Defenseman Niclas Havelid has reportedly signed to play next season for Linkoping in the Swedish Elite League.
Havelid, 36, had no goals, four assists and a minus-2 defensive rating in 15 regular season games with the Devils after being acquired from Atlanta on March 2 for rookie defenseman Anssi Salmela. He had one assist and a even defensive rating in seven playoff games.
His NHL contract was scheduled to expire on June 30.
I've been trying to reach Havelid and his agent for the last week and a half. I was told he was going to call me back this afternoon and he never did.
I'll try again Friday, but this really is no surprise.
Meh.
Posted by: Tommy. | May 14, 2009 at 09:44 PM
see ya!
Posted by: rob | May 14, 2009 at 09:44 PM
He was no Richard Smehlik or Oleg Tverdosky.
Posted by: Tapiolevo09 | May 14, 2009 at 09:45 PM
Thanks for nothing!
Posted by: President Taft | May 14, 2009 at 09:57 PM
I dont think anyone is crying over this guy
Posted by: Jim B | May 14, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Sweet, Boston just tied it.
Posted by: Tommy. | May 14, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Good riddance.
Posted by: FOTC | May 14, 2009 at 10:06 PM
The perception among most of you that Havelid was terrible for the Devils is totally out of whack with reality, but I give up trying to change your minds.
Posted by: TG | May 14, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Havelid wasn't terrible, but he wasn't the missing piece either. I won't mind not seeing him back, we have some other priorities. We need to re-sign Johnny O
Posted by: airsilks | May 14, 2009 at 10:14 PM
I don't think Havelid was terrible, I just think Lou could have done better than that. James Wisniewski for example.
Posted by: FOTC | May 14, 2009 at 10:19 PM
I have to admit that I thought Recchi was done as a player during last season. I had people in Pittsburgh telling me that and when Mario cuts one of his buddies loose, that's usually a sign that the guy has nothing left.
But he's played pretty well for Boston in this series from what I've seen.
Posted by: TG | May 14, 2009 at 10:22 PM
I don't think he was "terrible". The reality is he was just another average defenseman. IMO Paul Martin is the only one close to a number 1 type and that's stretch. The rest (Oduya, White, Mottau, Greene and Salvador are number 4 types or lower).
Look at the team's left in the Playoffs (not including Carolina)? What do they have in common? They all have legit number 1 and 2 type d-men.
Posted by: Tapiolevo09 | May 14, 2009 at 10:23 PM
GOOD RIDDANCE, NIC!!!!!!
Posted by: Matt | May 14, 2009 at 10:32 PM
OK. They're going to OT in Boston in a Game 7. It doesn't get much better than that.
I'll call Carolina with Ruutu or that pest Jokinen scoring the winner.
Any other predictions out there?
Posted by: TG | May 14, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Random comment but has anyone else been impressed by Paul Maurice in the post game press conferences. Win or Lose he is very well spoken and even keel.
I'm adopting the Blackhawks for the rest of the Playoffs. They are fun to watch. Kind of reminds me of the Joe Cirella, Claude Loiselle, Kirk Muller, Pat Verbeek, Patrik Sundstrom Cinderalla Playoff run...
Posted by: Tapiolevo09 | May 14, 2009 at 10:33 PM
I'm lifelong Devil fan from Boston originally and living in Dallas now. I grew up in a household that rooted for the Canadians and anyone playing the Bruins. Therefore, as much as I feel for my Boston friends back home, I'm pulling for the Canes to upset again. A Samsanov OT clincher would be the ultimate crushing blow!
Posted by: Tapiolevo09 | May 14, 2009 at 10:37 PM
I can see Cullen or Staal with the game winner.
Posted by: Robbie | May 14, 2009 at 10:37 PM
I'm going with Lucic from boston about 10mins in.
If carolina wins it's going to be from someone that scored less then 5 goals all season that has never scored an o.t playoff goal. Or walker gets his first playoff goal ever, and his first ever against boston
Posted by: lucasS | May 14, 2009 at 10:39 PM
I dealt with Maurice a lot back in 2001 and 2002 and he's a real good guy with the media. There were a few times during this year's series against the Devils when he didn't say much after the morning skates, but otherwise he was very good.
If he could get Carolina to a conference final again, that would be a pretty good accomplishment and another slap in the face to Toronto, which let him go.
Posted by: TG | May 14, 2009 at 10:41 PM
I'd like to see Boston win, but I think Carolina is very good in overtime so they might pull it off. Much to my dismay.
Posted by: Speedz | May 14, 2009 at 10:42 PM
I hope the B's can pull it out. It wouldn't surprise me to see a long one. No one wants to make a mistake that ends your season. I expect it to be a bit cautious.
The Conference Finals is where nagging injuries and lack of rest become a factor. I'd have to think that would have the biggest impact on Carolina, if they make it through. 2 hard fought 7-game series. Good luck containing Sid and Gino!
The NHL has to love a Detroit/Chicago Conference Final. Boston/Pittsburgh wouldn't be too bad in the East.
Posted by: GG | May 14, 2009 at 10:43 PM
A good article reviewing the 08-09 season for Devils prospects in Lowell.
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11180/devils_ahl_prospects200809_review/
Posted by: Tapiolevo09 | May 14, 2009 at 10:43 PM
That Lucic is, as Pat Burns used to say, "strong like bull."
Posted by: TG | May 14, 2009 at 10:45 PM
TG you on fire tonight with the postings.
Posted by: Robbie | May 14, 2009 at 10:46 PM
It's kind of a drag for me to see Detroit eliminate Anaheim. Think about it, the number 8 seed in the west defeating the number 1 and 2. That's crazy. Would like to see a new cup champion.
Posted by: Speedz | May 14, 2009 at 10:46 PM