New Jersey Devils Preview

Departures
John Madden, Bobby Holik, Brian Gionta, Scott Clemmensen, Mike Rupp

Arrivals
Cory Murphy, Yann Danis

Forwards
The forwards were actually allowed to play some offense last season under former head coach Brent Sutter. However, with new/old coach Jacques Lemaire back from Minnesota, that same offensive freedom can’t be expected this year. Youngsters, Zach Parise and Travis Zajac will still put up solid numbers just don’t expect them to be as inflated as last season. Veterans Patrik Elias and Brian Rolston will be tried at center even though they’re most productive on the wings. This is a huge year for former 23rd overall pick Nicklas Bergfors. The Swedish winger has only played a total of 9 NHL games but has put up decent numbers at the AHL level. The loss of John Madden will surely be felt on the defensive side.

Defenseman
Boasting the same top-six as last season the Devils should fair even better than their fourth GAA under Lemaire this season. Lou Lamoriello’s main priority this summer was to re-sign Johnny Oduya once he did that he added Cory Murphy for depth. They’re a lunch pail type of defense. They combined for a mere 20 goals last season. Goals will once again be hard to come by.

Goalies
Martin Brodeur is back and healthy with a new tendon in his left biceps. The all-time leader in wins and shutouts is looking to secure the number one job on Canada’s Olympic squad this February. At 37, he isn’t getting any younger but he’s a proven winner and very determined to be the absolute best. Yann Danis was signed to back up Brodeur after Clemmensen bolted for Florida this off season.

Strengths
- The Devils will be younger this season. More playing time for Parise and Zajac will only benefit a team that will surely be low on offense.

- Whenever you have the winningest goalie in league history on your team that is a huge advantage. Couple that with the fact they have a very defensive minded coach in Lemaire, the Devils won’t be allowing many goals this season.

Weaknesses
- Devils’ fans got a taste of what it would be like if they’re team played offensively under coach Sutter. Unfortunately, they will be forced to watch the defensive game they’ve been accustomed to since the mid ’90′s.

- Having to make either Elias or Rolston move to center is going to hurt the offense. And losing center Madden to Chicago is really going to hurt the defense. Either way the Devils are going to struggle at the center position after Zajac.

Analysis
Brent Sutter really didn’t fit the mold of a Devils coach and failed to go deep in the playoffs in either year coaching. With Jacques Lemaire back the Devils will be back to a system that Lou Lam has designed them for. Defense. With Brodeur in net the Devils will once again be in the playoffs just not seeded as high as they’re used to.

Prediction: 6th in the East