Thursday, September 13, 2007

 

Who's Who at Training Camp

The New Jersey Devils official website comes through for you - for you - by posting up a list of who's at training camp and also who's at their very first NHL training camp.

As a quick analysis, here's a quick list of who I think definitely going to make the team:

Goaltender: Martin Brodeur, Kevin Weekes
Defensemen: Paul Martin, Colin White, Richard Matvichuk, Vitaly Vishnevski, Karel Rachunek
Left Wings: Patrik Elias, Zach Parise, Jay Pandolfo, Sergei Brylin
Centers: Dainius Zubrus, Travis Zajac, John Madden
Right Wings: Brian Gionta, Jamie Langenbrunner, Aaron Asham

1) For defense, Andy Greene and Johnny Oduya will likely make it, I just don't know where, so there's at least one fight there.

2) Keep in mind Brylin plays pretty much wherever, so there's a left wing spot open.

3) Jari Viuhkola will have every opportunity to make a name for himself in his first NHL training camp, but nothing is guaranteed other than he'll play in North America.

4) Given Asham can play on the other wing, you'll immediately see why I think David Clarkson has a great opportunity.

Of other things to note, best of luck to all the new guys to the NHL. I'd like to wish extra good luck to Viuhkola with his first taste of the NHL, and also to Tony Romano. I know Romano wasn't very keen on defensive systems, which is one reason why he's now in the OHL. Now that he's in his first pro training camp (Perhaps this is another, now that I think about it. Incidentally, major juniors can go to camp, players still in college can't for NCAA eligibility reasons), I imagine the Devils organization will, shall we say help give him a brand new understanding and appreciation of playing on the other side of the puck.

The first pre-season game is this coming Monday against Philadelphia, best of luck to the team in general in training camp.

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# posted by John Fischer @ 9:16 PM 3 comments BallHype: hype it up!
Comments:
I don't think Romano's issue was with defensive systems per se. Cornell has developed a reputation for implementing a system that doesn't compliment players transitioning to the NHL. As a result, scouts/teams are reluctant to draft Cornell alum. It's similar to the stigma you get from Quarterbacks who play for Steve Spurrier. I remember hearing concerns of Tony going to Cornell after being drafted and his move to Junior was likely an attempt to prepare for NHL play.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 12:44 PM
 
Bryan Miller has been invited to the Blues camp.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 10:30 AM
 
John, did you read Mark Everson's article in the Post re: Langenbrunner's groin injury which may need surgery--during the season.

Yikes, someone dropped the ball. The last Devil to have groin surgery disappeared into obliviion: Cory Schwab!
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 9:45 AM
 
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