Devils Sign Center Rob Niedermayer

by Steve Lepore on Sep 25, 2009 1:36 PM EDT

Anaheim_ducks_v_detroit_red_wings_game_seven_ecvo1oaads7m_medium

As Tom Gulitti pointed out, the Devils have finally found a depth centerman to help out while Patrik Elias is out, as well as a potential replacement for John Madden as the team's checking pivot. The Devils have signed free agent Rob Nidermayer to a contract, the terms of which have yet to be disclosed. General Manager Lou Lamoriello comments, as per Gulitti:

"I felt that we needed a little size and strength down the middle and now with Travis [Zajac] and [Dainius Zubrus] and Robbie I think we've got three pretty good size-strength center icemen. We know Robbie very well, of course. We played against him in the Stanley Cup [in 2003 with Anaheim. He's one of those forwards that can be used in different roles."

Niedermayer is a Stanley Cup Champion (he played a big, defensive role in Anaheim's '07 Championship) and definitely feels like a Devil-type signing. I'm alright with this. I'm sure Fischer will throw in his two cents later. But this is a good depth move. It's safe to say that as a team, we are equal at the center position from last year. I know it may be sacrilege to say, but Niedermayer's as good a defensive center as Maddog was, and is also solid on faceoffs. We'll likely have more on this later in the day, particularly if we hear more from Lou, Lemaire or even Niedermayer himself. Stay tuned, and give us your thoughts in the comments.

Tweet Comment 24 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

We must be setting ourselves up to get Scotty next year.

by Mandmeisterx on Sep 25, 2009 1:52 PM EDT reply actions

The move actually makes sense to me beyond that. It replaces Maddog as the checking center, and sends a very strong message to how Rod Pelley’s been playing.

by Steve Lepore on Sep 25, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree.

I just figured I’d say it before someone else did. I like the move a lot too. Especially if it’s a one year deal (Which I would have to assume it is)

by Mandmeisterx on Sep 26, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Not the Niedermayer I was expecting, but he’ll do. Center depth was a serious issue the team has been dealing with all offseason. Now with Robbie signed, we’re set. I just hope this gives Pelley some more motivation for the remainder of TC.

Beer is good! And stuff!

by R_Adragna on Sep 25, 2009 2:02 PM EDT reply actions

I like this. I had no idea he was a free agent. Its the wrong Niedermayer. But any Niedermayer will do.

by they can take a player but not the core on Sep 25, 2009 2:12 PM EDT reply actions

Even before Elias got hurt, we were desperate for a center. This is a GREAT move!

by claudelemieux on Sep 25, 2009 2:30 PM EDT reply actions

This is a decent depth move… i wish though Lou had gone for Malhorta before the Sharks signed him.

Rob was actually pretty awful last year in the few faceoffs that he faced… and i truly doubt when Elias gets back that he’ll be the checking center. I see him as a 4th liner and Zubes on the 3rd line.

by Zelepukin on Sep 25, 2009 2:32 PM EDT reply actions

Whew...

That was a close one….well done Lou. Going into the start of the season I was only truly nervous about the defensive hole that Madden’s departure had left. I really don’t think most people appreciate how hard it was (at most times) to play against Madden as an opposing offensive forward. I was sure we were about to find out just how much his checking abilities would be missed this season until this move was made. I actually thought Malhotra and Niedermayer were out of range money wise and perhaps Peca would be the bargain to be had. Although looking at Rob’s numbers last regular season I guess his value had dipped a tad in the process. Now in hindsight the move seems obvious…his leadership,experience,style of play and last name make him a great fit in the Devils system.

by HELLAWAITS on Sep 25, 2009 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

Lou has lost it

I have been clamoring for a center for weeks, but I dont get what the excitement is with this signing.

Niedermayer is a minus player with a pitiful faceoff percentage last year ( -17 and 38.2 FO%)

I have been on Pelley lately, but I don’t think there is any upgrade here at all except that he has size and experience.

by pepe22 on Sep 25, 2009 3:29 PM EDT reply actions

I totally agree about his numbers last year…but two points to consider. One…he was usually playing against some of the top lines/offensive centers in the western conference. Two..you mentioned the only upgrade being his size and experience…which are two things you cannot teach or impart immediately on any of the younger prospects. Not to mention..I think the role Lemaire would probably have him play will be well within his capability.

by HELLAWAITS on Sep 25, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ll be patient, but dont think he is the type of depth palyer we need. Malholtra would have been a much better fit.

We are a week out and our lines are very unclear except the top line.

by pepe22 on Sep 25, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t even know if the Devils were interested in Malhotra – much less whether Malhotra even considered New Jersey.

Between this and some other moves, I am left with questions about the roster. One thing is for sure, tomorrow’s game is crucial for a number of players.

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 Sep 25, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes…the addition of Niedermayer helps and also confuses things as far as the lines go. I am assuming with Elias out that Zubrus will now be a 2nd line center and Niedermayer will center the third? Leaving perhaps Pelley in the middle of the fourth?
Ideas?

by HELLAWAITS on Sep 25, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I think your right, but i’m not sure about Pelley still.

So you think
Parise-Zajack Langenbrunner
Rolston Zubrus- Bergfors
Clarkson- Niedermayer-Pando
Leblond-Pelley-Peters

Pikkarainin isnt making this team since they signed Peters. I’d like to see Zharkov and Halishuk in here also.

AND- Lemaire isnt even committing the Niedermayer will play center?

by pepe22 on Sep 25, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, Niedermayer can play all three forward positions, one of the benefits of the signing is that he offers flexibility so we could see Zajac-Elias-Zubrus-Pelley with Nieds on the wing; or Zajac-Zubrus-Niedermayer-Pelley; or Zajac-Elias-Pelley-Niedermayer; or whatever.

It is an improvement over throwing 2 AHL centers into NHL regular action right away.

Pikkarainen’s got a one-way deal, I think he may be kept up. THAT is an issue and I went at length about that in a later post.

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 Sep 25, 2009 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Hey Pepe22…in your proposed line combo you benched Shanny…he won’t be happy.

by HELLAWAITS on Sep 25, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions

i knew i missed someone..he has to be in pandos spot. now im even more confuse

by pepe22 on Sep 25, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions

setup for scott??

Could this be a move to draw Scott back to the Devils??? never know only the future will tell.

Donald Vasquez

by don_vas on Sep 25, 2009 4:07 PM EDT reply actions

Scott was heavily rumored to make a return to NJ around the trade deadline in 09. So yeah, perhaps 2010 brings a different outcome now that his brother is in town.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on Sep 25, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Interesting…would the Devils want Scott Niedermayer then? I’m sure they wouldn’t mind…

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 Sep 25, 2009 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought our rookies were doing at least well enough until Elias returns, his duration out isn’t that long. We signed another Zubrus, best way to describe him, I know because I watched him for years in Florida, he never lived to his expectations, and reading the blogs from the Anahiem fans they are glad to see him go for the same reasons the Panthers let him go. As the season goes on you’ll see what I mean, he plays in spurts and if the game gets physical he is not at all scrappy like is brother,in fact in a physical game you wont even notice him on the ice even when on the ice.
He is also a very slow skater, the last thing we want. His best games will be against the weak teams in the N.H.L. you shall see.

by eppy on Sep 26, 2009 12:19 AM EDT reply actions

He was signe dto be a 4th line center...

seriously what lofty expectations do you have???

by Zelepukin on Sep 26, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Seriously, Lou? Seriously?

How ironic it is that Scotty Nieds should spurn the captaincy (which he would have been permanently given after Scott Stevens retirement had he stayed) and the bigger paycheck offered to him in 2005 by the Devils (and in so doing ensuring that the part he played in the team’s success will go forever unacknowledged by the organization for as long as Lou Lamoriello is running this show) for a chance to play with his brother on what was then a struggling expansion team in California only for the afore-mentioned brother to become a Devils himself four years later? This is beyond bizarre.

I don’t really care where or with whom Rob Niedermayer plays as long as he does it with as few mistakes as possible and earns his cap hit.

by kellyn on Sep 27, 2009 1:44 PM EDT reply actions