Sit Brunner. He is a waste of speed and has no hockey sense. He is the definition of why speed alone accomplishes nothing.
I like Brunner. I think Ryder is a better option right now.. but Brunner is one of the only players on this team that can beat an opposing defensemen 1-on-1.
I just really don't like how he's put at the point on the PP. He should absolutely be on the half-boards.. that's such a natural position for him.
I think if Elias wasn't a corpse, Brunner-Elias-Havlat would work well together.
basically, I agree that he hasn't produced but IF we can get him going, that's something completely new we're adding to our team. Hell, bump Zubrus/Gionta/Bernier out of the lineup.. nothing wrong with that.
You need a veteran presence on the blueline, I know its nice to cultivate young defensemen and watch them grow/mature into great players, but I'd rather not Oilers our D coprs and lose games so they can learn to play hockey. The Devils have and always will be an organization that focuses on making the playoffs while simultaneously solidifying their future. Severson, Merrill, Gelinas, and Larsson are more than enough young guys, and they're already making mistakes that cost NJD games early in the season - adding more of them would put this team in a difficult spot and less likely to make the playoffs, a yearly goal for this club no matter how badly this board wants them to "tank"...
Why? Tell me why I need Zidlicky or Salvador on this team.
Give me the best 6 defensemen. I don't care if they are old or young. The best 6 give us the best shot to win every night and make the playoffs.
I think at this point in time, there's no argument to be made for Salvador over anyone else but Helgeson. I agree that Helgeson should be sent down if Salvador's role is dramatically reduced (i.e. almost to the level of Helgeson tonight).
Zidlicky? I think it's a toss-up between he and Gelinas. I think they both bring similar skills offensively. Zidlicky maybe more polished.. Gelinas probably higher end skill purely because of his shot. Defensively, they are both flawed. I'm fine with either one of the two.. which makes me want to just trade Zids so we can let a youngster develop. Hell, trade Gelinas if you want for an offensive prospect.. but I think that opens up a long-term hole.
You need to balance winning now and winning later. Can't be having kids sit at the expense of veterans when the veterans aren't that much better... if at all.