FanPost

Finally Kovy is approved. Now onto the hard part...

Although one could argue the saga was the most difficult thing in recent NHL history, but that's besides the point. The fact remains; as of almost 2:30 this morning, Ilya Kovalchuk has FINALLY become an official NJ Devil. As we all know, salary has to be moved, and, like it or not, the most likely candidates are Dainius Zubrus and Bryce Salvador. This post won't go into where they should go or what we'll give up/receive (besides the cap space that is). Instead, we'll focus on the post-trade line up, and what can/can't fit under the salary cap.

As of now, our roster looks as such (thanks to cap geek for a truly wonderful program);

FORWARDS

Zach Parise ($3.125m) / Travis Zajac ($3.887m) / Jamie Langenbrunner ($2.800m)

Ilya Kovalchuk ($6.666m) / Jason Arnott ($4.500m) / Patrik Elias ($6.000m)

Brian Rolston ($5.062m) / Dainius Zubrus ($3.400m) / David Clarkson ($2.666m)

Vladimir Zharkov ($0.850m) / Rod Pelley ($0.550m) / P-L Letourneau-Leblond ($0.525m)


DEFENSEMEN

Anton Volchenkov ($4.250m) / Henrik Tallinder ($3.375m)

Andy Greene ($0.737m) / Bryce Salvador ($2.900m)

Colin White ($3.000m) / Anssi Salmela ($0.612m)

Mark Fraser ($0.500m)


GOALTENDERS

Martin Brodeur ($5.200m) /Johan Hedberg ($1.500m)

BUYOUTS: Jay Pandolfo ($0.833m) / Andrew Peters ($0.166m)


(these totals are compiled using the bonus cushion)

SALARY CAP: $59,400,000; CAP PAYROLL: $63,108,334; BONUSES: $740,000

CAP SPACE (21-man roster): -$2,968,334

Rounding up, the Devils are 3 million over the allotted salary cap, with a 21 man roster. Assuming Zubrus (3.4 million) and Salvador (2.9 million) are moved (which is all but guaranteed), the Devils now have a little more than 3.3 million in cap space with only 19 players under contract (6 Defensemen, 11 forwards, and 2 goalies). In addition, given his injury, Salmela will most likely start the season on the IR. To recap, for opening night, we need a third line center, one more defenseman, and at least one more forward to cover injuries.

There are a two plausible routes Lou could go down to fill those spots and stay under the cap;

-Dirt Cheap veterans; Per Yahoo sports' free agent tracker, players like Kyle Wellwood and Jim Slater could make decent 3rd line centers and would actually have some NHL experience. However, with just 3.3 million in cap space, cost could be an issue here.

-Rookies; We've all talked about how there should be/will be/was supposed to be a Youth movement, and what better time than now? Players like Jacob Josefson, Mattias Tedenby, Tyler Eckford, and Matt Corrente could be ready to make the jump. However, some of the higher end prospects have salaries near the 1 million mark, making it hard to fit everyone. Plus, putting 2/3 rookies on regular shifts has the potential to 1. mess up their development and 2. damage the team because of rookie mistakes.

In my mind, the time is now for a youth movement. We've been handed an incredible opportunity were we can put rookies into the line up. However, this whole plot hinges on whether they have good camps or not. Personally, I would LOVE to see the roster below;

FORWARDS

Zach Parise ($3.125m) / Travis Zajac ($3.887m) / Jamie Langenbrunner ($2.800m)

Ilya Kovalchuk ($6.666m) / Jason Arnott ($4.500m) / Patrik Elias ($6.000m)

Brian Rolston ($5.062m) / Jacob Josefson ($0.900m) / David Clarkson ($2.666m)

Mattias Tedenby ($0.875m) / Rod Pelley ($0.550m) / Vladimir Zharkov ($0.850m)

/ P-L Letourneau-Leblond ($0.525m)


DEFENSEMEN

Anton Volchenkov ($4.250m) / Andy Greene ($0.737m)

Colin White ($3.000m) / Anssi Salmela ($0.612m)

Henrik Tallinder ($3.375m) / Tyler Eckford ($0.550m)

Mark Fraser ($0.500m)


GOALTENDERS

Martin Brodeur ($5.200m) /Johan Hedberg ($1.500m)


BUYOUTS: Jay Pandolfo ($0.833m) / Andrew Peters ($0.166m)


CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)

(these totals are compiled using the bonus cushion)

SALARY CAP: $59,400,000; CAP PAYROLL: $59,133,334; BONUSES: $740,000

CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $1,006,666

A couple notes;

-Similar to how JVR was brought onto the Flyers last year, Tedenby would be brought up through the 4th line, with Sharky swapping places with PL3 depending on which opponent the Devils are playing. He'll slowly acclimate to the game, while allowing him enough time (6-10 minutes a night) to theoretically do some damage.

-I put Eckford instead of other options (Like Taormina or Corrente) as he is cheaper, yet can play the point on a power play (at least on an AHL team). It's an area where we need help, and working with Adam Oates should help his development.

-Finally, should the rookies not work out, there is a little over a million left in cap space to sign a cheap veteran as an insurance policy.

(As an FYI, while the forward lines are exactly what I would want to see, the defensive pairings I am unsure of. Those are the players I would want, but who plays with who is still a mystery)

Anyway, that's my early morning rant. I hope you found it a good Saturday morning read. Sound off in the comments if there's any questions or your own lineup.

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