Triumph Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 (edited) All right, I have too much time today, so instead of starting my homework, I'm going to post this. So everyone's saying that Lou is going to acquire someone we never thought of, and we can't possibly know who he's going to get, and all of that. I don't believe that. The only teams he is likely to make a deal with are non-playoff teams. The deal we make will not be a deal like the Nieuwendyk deal, where presumably both teams gave something of equal value to each other. We don't have the depth or inclination to make that kind of deal. So we're only going to pick up a rental type of player, and so we're going to do it from one of the non-playoff teams. Keeping that in mind then, we have these teams likely to be looking to make a move at the trade deadline: Florida, Carolina, Washington, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Edmonton, Anaheim, Columbus, Chicago. Most of the teams on the cusp of the playoffs are young teams anyway, so they don't have much we could get. Part 1 will be centers, Part 2 will be right wings and defensemen. CENTERS 1. Alexei Zhamnov, C, Chicago Stats for 03-04: 17 4 7 11 -8 Reasons we'd want him: Has the best offensive skill of any upcoming UFA. Is clearly capable of playing a 2nd line role. Consistently one of the best set-up men in the league, with the ability to put in a few goals himself. Reasons why we wouldn't: Has been injured for most of this season, has the reputation of being soft and inconsistent. May not be a Burns kind of player. Bidding war may drive Chicago's asking price too high. Probable cost: With so many teams looking for offense, an offer would probably have to include a 1st or 2nd round pick, with DeMarchi, Ahonen, or Berglund going along with it. Possibility of us getting him: B 2. Rod Brind'Amour, C, Carolina Stats for 03-04: 49 4 12 16 -8 Reasons why we'd want him: One of the best faceoff men in the league. Two-way player who can forecheck. Has a nose for the net. The kind of player Burns lies awake at night dreaming about. Reasons why we wouldn't: Prohibitive salary which runs past this season, 4 goals in 49 games is a red flag at 33. Might not want to leave Carolina, and he has a no trade clause. Probable cost: Cheap. If Carolina is looking to cut salary, they'll get rid of this guy ASAP. Kevyn Adams can play checking center if that's what they want. Berglund straight up could do it. Possibility of us getting him: D-. Unless Carolina eats some salary, we don't have the room to take on such a large contract for a player who might be finished. 3. Robert Lang, C, Washington Stats for 02-03: 52 24 37 61 -2 Reasons why we'd want him: 61 points? in 52 games? We haven't seen production like that from a Devil since Jan Hlavac was thought to be an up and coming sniper. Is big, right handed, and can fight through checks. Reasons why we wouldn't: Still has 3 years and 15 million dollars left on his contract. 03-04 could be a fluke season for Lang, who could go back to his 55 point form next season. Probable cost: Who knows? Washington could be desperate to sell or they might only want a possible 1st/2nd line center back. It's unlikely anyone but Detroit is interested in him though. Possibility of us getting him: D. Again, Washington will have to eat salary, and they're unlikely to do that with the kind of season Lang is having. Plus, we have nothing to offer them. 4. Viktor Kozlov, C, Florida Stats for 03-04: 45 9 16 25 -6 Reasons why we'd want him: At 6'5 and 230 something, he has the size we need up front. Is also a very good playmaker. Right-handed shot. Reasons why we wouldn't: Tends to be lazy, doesn't score enough goals, is somewhat slow. Has never been on a winning team. Probable cost: Florida has tried to move this guy before with little success. I think Berglund and a low-round pick could spring him. Possibility of us getting him: C-. Viktor Kozlov is not a Burns or Lou type of player. Something about the Russians makes them immune to Kool-Aid. 5. Adam Oates, C, Edmonton Stats for 03-04: 30 0 7 7 -4 Reasons why we'd want him: Right-handed faceoff specialist. Can probably still run a power play. njdevs.com could bet on who scores a goal first, Igor or Adam. Reasons why we wouldn't: 0 goals. Is over 40 years old. Looked washed up against us in the playoffs and avoids physical contact. Might just be playing for his last paycheck. Probable cost: An Adam Oates rookie card. Possibility of us getting him: F. Unless Lou has gone into the same time vortex that Glen Sather is in and thinks it's still 1993, he'll see that Oates is washed up and only slightly better than Larionov. 6. Rob Niedermayer, C, Anaheim Stats for 03-04: 39 9 9 18 -3 Reasons why we'd want him: Fast skater, large frame, and played very well in the 02-03 playoffs for Anaheim. Reasons why we wouldn't: Hasn't shown he can be a 2nd line center in the NHL. Two Niedermayers on one team would make Chico confused all the time, and Doc would have to awkwardly correct him a lot. Two Niedermayers on one team would drive me nuts, since they're both inconsistent. Probable cost: A 3rd round pick or thereabouts. Probablity of us getting him: D. Not the type of player we need. Lou would be seriously reaching if he went for Scott's brother. 7. Matt Cullen, C, Florida Stats for 03-04: 26 3 5 8 -3 Reasons why we'd want him: I have no idea. He looked good with Kariya and Selanne, didn't he? Reasons why we wouldn't: He only looked good with Kariya and Selanne. Probable cost: Mid-round pick. Probablity of us getting him: F. I only put him on here in case Lou really throws one of his curveballs. Players I left off intentionally: Andrew Cassels, Wes Walz, Jim Dowd. I don't think Lou has any interest in these three. Edited January 31, 2004 by Triumph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nieuwy25 Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 So what you're saying, Tri, is no trade for a Center??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas0nMacIsaac Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 I don't think Lou will touch any of those players. To get Zhamnov, BrindAmour and Lang you will have to overpay to get them considering Vancouver and Detroit are offering pretty sick packages to get them. Ruthford also wants an arm and a leg for overpayed BrindAmour. Oates Niedermayer and Cullen arn't the guys you want. Anaheim is very happy with Nieds and I doubt they will trade him unless the opposing team overpays for him. Oates is washed up, he can't compete at the NHL level anymore, Cullen was only good in Anaheim and any wonder. Kozlov is the only one I would want to try and get but Burns would just sit him in the playoffs so that would be a waste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'7' Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 (edited) I haven't thought of Kozlov, he might be a possiblity. Cassels is probably the safest bet of the bunch, considering Zhamnov might cost too much and Brind'Amour might be damaged goods. i think carolina will trade Ron Francis and give him 1 more run at the cup, he's better than both Larionov & Oates, we should be interested. His numbers would be much better if Carolina had anybody who could put the puck in the net. Edited January 31, 2004 by '7' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Devsrule Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 If we are going to get anyone from the canes it should be Jeff O'neil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halfsharkalligatorhalfman Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 what about todd marchant? I think the Blue Jackets are our most likely trading partner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triumph Posted January 31, 2004 Author Share Posted January 31, 2004 Jason you have no idea what Vancouver and Detroit are offering for Lang or Zhamnov. You think you do, but you don't. Burke has claimed he is interested in Zhamnov, but he rarely makes a deadline move. Burns wouldn't sit Kozlov in the playoffs, but Kozlov just isn't the Devils type of player. There's a reason he's been almost traded ten times. Francis is finished. I don't think it has anything to do with people able to put pucks in the net or not. I don't want another possibly washed up center. Cassels is terrible and not what we want. I don't see Lou going that route. And Todd Marchant is a John Madden clone. He could be interesting on a line with Friesen and Langenbrunner, but I think Columbus would ask a lot in trade for him. Nieuwy, I could see the Devils getting Alexei Zhamnov, but there's really not much else out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Devsrule Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 I have a feeling Lou will make a Marshall type deal, the problem is we already have enough of those players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cyrisjoe Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 Maybe you havent realized it yet, the last time the devils had a high scorer was Elias with 96, the only reason he is still here is because he can play defense also, Lou does not want an offensive player, he wants defensive minded forwards (Brylin, Madden, Rupp, Marshall) all defensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Devsrule Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 We have plenty of defensive minded forwards. The devils need an offensive punch if they want to compete with teams like Ottawa, Toronto and Detroit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas0nMacIsaac Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 Reports are Van offered Auld, Federov and King, you try and match that....actually would you want to match that offer. Detroit allways overpays close to the trade deadline. No I don't know exactly what Detroit or Vancouver offered just like you havn't a damn clue who Lou is after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC Devs Fan Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 There is no sense speculating except, of course, for the fun of it. This is a difficult time to make a deal, what with the youth we are integrating, the CBA and our team being so close. I think Lou stands virtually pat, depending on Stevens; but the interesting thing will be if Lou feels the need to improve if Stevens is lost or he thinks it better to stand pat and look to the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triumph Posted January 31, 2004 Author Share Posted January 31, 2004 1. Auld, Fedorov, and King? Let's see, Auld's a good prospect, Fedorov is a waste, and King hasn't scored an NHL goal in how long? That's not a great package, and I don't think Vancouver has offered that anyway. Why would they want to make a deal for Zhamnov now? 2. Detroit always overpays, you mean Detroit overpaid once, for Mathieu Schneider. When else have they overpaid at the deadline? Wendel Clark for Kevin Hodson? Chris Chelios for Anders Eriksson? When they got Tomas Sandstrom? No, really, I'd like to know when Detroit 'always' overpays, and who they've overpaid for. Larry Murphy? I think they got him for a 3rd round pick. 3. I do have a clue who Lou is after. It's a process of elimination. We need a 2nd line center and Lou knows it. The only place we will get one is from a non-playoff team. He's not going to go off the board this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msweet Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 Triumph, you should do the same thing for D-men... though it's looking more and more like some combo of Hale-Brown-Martin will make the thrid pair. It seems Burns is happy with Hale-Brown, and I have to admit they are playing better. The next 10 games before the deadline will tell... and besides there's a shortage of d-men right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eheaps Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 I wouldn't mind getting any of those players as long as we don't lose any of our core players, especially the rumors about Friesen for Brind'amour, no. Robert Lang is definitely not likely, but that would be awesome. Rob Neidemeyer would be the coolest. Brothers always play well together because one trys to outplay the other. In Lou we trust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nieuwy25 Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 Nieuwy, I could see the Devils getting Alexei Zhamnov, but there's really not much else out there. Yes, I see now that you actually gave that one a "B", not a "C". I agree with you on Marchant. He always did a decent job shadowing Modano in the playoffs, though I don't remember that he did much offensively. I think that Lou HAS to bring in someone who can score. I know everyone said last year that there wasn't enough offense to make it, but they managed. But this year, it seems there's even less. Can they squeak by? Possibly. If Stevens comes back and shores up the defense, and Marty plays like Marty, then the Devils can still manage to beat almost anybody. But Colorado??? Detroit??? Even Ottawa or Toronto or Philly can put too much offensive pressure on Marty over a long series. Last year I felt confident that we could get enough offense with Elias and the J line, and even Madden & Pando were chipping in. This year there's only 2/3rd of the J line, and Madden & Pando aren't scoring anymore. Elias has been good, but he can't do it alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Devsrule Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 I agree 100% Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockeyman26 Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 You guys have made alot of good points, Neidermayer has been a good fit in Anaheim, so he would probably fit well in Jersey, but he has been a disappointment throughout his career,and has never been a proven goal scorer. Philadelphia is stock piled with goal scorers and could probably afford to give Michal Handzus up for a 3rd/4th round pick, which he originally was. He brings size (6'5") and could be a high scoring 2nd line center (11g-23a-34pts in 52 games with a +11 rating).The devils don't need any veteran "D". Leading the league in defense, they should be fine. If you are skeptical, look at Minnesota and Anameim's playoff performance last year. A bucket full of rookies and still taking the west by storm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'7' Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 The Devils need a veteran defensman because Stevens status is uncertain, I think he'll be fine but just to be safe we should pick up somebody like Scott Lachance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockeyman26 Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 Neidermayer and Albelin: 30 years of NHL experience, with rafalski and white having won the cup, enough veteran experience? I shall think so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'7' Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 There is still the Stevens problem, and there still is the Hale/Martin potential problem. And I don't know how much faith I'd put in Brown or Albelin come playoff time, Albelin will be 40, and Brown isn't very good. We need to get another defensman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RowdyFan42 Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 Something about the Russians makes them immune to Kool-Aid. Unless your name is Sergei Brylin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'7' Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 what about Mogilny, he played great in "the system" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Puddy Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 It also might be tough fitting "R. NIEDERMAYER" and "S. NIEDERMAYER" across the backs of the jerseys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'7' Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 they should have the full first and last name on the back of the jersey like the sutter brothers used to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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