The devils got to hold on to there defensemen. Neidermeyer now Rafalski. what do we gotta do?

Question

wats your answers devils fans? and how can we improve this offseason

Answer 1

Doug--Raffi was a UFA when he left NJ. One main reason he left was that he wanted a 4+ year contract, and Lou wouldn't give him a longer length of time (Raffi is only 34).  Stupid, stupid, stupid decision, and we never got another D anywhere near close to fill those shoes.

And I agree with viphockey...it's not like there are lots of takers who want to play in NJ (and I'm from NJ) with the type of hockey the Devils play.  Lou needs to get a dose of realism or else it's time to find a new GM, so we can fill seats in that beautiful new arena.

Answer 2

Find a GM who doesnt alienate players. Some guys cant wait to leave town after the way they are handled especially with contracts. You cant lowball your stars and Lou seems to have lost his touch on who is and who isnt valuable. That is why they are up against the cap with a group of underacheivers. But as far as Neidermayer and Rafalski go, both had circumstances that made moving very desireable. Neidermayer wanted to play with his brother and got that chance....Rafalski had an opportunity to come home to Michigan and the Wings had the cap room to entice him. Not sure Lou could have done anything in either situation but they need a better understanding of the differnce between decent and excellent hockey talent and pay accordingly. Until then they are going to keep hanging all their hopes on a grossly overworked Hall of Fame goaler....not fair to him. And he isnt getting any younger, time to give him a break with a better core of blueliners and more rest (I know he hates to sit but the coach needs to make decisions for him in the best interests of both himself and the team).

Answer 3

not making deals that sign away a norris wining defensemen and one of the best dmen not to win a norris...yet. as long as brodeur has a moderately solid defense in front of him, the devils will make it past the first round

btw, that wasn't a shot at brodeur because i love the guy and he doesn't even play for my wings. i think he's far better than roy.

overall, the devils really just have to work on offense and making better deals. who did they even get for rafalski or was a a free agent?

Answer 4

Lamourillo ring a bell? He has lost his touch for keeping the right players and signing the right players!

Answer 5

Your team needs to learn how to put the puck in the net.