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| Elias placed on IR to help NJ get down to 23 on the active roster but I would expect him to miss the opener on Thursday |
The Devils trimmed their roster to 23 players by the 5pm deadline in a way that no one really expected. Patrik Elias was placed on injured reserve retroactive to last Tuesday and Mattias Tedenby was placed on the non-roster injured reserve which brought the Devils active roster down to 23.
It’s believe that Patrick Elias will be activated off IR on Wednesday for the season opener on Thursday night. Place Elias on IR, who was injured last week in the Philadelphia pre-season game buys the Devils some time to let other teams set their season opening rosters which gives NJ the ability to sneak a player through waivers without the fear of them being picked up. For example, with the Elias and Tedenby moves made, Stephen Gionta and Alex Urbom remain on the team. Had they been placed on waivers in time to cut the roster to 23, you’d have to imagine that someone would have picked them up.
Bottom line, I don’t think Gionta, Urbom or maybe even another forward should get too comfortable just yet or even plan on making the trip to Pittsburgh on Thursday.
Click below for more thoughts on the current Devils 23 man roster (I will make it 25 and include Tedenby and Elias in the list)
Forwards
Ryane Clowe – I know a lot people didn’t like this signing, wanted Clarkson to stay rather than pick up Clowe but I am expecting big things out of Clowe this season. I expect to be able to point at Clowe and say “see, letting Clarkson go and getting Clowe was the right move.”
Patrik Elias – I want more goals from him this season. Enough of the pass first, shoot second Elias we’ve seen over the last few years. He also has to be an anchor on the shootouts.
Damien Brunner – This is the guy I wanted all summer. Hopefully he doesn’t disappoint!!
Rostislav Olesz – Still on the fence about this guy. Two major knee injuries worries me about his health. He does have potential, I just hope NJ gets to capitalize on it.
Travis Zajac – Let’s hope he has a better year. With Kovy gone, he’s one that needs to step up and fill that gap (yes, there is a gap with Kovy leaving but I am one who is glad to have that gap)
Michael Ryder – 1 year removed from a 35 goal season, he’s a productive player and should hopefully help on the powerplay
Adam Henrique – Hoping that Calder finalist Henrique finds his way to the rink this season.
Andrei Loktionov – One of the few bright spots from last season and I am hoping he has a break out year.
Dainius Zubrus – Every year I hope that Zubrus is going to be a stud. He’s a decent player, has size the Devils need but for some reason, he always leaves me wanting more.
Ryan Carter – I like Carter but I liked him a lot better in 2012 when I thought he made more of an impact on this team. Hopefully he can find that magic and energy he brought in 2012, which is something I thought he lacked last season.
Stephen Gionta – I don’t think Gionta is long for the roster. I do believe he’s one headed back to the AHL.
Steve Bernier – Underrated players. He seems to have a knack at scoring crucial goals but would like to see a little more of that.
Mattias Tedenby – Injured, might be some time.
Jacob Josefson – This is THE YEAR. This is the breakout year for Josefson. There, I said it, back me up Jacob!
Jaromir Jagr – Should hopefully help the young guys, help the powerplay but I do worry about his health and stability to stay in the lineup, especially after missing so much camp.
Defensemen
Bryce Salvador – The most solid D-man NJ has.
Marek Zidlicky – I know he’s not a fan favorite but his point shot on the PP is killer and now with Kovy gone, maybe we will see it more.
Andy Greene – Good player, left me unimpressed last season so let’s hope this is rebound year for him
Adam Larsson – I don’t feel he’s gotten his fair chance yet. I’m hoping that he becomes the man on this D unit.
Anton Volchenkov – Slow, will get beat on the outside constantly and was hoping that he, along with Tallinder would be a name missing from the roster this season. He was supposed to be the next Scott Stevens, at least that’s what I felt we were sold. He’s not.
Peter Harrold – Harrold is decent but I’d rather give the ice time to Larsson.
Alex Urbom – Like Gionta, I don’t expect to see Urbom stick around very long.
Mark Fayne – My least favorite D man and wouldn’t mind seeing him go.
Goaltenders
Martin Brodeur – This could be it. This could be the beginning of the end and with Schneider here, you’d have to assume this is the farewell tour.
Cory Schneider – Was lights out in the preseason. Goalie of the future.
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