to 27.7 when Greene came onto the ice. While I'm not thrilled to see an increase in 5 shots per 60 minutes when he's out there, that the goals against per 60 dropped suggests that they weren't very dangerous shots. Still, for a third pairing defender, it's not awful defending. I'd say Greene's pretty good on the puck, his poise and movement is all right. But that is not to say he's all that great at passing, decision making, or shooting - outside of some spurts.

Greene was at his best last season when Anssi Salmela was directly competing for his spot on the team, both offensively and defensively. He knew he was being pushed and he rose to the challenge. Yet, when he came back, his role was static and he wasn't pushed as much in my opinion. That should change for 2009-10, with Cory Murphy and Rob Davison signed to the Devils and prospects Matthew Corrente and Tyler Eckford looking to make their mark in training camp. There's going to be a lot of competition for that #6 spot (at least) and it could very well give Greene the incentive to raise his game. He'll have to if he wants to keep playing! Even if Jacques Lemaire decides to keep 7 defensemen on the active roster, I think Greene will have to continually prove he's worth the ice time given.

Therefore, I expect Greene to have a better 2009-10 season. Hopefully, he won't get significantly injured like he did last season, ruining any momentum gained as the season goes on. While I don't think he should be on the power play, I do expect him to contribute a little more on offense - hopefully 10 points or more - and to take more shots. Defensively, I don't want to see the shots against per 60 minutes rise by 5 when he's out there; his positioning and decision making to step up on a forward needs to get better. Greene's not a physical player, he's not big, and he's not going to develop into a stud defenseman. But that's OK, all he has to do on the third pairing is play well enough at both ends such that he and his partner can spell the top 4 and work over the opposition's bottom lines. I think Greene can do it, and he'll pretty much have to perform better to stay as the Devils' #6 defenseman.

Tweet Comment 11 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Greene

With the amount of players gunning to start the season at his position in Newark, I’m not surprised to see that his work is cut out for him. With that, and last season’s ineffectiveness, in mind, I expect him to be on a short leash. To me, this is like a make or break year for Greene. If he rises to the occasion, great. If not, he’ll be the odd man out and either one of the four you mentioned will step in.

As far as Greene the player goes, I just never felt confident in him, and I still don’t. Whenever he’s out on the ice, I cringe somewhat because I get the feeling something will go wrong. The power play was no exception. Besides, I think it’s time to give Corrente, Eckford, and Fraser their due.

I listen to death metal music to annoy the hell outta my family!

P.S. Grindcore is the greatest musical genre EVARRR!!!!!

by R_Adragna on Aug 17, 2009 10:23 PM EDT reply actions

if you don’t like greene, don’t know how you can expect fraser to be any better..he can’ even put up good numbers in the minors.

i think greene is another one who can learn a lot from lemaire. as i said with salvador, simple things like body and stick positioning make a huge difference and will probably cut down the shots against. the injury really was a setback last year. when he came back, after 6 weeks off the ice, you could tell he lost a step and you can’t recover that in season. part of his problem on the power play was that he wasn’t ever in his natural position, which would be one of the sides on the umbrella and he clearly wasn’t the person who should have been carrying the puck out of the zone, he’s just not fast enough.

by dsarch on Aug 18, 2009 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions

R_Adragna: I don’t know about Fraser, he’s more of a defensive defenseman like Jay Leach.

I will agree that this is a make-or-break season for him if only he’s going to have 3 defensemen with NHL experience behind him (Cory Murphy, Rob Davison, Jay Leach – sorry for forgetting you, Jay!) and 2 from Lowell challenging as well (Corrente, Eckford).

I do have the same hopes as you share, dsarch, that Lemaire can make “more” out of Greene. I do agree that he doesn’t have the quickness or the overall speed to lead a breakout, nor the shot to be at the top of the umbrella. I think he’d fit in more in a positional-based power play with a second defenseman. Though, if the Devils are running one d-man per PP unit, the two should Martin and Oduya first.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Aug 18, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Spot is in Jeopardy

Greens is no rookie, and although I’ll cut him some slack for his injury last year he is probably in a make or break situation here.

The top 4 IMO are locked in with MARTIN-ODUYA-WHITE-SALVADOR, so three slots are wide open. You would have to think that Mottau has a pretty good hold on one of those spots unless he has a terrible camp and preseason, so really two are wide open and one is Mottaus to lose.

Although we don’t have what would be considered a “stud” defensmen at this time, we have a lot of players that could be #3 to #6 on alot of teams. Training camp will tell if Eckford and Corrente are ready, and I am excited for the preseason games just to see the two of them play. If Corrente and Eckford are ready then its time to play them. This would be at the expense of Greene, Leach, and maybe even Mottau, and I wouldn’t mind at all seeing the kids play and Mottau as #7, as he would still get plenty of playing time. Frazier was our next guy a few years back and has since been past by Corrente and Eckford, so his opportunities with this team may be limited.

Interesting story about the Oilers recently and thier glut of offensive defensemen, and this may be an opportiunity for us to upgrade.

by pepe22 on Aug 18, 2009 10:09 AM EDT reply actions

Watching Greene the last few years and in the playoffs, I can safely say that he does make good decisions with the puck and has good passes when he is not rushed. Often times last season he is out of position because Salvador is off in the corner crushing someone, leaving the net wide open.

Greene may not be great on the powerplay, but I feel it is not for lack of shot power. He seems to be hitting every person between the blueline and the net. In comparison, Oduya seemed to get all the lucky bounces to the net with wild shots. Perhaps thats what Greene needs to do. Instead of taking his time for the perfect shot, he needs to just blast it down and let luck take over.

I also saw some instances where Greene attacks the front of the net. I think that is great initiative, but he needs to coordinate it with his teammates better. More than one occasion when he moved down, there was nobody covering his position and it led to a rush the other way.

by MoonDragn on Aug 18, 2009 3:36 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Forgot to add. Greene is the perfect example of a defenseman in need of Lemaire’s guidance. This is what Lemaire exceeds at, getting a player that shows flashes of brilliance and making him perform his best. If Lemaire can figure out whats wrong with Greene, he can develop into a defenseman just as good as Oduya.

by MoonDragn on Aug 18, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions

I think you nearly nailed it

You’ve really hit on something with this:

Watching Greene the last few years and in the playoffs, I can safely say that he does make good decisions with the puck and has good passes when he is not rushed.

And this:

Perhaps thats what Greene needs to do. Instead of taking his time for the perfect shot, he needs to just blast it down and let luck take over.

In both cases, this suggests that Greene’s not that good with pressure – be it from the opposition’s forwards or from having the puck up at the point. The coaching staff as well as Greene himself should work on that in training camp. Maybe it’s a lack of experience, maybe it’s a mental thing, maybe it’s something else; but if I follow you correctly, Greene will definitely be a better defender if he learns how to make decisions under pressure – even if they aren’t perfect decisions (esp. at shooting, that right there could explain his low shot amount!)

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Aug 18, 2009 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions

That certainly could be a reason. One thing I want to clarify though is that I’m not the only person who thinks Greene has/had potential. Look at the ranking Hockey’s future had for Greene originally:
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/andy_greene

A 7.0B.. Thats as high as our first round pick, Matt Corrente.

heres the blurb that Jared said about Greene:

“While many see Greene as an offensive defenseman, his defensive play is equally as sound and impressive. Greene combines great puck skills with tremendous skating ability. His quickness and outstanding transitioning allow him to not only jump into plays but lead rushes as well. One of Greene’s best attributes is his positional play. He knows where to be on the ice to make the best possible play, regardless of which end of the ice it is. He anticipates and follows plays remarkably well. He is a very smart player who makes great decisions with the puck.

Greene is an excellent passer who possesses tremendous poise and patience with the puck. He was Miami’s main quarterback on their power play this season. While he is willing to play the body, including blocking shots, Greene is not a particularly physical player. He is a very mobile defenseman who skates with smooth yet powerful strides with good speed. Greene is also a fierce competitor who works hard and leads by example.
"

Certainly this can’t be the same Greene that everyone is saying has a potential to only be our #6-7? Jared must have based that on something. I think he saw the same things I see in Greene and perhaps Sutter eroded away his confidence. I hope Lemaire can bring it back.

by MoonDragn on Aug 19, 2009 5:08 PM EDT reply actions

Honestly, a lot of those grades at HF are arbitrary. I think the feeling was that since the Devils signed him right out of college, he got an extended call up really quickly (within his first season of pro hockey, played 23 games), and he had a skillset the defense at the time did not have in abundance, Greene was thought to be an answer on the blueline and so he was highly regarded. After all, the Devils favor a slow developmental process so anyone being getting a big look right away would lead one to think that the player has some serious skill. Alas, based on last season, despite getting power play time, he has not broken through like these reports would lead one to believe.

Besides, it’s not the first time a prospect report doesn’t match what the prospect becomes.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Aug 19, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions

That might be true, but I can’t help think that we just haven’t seen Greene hit his potential yet due to the confidence issue. When I first saw Greene, I thought he had more potential than Oduya. Now that Oduya got out of that slump and developed into a fine player, I think that Greene can do the same. I think he has just as much talent.

by MoonDragn on Aug 21, 2009 11:30 AM EDT reply actions

I just went back and looked at the behind the net stats for all of our d-men. I noticed something. Greene has the lowest Goals against/60 of all of the defensemen.

While his quality of competition is the lowest on the team, one has to wonder how accurate that stat is because Quality is a very subjective value.

How do you quantify quality? When the top 2 lines of a team are shut down, it is the 3rd and 4th lines that scores.
I don’t think that value is all that important in this case. If you look at Greene’s Corsi numbers, he ranks higher than Leach and Salvador. That should mean something.

by MoonDragn on Sep 11, 2009 3:20 PM EDT reply actions