In Lou We Trust

Tom Gulitti has had a few words with Lou, who is very, very happy with the selection of Mattias Tedenby. If you're still skeptical about the selection, I invite you to read Sam Woo's analysis of it at Hockey Primetime. Considering what I know about Tedenby and his style of play, the fact that he would eventually fit well into Sutter's system probably was a big factor along with Tedenby's speed and skill.

With the draft now over, the many, many draft day deals are being analyzed - here by the indomitable James Mirtle. Where Chicago fans are wondering about Kyle Beach's maturity and discipline and Islanders blogs quelling an overreaction to the decision the move down instead of taking Nikita Filatov at #5 (Note: The Fanhouse does suggest that it maybe wasn't a terrible idea.), the next big date is July 1. That's the date where free agency begins. I'd expect Sergei Brylin and Jay Pandolfo's future to be confirmed by then - likely with deals keeping them in Devils red. Even with the signing of both players, the Devils will have more than a fair bit of cap space available, assuming the salary cap celing does increase to $56.3 million as estimated. Will they swing big and go for Marian Hossa? Will they focus on the defense, looking at Wade Redden or a solid #4 guy in case Bryce Salvador doesn't return? How will any signing affect the possible spots available for prospects Petr Vrana, Nicklas Bergfors, and Matthew Corrente? What will Lou do to completely surprise us? All this answered and more, in a little less than 2 weeks.