The real #27 back for playoffs?

by Jacques Strapp on Jan 3, 2010 2:34 PM EST

I know it's a little early to be talking about the trade deadline, yet I can't help but get excited thinking about our beloved "27" making a jump back to the dirty Jersey. I've been saying since the beginning of the season that it makes sense that Scotty Niedermayer would come back to end his career in NJ. Now after looking at how terrible the Ducks are doing this season (which is surprising to me after watching them in the playoffs last year), it seems even more possible. It seems logical that Scotty would want to end his career here in NJ. Here's my other reasoning...

- He left NJ to play with his brother and ended up winning a stanley cup together in the process. Now Rob is a Devil.

- His number is sure to be retired after the career he has had.

- The devils are going to look for a surge going into the playoffs, especially after last years bitter ending (still hurts)

- Tangent: Is anyone as disappointed as me about Oduya's play recently? Making poor pass decisions and this may be a stretch, but throw him on offense! Not that it would ever happen, but an interesting idea after looking at his style of play. Anyway, besides a couple of seldom fancy plays, I think he has sucked and it pisses me off after the contract we gave him.

Getting back to Scotty, what are your thoughts on this happening? I know I'd love to see him back in a Devils sweater. He could be the missing ingredient to a '09-'10 stanley cup. Mmmm sounds so good, doesn't it?

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Comments

It would seem the most logical of choices when the trade deadline rolls around. Which is probably why anyone and everyone (including people on this board and a Yahoo Sports Writer) has suggested, in some form, that Scott Niedermayer will be returning to the New Jersey Devils for one more stint. There are a lot of reasons why this seems plausible:

-Scott is a veteran of the Devils system.
-Scott also knows how Lemaire would want him to play since he has played for him previously.
-Scott spent his best years in New Jersey, and should in all likelihood have his jersey retired as a Devil.
-Scott’s brother, Rob, has a pretty important role on this team. It would be similar to how Rob lured Scott to Anaheim orginally.
-The Ducks are currently out of playoff contention. Although the season is far from over.
-The Devils also have an abundance of young talent and depth that can be used as chips to bring in talent.
-if there is one position that could use extra depth for the Devils, it would definitely be defense.

And most importantly, Niedermayer is a proven champion.

I think there’s probably a 60% chance we land him come trade deadline. Lou has plenty of leverage when it comes to choosing who is best for this team so that they can make a strong playoff push. Even with Scott, I think the Devils are still one offensive forward away from being a cup contender.

"We aim above the mark to hit the mark." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

by Tim G on Jan 3, 2010 6:39 PM EST reply actions

It’s not a bad idea, and I know it’s one that a lot of Devils fans would like to see, but my only real issue with trading for Scotty is what we’re giving up. I know we have a deep prospect pool at this point, but I would prefer not to give up those who are clearly are players of the future like Corrente, Eckford, etc, which is probably who Anaheim would want. I doubt they would take a low level NHLer like Pikkarainen, or a lower level prospect like Magnan or Brad Mills or someone else who probably won’t make it past Lowell.

I just hope it wouldn’t create a Marian Hossa-type situation, where if we land Scotty but then don’t win the Cup, he retires and leaves us having sacrificed the future for nothing. Fortunately, only one person gets paid to make that decision and it’s only a Hall-of-Fame GM.

Players Currently in My Doghouse: Brian Rolston, Mike Mottau, and now proud to welcome Andrew Peters

by thejerseydevil on Jan 4, 2010 8:07 AM EST reply actions

I think what it will (or should) come down to

is Scott’s willingness to come back next year. There is still a fair amount of doubt as to whether he will even be playing in the NHL next year. Giving up top prospects for a 2 month rental is not worth it imo. It wouldn’t guarantee us a cup, so the trade should have the possibility of benefits in the future as well.

by hocke26 on Jan 4, 2010 7:59 PM EST reply actions

i'm sorry

But Corrente and Eckford are not Blue-Chip defensive prospects and totally worth giving up for a chance at the cup.

by Zelepukin on Jan 4, 2010 9:16 PM EST up reply actions

I disagree

Corrente not so much, but Eckford has had a breakout year in Lowell and was looked pretty good (definitely out of place) in the few games he played with the devils this year. A great deal (one that puts the devils in a great position for this year) imo would be something along the lines of

Neids+Koivu for Corrente, Zubes, and maybe a few other prospects or draft picks

I know sacrificing draft picks for a what could be just a 3 month rental is risky, but the level of talent we’ve seen from the prospects the devils have (not to mention those overseas such as Tedenby, Josefson, or Vrana (i believe they still have his rights)

by skly27 on Jan 10, 2010 5:45 PM EST up reply actions

I think Eckford Corrente and Zubrus would be a great offer for Scott Niedermayer

by WWZPD on Jan 5, 2010 8:29 PM EST reply actions

i agree with Zelepukin & WWZPD

Future prospects are obviously a concern for the Devils, which explains their success over the years. However, after the disappointing results of the past couple playoff runs, NJ needs to be thinking of how they can gain an edge for this upcoming post season. Scott Neidermayer would provide just that. I don’t want to see another post season like last year. We want the cup and if that means giving up a few prospects and an overpaid Zubrus then I say we go all in.

by Jacques Strapp on Jan 7, 2010 9:56 AM EST reply actions

Believe me I would love for someone to take Zubrus off our hands but it’s not going to happen. A combination of lackluster play and a contract fit for a player with 10 times more talent than he’s got makes him a very unattractive pickup for any team. Even in a desperate situation Anaheim is not going to want him.

Although he would only be a small piece, I would include Mike Mottau any package for Niedermayer. He comes cheap and is a capable defenseman with experience. Gotta give something to get something.

Players Currently in My Doghouse: Brian Rolston, Mike Mottau, and now proud to welcome Andrew Peters

by thejerseydevil on Jan 7, 2010 10:51 AM EST up reply actions

Mottau’s an expiring contract, though; teams who covet him can just sign him as an UFA in this coming summer. As it is, Mottau’s cheap contract is a big reason why the Devils have the cap space to add someone like Niedermayer.

Ultimately, if I’m Anaheim, I would think they would want at least a first round pick and a good level prospect to start (Halischuk? Eckford? Corrente? I don’t want to say it, but Zharkov?) to begin discussions. I don’t think they need a center, a natural left winger could be more of a need (And no, they can’t trade Pandolfo – not that Anaheim would want him). They won’t get full value for trading the more famous Niedermayer, but they’ll want something for the immediate and long-term future to justify the move.

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 Jan 7, 2010 6:04 PM EST up reply actions

Watching this game against phoenix it is clear that the devils defense has become weak and lackluster. Paul Martin coming back and Niedermayer getting traded could fix this mess the devils are in.

by WWZPD on Jan 14, 2010 9:44 PM EST reply actions