Salmela sits out; Robinson changing jobs
Defenseman Anssi Salmela did not participate in today's session of the Devils' development camp at Prudential Center because of a sore left knee. Salmela said he was hurt in Monday's session.
"My knee's a little sore, but nothing serious" said Salmela, an undrafted free agent who signed with the Devils on May 30. "Probably tomorrow (Wednesday) I'm going on the ice."
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Larry Robinson, who served as an assistant coach under Brent Sutter last season, is shifting back to his old role as a special assignment coach. Assistant coach Tommy Albelin, who worked games from the press box last season, will take Robinson's spot behind the bench and run the defense.
TG, what does the SAC job entail?
I assume this means he won't travel with the team, but how often does a SAC get onto the ice with the boys at home?
Posted by: Bobby K | July 22, 2008 at 01:36 PM
In his past incarnation as the special assignment coach, Robinson almost never worked with the players in New Jersey other than at training camp. He did most of his work with the younger players in Lowell/Albany. Considering the Devils have some young defensemen who will probably end up in Lowell this season, that could work out well.
Posted by: TG | July 22, 2008 at 01:44 PM
TG, if Robinson is in Lowell, do you think Lapperiere would work with the NHL dmen in some role? Is he still under contract with the Devils? It would be nice to swap one HHOF'er for another.
Also, do you think this move was one the Robinson requested or was it an organizational decision that they had planned?
Posted by: Hoosier | July 22, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Any chance Bobby Carpenter comes back as an assistant? Perhaps to work upstairs if Tommy takes Robinson's spot on the bench.
Posted by: Ratgenius | July 22, 2008 at 02:03 PM
I don't think Carpenter will be back. And, I don't know whether this change was at Robinson's request. That would be my guess - but only my guess.
Posted by: TG | July 22, 2008 at 02:49 PM