Madden wants to feel wanted; Comments from other unrestricted free agents

This was one of the odder break-up days I've been through with the Devils -- or any other team for that matter.

Usually, many of the free agents will say they want to come back. Today, Brian Gionta was the only one who said that without reservation.

Center John Madden is scheduled to become unrestricted on July 1. When I asked him if he would be willing to listen to offers before that date, he said, "I guess it basically comes down to I want to go where I'm wanted and that's it. Obviously, if I'm wanted here, most likely I'll be here. But if I'm not wanted here, then I'l find other employment."

When asked if he feels wanted by the Devils, Madden replied, "Yeah.

But when asked if he was sure of that all season, he said, "No."

Asked if he thinks he'll be back, Madden said, "I don't know. Who knows? Your one question raises so many other questions, so it's not that easy."

Madden said he hasn't thought about what it would be like to play for another organization since he signed with the Devils as an undrafted free agent in 1997.

"I can say that before I came here to New Jersey, I definitely thought about that, but not while I've been here," Madden said. "I've been more focused on this place. To be quite honest, I never thought that we'd be having this conversation right now. I always thought I'd be here.

"I never thought I'd have this conversation because I just thought it would be a given that things would just keep going forward. That's a bad way to say it. It's just that when I was becoming an unrestricted before, a contract was settled. But it's just different."

Madden, who will turn 36 on Monday, has played nine seasons for the Devils. His role was reduced at times this season, but he went back to being matched against the opposition's top line at the end of the season.

When asked if he's the same player as he was previously in his career, Madden replied, "That's a tough question. Yes, I am, but I think me role kind of changed. I had to be a different player. I think as the season went on I kind of figured out a few things."

In other words, Madden does not believe he is over the hill.

"No," he said. "In fact, I don't believe that at all and I'll prove it."

Here's what the Devils other potential unrestricted free agents had to say today (other than Bobby Holik and Brendan Shanahan, which I'll get to in another post. Both Holik and Shanahan said they would wait before making their decisions about whether they want to play next season.).

BRIAN GIONTA

On his approach to July 1: "I don't know. It's so early from the season. I haven't really thought about things and I'm sure neither has the team."

Does he want to return?

"Yeah. It's a great organization. The guys are great in this room, a lot of great friends and it's a great place to play."

On his $4 million salary affecting his next contract and whether he'd have to take a pay cut:

"That's not up to me. It's up to my agent and the clubs to figure out, I guess. I don't know. I don't try to figure out where you fall on that."

DEFENSEMAN JOHNNY ODUYA

What is his future with the Devils?

"I don't know. Like I've said before, I didn't think about it that much. We didn't have any (contract) talks. I know that Lou wants to leave that for after. It's a decision that I think that it's good decision, too. I think you should focus on playing hockey, especially during the playoffs. That's the biggest focus. Now, it's kind fo a sudden stop, so I didn't really have time to think about any of that stuff. I just got the phone call yesterday to go to World Championships (for Sweden) and I wasn't even sure about that.

"So, I don't know. We'll just see after the championships. I suppose there's going to be some talks going on and there's going to be a decision to make after that."

On his season and whether he has set himself up for a big raise from his $600,000 salary this season:

"I feel I had a solid year, but the free agent market depends on who needs what. I can't speculate about that. It's tough. I had a fairly good year. There are things I can do better also. For me, the way it ended, I haven't had too much time to think about the future."

Will he be listen to offers from the Devils before July 1?

"I'm open to anything. I'm not going to close any door anywhere. But there's going to be a couple of decisions to make. That's for the future. It's tough to say now. I don't really know what's going on."

 

GOALTENDER SCOTT CLEMMENSEN

"I'm going into two scenarios. One, I'm very familiar with having played my whole career on one-year contracts basically, going into a summer not knowing where I'm going to be the next year. That's not something new for me. But I do believe that this summer, as opposed to the rest, I think I will have the most amount of opportunities presented. That's what I'm anticipating anyway. There's two sides to the coin. One I'm very familiar with. So, you kind of put those two things together and I feel pretty good about it.

Would an offer to come back to the Devils as Martin Brodeur's backup be good enough?

"I want to be able to compete to be a No. 1 goalie. Obviously, it's very difficult to do that here, but I also am assuming that I have more than one or two years left in me as well. That doesn't mean that the situation I go into is one that I'm going to work my way into. So, you basically make the best decision based on the info you're given at the time. Unfortunately, I'm not going to know that until well into the summer."

GOALTENDER KEVIN WEEKES

Weekes revealed he had a sprained MCL in his left knee.

"Those are always tough for a goalie because you go up and down," he said. "So, I'm very encouraged with how its healed and where it's at now and am looking forward to being 100 percent soon."

Weekes said no surgery was required.

"I feel pretty good, considering where it was and considering how it feels now," he said. "It feels good. There's still a little ways to go, but it's ahead of schedule and it's made some good progress and I've worked really hard on it. So I'm happy with where it is right now."

Weekes spent some time working on his knee wth doctors in Toronto - the same ones who helped Tiger Woods in his recovery from knee surgery last year.

"We did a lot of things tha were a little bit outside the box, a little unconventional as far as the type of treatment that helped it heal this quickly," he said. "Unfortunately, we're out. Fortunately, I did everything I could to speed up the recovery and be healthy and had we gone on I would have like to have thought that I would be back at some point in the second round,"

Does Weekes think he will be back with the Devils next season?

"That's a great question," he said. "Obviously, you never know how things are going to work out with free agency and you never want to take anything for granted one way or the other. There's just so many unknowns and so many variables. As far as my time here, I really enjoyed my time here. There's a lot that I really like about this organization, We were able to accomplish some pretty unique things, although we didn't ultimately go as far as we wanted to. But it was certainly nice to be a contributer and be a part of that.

"Looking forward now, my main priority is to make sure my knee is 100 percent and just assessing all options from there later on in the summer."

LEFT WING MIKE RUPP

On his hockey future: "I don't know. It's yet to be seen."

On whether he wants to re-sign with the Devils: "I think I need to sit down and talk with Mr. Lamorielllo, so I'm not really going to comment too much on anything."

Is he looking for an increased role or ice time?

"That's obviously always a factor. You just want to be somewhere where you are wanted and that will be left to be seen."

Did he feel wanted here this season?

"At times."

And the other times?

"I guess that would be the opposite of feeling like you're wanted. It is what it is. As I said, I don' t want to say too much about it until I know what the plans would be ahead for this team."

DEFENSEMAN NICLAS HAVELID

Stopped by the locker room briefly, talked to radio announcer Matt Loughlin and left before anyone else could talk to him.

Comments

[Dan]

It's shame the Devils signed Pandolfo, because Madden's a guy I'd still love to have. But you can't give multi-million, multi-year contracts to both these older decling players. The former being finished.

[pando20rules]

if that means Doggie expects a raise, then I hope Lou says "I appreciate everything you've given to this organization, and I wish you well in your future endeavours. We will always remember your contributions to two championships and the unquantifiable effort you have given us over the years."

[theking72]

The business side of hockey really sucks

[pando20rules]

king you said it

[KU Chris]

Id love to have Madden back, but not at a price thats going to break the bank...

[RG9]

i expected that. I coud tell all season he was not appreciated. I know of another x-devils which had the same situation in free agency decisions. He wanted to stay but to be used and appreciated

[mpf]

I would miss the guy terribly. I still think anyone saying he's used up is a total idiot. 20 other teams would offer him a contract on July 1st, and we'll all be upset seeing him in a different jersey, especially when he's playing really well for that team. I hope Lou does the right thing and locks Madden up for another 2 years.

[Jason]

Oh boo-hoo-hoo. Seeya later.

[A Local Fan]

There's a cap now Johnny. Thanks for the memories but at your asking price I'm pretty sure even Lou won't sign you again. Good luck, you were a real warrior.

Gionta can go to...this team needs a facelift. I'd like to keep Oduya for the right price but everyone else can go. I want to see some prospects in the lineup next year and maybe even a big free agent signing but I doubt it.

[Jason]

Take your 23 pts and your -7 and hit the bricks. We overpaid you for the last 4 years, YOU OWE US a discount.

[KU Chris]

Bye bye mad dog.

[Bobby]

Yeah, I'm not sure what Madden is expecting. I'd keep him for a slight pay cut, but that's because there's more pressing needs than a third line center. If we lose, we can make do, but the Devils need to sign a defenseman or two, a second line center god willingly.

[Sohl]

What about Shanny? Did he say wether or not he was comming back next season or not?

[Jason]

This guy (Madden) had what? 3 chances to put that game away for us...came up short. SO YOU LOSE, YOU GET NOTHING...GOOD DAY SIR.

[Rico Suave]

guys, show madden and the rest of the team some respect. our team is devistated from what transpired, and guys like madden are in the middle of a career/lifestyle that effects not only him personally but his family. i respect everything that has happened, and hope everything works out for the best. the last thing we need is devils fans turning on guys like madden. it's completely disrespectful, and something no person should have to go through.

[Jeff M]

I think Madden is a great leader, but as we've seen the last few seasons, sometimes it takes more than leadership to win.

Unfortunately, it takes talent and the ability to skate to win. Madden has been a great player for this team for over 10 years and I would hate to see him go, but if someone gave me the option of signing a younger, more-skilled center over Madden, I would say let him go.

It started with Brylin last year and it has to continue. We need to get younger and more skilled, that's the bottom line.

[Sohl]

Gionta needs to stay, him and patty are the only secondary scoring we have. Gionta stays.

[UnsungPando]

Actually, I'd rather hear the honest truth from the players than some b.s. Other players have jerked us around only to leave in a heartbeat for a big paycheck. I'd love to see Madden stay as long as the team can get younger in other areas.

[Jason]

STFU Rico.

[Jeff in Hoboken]

Great to hear Gionta wants to stay.

[ChiDevsFan]

Jeff M basically said what I was going to say for the most part. Madden has been a great Devil but he will be 36 and I don't think this team needs another mid to late 30's player making multiple millions for multiple years. It's hard to admit, but let's face it this team was it's most successful when his role was reduced this year.

[rob deselich]

i agree with Sohl, Madden is great on faceoffs, but we need a younger, better 2 way 2ndline center. Someone to center ellias. Madden is 35, Gio is 30. Ill give gio 1.5 per the next 3 years. And if patty takes another one year, 800k deal that'll be nice. It's just a shame that next year well have clarkson due for a raise,

[rickym2]

Look, he's gunna have to appreciate the team to be appreciated by the team. He's gunna have to take a pay cut to leave cap space for us to sign our other guys. He's still a great player, and he's a moron if he thinks he wasnt appreciated. If he really thinks that, then maybe he should move on. Brent paired him up with the top line of carolina most of the palyoffs. So, what more does he want?

[MikeR]

Anybody else shocked that Team USA left Zach Parise off the team? Are they crazy? They don't need a 45-goal scorer?

[rickym2]

I didnt hear that, why did they do that? Thats so stupid, he was an all-star this year, one of few americans on that ice. If Zachy aint on the team, I aint watching the olympics. Screw those morons. They suck.