TJ Molland: The team that caught me completely off guard. I mean I knew they were good, I just didn't think they were Stanley Cup Final good. It was a remarkable run, but unfortunately could be a while before we see it happen again. There is a lot of uncertainty with the New Jersey Devils. Mainly with two of their superstars, Zach Parise and Martin Brodeur. Both are set to become unrestricted free agents and there are doubts either will return.
Brodeur is teetering on the edge of retirement. The man has had an outstanding career and after watching him this past playoffs, many think he has a few more seasons in the tank. His numbers haven't diminished much over the past few season so he could very well return. What we hear from his father and his camp are that they are waiting on the new collective bargaining agreement to be sorted out first. I really don't know if he will come back or not, but if he doesn't he will still retire the best goalie of all time.
On to the man spending much more time in the spot-light, Parise. The man has scored 30+ goals in 5 of his 7 seasons. The two he didn't? His rookie campaign (14) and the injury plagued 2010/2011 season (13 games 3 goals). The man is a threat offensively, something the Devils always seem to be missing (Although Kovalchuk fills that spot now). If the Devils are serious about contending they have to, HAVE TO make him a contract offer that is worth his time. Here is a kid that is supposed to be the face of your franchise and the Devils have not treated him accordingly. Can they let a man like that walk away for nothing? I mean for a team that is 24th in attendance you think you would want players that put people in the seats? Right?
Bik Nizzar: I’ll agree it’s going to be tough for this team to replicate the post-season success they had this past season if they don’t bring back the talent they have. A great assumption (because the great thing about sports is we never know) is that Pittsburgh will rebound, New York will emerge, and Philly’s young team will continue to grow..... Why can’t New Jersey maintain this level?
Oh right – IF... IF... IIIIIIIIIIF they can bring back Parise... man what a precarious spot this team is in right now.
They have 7 – SEVEN – 7 UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT FORWARDS!!!! Tack on Bryce Salvador on the blue line, and then BOTH goalies. MAAAAAAN ALIVE. This is awkward. Ok time to stop being so cynical (but we’re talking about devils after all). The experience guys like Adam Henrique and Adam Larsson got from this run is going to prove invaluable. Now it’s about capitalizing on that along with maximizing Ilya Kovalchuk’s elite window. But it begins and ends with Parise. They have $27 million in cap space, but it’s whether or not they’re willing to use it. For a guy like Parise, I think you HAAAAVE to. He means so much to that team. They just got a new building, and you need to continue to put people in those seats. Their top 6 just doesn’t look the same with him missing. I don’t even see how you remedy his departure in the short-term.
What they could use is 2010 2nd round defenseman John Merrill getting back on track. He was suspended for the 1st 12 games of the NCAA season by Michigan University for violating team rules. He’s a 6’3 210lb smooth skating d-man that knows how to use his body effectively. My worry for the Devils is that now he’s entering Justin Schultz territory. I believe this is a similar scenario to the Ducks 2008 2nd round pick, Schultz, where if in 2 years Merrill isn’t signed, he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Now I know its 2 years away, but REALLY its 1 year away. Because as soon as you give a young player with talent a sniff at being a UFA, if he’s 9 months away from it, why wouldn’t he take it. So I think after Parise, this has to be high on their priority list.
TJ Molland: Well I think their first move of action will probably be cleaning out Steve Berniers locker for him and telling him his services are not needed anymore.....
But really if they can't find some way to get Parise I don't know how they replace his goal scoring. Henrique was an excellent surprise but there is no way he is going to fill the shoes Parise will leave behind. Elias isn't getting any younger so you can't keep relying on him for 25+ goals. And as much as I like the guy, I don't think Clarkson will repeat his 30 goal performance. With not a lot in the cupboard you are going to have to dip to free agency, and like we have said in every post we have made, this free agent class is rather weak.
I think it will be a step backwards this year for the Devils. They will likely be devastated by the loss of Parise and I am going to assume Brodeur as well. You just don't recover from those types of losses. What they SHOULD do in the next couple days is ship Parise somewhere for a quick draft pick. If he is not going to sign why let him go for nothing? Once that happens start targeting the few guys you like in free agency and hope a few prospects surprise at camp.
Bik Nizzar: Man alive are you going to be disappointed by this news....Looks like talks are progressing between the Devils and Bernier for bringing him back hahaha.... #notawkward
I actually think Clarkson is pretty underrated, but having to step into a premier role might hurt him and what his contribution level should be. This is what makes bringing back Parise so important (sounding like a broken record now). This team doesn’t have a plethora (really stretched for that word... pulled a muscle) of young elite wingers that are just ready to take that kind of role. Matias Tedenby has featured in and out of their lineup for 2 years now, spending the rest of that time in the AHL, and for a 2008 1st rounder he has to make the jump soon for this team to see a return on that investment. If they decide that Parise’s price is too much and opt to go the free agent route, PA Parenteau could help soften the blow. He could be a nice fit with Kovalchuk who is a natural sniper and would enjoy a natural set-up man in Parenteau.
As for Brodeur, how weird would it be to see him in a different jersey? I just don’t see how they don’t bring him back if he wants to come back. He’s shown he can go 1 more year and with Canadian World Junior goalie Scott Wedewood in their system, ushering him along with some tutelage from Brodeur would be incredibly beneficial.
TJ Molland: Wouldn't be a bad idea to have a Broderur/prospect combo. Wedgewood is still a little young I think. You have to imagine former 2nd rounder Jeff Frazee is ahead of him in terms of NHL readiness. The 25 year old has average AHL numbers but maybe a year of tutalige from the best there is would be the stepping stone he needs.
We just talked (off this post) about Dustin Penner and he could be a good signing for this team if they DON'T (please, just don't) sign Steve Bernier. He would be a nice big body to play with Kovalchuk and create some havoc in front. Maybe not the best of options but he is still a reliable top 6 forward. The price might be a little much but if you don't have Parise, and Brodeur takes a nice pay-cut, you will have some dollars to throw around.
This next year will be a strage time for the Devils. They could be considered contenders again, or they could be struggling just to make the playoffs. BUT.... YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE DEVILS. THE DEVILS!!!
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