Interesting news from the NJ Devils
There is only one reason so many former Devils eventually find their way back to the organization and why others choose to stay rather than taking more money elsewhere: The belief that another Stanley Cup is right around the corner.
That belief is what prompted speedy forward Brian Rolston and hard-hitting center Bobby Holik, both unrestricted free agents, to sign with the Devils yesterday on the first day of NHL free agency. It also convinced left winger Jay Pandolfo and defenseman Bryce Salvador to re-sign with the Devils instead of testing the market.
Rolston, 35, signed a four-year, $20 million deal and will help the Devils on the power play while giving them options with their top two lines. Holik, 37, agreed to a one-year contract for $2.5 million and will bring experience, a skilled faceoff man and an edge that has been missing.
Very interesting signings. Not quite sure how I feel about Rolston and Holik and their playing abilities going in to the 2008-2009 season. At ages 35 and 37, they might be getting a bit long in the tooth. Time will tell if the Devils can get a few good years out of them. Hey, guys are playing at a high level longer and longer nowadays. And the Devs do need some guys who can do some good things on the PP, make it stronger and more consistent, something that was severely lacking for a team that forces the opponent to take lots of penalties. If you can’t score on the massive amounts of power plays….
Good to see Pandolfo back. Unfortunately, fan favorite Sergie Brylin is not. But, that is a part of sports.
