Jump to content

One Man's Plan for a Better Tomorrow- No Pando


Banzai Riley

Recommended Posts

I think Pando could have a better season now that he is healed, I'll admit I wanted him gone at first but now the more I think about it he was doing well in the beginning of the season and it for all we know he could have had the same type of season as Madden had if he didn't get injured.

With that being said I think that Elias would be better as a winger if he had Vrana as his center. I think that Elias plays better when he is playing with a czech player on his line.

So here is what i would like to see with our forwards.

Parise-Zajac-Langs

Elias-Vrana-Gio

Pando-Madden-Zubrus

Leblond(<he's from Lowell)-Rupp-Clarkson

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm a nub here so I'm not going to tear apart anyone's opinion (yet), but any proposed lineup that has Bergfors on the 2nd line with Zajac is just not realistic IMO. Compound that by putting your best player (arguably) in Parise on that line and you're asking for a slump.

As for the rest;

For team value at their positions (long term, not just right now):

Zubrus > Zajac; Zajac > Pando; Pando > Brylin

Pando-Rupp-Clarkson is fine by me for a 4th line. Pando should get $1.8-2M for 2 years imo.

(Cue sappy reunion music)

Parise-Elias-Rolston

Zubrus-Madden-Gionta

Zajac-Pelley-Langenbrunner

Pando-Rupp-Clarkson

I actually once entertained dreams of having Langkow in that lineup; but think he's gonna stay with Calgary. I know we still need a #1 power center, but if Lou is seriously going after a top 3 D-man; and more than likely a legit #1 or 2... that's where the $$ is going, not for a forward. I'd personally like to see Gionta traded for a combo deal of picks and prospects for Lowell, thus freeing up a slot for Bergfors or Vrana. (Gio is in his final year of contract so this off season is the time to move him if Lou doesn't plan on signing him again).

Madden has proven he can score and is durable so I slot him for 2nd line duty this season with his speed. Zajac needs to step up or I'd trade him for a sniper type winger or faceoff specialist/playmaking center. Rolston is simply still a stud despite his age. I watched quite a few Minn games and he just flies and can be that cannon on the point for the PP; center, winger, PK; you name it. Very much a Lou type of player who is in control at all times and can follow marching orders. I think he could be had at a bargain of $4M for 2 years.

:whistling:

Agree with signing Rolston 100%. I wouldn't put Zajac on the 3rd line wing though. Switch him with Madden and I give Zajac a month to shape up. If not, I'm fine with putting him on the 3rd line wing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Having recovered from injuries, Pandolfo and Langenbrunner will certainly be able to continue to play their parts in the machine that is the Devils (which is looking increasingly creaky). They are, however, getting older and these cracks and tears are the kinds of things that don't ruin a hockey player but will certainly hurt down the stretch of a season and a career. Jay was the highlight of the first month for me; who knew he had that kind of offense in him? Once he was hurt, however, he never recovered that form but Madden was able to continue playing well which lends weight to the idea that he is capable of performing without Pando on his line.

With Bergfors, I wouldn't mind putting him on a line with Parise and either Elias or Zajac as the center. For argument's sake, lets say Zajac. Parise-Zajac worked quite well together in the past. Unfortunately, they both went in opposite directions with their performance last season. What is quickly forgotten is that Parise didn't exactly light it up towards the end. Many games he disappeared and others he seemed to be the only one in the offensive zone. If Zajac can grow some cojones and get to the boards and win those battles, having Parise and Bergfors, who has a quality shot, could provide some offense.

If Zajac does continue his downward slide as a center, then a move to the wing is possible but I think he would go right, not left.

As Triumph said, if we are looking for a trade, we have little that would interest other teams. Both Zajac and Gionta have little value to them at this point. The only ones who would net a good return are the prospects not in the lineup or those players we would be unwilling to move. And Johnny Oduya, but even he is entering his last year on his current contract.

With Rolston, I think the risk outweighs the reward but he would be a definite first line addition and power play specialist, both of which are needed. It's just he's soooo old. That and he's certainly going to attract a lot of attention that will increase years and cost per.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

zajac is worthless as a wing. his main virtue is the fact that he plays like a 10 year vet defensively as a center - his defensive game is remarkable for such a young player. to me playing zajac on the wing would highlight all of his weaknesses while taking away his main strengths, and is not something i want to see happen. he has to play center.

i don't see why both the devils organization and devils fans are so high on nicklas bergfors. all he's proven, like zajac, is that he's capable of a 2 way game. there's been no indication that he's capable of succeeding at the NHL level. yes, he's still surprisingly young, but lou and company seem to have made an error not leaving him to the QMJHL in 05-06 and now have a player who struggles with confidence issues. while lowell is awful and shouldn't be seen as a true test of anything, bergfors just hasn't shown any consistency or ability down there.

rolston will be pursued because he's capable of playing 2, maybe even 3, forward positions. he can work the point on the power play, although not tremendously well. he's got a powerful shot that the devils have lacked since jason arnott floated his way out of town. if things go south with rolston's offensive play, he can still play a 3rd line role capably (like dainius zubrus). and he's an ex-devil. unless the wild lock him up first, he will be the devils' first target on july 1. now of course he falls under the over 35 clause. i'd offer him 3 years at 14 million - 6-5-3, if that's allowed.

in writing that i became more convinced that rolston might be a solid gamble. now while i'd be willing to give hossa 56/7, i don't see lou trying that, nor do i see 8 million being enough for marian. rolston's the next best option.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Whether or not Pando is here is really going to make a small difference in this teams overall success.

Goals, baby. Goals.

Yeah, because if you're not a former Devil, or don't score 40 goals in your first season with the new club....you're a failure.

The addition of Zubrus finally gave us a player that doesn't back down from the corners or boards peroid....regardles of numbers...he's responsable for us having a forecheck that lasts longer than the 3 second dump-in.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nope, I'm a big Zubrus fan too.

Me too! His ability to muck and grind in the corners and along the midboards is unmatched on this team. I see him finding his scoring next year also if he gets a quality center/winger to establish some chemistry.

Of all the signings last year; this one is now my favorite.

Also a big fan of Salvador... hope we can keep him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Me too! His ability to muck and grind in the corners and along the midboards is unmatched on this team. I see him finding his scoring next year also if he gets a quality center/winger to establish some chemistry.

Of all the signings last year; this one is now my favorite.

Also a big fan of Salvador... hope we can keep him.

He's the first big, physical player we have had since Arnott. I have a feeling that we create the A line 2.0 this offseason.

Rolston= Sykora. Sykora type sniper, that we haven't had since, well, Petr himself. Also more versatile.

Elias= Elias. Patty being Patty

Zubrus= Arnott. Both very similar players. Big, strong, win battles in the corners, both have strong shots (Zubrus doesn't use it often though)

:pray:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

He's the first big, physical player we have had since Arnott. I have a feeling that we create the A line 2.0 this offseason.

Rolston= Sykora. Sykora type sniper, that we haven't had since, well, Petr himself. Also more versatile.

Elias= Elias. Patty being Patty

Zubrus= Arnott. Both very similar players. Big, strong, win battles in the corners, both have strong shots (Zubrus doesn't use it often though)

:pray:

I never really thought of Zubie as Arnott but you're right about the physical style... a step slow; but both were very physical. Arnott's shot though it much better IMO, but Zubrus has a few more finess moves with the puck as a playmaker so who knows.... maybe it is a version of the A line waiting to happen.

I just really like Rolston - despite his age he is one of the fastest and most slippery forwards in the NHL and his shot is even better than Sykora's if you look at the release... Brian get's it off much quicker whereas Sykora has a big windup. I really hope he wants to come back to his roots this off season and entertains Lou.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That 2000 team was stacked. Take a look at that lineup:

Sykora - Arnott - Elias

Mogilny - Gomez - Lemieux

Brylin/Oliwa Holik McKay

Pandolfo Madden Nemchinov

It's a thing of beauty.

Like I said before, I don't think Rolston will singlehandedly save this team but I guess it's a little hypocritical of me to suggest Mats Sundin and backhand the idea of Brian. Both are old and both are quite talented. With the chance of Brodeur fading (notice I said chance, as long as he can wear pads he should play), these older players are a good call. That and it's increasingly difficult to sign anyone below the age of 30 to anything resembling a reasonable contract. So a first line of Parise/Zubrus - Elias - Rolston would be fine by me.

Like RG, I'm holding out hope for Langkow. Nothing official out of Calgary yet, so that's nice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

great thread - i'm pissed i'm late to it.

my thoughts on this:

pando's staying at 3 years and 1.5-2MM a year. i'm only pissed about it if the devils are right up against the cap can can't make a move because of it.

zajac must stay a center and as was previously mentioned, we must pray that he follows the jeff carter path and rebounds for a very solid 3rd year. of course, if HOI and my wish of Zajac/Gionta/Greene for Jokinen can happen, then all the better. But nobody thinks that either Zajac or Gionta have much value in trade.

bergfors making this team out of camp means the devils are a mess. he only makes it as a top 6 forward and the current devils have 9 guys that are ahead of him for the top 6.

vrana has to make the team - i'm hoping its with madden and pando because keeping gionta there is a total waste of his talent.

i want nothing to do with madden as a second line center.

i'm fine with rupp on the fourth line.

langenbrunner is not a first line winger - no way, no how.

rolston could very well be a devils target - i think he's in lou's top 5 for sure of UFAs to pursue. i agree that it is a gamble because of his age and his style, but it could work.

i believe that lou will offer that a big deal to hossa, but perhaps it'll be 8/56 to lessen the cap hit by $1M

assuming no trades, triumph pretty much hit it on the screws with openings - one forward and one defenseman. the problem is if the devils really want to improve and change the dynamic of the team, a bit more needs to be done. there are too many spots taken and some need to open. that may mean that pando's $2M slot gets taken by Vrana at 1/2 the price with a bit more offensive upside. i say this because vrana doesn't fit the mold of 4th line player. then there is the aforementioned problem of langenbrunner. he is not a 1st line forward. and gionta does not belong on a checking line. frankly, i'd rather get two forwards via UFA (2 of rolston, hossa, brunette) and trade gionta for draft pick and the cap room/roster spot needed to sign others to long term deals.

pie in the sky - i'd love a line up of:

parise-elias-hossa (or rolston)

brunette-zajac-zubrus

vrana-madden-langenbrunner

brylin-rupp-clarkson

martin-white

oduya-liles

vish-salvador

mottau

oh and yes, the 2000 team was AWESOME as you can clearly see by my avatar

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So about Pando or Bergfors. We know what we're getting with Pandolfo and I think his role on the third line could be filled by other players we already have (Vrana, Zubrus). So that means we would be paying 1.5-2 for a 4th liner. And if that's the case, his style doesn't seem to mesh with that of Rupp and Clarkie as he doesn't exactly play a physical, agitating type of game. I think he would be wasted there.

I believe in Bergfors because honestly, could he really be that much worse offensively than Langs or Gio? I know that's a terrible way to support the guy, but it's the truth. Gionta could still produce on the first line, but like Sundstrum said, Langs can't. The kids only 21. He needs his chance. I guess it's next year after Gionta leaves but I just don't think he'll gain much more from being in the AHL another year. Past that he's a bust. As of now there seems to be very little space for the guy, which is too bad.

I agree that Zajac needs to stay a center, Vrana needs to make the team and Madden/Rupp should remain on their lines.

For the most part I like your dream lineup, so I'll put an offensive lineup that is a bit more realistic compared to my past ones and yours:

Parise - Elias - XXXXX

Zubrus - Zajac - Langenbrunner

Vrana - Madden - Gionta

Pelly - Rupp - Clarkson

Brylin

Seems solid. My proposed lineups before were a bit... bold. That being the point. Sort of. I think.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lots of insightful posting in this thread, great conversation!!

I would like to see the Devils add Brian Rolston and Wade Redden. Brian is a no-brainer, he knows the system, can play the PP point effectively, and is a proven goal scorer. Im not sure if he would fit well with Elias and Zach, but he certainly has the speed. Doesnt play a massively physical game however. He could possibly be a nice fit with Zajac and Zubrus.

Wade Redden intrigues me, he has been under alot of pressure in Ottawa and got completely miss-treated by the fans and that faggala Bryan Murray. He can QB the PP, is a proven defender and plays his best hockey in a defense first system. Honestly I think with our training staff he could become a better player than he ever was. 50 points, solid in both ends and a rock for a cup run. I really think he would turn out better than Campbell, if Brian were to sign here. People may not like that opinion, but its mine and im allowed it :P

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wade Redden intrigues me, he has been under alot of pressure in Ottawa and got completely miss-treated by the fans and that faggala Bryan Murray. He can QB the PP, is a proven defender and plays his best hockey in a defense first system. Honestly I think with our training staff he could become a better player than he ever was. 50 points, solid in both ends and a rock for a cup run. I really think he would turn out better than Campbell, if Brian were to sign here. People may not like that opinion, but its mine and im allowed it :P

I actually agree with you about Redden. I'm not the biggest fan of his but sometimes a change of scenery is what a guy needs to get his game going again. If he played here there would be no pressure from the media and really no pressure from the fans. With Robinson coaching him he could turn out to be a good signing.

Edited by Satans Hockey
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I actually agree with you about Redden. I'm not the biggest fan of his but sometimes a change of scenery is what a guy needs to get his game going again. If he played here there would be no pressure from the media and really no pressure from the fans. With Robinson coaching him he could turn out to be a good signing.

Really quick mock up as im at work, but...

gallery_2606_91_22507.jpg

:D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bergfors needs to actually finish a full season where he plays well in the AHL. Yes, he's only 21, most guys his age are coming off one year in the A, but he just hasn't had a breakout season. Now again perhaps some of that is how terrible Lowell is, and with Vrana departing and probably Tallackson too, it might get better before it gets worse. But somehow 42 goals in 191 games doesn't fill me with confidence.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Its really an odd situation with Bergfors, he oozes potential, is a fast and slick skater and can put the puck in the net...

I wonder if its a case of him needing to play on a line with other highly skilled individuals. When he was placed on a line with Vrana this season, his production went up but it hurt Lowell to have all their 'weapons' on one line. Playing on a line with Mike Pandolfo and Benoit Mondou isnt exactly great for Niklas' development.

Vrana needed one more year to prove himself, maybe Bergfors needs the same. With guys like Swift, Snetsinger, Corrente and Salmela possibly joining the team, we should see a vast improvement from him. Until then I cant help but give him the benefit of the doubt.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.