New Jersey Devils' July 1st Signings - Initial Thoughts & Questions
by John Fischer on Jul 1, 2010 10:20 PM EDT
in Devils Issues, Views & Analysis
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PrintAfter witnessing what has gone on throughout the first day of NHL free agency, my mind is simply baffled at some of what's gone on today. For example: The Philadelphia Flyers signed a bunch of defensemen to not-small money and re-signed Michael Leighton for $1.5 million per year. The New York Islanders remain $12 million below the cap floor. The New York Rangers follow up a smart deal for signing Martin Biron as a back-up goalie with a multi-year, $1.65 million/year deal to Derek Boogaard, who does nothing but fight. Of course, he's getting paid more than Biron. I'd say that was awfully dumb until it was reported that the Calgary Flames signed Olli Jokinen.
To that end, I cannot say the New Jersey Devils have had a bad day at free agency. However, I cannot be happy with what transpired.
Paul Martin was not re-signed, instead he signed a very sensible $25 million over 5 year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins. According to Tom Gulitti, the Devils did make him an offer but apparently he wasn't biting, deciding to go with Pittsburgh. I know on the surface he doesn't seem special, but he truly was the most effective defenseman on the market this summer based on the last two seasons. When Martin stepped on the ice for New Jersey, the Devils were better in numerous categories - especially shots against per 60. No, he's not big, he's not a big point producer, he only plays defense incredibly well in his own end and is strong on puck possession. Defense isn't about big hits or being big, it's about getting stops and getting the puck forward.
My only solace is that Martin decided to go to Pittsburgh and it doesn't appear to me that Lou could have stopped Martin from going elsewhere short of a ridiculous overpayment. Should this Tom Gulitti tweet be true, it wasn't about the who offered the most, Martin just wanted to go to Pittsburgh. Such is the reality with UFAs, it's their call on who to sign with and they have their own reasons. I can't criticize Lou for Martin making up his own mind. But criticism can be laid elsewhere, as today's signings leave me with several questions and other concerns. All of those thoughts and more, after the jump.
The Signings of Henrik Tallinder and Anton Volchenkov
Now, remember that I compared the pending UFA defensemen's underlying numbers with Paul Martin in this post. The most important charts there are for even strength, as that is the most common situation defensemen play. I concluded that Martin was the best all-around defenseman based on the last two seasons among the whole group. Therefore, I cannot say he was replaced today. That said, Henrik Tallinder and Anton Volchenkov aren't bums per the 2009-10 even strength numbers table.
Per Gulitti, Tallinder signed for 4 years for $13.5 million. Tallinder's underlying numbers, I would say, were good but nothing too special. He faced strong competition, and the shots against per 60 didn't rise too much when he came on the ice. According to Die by the Blade, Tallinder played with stellar rookie Tyler Myers all season and helped him along. He was rated well by the Sabres fans there, and they did note that the Sabres did have better goal scoring rates on the ice when he was out there as opposed to not. I agree with much of what Matt wrote in his post when the news broke; his experience will help the younger players, and his contract isn't so bad.
However, Tallinder's career high on offense is 6 goals and 21 points from 2005-06; and while he's a good skater, there's not a lot of reason to believe he'll boost the Devils' offense from the blueline. His career high in terms of offensive GVT is 1.9, also from that same 05-06 season, per Tom Awad's list. He's a defensive defenseman.
You know who else is a defensive defenseman? Anton Volchenkov. I didn't think he was such a shutdown defenseman last season given how the SA/60 spiked when he came on the ice (GA/60 did go down, though); but he have one of the highest quality of competition values in the league. In 2008-09, he also faced an extremely high quality of competition and had a great on-ice impact on SA/60 (better than Martin) and GA/60. Basically, Volchenkov can handle tough minutes like few in the league and still dull their attack. He's big, he's strong, he'll block shots, he'll throw hits, and do what you want as a defensive defenseman. Per Gulitti, he signed a 6 year deal worth $25.5 million, or $4.25 million per year with a no-trade clause.
However, like Tallinder, offense isn't part of the deal. His career high on offense is 4 goals and 19 points from 2006-07, and his highest all-time offensive GVT in a season was 2.3, also from Awad's list. Again, he's a defensive defenseman and a very good one at that. When he's healthy enough to play (and you thought you'd get through a post mentioning Volchenkov
On their own, these aren't bad deals and they aren't bad players at all. The Devils certainly got bigger. They've gotten more physical. With Tallinder, you can make the argument that they've added some quickness to said physical play on the blueline. I don't see how this makes them better.
Is Andy Greene Really Going to be the Only Puck-Moving Defenseman?
What makes Martin so effective is that not only does he get stops in his own zone, but he's pretty good at getting the puck up ice. While he may not get a ton of points - his highest offensive GVT in a season is 3.5 - it's an important skill to have. One of the areas where the Devils got into trouble in the playoff loss to Philadelphia was that the Flyers were aggressive on their forecheck. This forced the Devils to make bad decisions getting the puck out, especially when the puck was not on Martin's or Andy Greene's stick. This was also not a 5 game issue, teams that forechecked aggressively gave the Devils problems throughout the season.
According to this post from Gulitti, here's the plan that Lou revealed:
Lamoriello said that he would have tried to sign Volchenkov even if Martin had re-signed. He said he only decided to sign Henrik Tallinder after Martin signed with Pittsburgh.
Lou was targeting Volchenkov from the get-go; and Lou signed Tallinder after Martin signed in Pittsburgh, making him the backup plan. Before you type the names "Vladimir Malakhov and Dan McGillis," keep in mind that both defensemen are solid defensive defensemen. Both will be playing NHL hockey for quite a while. Yet, there's no reason to believe that Tallinder can really replace Martin's offense.
This puts Andy Greene in a bad spot. With Colin White's no-trade clause and Bryce Salvador's difficult-to-move $2.9 million/year deal, the Devils now have over $13 million tied up into four defensive defensemen. Given that the qualified Mark Fraser will likely be re-signed, it's a very real possibility that the only two-way defenseman on the Devils could be Greene. Yes, Greene had a great 2009-10, and his offensive GVT from this past season was higher than anything Martin ever got at 4.8. Yet, can he honestly repeat or improve upon that performance? Will he get the same breaks that helped get him to 37 points? Can he truly lead a breakout on his own? And if so, who's going to do it when he's not on the ice?
I don't think it's fair to expect a player who had a career year to repeat it out of necessity. I understand the desire to want a different look on defense after a failed playoff run, but how does replacing a two-way defenseman with two defensive defensemen balance the blueline? How will they be able to contribute more on offense, an area where the blueline has severely declined over the years?
According to this post by Rich Chere, Lou says that Tallinder has an excellent first pass. Is this true, Buffalo fans? While I certainly hope it's true, then I have to ask: how come he has been so lacking in terms of production?
Until I see proof otherwise: color me unconvinced. The Devils couldn't replace Paul Martin with just one player, so signing two defensemen makes sense. Signing Tallinder and Volchenkov to deals that even Gabe Desjardens called reasonable is a good thing. Either one is definitely better than Mike Mottau; who really isn't necessary anymore despite what Lou said to Gulitti here. Given Anssi Salmela is on the roster, Tyler Eckford and Mark Fraser will likely be signed, and Matt Corrente and Alexander Urbom will be getting long looks in camp; there's no need for Mottau anymore. Overall, the Devils got bigger, meaner, and perhaps more aware in their own zone.
Yet, the major failings of the New Jersey blueline for the past few seasons was that there weren't enough puck-moving defensemen and a lack of offensive production. These two signings and the loss of Martin does not adress those needs. I cannot agree that the Devils got better for now. When will the need of an offensive defenseman be fulfilled on New Jersey?
Apparently, the Man to Spell Martin Brodeur is Johan Hedberg
I have no quarrel with Johan Hedberg. According to CapGeek he made $1.0875 million last season. He certainly earned it as he gave Atlanta 47 games, a save percentage of 91.5%, 3 shutouts, and a goals against average of 2.62. That's a very good year as a #1A goalie. Now he comes to New Jersey with a one year deal worth $1.5 million to the cap and a no-trade clause. Really? A NTC for a one-year deal? For 37 year old backup goaltender? I guess he needed that security? I don't know? I'm honestly amused by the fact that he got a NTC.
In any case, he did have a good year and so a raise was justified. Yet, it's important that Hedberg has to give a similar performance in New Jersey. According to Lou in this Gulitti post, Martin Brodeur may actually get less starts meaning more time for Hedberg. The Devils do have 20 back-to-back games and I'm sure other times will come up where starting the backup would make sense. Then again, I'll believe that Brodeur will get less games when I see it; and honestly, I'm not yet convinced he needs to take less games. (And, no, saying that he's 38 isn't a convincing argument.) Should Hedberg actually get 15 or more games and plays well, then I have no problems with the contract.
Hedberg brings an important intangible: he's good friends with Ilya Kovalchuk according to this Tom Gulitti tweet. Leading me to the following:
If the Devils are in Ilya Kovalchuk Sweepstakes, Who's Getting Moved?
According to Lou in this Rich Chere post, the Devils are still working on trying to keep Ilya Kovalchuk in New Jersey. I'm really baffled as to why the effort is on-going. For starters, where's the cap space? The Devils have less than $4.25 million available and I highly, highly, highly, highly doubt Kovalchuk's going to take a pay cut to stay at the Rock.
I agree he's a brilliant sniper and I do think that a team like New Jersey would be a fine fit to mitigate his shortcomings. But the only way he's staying is if someone else on New Jersey is getting dumped. Yes, the Devils do have the 10% bonus cushion, so right now they don't have to trade someone. However, they'll have to do so before the season starts. All it does is delay the inevitable and create doubt within the system. That's right the system, as no one's going to take a bad contract off of New Jersey's hands without a draft pick or a prospect to make the deal worthwhile.
Suppose the Devils do clear space and the Devils keep him. What do you do with 3 top-end left wings? Jason Arnott was acquired to play center and I highly doubt he moves down just to move Patrik Elias over. Does one of them go to the off-wing and play on the right? Moreover, how much space could there possibly be left to bring up prospects, fill in other needs (namely: the third line still needs a center), and call up players for injury replacement after doing all of this?
My big fear is that the Devils feel that keeping Kovalchuk is so important, they may be willing to put themselves in tighter spot for the future to do that.
Your Take
Certainly, one cannot complain that the Devils didn't do anything this summer. They've done quite a bit in the last 48 hours! And there's more to do. They still have to decide on new deals for their qualified RFAs; the Devils do have a need for a center on the third line as well for some offense from the blueline; and they'll need two forwards on the regular roster to meet minimum roster requirements (Pelley is one, could a prospect be another?).
On paper and as of now, I am skeptical that the moves made today really made the Devils that much better. I can say they didn't get worse or commit themselves to a really dumb deal like some teams today. That's my rationalization and I'm sticking to it.
It's possible the loss of Martin still bothers me. (It does a bit, he's really, really good, and now he's an opponent 6 times a season for the next 5 seasons.) Perhaps I'm looking at this with the wrong perspective. Maybe there's something I missed. Surely, there may be some evidence that can allay my concerns about today's signings.
This is where you come in. Please let me know what you think, what you know, and what evidence to back up what you say in the comments. Thank you to Kevin, Matt, and Tom for taking care of free agency business today. Thank you for reading. I trust Lou will address the needs eventually. Until then, did the Devils really get better today?
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before i hated this deal and some people bashed me for it, but after review the guys and seeing them
i changed my mind and i would like to say, i love this deal..why?
Volchenkov-one of the best Defensive Dman in the nhl, devils didnt have a hitting type player really, a scott stevens type player, plays Physical
Tallinder: great person ive been told in the locker room and likes to help out alot, big body presence and a great 1touch passer
i dont know much about The moose
PS3: J-CAMPS
Volchenkov is not like Scott Stevens
Just FYI. You’ll like him, but don’t expect the moon.
A snake in the class - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Jul 1, 2010 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course not. He’s a defensive defenseman and that’s that, really.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Jul 1, 2010 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Pretty much.
I miss him already.
A snake in the class - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Jul 1, 2010 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Totally agree with John
The team doesn’t feel better or worse. If we add a third line center for relatively cheap, at least we’ll retain cap space moving forward – it just better go to Parise.
Until the summer ends
I dont think we can qualify today as a win or a loss. Feeling that we were going to lose Martin no matter what we did, Im happy with what we were able to pull off. I was hoping for Malhotra to Center the 3rd line, but for now, it remains open. Most glaring is the need for an offensive defenseman, as we ‘lost out’ on Michalek (who’s Cap Hit would have made him out of our League anyway) and Leopold. Hopefully someone like Colaiacovo will still be available when we need to get him, as I have no doubt we need one more player on the back end.
Hopefully up front, Eric Belanger can come out to Jersey, but after seeing what Malhotra got ($7.5 over 3 years), Im afraid we cannot afford him. We come out of July 1st still having two clear needs.
Somehow managing to sign Kovy, and thereby having to trade someone off the current roster, to me is not realistic to expect. I think our offense will be better simply because our players will be better within our new system next season.
The loss of Martin bothers me too, but it seems, after reading thru several articles today, and seeing that he signed for total $25 Million, that if he wanted to be a Devil, he would have been. So its a large loss, but an inevitable one. Wish we would have known his stance during the season. His injury, and subsequent ‘lack’ of proper rehabilitation, really hurt us this year.
That being said, I think our response to losing Martin was as positive as we could expect given the circumstances. Hopefully we land one more ‘offensive defenseman’ and if we do, I no longer even think about losing Paul Martin.
I’m still digesting and weighing these moves, but I think a different angle to look at it is raised in this statement:
One of the areas where the Devils got into trouble in the playoff loss to Philadelphia was that the Flyers were aggressive on their forecheck. This forced the Devils to make bad decisions getting the puck out, especially when the puck was not on Martin’s or Andy Greene’s stick.
I wanted to keep Martin and I wanted to add at least one additional puck moving defenseman for exactly this reason, but the phrase “forced the Devils to make bad decisions” gave me pause. Could it be that though Tallinder and Volchenkov aren’t what one might consider “offensive defensemen”, they can make smart decisions?
It’s great to be able to get goals from the defense (and is still a need I feel the team needs to address), but Lou has made a lot of moves already and every one of them has been toward addressing weaknesses that if we can all see, surely he can as well. I’m thinking that the scouting reports have convinced him that these two guys can handle the pressure of an aggressive forecheck and can contribute to getting the puck out of the defensive zone.
To "resign" is to voluntarily leave a position; retire. To "re-sign" is to sign again. When talking about free agents, please use the correct one.
With you elesias
Although I still also think we need a puck-moving defenseman, I dont think having Tallinder and Volchenkov makes us a ‘poorer’ puck-moving Defense corps. Going by their GVT numbers, neither of them is really a downgrade. Its only that they do not lead the offense.
Apparently, or perhaps depending on further signings, Lou believes the answer is within, between Andy Greene (boy do you need to have a great season) and Corrente, Salmela, Urbom.
I totally agree with John regarding the Tallinder and Volchenkov signings. As individual signings, they are good signings with good value for very solid defensive defensemen. However, how are the Devils going to get the puck out of the defensive zone and up to the forwards in transition, and once in the offensive zone, how will the defensemen contribute to scoring goals? Outside of Andy Greene, none of these guys are particularly good at keeping the puck in at the point. Including Andy Greene, no one on the entire D-corps has much of a shot that will force opposing wingers to stay honest and not cheat to give their D help down low. The threat of a point shot, at the very least, has to be there.
That said, I think the Devils are better defensively than last year, and that will help the forwards to push forward more aggressively. I don’t think that Tallinder and Volchenkov will end up anything like Malakhov and McGillis, but I worry about that NTC for Volchenkov and the term of the contract. I would have been more happy with 3 yrs for Volchenkov. That said, Volchenkov is actually younger than Paul Martin.
I disagree with John on Kovy. First, I think the problem of having three big-ticket left wings is overblown. Elias is certainly more comfortable on the left wing, but making the transition from left wing to center as he tried to do is a heck of a lot harder than switching from left to right. I’m confident that Elias can make it work. Also, I think that at the end of the day, Kovalchuk will be a better value for his contract that anyone signed today. Even if he were signed at 8 million, he’s a good value for the very consistent 45 goals and 90 points he produces – not to mention the fits he gives opposing defensemen. That Kovy has yet to sign after the first frenzied day tells me a few things – that the suitors are few and that the suitors most appealing to him need to make space (and that includes the Devils). If Kovy felt that LA was the place for him and LA was willing to open up their pocketbooks for him, he would have signed there already.
I am optimistic that Kovy will sign with the Devils, and that he will sign for something in the range of a 7.0-7.5 cap hit. I think Lou is currently trying to move Zubrus and Salvador to make it work. There are literally no other contracts that Lou could possibly move. My hope is that they could get a cheap (up to 2 mil) 2nd to 3rd pair offensive defenseman in return, but if we have to give them away for free, I’m okay with that if it nets us Kovalchuk.
As far as putting us in a tight space in the future, this is how I see it – if the Devils spend up to the cap this offseason, they have to gain about 7 million of cap space in order to comfortably re-sign Parise and Greene next year. Arnott and his 4.5 million dollar are gone, and if the cap goes up 5% again, that’s another 3 million, and if Langenbrunner is let go as well, that’s another 2.8 million. If even more space is needed, the Devils can buy out Rolston’s last year, or they may even be able to find a team willing to eat his contract in exchange for a prospect or draft pick. While I don’t want to lose Langenbrunner, more than enough flexibility is there to make it work. 2011 will be a summer where we try to keep the team together.
And in 2012, if Rolston has not been bought out, his contract will expire. Marty’s contract will expire. White’s contract will expire. And if he is not moved this summer, Salvador’s contract will expire. This is a summer in which we add a few pieces to the Cup puzzle and save some money for the summer of 2013.
And in 2013, if everything pans out as Lou foresees it, then Josefson, Tedenby, and Urbom will be due for small (not extravagant) raises. Just in time for Elias’ massive contract to expire. Of course, Zajac will also be due for a raise, which makes the situation dicier, but if the Devils are smart in 2012 they will be fine in 2013.
That’s the grand plan!!!
However, how are the Devils going to get the puck out of the defensive zone
By kicking the crap out of the other team’s offense. Getting bigger with Volchenkov and Tallinder, and I think the Devils will spend a lot less time in their defensive end, so moving the puck won’t be as huge a necessity. You don’t have to get the puck out of your end when it’s not there.
Go Jets
Go Devils
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With a bigger, more defensive defense, opposing teams will carry the puck into the Devils’ zone less and will instead employ the dump-and-chase. On the surface, that might look like a good thing, but once the puck is in the corner (and that damn trapezoid hinders marty from handling the puck), our Dmen will have forwards putting a lot of forechecking pressure on them. The onus will then be on them to make a good first pass to get the puck to the wings. That’s my primary concern, whether or not these new guys can make the first pass.
I could never understand why they don’t just send the dump right back out as soon as they get to it. Then they wouldn’t have to deal with the forecheck. But noooo, they have to stand behind the net with the puck and let the offense get there.
Go Jets
Go Devils
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According to this post by Rich Chere, Lou says that Tallinder has an excellent first pass. Is this true, Buffalo fans?
No offense to Sabres ’ fans, but I’ll take Lou’s word over any fan. If he’s comfortable enough to tell Chere he’s an excellent first pass man, then he’s shown this enough times on tape to convince Lou and/or his scouts.
In Lou We Trust: SBN Blog of the New Jersey Devils
"Hockey is the only job I know where you get paid to have a nap on the day of the game." - Chico Resch
by Matthew Ventolo on Jul 1, 2010 11:32 PM EDT reply actions
islanders....trading partner?
btw, that the islanders are 12 million below the cap floor is shocking to me. and per capgeek, they have almost 5 million of cap space eaten by alexei yashin’s buyout, and they only have 5 roster spots to fill. they HAVE to pick up some expensive contracts, and they may reap some very rich rewards in terms of prospects and draft picks.
what would it take to dump zubrus and salvador on them?
Isles roster
Yes, they list 17 players on the current roster, but 7 of those are entry-level contracts, with at least 3 of them not likely to see considerable NHL action. (Tavares, Bailey and Okposo will stay up, but Rechlicz, Haley, and Klementyev wont stay with the team. Gillies might).
EIther way, Im with you, they have to take on some salary, Zubrus would be just fine with me, he would become their highest-paid forward! haha
I thought they signed Dougie Weight, he’s still listed as UFA.
I have to imagine that Lou thinks he can move Salvador. He did have a pretty strong year last year so it could be possible. If we moved Salvador and added an offensive defensemen our D would look awesome.
Or maybe Lou thinks Urbom is ready for the NHL? If so would he be ready for top 4 minutes?
I think the bigger picture will begin to unravel in the near future.
Bryce Salvador’s difficult-to-move $2.9 million/year deal
Actually, I think Salvador’s deal will be easy enough to move, if a team whiffed on the free agent defensement out there and is still interested in a fix from outside their system. Look at the money that was showered on free agent defensemen on Day One of the feeding frenzy and consider that Salvador’s pay is in line with the second tier of guys…. plus he isn’t locked into a long-term deal (just the next two years).
I’m not saying the Devils could get much back for him, or that they’d even have to try. Knocking his salary off the cap would be more than sufficient for my purposes…. Volchenkov and Tallinder make him somewhat redundant on this team anyhow, and Salvador is far easier to move than Colin White.
Alexander Urbom? I don’t know if he’s ready or not, but I’d be willing to give him (or one of the other prospects) a shot at making the club and taking that spot.
A Banner Day!
Your analysis of Paul Martin, I am sorry..is absolutley comical. Paul Martin did not always make good decisions in his own zone, especially in money time. Mr. Martin was drafted to QB the PP, that’s what a first round offensive D man is drafted to do. The man showed very little creaitivy, WOuld skate the puck into the offensive zone once every five to six games, and just ask the back of the glass about his shot accuarcy. Andy Greene may not be as smooth the skater as Martin, but he does everything better. Around the Ides of March, year after year, ..when other teams picked up their game as the playoffs drew closer and then the playoffs he would be manhandled in his own zone and at his size, that is unacceptable.
The glorifcation of Paul Martin is beyond me. We got a better D man in Volchenkov who gives his body and heart for the crest of his jersey. Paul Martin just talks about how it was so great to be elected to Team USA and how the Devs mishandlded him. This reaction after he failed and never even came close to his draft clippings. The Pens D just got softer, MUCH softer and that is a great thing. In return we get a better D man, MUCH with a longer contract/lesser per year contract.
Anyone who cries over Paul Martin is a clown, PERIOD!
"It's not just about stopping their shots. It's about breaking their confidence level." - Martin Brodeur.
by VivaSaintMartin30 on Jul 2, 2010 12:03 AM EDT reply actions
I agree with you Viva in crunch time Martin was no where to be seen, especially that past series against the Flyers. The only dmen i even remember seeing doing anything were the ones often belittled ie. White and Greene. Martin has a shot like Rolston minus the power.
by KingHellfire on Jul 2, 2010 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I have based my arguments in favor of Martin based on the evidence available from an outside source and not on what I conveniently remember.
I await to see any evidence to back anything you just typed. I have a feeling it won’t be actual evidence.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jul 2, 2010 7:35 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
you know
stats are misleading… but im sure you saw also that this season in the playoffs greene outplayed martin easily.
I’m always willing to accept proof. This isn’t anything resembling proof.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jul 2, 2010 9:22 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
in 42 playoff games paul martin has 2 goals 14 assists and is a minus 11.he clearly blames the devils for these numbers that is why he left.
Season Team GP G A P +/- PIM PP SH GW S S%
2003-2004 Devils 5 1 1 2 -4 4 1 0 0 9 11.1
2005-2006 Devils 9 0 3 3 6 4 0 0 0 6 0.0
2006-2007 Devils 11 0 4 4 -4 6 0 0 0 6 0.0
2007-2008 Devils 5 1 2 3 -8 2 1 0 0 13 7.7
2008-2009 Devils 7 0 4 4 0 2 0 0 0 9 0.0
2009-2010 Devils 5 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 0 5 0.0
NHL Totals 42 2 14 16 -11 18 2 0 0 48 4.2
by Imperator_Celtic on Jul 2, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Today, we got stronger in our own end, something we’ve needed for a long time, however the idea that we’re still pursuing Kovalchuk makes me anxious. Our left-wing cup runneth over and the only way we could justify signing Kovalchuk would be to find a suitor for Elias, which would not only be difficult, but disappointing.
Now, if we can only get Rolston and Salvador into Islanders uniforms…
The Devils did pretty well without Martin last year when he was injured.I almost think he getting back into the mix hurt the team in the last few games down the stretch and in the playoffs.I think the new players and the new coaches altogether look pretty good.I also think there will be prospects commming into the fold as the season moves forward.Im optimistic for the first time in a while.
by Imperator_Celtic on Jul 2, 2010 12:25 AM EDT reply actions
I'm going to keep my opinion on today short & sweet.
This is change I can believe in.
by Zelepukin on Jul 2, 2010 12:33 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Every team has weaknesses. These signings, along with the trade for Arnott, give us strenghts in areas that we were weak in last season. We improve at the center position, and we get bigger on defense. If we sign another third line center, I can live with our potential lack of offensive defenseman. Who knows, maybe one of the young guys step up in camp. Lets say we find someone at 1.75 mil to be our third line center..our top three lines are…
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Elias-Arnott-Clarkson
Rolston-UFA-Zubrus
I feel pretty good about that.
Lots of Moves Today.
I’m not quite sure if this was what I expected from Lou when he said, “expect big and unexpected changes to occur this off-season,” but still – a lot of things happened today.
I will miss Paul Martin, but not for $5 million a year for five years. He’s a very quick skater, has excellent hands, and is an above average passer in the neutral zone. I will miss the guy, and am curious to see what kind of season he will have next year with the Penguins after being out for almost the entire season last year. I hate the fact that he’s going to Pittsburgh and wish he would have went anywhere else (besides the Rangers and Philly).
I don’t know much about Volchenkov and Tallinder, but it sounds to me like Lou wanted his defense to be a little more gritty. And it seems as if these two bring that to the table. Comparably speaking, Volchenkov’s six year, 25.5 million dollar deal in exchange for what we would have paid Martin if he were to sign a five year, 25 million dollar deal seems to be a direct tradeoff.
Considering that the Devils already had the lowest GA average in the league last year, I wonder if what we truly needed was another defensive defenseman or if we should have made a greater push to keep Martin. But then again it sounds like Martin found much more opportunity through the Penguins and made up his mind all along.
I like the deal for Johan Hedberg. I think 1.5 million is not too much considering he is a pretty good quality backup goaltender who will definitely see time this year – especially with those twenty back to backs. I’m ok with this signing.
Overall, I would rate the Devils move today with a B letter grade. The moves were neither brilliant nor were they too harmful, and we did cover some weaknesses in the lineup (namely gritt in the defensive end). I don’t think Lou is close to being done and I think his biggest surprises have yet to come.
"We aim above the mark to hit the mark." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
its not that we had the lowest GAA, its that they’re not physical and got pushed around
white may be big but he doesnt hit as much and same with Salvador, then everyone else we have are small
“"The two [defensemen] that we got certainly bring two different types of dimension to our team," Lamoriello said in a conference call. "Volchenkov, we certainly have played against enough, and he’s going to do something in our zone that we have not had recently, in fact since Scott Stevens left. He’s going to make it very difficult to play in that zone and he will complement the [Colin] Whites and the [Bryce] Salvadors.”
PS3: J-CAMPS
Agreed, which is why I said several times that these were moves to add gritt to the defensive core which I do believe was somewhat of a weakness in the past year. What I question is whether the lose of paul martin will be offset by the addition of our two new defenders.
"We aim above the mark to hit the mark." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
by Tim G on Jul 2, 2010 1:18 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I really liked Martin. Being at the March 17th retro jersey game, his first game back after the injury, and seeing him score a goal was one of my favorite memories of the past season. But he obviously wants a Stanley Cup and thinks that being on a team with Crosby and the gang is the key to that. Like I said, I like Martin, but that just makes me hope the Devils win the Cup next year more than ever.
for a second i thought you were talking about brodeur, must been because i glanced at your name quick then look at the martin name
i like and hate martin, so this signing didnt matter for me because 5mill is waaay to much for him, and i think pens got ripped off, as we know so far BUT
maybe devils organization wasnt working out for him, like some players, just didnt work out stat wise
PS3: J-CAMPS
Martin
He is lucky this was his UFA year, 5 million a year, what does Mike Green make I think 5 million or 5,225,000 a year. Last year 76 points, plus 39, career plus 50. Good for Martin to get that kind of money he had good options this year. So it looks like money was more important, hey but that is his choice.
No basis
Not to be confrontational, but you have no basis for your last sentence. Martin himself said he got the same offer from NJ. He said he wanted a change.
Mike Green also signed his contract several years ago before back to back 70 point seasons. If you think Green would have been signed yesterday for just over $5 million, I would have to strongly disagree. So I would just take issue with your comparison, its not valid. By that comparison, Volchenkov is also an even worse deal for us since he scores virtually nothing
I like Mike Green, but has he gotten the Caps any further than the Devils got with Martin? Not really.
Martin was not “lucky” , he was going to get $5 million. You can say you are glad we didnt spend the $5 mil on him, but luck had nothing to do with it.
by Devilssection21fan on Jul 2, 2010 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions
That was the point I was making Martin was the best available along with Gonchar, but age and talent goes to Martin and you are being confrontational. I can have an opinion I think it may have come down to the fact that he was never coming back unless we blew him away with an offer anyway.
Neither of these teams rested on the shoulders of Martin or Green so I would not hold either accountable for not getting anywhere. I am glad we did not spend 5 million on him if he wanted to leave, plus I think with better talent he might not have gotten that much that was my point. That is just my opinion I do not want to be confrontational either I was comparing salaries of offensive defensman which a lot of people have worried about on this page, not Volchenkov.
Fair enough
Sorry, when I reread my post I probably could have toned it down a bit.
The way I ready your first post was that Martin only left because he got more money from Pitt. I think based on his comments that was not the case, he pretty much wanted to go. Probably was not a point worth disputing on my end.
I don’t relish playing against him 6 times a year for the next couple of years with him setting up Crosby and Malkin.
by Devilssection21fan on Jul 2, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
where did martin say that
all i saw was that he said lou didnt offer him anything… while lou said otherwise
From NJ.com
Ben Hankinson, Martin’s agent, spoke to Lou Lamoriello twice today. The Devils were one of five or six teams to make serious offers.
“I don’t think it was as much about money. All of the offers were pretty similar,” Martin said. “This is a good foot for me.”
Please provide a link to the actual report that says this. I, and most others, don’t really feel like searching through NJ.com on their own.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jul 2, 2010 9:23 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
paul martin
john, respectfullly i’d like to say that it seems clearto me that paul martin wanted to play someplace else and he chose pittsburgh, tom gulitti says that the islanders offered him more money than he signed for and i strongly suspect that lou lamoriello would have offered to match or maybe even offer paul martin a tad more money to stay than pittsburgh offered but it was understood long before yesterday that paul martin wanted to leave and that lou lamoriello understood this and had “plan B” already figured out…maybe this didn’t work out perfectly for the devils since they haven’t exactly replaced what martin brought to the team but under the circumstances they devils made the very best of the situation
by don in central jersey on Jul 2, 2010 9:56 AM EDT reply actions
I don’t disagree. I’ve said as such early in the post. I think the last bit is the sticking point: is Tallinder & Volchenkov the best reaction? This is the key question. Lou, I’m sure would say yes; I’m not convinced.
Again, I don’t dispute that they can play, I don’t think either is overpaid, but as much as they’ll make the D bigger, meaner, and possibly more sound in their own zone, I don’t think those were the biggest needs on the blueline.
As with all signings, we will know the results later this year. I hope my skepticism is unfounded.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jul 2, 2010 10:23 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Defense
Te devils needed to tighten up their defense. They were over-performing during the season and looked weak in the playoffs. They have the talent to score and one more FA signing will help. But I am not dismayed by losing Martin, we have a more solid D now.
I just don't follow this conclusion
I know several members of this forum continue to state that the defense looked weak in the playoffs and that was the big problem. I honestly just don’t follow upths
In the 5 playoff games the Devils gave up 2, 3, 3 (1 in OT), 4 and 3 goals. I’ll concede that is not great, and not up to Devils standards but it is not a disaster
Offensively the Devils scored 1, 5, 2, 1 and 0.
To me it is plain as day that scoring was the much bigger problem for this team.
The Blackhawks (with a good defense) gavfe up 5, 1, 4, 5, 4 and 3 goals to the same Flyers team yet beat them in the finals. So they allowed 2/3 a goal per game more and yet still came out of the winning end.
So yes, we appear to have gotten a tougher D yesterday, but our problem area was not addressed and in fact likely got worse.
I am happy that Lou again clearly had a plan B, and moved quickly to act on the loss of Martin. I’m just not sure the team is any better.
by Devilssection21fan on Jul 2, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I just dont know how the devils could go into a new season without changing some of the better players.Everyone is focused on how martin was in the last playoff series but hes been top d for 3 years of playoff series.I also dont really think martin is the offensive power house everyone else does i just dont get the hype.Im sure his offense numbers will rise a little in pitt but i think his defense numbers will fall,and if the pens think martin is a replacement for gil they are kidding themselves.
by Imperator_Celtic on Jul 2, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
The Defense Props Up the O
The Devils always create opportunities out of their defense and they simply did not look strong on all fronts. With that said, you are right that the offense underperformed. They should have been better. I think picking up Arnott helps but they need more. I for one was disappointed with the Kovy deal because of losing Bergfors and a prospect. Bergfors won’t make the difference but he’s better than nothing as we’ll probably lose Kovy. It reminds me of the trade for Gilmour and losing Jason Smith. Jason Smith was a solid player for years…
Skoula
Skoula was a mistake picking up and killed us in the playoffs. He was the reason for about half of those goals. Oh, and Fraser got worked for one too.
by Jacques Strapp on Jul 2, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Reason for about half?
Kind of hard to believe, he played in 4 games and had a +/- of even. If he helped allow half the goals, then he was on the ice for almost all the Devil goals. Doubt that.
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On Andy Greene
I personally think that Andy hasn’t fully reached his potential. He was great last year offensively when he had to be. His offensive play stepped up significantly when Martin was injured. Moreover, he was one of the only players that I felt had a strong playoff appearance. The ONLY defenseman that I saw playing with any sort of heart and not to mention, 1 goal and 1 assist in the 5 games played.
More importantly, do I think that he can keep it up next year and even improve? Yes. The guy has always been an offensive defenseman. Look at his college numbers and you’ll see that he put up an average of 30 points over 4 seasons with Miami University. Last year we saw him join the rush much more and create opportunities to score. He’s starting to take advantage of that. What’s funny about Andy is that my friend Bryan Miller played for Lowell and was shipped off the Alaska Aces in the ECHL to make room for Greene to come into the organization. Both were offensive minded defensemen and we’re starting to see that more and more with Andy. I look forward to seeing his contributions next season.
Nevertheless, I’d love to add another offensive defenseman. My hopes are that with MacLean as our head coach, offensive players will be pushed to create more scoring as we lacked last year. Parise has said himself that MacLean was instrumental in him shooting the puck more. If there’s a coach we need with an offensive mindset it’s MacLean. We’re going to be very strong in our own end and have increased that strength by bringing Volchenkov and Tallinder in.
Hate to say it, but...
Good points, for sure, and I’d have to agree that we lost something in Pittsburgh taking Martin. But I think what we got in return is not only greater, but more along the lines of what this team has needed for a long time – a top-four d-man with a physical presence who will lead by example. Volchenkov is a fearless, shot-blocking machine who has until now remained fairly anonymous because of where he’s been playing. His offensive upside, I would argue, is greater than Martin’s defensive one. Did anyone else see Martin’s glaring defensive mistakes this year, particularly in the playoffs? No-one would argue with his offense, and a big part of that is that first touch up ice, out of the zone. Any team benefits from that, and it is crucial to any team that lacks speed and creativity. But Martin has to be paired with an absolute rock to be effective. He is from the same mold as another defenseman widely reported to be in play right now – Kaberle. Anyone want to take on his plus/minus, given what Burke wants for him? All the offense in the world is useless in the playoffs without a solid D. Ask Washtington.
We will all look back on this as a turning point for this team. Assuming Johnny Mac can keep the ship on course, we are much better built to face the teams in our division. I agree with viva – Paul Martin will look slick on the PP in Pittsburgh, but there is no way he’s worth that kind of money. I mean…he’s no Michael Roszival or Wade Redden…
(ah, the Rangers. The Gift That Keeps on Giving…)
by MickeyMouseOrganization on Jul 2, 2010 12:54 PM EDT reply actions
Tallinder
He’s amazing in terms of getting the puck out of the zone (Sure-thing icing on the PK, too!). Its out of his own zone that he can’t play any offense at all. For demonstration, Tallinder’s offensive zone plays are:
Wrist puck at net (usually misses)
Shoot puck in corner
Pass to defense partner.
That’s it. In four years i don’t think i’ve ever seen him do anything other that those three moves.
In terms of grit, he’s more of a pusher than a hitter. He’s perfectly happy to push a someone away from the puck and take it, but he doesn’t really have a mean streak in him at all. He also doesn’t get hit very often because he’s fairly nimble (especially for someone who is 6’4.)
I hope Lou can cure his nasty habit of only playing in contract years for your sakes.
On a more mercurial note, he gives a decent interview (not as good as lydman, seriously, if Lydman does anything in a game, tell your media friends to interview him), and is a prototypical super-nice swede. Though harder to judge from afar, i’ve heard he’s great in the locker room and mentoring the other swedes you have coming is exactly the role he should be in.
Not even the Toronto Maple Leafs could kill my optimism
Tyler Ennis: Freed from Portland!
I'll reply anyway.
No not at 5 million now. Wait and then screw Tambellini and the Oilers and make them pay half his contract.
Piece by piece we are slowly turning into the 2000 Devils team, anyone up for the A-Line: The Sequel?
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 2, 2010 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions
martin was leaving…Devs are fine without him. Maybe added a deeper, more versatle, dynamic on the blue line. Moose can be a steady back-up. Had some decent streatches on a mediocre team
by leed's 13th child on Jul 2, 2010 7:36 PM EDT reply actions
Maybe added a deeper, more versatle, dynamic on the blue line
How is it deeper and most versatile? 2 defensive defensemen have replaced one two-way defender, leaving the Devils with only one.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jul 3, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Paul Martin is "offensive"?
You guys are over glorifying this guy. He has a career high of 6 goals and 37 points. We got what we happened to be missing last playoffs, and even before that. Someone who isnt scared to CLEAR THE CREASE!!!
Still, Paulie will be missed. He put in some good years for us Devils fans. Hope he enjoys the remainder of his career with the Pens. Although not too much.
I still feel someone like Marc-Andre Bergeron can fill in quite well on the PP, and still be realtively cheap…and nowhere near $5 million.
So, how about that Kovalchuk saga, eh?
by volchenkovcocktail on Jul 5, 2010 8:02 PM EDT reply actions
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