Jerrydevil

HOI, I tend to believe it then. You also can't ignore that the team just had a players' only meeting, to supposedly put aside any animosity toward Burns. There certainly is something brewing. JasonMacIsaac, if Burns gets fired, we are never going to hear the end of it, are we?

I don't know if this rumor is true, but this is a damn entertaining thread. I tend to believe parts of it are true. I wouldn't be shocked if Stevens wasn't happy with Burns, but I doubt he's using his "concussion" as leverage to get Burns canned.

I'm not worried about Niedermayer leaving. Just a hunch. As for the expendability of Rafalski, if we're getting back a defenseman like Brendan Witt and/or some offense up front, I think he's expendable. I like the guy. But if you're going to make changes, hopefully for the better, sometimes a regular has to go. Triumph may be right: maybe you don't trade one or two regulars in the middle of the season, that you do that kind of trade in the off-season. I didn't know Madden was a free agent after this year. That kind of changes his value. Whiting, you're right: there's difference between a defensive role player and a Selke winner. A Selke winner is generally a more well-rounded player, and that ain't Madden in 2004.

Ben Hankinson

Joe, I'm sure you remember 1997 and 1998 when a lack of goal-scoring resulted in the Devils going home early.

I think to say that our Cup hopes are gone if Madden is traded is an exaggeration. I would never say that Madden is worthless because he's a good player, but I think if we have to sacrifice a defensive role player to get more firepower or a solid defenseman, we should do it.

It does if Washington will eat half of Lang's salary.

It's a bunch of baloney. The Devils have the assets to get good players. Who's getting more and more ice time and power play time at the expense of Rafalski? Paul Martin....which could mean that either Martin or Rafalski is a trade chip. Here's my trade offer: Brian Rafalski, John Madden, Christian Berglund and a first-round pick for Brendan Witt, Jeff Halpern and Robert Lang, with Washington eating half of Lang's salary. I'd do it because it strengthens our blue line with a physical defenseman and it gets us some offense up the middle, while getting back a checking line center in Halpern. All apologies to John Madden, but the team will still kill penalties well without him. Please commence ripping me.

Witt....there's the defenseman I'd really like to have, forget Gonchar.

The NHL's screwed-up economics is not all the Rangers' fault. As Devils' fans, we'd like to think it is, but it isn't.

When teams trap, Elias, Gomez and Gionta can beat the trap....as long as they're moving thru the neutral zone with a head of steam. All three of these guys are good skaters. And I have no problem with any of the three when it comes to working along the boards. This line is the best thing to happen to the Devil offense this year. And some posters are right....it's probably temporary. But I hope not. They're fun to watch.....can you imagine that? A Devil line that's fun to watch?

If Gionta was a stock......I'd recommend BUY.

But they have the speed and determination to get through obstruction, along with pretty good skill. Everyone's watching Gionta play, right? He goes to the net, and he does it well. Not bad for a midget!

Poohbear, there are people in this forum who look more at height and weight than watching the players perform. It's a joke.

I'm glad Burns finally put a decent offensive player with Elias and Gomez, and got Gionta away from our third-line stiffs. Hopefully, they produce regularly. Anyone check Gionta's SOG stats. This kid gets lots of chances. Playing with better players, maybe more will go in.

Brodeur did that because he's the best player on the team. Accountability from your stars. It's a good thing.

FAT CHANCE he gets qualified at $10 million. LOL! You're right about the Blues...they could use Leetch. I wonder if St. Louis thinks that's enough to make them a contender. The Blues are amazing.....they make the playoffs every year but never get to the finals. They're the Phil Mickelson of the NHL.

I think it's funny when people think Gomez is replaceable and John Madden isn't.

This has been one crazy year for injuries. It's too bad.

bg, I think the Rangers can get a nice package for Kovalev. A first-round pick and a good young player, at least. If they ate some of Leetch's money, they could get a lot for him, too. They can't afford not to make at least one of those moves.

They really should trade Kovalev. Maybe Leetch, too.

I'm gonna suggest counseling anyway......... If I'm a dope for not being able to interpret your post, there's a lot of dopes out there. You're worse than Yogi Berra!

Coggs, what about the handicapped?

Coggs, come on, you're really a sweetheart guy, right?

Pepperkorn, it's that bad, huh? Isn't there any joy in Devil hockey beyond Scott Stevens for you? I hope there is. May I suggest counseling? Only kidding.......