The Other Off-Season Game Plan - The New Jersey Devils

In which I read Scott Cullen's thoughts on TSN and bla blah blah - with no statistics to back it up.

The New Jersey Devils Edition

Philly fans REALLY didn't appreciate that.

 The Devils. The third corner of the NHL's biggest market. The team that made 'neutral zone trap' famous and 'Lindros! Heads up!' the last thing Eric heard on many a game day.



While it was only three years ago Marty took one last stab at a Stanley Cup, they have yet to make the playoffs since. While they did have some foresight in trading for Cory Schneider to replace the 'Will Have to Retire Someday' All-Star Martin Brodeur, they unfortunately haven't been able to do much more, and still rely on former top guns Patrick Elias (20 yrs a devil), Travis Zajac and Danius Zubrus to lead a rag-tag collection of 2nd line veterans and young defense in the hopes of one day finding a Scott Stevens or Niedermayer in the rough.


Head Coach

The Devils took the unusual step of hiring a 2 headed coaching mutant in Adam Oates and Scott Stevens (both respective gods on each side of the ice) to go behind the bench while Lou Lamoriello maintained Machivellian control behind the scenes. That needs to be fixed. Marty Brodeur took the right way out and went to learn more about back office politics through the Blues. If my hunch is right, Lou will continue  to look for a head coach that is 1) cheap, 2) avoid confrontations 3) and can mix an aging veteran corps with young talent.... so Jon Tortorella anyone? Just joking, how about Paul McLean instead?

Either one...

Forwards

The Devils continued their quest in helping Jaromir Jagr play for every Eastern Conference team by trading him to the Florida Panthers. That left Adam Henrique as their primary scoring threat and if he ever gets an equally-talented linemate or two, he should continue to be the Devils #1 man. Ryan Clowe was to be the guy but he may be gone forever due to a concussion, leaving NJ also short a physically imposing scoring machine. Throw in a lot of horses at the end of their careers and don't look for Jersey to make the playoffs next year. However they do have a good mixture of character and leadership in the dressing room. Depending on the younger ones ability to mature, they could pull off a Calgary Flames renaissance sooner than later if they have the right man behind the bench... so Jon Tortorella anyone?

Defense

I know nothing of the Devils' defense. They only have to do two things - get rid of rebounds and block shots, they can let Schneider do the rest. They could use a name recognition point man on the power play and if Lou sticks to the script of finding former all-stars for cheap, then Sergei Gonchar is available. They also need someone big and intimidating to stand in front of Schneider.

Or request a uniform change for their current D.

Goaltenders

Cory Schneider turned out to be the heir apparent after Brodeur left town which was a shock for EA NHL's NJ other goalie 'Backup'. Cory can be confident of a heavy workload as he will be playing as many games per year as Marty did, barring injury. However, a heavy case of shell shock may make the case for a competent 2nd string goalie; perhaps one of the six the Sabres used last year.

Eddie Lack is also willing to relocate

My #1 Priority - finding out who the Head Coach is going to be for next year's programs
My #2 Priority - bringing Scott Stevens out of retirement
My #3 Priority - request to play in a different division, preferably one with Toronto and Buffalo.