kasper11
Registered User
The New Jersey Devils were one of the most aggressive teams in the offseason, commiting over $50,000,000 over the next four years to upgrade their team. Amongst the new faces: Petr Bondra (back for his second sting with the Devs), Mark Messier, Sami Salo, Patrice Breisbois, Phillipe Dupuis, Manny Malhotra (also back for a second stint). Oh yeah, they also signed some guy named Kovalchuck.
The forwards:
For two years the New Jersey Devils have stockpiled cash while finishing in the bottom of the standings. Epstein insisted that he had a plan, and that the money would be spent when the right player came along. Apparantly, that player was Ilya Kovlachuck, who received a $39,000,000 contract, including a record $13,000,000 signing bonus. Not to mention the 5 first round picks the Devils sent over to Calgary. Said Epstein: "It isn't often that a 21 year old capable of leading the league in goals is available. When you think about the fact that he still hasn't peaked, this deal could end up being a bargain." The fact that the Devils had plenty of money, and a stocked prospect list probably didn't hurt either. The team has plenty of skill upfront now, with last Mark Recchi, Marian Gaborik, Petr Bondra joining Kovalchuck. Chris Drury and Jason Blake, though undersized, possess solid two-way ability. Mark Messier brings leadership and a strong work ethic to the third line.
Projected Lines:
Kovalchuck - Drury - Recchi
Bondra - Blake - Gaborik
Malhotra - Messier - Dupuis
Dagenais - Peterson - Weinhandl
On Defense:
The team added Patrice Briesbois before the free agency period, and then brought in Sami Salo just before the waiver draft. They will join veterans Steve Staios and Murray Baron and improving defensemen Robyn Regehr, Dmitri Kalinin, Branislav Mezei and Alexei Semenov. The group lacks a star, but all are solid. Briesbois' offensive ability will be a nice addition to a group of big, physical defensemen.
Projected Pairings:
Robyn Regehr - Sami Salo
Steve Staios - Dmitri Kalinin
Murray Baron - Patrice Breisbois (who will qb the power play)
Extras: Branislav Mezei, Alexei Semenov (if signed), Bruno St. Jacques
Goaltending:
Kevin Weekes, acquired midway through last season is back as the Devils starting goalie. Weekes is a solid if unspectacular goaltender, and has the extra motivation of playing for a new contract. Jamie McLennan was picked up in the waiver draft, and will provide a veteran backup to Weekes.
Overview:
The team should score plenty, but depth upfront is a definate concern. One or two injuries could derail this team. The team could also use some size upfront. The top two lines are not physical at all. On defense, this team is good and is deep, but there is no go-to defenseman. Also, there are a few skilled wingers who aren't known for their defense, so that may put extra pressure on the defensemen. The team is stretched to the limit of it's $40M budget, so no high profile additions are likely without somebody moving out.
Projection:
42-32-8, 6th place, and a team that can be scary in the playoffs
The forwards:
For two years the New Jersey Devils have stockpiled cash while finishing in the bottom of the standings. Epstein insisted that he had a plan, and that the money would be spent when the right player came along. Apparantly, that player was Ilya Kovlachuck, who received a $39,000,000 contract, including a record $13,000,000 signing bonus. Not to mention the 5 first round picks the Devils sent over to Calgary. Said Epstein: "It isn't often that a 21 year old capable of leading the league in goals is available. When you think about the fact that he still hasn't peaked, this deal could end up being a bargain." The fact that the Devils had plenty of money, and a stocked prospect list probably didn't hurt either. The team has plenty of skill upfront now, with last Mark Recchi, Marian Gaborik, Petr Bondra joining Kovalchuck. Chris Drury and Jason Blake, though undersized, possess solid two-way ability. Mark Messier brings leadership and a strong work ethic to the third line.
Projected Lines:
Kovalchuck - Drury - Recchi
Bondra - Blake - Gaborik
Malhotra - Messier - Dupuis
Dagenais - Peterson - Weinhandl
On Defense:
The team added Patrice Briesbois before the free agency period, and then brought in Sami Salo just before the waiver draft. They will join veterans Steve Staios and Murray Baron and improving defensemen Robyn Regehr, Dmitri Kalinin, Branislav Mezei and Alexei Semenov. The group lacks a star, but all are solid. Briesbois' offensive ability will be a nice addition to a group of big, physical defensemen.
Projected Pairings:
Robyn Regehr - Sami Salo
Steve Staios - Dmitri Kalinin
Murray Baron - Patrice Breisbois (who will qb the power play)
Extras: Branislav Mezei, Alexei Semenov (if signed), Bruno St. Jacques
Goaltending:
Kevin Weekes, acquired midway through last season is back as the Devils starting goalie. Weekes is a solid if unspectacular goaltender, and has the extra motivation of playing for a new contract. Jamie McLennan was picked up in the waiver draft, and will provide a veteran backup to Weekes.
Overview:
The team should score plenty, but depth upfront is a definate concern. One or two injuries could derail this team. The team could also use some size upfront. The top two lines are not physical at all. On defense, this team is good and is deep, but there is no go-to defenseman. Also, there are a few skilled wingers who aren't known for their defense, so that may put extra pressure on the defensemen. The team is stretched to the limit of it's $40M budget, so no high profile additions are likely without somebody moving out.
Projection:
42-32-8, 6th place, and a team that can be scary in the playoffs
