Jerrydevil

That's because Madden was born in the Dominican Republic.

Boy, I hate to sound boring, but I'll go with Iginla. I'll take Rob Blake on defense.

For once, I'd like to hear a draft analyst say, "This guy reminds me of Bob Corkum."

I was thinking it was a sucker trade for the Caps.

If what thet say about Ovechkin is true, I'd make that trade in one second.

Here's two: 1986: Jets 51, Dolphins 45 (OT) Wesley Walker catches a TD pass on the last play of regulation, then catches a bomb from Ken O'Brien in overtime to win the game. One of the most exciting games in Jet history against the team's most-hated rival. Dan Marino and O'Brien combined to throw for 927 yards. 1990 NCAA Tournament: UConn 71, Clemson 70 With one second left in regulation, Scott Burrell, standing under his own basket, throws a 90-foot strike to Tate George, who spins and shoots......swish! UConn's season is still alive and Storrs, Conn. erupts in jubilation, when it seemed all hope was lost. I wish I could have been in Brendan Byrne Arena that night (I tried to get tickets through a lottery and failed), but being on campus was awesome and a night I'll never forget.

Sockeye, your argument makes a lot of sense, and I believe that any hard feelings can subside if Gomez gets a fair contract. I'd like to NOT see this case go to arbitration (if there is arbitration in the next CBA), and for the Devils to pay Gomez a fair salary. What is that salary? Under the current cost structure, it's probably $3 million or $4 million.

I agree that Marchant isn't nearly as good as John Madden. I did say before that other players can come into NJ and do just as good a job as a checking center and penalty killer, but after reflecting on that comment, I realize that's wrong. Madden, right now, is one of the top checking centers in the game. Bobby Holik would probably be the best, if the Rangers used him properly! Madden certainly is a top penalty killer in the league, too. Still, I maintain that there's a certain price that the Devils shouldn't exceed on a long-term deal, and I think it's around $3 million. That's a nice salary for a defensive center.

I only saw him play a couple of times this year, but I thought he was an OK depth defenseman. I would say he's a possibility for us, if there's hockey.

If he's on the block, we better get a lot more than a bump in the draft order. I hate to trade young guys who are improving. He's one of those guys with great skills on a team with little punch, and will be worth $3 million or $4 million. HE can't be replaced easily.

This has been a fun thread. I don't think the "Gomez on the block" one will be as much fun. John Madden is very good at what he does and he's a fierce competitor. In my mind, there's a price tag on it, though. He can be replaced if he wants a $4 million salary. At $3 million, I'd be leaning his way, but barely. There is a risk in losing him. But there's a risk in paying him too much, also.

Sockeye, I think the problem is many of us, including me, hate to hear that rumor!

It is nice to have gritty players like Madden. He's been a super role player for the Devils. And if money was no object, I'd take him back in a heartbeat. That's not the way it is, unfortunately.

Without a doubt.

Devilsrule, I definitely think there are teams out there who will pay Madden $4 million per year. But it won't be the Devils. And it shouldn't be. There's a lot of checking centers out there that can kill penalties, and they won't cost a lot. Look around the league. Put Wes Walz in the Devils system, and he could do just as well as Madden. Use that money to pay Niedermayer, a guy the Devils really can't lose!

Based on past history, Madden isn't going to be a Devil. And it's not such a bad thing. A checking center can be replaced. The team can win without him. That's not going to be a popular opinion with some people, but I refuse to overrate a third-line center, no matter how good he is. Let someone else overpay. I'll bet the farm that Lou won't. Three years and $11.5 million is too much. I don't think he's worth much more than he's already getting.

It's pretty clear whose side Stan is on regarding the CBA.

That's another good example, Scott. Not to the superstar degree like Hull, but Rafalski's an example of a guy who's a good hockey player that slipped through the cracks because he wasn't big enough and didn't shoot the puck hard enough. Luckily for us, the Devils saw something in him a few years ago. The Devils seem to have a knack for that, huh?

That Q&A was a pleasant surprise. Interesting, definitely worth reading. I usually get through two paragraphs with stuff like that, then quit reading.

I think Brett Hull is a great example. From what I understand, he tore up junior hockey and college hockey, and was drafted in the sixth round. Too fat, too slow, bad attitude. Uh, yeah.

I know it isn't talked about a lot, but didn't Gomez improve his faceoff percentage this season? Just wondering. Anyhow, I thought he took a big step forward this year and assumed more of a leadership role on the team. When he's right, and he was right a lot this year, he's busting the trap with his skating and creating plays. I think he's too important to trade....but I guess that depends on what Lou's getting in return.

What in the name of Tony Robbins are YOU smoking?

Sometimes I think the prospect sites -- and some scouts, also -- are too in love with physical tools (size, speed, strength of shot). I'd be more interested in 1) ability to score goals and set up goals and 2) competitiveness.

Good point, Sue. The radio guys and the columnists decided to stress different things. And Mike and the Mad Dog were right about Marv being a hog, going after the Nets job. Tasteless.