Strengthening middle took priority over defense

Devils coach Brent Sutter said this morning that Brian Rolston was No. 1 on his off-season wish list. And Bobby Holik wasn't far behind.

"Was Brian on my wish list? No. 1" Sutter said. "Brian and Bobby were somebody Lou (Lamoriello) and I talked at length about. What was unique about both of those players was both are coming back to a program they were accustomed to and when it was all said and done both players wanted to come back. I think that's even more important."

Sutter also thought it was important to strengthen the team at center -- more than upgrading the defense.

"How we improved ourselves down the middle is pretty significant," Sutter said. "For me, they were (higher on his wish list) than any defenseman out there because I was comfortable with our (defense). With a healthy Bryce (Salvador), getting Bryce re-signed, he's going to make our D better right away. Having (Colin) White here, makes our D better right away. Having Johnny (Oduya) and Motts (Mike Mottau) go through a year like they did last year when they got thrown into the fire and then responded very well, is going to make ourselves better. So, I was comfortable with our defense. Both Lou and I felt we needed to upgrade ourselves down the middle."

Sutter said the qualities Rolston and Holik possess were just what the Devils needed.

"Brian's skill level is he's a top six forward, he can kill penalties and we get the guy we needed to quarterback our power play and also being here before,"  he said. "Bobby is a big centerman that's going to have some arrogance in his game and he's a smart player. He knows how to play the game and he's key on faceoffs.

"Faceoffs to me are puck-possession time in a game. More important than the on-ice presence is what they bring to your dressing room. Players are better with them around. Their leadership qualities are very high with both of them."

***

Salvador told me that his fractured left fibula, which kept him out for the final 10 regular season games in 2007-08, actually preceded his Feb. 26 trade from New Jersey to the Devils. "I thought it was just a bruise and I tried to play through it," he said.

Salvador said he has had no problems with his leg in training camp.

Comments

[Jersey Mike]

Hey even a Bryce with one good arm would contribute more over an 82 game season then Cam could have in his limited role. And I was a huge Cam fan while he was here. When he had scored his goal against the Caps 2 seasons ago, was probably one of the most exciting goals of the season. And I say that because it was like waiting for a volcano to erupt. You knew it was coming but didn't know when.

[Pearl Jammed(RJ Arditti)]

LOL to jersey mike, and i agree with Sutter wholeheartedly, Rolston(or any other top end Center) should have been Lou's top priority during the off season so that we can score some more goals ESPECIALLY on the power play. I think our D will be just fine this season, and i think we stand a good shot at going far in the playoffs as long as everyone stays healthy

[bobo]

If Lou can't move Fedorov, and he returns to play in Russia, does his 500K still go against the cap, or will it work the same way as when VV went back?

[DennyB]

Does anyone know where I can hear the game tonight on streaming audio?
thanks!

[SonicDude]

what's wrong with this picture?

> Sutter wanted Rolston more than Hossa or campbell? what!
> Mottau "going through a year like he did last year"...Brent, do you mean chasing the puck in his own end, bumping into Marty or tripping over the blue line?...please specify
> "I was comfortable with our defense"...when all 3 forwards are forced to play D because your d-men cant do it alone, sure, 5 guys packed around Marty is a thing of beauty.

I sure hope this is Brent kissing up to Clueless Lou....if not, OMG

[modnarm]

i agree with yur points except for the one about Rolston. I'm perfectly content having Rolston over Campbell and HOssa. Hossa is a RW.. and most likely would NOT play center. Hes not a team player. He would've cost too much.. as well as Campbell.

[mikeschoenf]

sonic dude. you are terrible and are a horrible fan. honestly. everybody else is excited for the season.

[brule2000]

I love that fans have this unshakeable self-esteem (in all sports) that they are so much more knowledgable and aware of the subtleties in the game than the pros whose career and fortune have been made by decades of immersion in the sport's minutiae.

It's what makes us "special".

[mikeschoenf]

let me go into why i think sonic dude is terrible. 1) somebody could be number one on your wish list even though they arent the "top" guy available. other factors come into play such as money/ character/ and who you think will best fit your team.. rolston.. my friend sonicdude had 20 contract offers! i bet you hossa didnt have 20 contract offers...
2)mottau played his first year in the NHL last year.. and held his own.. he will only get better and he still outplayed Vish/White/rachunek/green/ BY FAR and averaged 20 minutes a game and in some games was our best defenseman
3)he was comfortable with his defense.. comfortable is a fine way to describe it.. i think we were in the Top 5 in goals against.. yeah we have Marty but we could still feel comfortable with our D no?????
4)clueless Lou???? 3 stanley cups a new arena and the most respected GM in hockey.. i dont care what you say sonicdude about what you think you may know about lou and the other GM's but he is the most respected GM in hockey and you are nothing but a sonicdude

[TG]

If Fedorov were to return to play in Russia, (he would have to clear waivers first and has not been placed on them yet), he would not count against the Devils' cap.

[Brea]

we can listen to the game from wfan.com stream 2
anyone with a better option

[DennyB]

thanks TG!

[Prokat]

Sonic Dude,
Let me refresh your memory.
The reason the Devils defense had to press offensively last year is because the boys up front couldn't score enough goals being 27th out of 30 in the league was abysmal.
Your incessant demeaning of the D and especially Mottau indicates to me that Sutter knows what he sees and likes and he's the one being paid to select and perform in the system with what Lou gives him. I also find that Lou is an excellent judge of talent.
It's a new season and maybe this year the D doesn't have to play O all the time(meaning take chances)since we have players that hopefully can score goals.