Is Brian Gionta destined to return?

[TeamTHG]

Montreal Canadiens captain Brian Gionta is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, which has “Signs with the New Jersey Devils†written all over it. The Devils have a long list of players they have parted ways with, only to bring back down the road…and I mean doooowwwwnnn the road, for every Devils fan re-live why they weren’t retained in New Jersey to begin with. While Gionta may have some gas left in the tank, the 35-year-old is a far cry from the goal scorer they need to be looking for.

Despite missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs three of the last four seasons, and despite the other player comebacks going down in flames, here are 14 reasons why the New Jersey Devils wouldn’t surprise anyone by signing Brian Gionta:

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[Classic Devil]

I hope not.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

oh Jesus Christ, I hope not.

 

[Richer's Ghost]

if there's a Gionta move happening with the Devils, I hope it's going from 1 to 0, not 1 to 2.

 

[New Jersey Devils]

I don't think I can handle another year of streaking down the wing and firing the puck into the goalie's chest.

 

[Richer's Ghost]

I imagine this and I think to myself... this could actually make the Rolston return look not so bad.

That's how bad I think this would be.

 

[Tundra]

Gionta brothers. A bigger draw than the Sedins.

 

[Status Quo*]

Please god no. I hope he resigns with the Habs and they take Stephen with them.

 

[JimEIV]

I love Brian so I will make no comment

 

[Bcap88]

If Brian Gionta returns I will take a long walk off a short bridge

 

[Bleedred]

I love Brian so I will make no comment

I do too. I NEVER wanted him to leave.

I don't want him back at this point though. I would only welcome it if Ryder or Brunner were jettisoned. We need a bigger upgrade than a 35 year old Brian Gionta.

Even if we could get rid of the Zubrafossil I would welcome him back. Get rid of one of Ryder, Brunner, or Zubrus and I'm fine with it. As long as it isn't 20 million for 4 years.

 

[SeidoN]

Gionta has been roughly .5 PPG pretty much his entire time in MTL. thats both decent and consistent production. im not saying hes an answer, but sadly he wouldnt be among our worst forwards. in fact last year he'd be 6th in points

 

[Classic Devil]

Gionta has been roughly .5 PPG pretty much his entire time in MTL. thats both decent and consistent production. im not saying hes an answer, but sadly he wouldnt be among our worst forwards

The problem is adding another mid-6 RW to a team that already doesn't know what to do with Ryder and Brunner.

 

[Benedict Parisechuk]

 

[SeidoN]

The problem is adding another mid-6 RW to a team that already doesn't know what to do with Ryder and Brunner.

very true. its not like im advocating signing him, but when the annual Devils disappointment rolls around, I can think of worse ones. Giona on a 3rd line and give Brunner a shot with Elias and Henrique? or maybe even Gio with Elias and Henrique? might even squeeze a few bonus points given how well those two are playing together. idk whats with Ryder though. I might be willing to see if he bounces back

anyway, like I said, it wouldnt be the best thing ever, but there could be worse

 

[Benedict Parisechuk]

I might not watch one game next year if we bring back the Gionta brothers.

 

[SeidoN]

I might not watch one game next year if we bring back the Gionta brothers.

Devils finally build a first line and you stop watching??

 

[Pegi90*]

no thanks.

 

[britdevil]

 

[Devils Dominion]

No thank you, move on from him and his bro.

 

[Better Call Sal]

As much as I love him, it wouldn't be the right move.

Wish he never left though.

 

[NJDevs26]

At this point Brian would basically be Viktor Kozlov on a much higher salary. Cause all he's really useful for is the shootout at this point. Which granted isn't nothing considering our season this year but still he'd be overpaid as a specialist and overplayed cause he really isn't that good 5-on-5 anymore.

 

[Bleedred]

At this point Brian would basically be Viktor Kozlov on a much higher salary. Cause all he's really useful for is the shootout at this point. Which granted isn't nothing considering our season this year but still he'd be overpaid as a specialist and overplayed cause he really isn't that good 5-on-5 anymore.

How much do you think he'll get on his next contract? It surely can't be the $5 million he got on his last one? I mean right?

 

[NJDevs26]

How much do you think he'll get on his next contract? It surely can't be the $5 million he got on his last one? I mean right?

Probably $3 on a one-two year deal. But honestly anything over 1.5, maybe 2 is an overpayment at this point. He hasn't had more than 46 points in any season since going to Montreal (he had three 50+ point seasons here ironically enough and another where he was on pace for 50+ but missed 20 games), and was only on target to hit 20+ goals once in the last three years - the lockout season. Plus he was terrible in the playoffs this year, he looks shot.

 

[schoenfeld]

gionta-gomez-gionta