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Niedermayer to Ducks (CONFIRMED)


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I hate being late to the funeral. But there is too much negativity and bitterness 'round these parts.

This team is definately a weaker team as it is, but lets not forget that with the exception of the Flyers, a lot of former powerhouses around the league are being gutted as well.

Look at the Avalanche, they have lost two huge key players in the last week. Word out of Denver is that lots of their fans are so angry that they refuse to watch the NHL that makes it harder for teams like the Avalanche and Detriot to have a star packed roster.

Lets not forget we wanted the salary cap and we got it. now we are seeing the effects of it around the league. Just as the cap was advertised, it is pushing teams closer to one another in skill level and leveling the playing field. Without the current CBA Nieds would have still been a Devil.

As for the Neids impact, I think the biggest loss will be his defense. I have never seen a player as good at the poke check and closing down passing lanes like he could. You could always see the frustration of a lot of superstars during the playoffs who couldn't get by him.

However, lets not forget we still a decent team on the ice and great goalie in net, and that we don't have to measure the team against the likes of Detroit and Colorado of the late 90s and early 2000s.

Oh yeah, we still have some good prospects coming up through the system and while Martin will never be able to fill Nieds shoes, he will get more ice team and be able to develop better now that a lot of slack has been opened up on the defense.

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Would anyone be dissapointed if Lou decided to trash this season, so he could sign some young talent next offseason?

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Why? This is still a good team. We are not going to win the cup so I would go making any of the Willie Mitchell for Sean O'Donnell type trades, but I think this team still has a chance at the 2nd or 3rd round of the playoffs.

To answer the question indirectly, though, I wouldn't mind keeping some space on the payroll to go after some of the big names in free agency next year.

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This will be Stevens last team provided he is healthy enough to play.

Stan said that Stevens will not play every game (at least until the playoffs) and will take on a Dano type of role as the #5 or #6 D-man.

Lou just solidified us for the next few years and let Albany a breath to catch-up.

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This will be Stevens last team provided he is healthy enough to play.

Stan said that Stevens will not play every game (at least until the playoffs) and will take on a Dano type of role as the #5 or #6 D-man.

Lou just solidified us for the next few years and let Albany a breath to catch-up.

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Niedermayer will be missed no doubt but the defense is looking pretty good for this year. At least we will have some size and not get pushed around like we did in the Flyers series 2 years ago.

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if you people think that brining back mala cough, raf and mcgillis replaces losing one nider... then i want what you people are smoking.....

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Petey, McGillis is a definite upgrade over Brown. McGillis has seen regular playing time during his career, and teams seem to like him. Granted he's very limited in his effectiveness, but as long as he's kept to the 3rd pairing, I'm happy.

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Insanity.. you are living up to our name today.... You are happy? We are totally screwed..... Our team will only be contendeing for the number one draft pick this year and thats all.... And those idiots in PA are celebrating.....

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Petey, McGillis is a definite upgrade over Brown. McGillis has seen regular playing time during his career, and teams seem to like him. Granted he's very limited in his effectiveness, but as long as he's kept to the 3rd pairing, I'm happy.

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we seem to have a lot of third pair quality defensemen.

Rafalski is a borderline top pair, but the way I see it:

Rafalski, first/second pair

Martin, second pair

Matvichuk, second pair

White, second pair

Malakhov, second/third pair

Hale, third pair (right now)

McGillis third pair

Brown UHL third pair

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Petey, McGillis is a definite upgrade over Brown. McGillis has seen regular playing time during his career, and teams seem to like him. Granted he's very limited in his effectiveness, but as long as he's kept to the 3rd pairing, I'm happy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Insanity.. you are living up to our name today.... You are happy? We are totally screwed..... Our team will only be contendeing for the number one draft pick this year and thats all.... And those idiots in PA are celebrating.....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

First we don't know what the final roster will be. A game hasn't been played yet and I could swear this same "chicken little" talk took place the in 2003, the year we won the Cup.

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when someone compared nieds departure to holik's, the point was brought up that madden could fill holik's role and madden's role could be played by someone like rheaume or a decent 4th line checking center.

this is similar. now I'm not saying that ANY defenseman is as good as Niedermayer, because I believe he was the best in the business. but it is now to Martin (yes Martin, not Rafalski) to step into the Niedermayer role of excellent all-around defenseman. he has the ability to be a good offensive player and has speed and size to handle defensive responsibilities. malakhov is here now to replace martin's earlier role. and as much as i absolutely HATE malakhov, i feel that he's about as good as Martin was in 03-04. the question is whether martin can progress as much as i think he will.

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Petey, McGillis is a definite upgrade over Brown. McGillis has seen regular playing time during his career, and teams seem to like him. Granted he's very limited in his effectiveness, but as long as he's kept to the 3rd pairing, I'm happy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Insanity.. you are living up to our name today.... You are happy? We are totally screwed..... Our team will only be contendeing for the number one draft pick this year and thats all.... And those idiots in PA are celebrating.....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

First we don't know what the final roster will be. A game hasn't been played yet and I could swear this same "chicken little" talk took place the in 2003, the year we won the Cup.

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Our rivals were weak, we were not on the map and we had a great D.... Have you looked at where we are starting ... Oh as for trades... who is going to trade with us to make the Devils stronger?

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