In Lou We Trust

There's nothing wrong with having a veteran-laden squad. The Detroit Red Wings have been and continue to succeed with such a lineup over the last few seasons; and are currently showing that they are still a dominant team. And for some players, like Brodeur, age really is just a number for a few more years. However, in general, many hockey players hit their prime by age 26 through 31 or 32. Usually by that age, they know what they can do, they are developed in a role, and they can maximize their talents both physically and mentally. For whatever reason, when an athlete hits their mid-30s, they start to become less effective. Maybe it's all the wear and tear they've built up starts taking more of a toll on themselves and they can't do what they used to as well. Maybe they can't harness their talent as they once could. It varies for everyone, I think. As we've seen with Sergei Brylin, players generally become less effective past their prime. Hence, the cliche.

In any case, I feel I need to point this out not to cause alarm, to freak anyone out, or to call for Lou to dump the team and stock it with fresh prospects and draft picks. This isn't HF Boards. You always need experienced players to be successful. Moreover, if someone can still be effective, then by all means, they should be on the ice regardless of age (e.g. Chris Chelios). That said, I am pointing this out because over the next few seasons the Devils core will need to be changed again. Elias, Madden, Pandolfo, and Langenbrunner are not getting younger and their eventual replacements will need to be considered. Zach Parise is already part of that core, I think, and so could Travis Zajac if he rebounds from his recent season-long slump. The defense isn't so bad; it needs stability moreso than younger talent. It also needs signed players, as I believe 5 of the 9 are free agents. Regardless, the "future" of White, Martin, and (yes) Oduya aren't exactly young guys - they are in their primes right now. As for Brodeur? Well, we have seen Patrick Roy (excellent through age 37) and Dominik Hasek is still going strong at age 43 - and both are legendary goaltenders. There's no reason to believe that Brodeur - a legendary goaltender himself - will suddenly fall from grace now that he's 36. But since he's the foundation of the team; he too cannot play forever.

The next few seasons are going to be interesting to see how the Devils organization acts to keep the Devils a contending team in the NHL. What they do in this offseason could become crucial, with respect to who they draft, who they sign (prospects and current NHL players), and what they do in preseason. This summer could play a large role of whether they remain among the best or slip down to requiring an actual rebuilding period in 5 years from now.