Today we focus on #5 Colin White. Colin White has been a mainstay on the Devils defense since the 1999/2000 cup run. He’s currently
White’s Numbers: In 81 appearences during the regular season, White found the net twice and assisted on 10 other goals and was a +8. He recoreded 46 minutes served in the penalty box (8 Minors, 2 Majors, 1 Misconduct and 1 Game Misconduct). In the Flyers series he played in 5 games and scored 1 goal (his first since 2000) but was a -1.My Thoughts: I’m not a tremendous fan of Colin White but truth be told, I’ve never been a big fan. Years ago he would get under my skin for taking stupid penalties and not controlling his temper at, what seemed. the most inopportune time. As the years have gone one, he’s actually gotten better at this. Since his eye injury a few years back, I’ve thought his game has gone down a bit. The main argument I will make against Colin White is that I don’t think he brings much to the table. He’s doesn’t shut down the opponents big shooters and he’s not an offensive minded D-man so I am lost on what his value really is. On February 2, 2010, for the first time in nearly four years, White fought Maple Leafs defensemen, Dion Phaneuf for taking a run at Devils’ star Zach Parise’s head. During this fight, had White been hit in or near his previously injured eye, his career could have come to an end, which is a pretty scary scenario for any team.
White’s Future: At $3 Million per, I don’t think he’s really worth the investment we’ve made in him. The problem is, he’s not a UFA until July 1st, 2012 which means he could be patroling the Devils D zone for a few more season. I don’t look at the Devils defense as a strong defense and White is part of that problem. To me, Colin White is nothing more than a 5th or 6th D guy and taking up a roster spot where Eckford or Corrente could fit in or even taking up playing time where Salmela could fit in. If we can deal him, I say do it, otherwise you’ll be reading the same review next summer. The scary scenario to me is that if UFA Paul Martin signs elsewhere, how far up the importance chart does White climb when he doesn’t belong on that chart at all?
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