Several of you have seen the internet reports that Johnny Oduya has re-signed with the Devils. One out of Sweden said he Oduya re-signed for approximately $3 million per season (after it was converted from the figures that were in Swedish Krona). The other one, from a site which I have no idea if it has any actual sources in the NHL, NHLPA or with the Devils, said it was a four-year deal for $3.6 million per season.
Well, Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said he was aware of the reports too and did not confirm either.
"No, there is nothing ofificial," he said.
When I asked if "nothing official" meant that the sides had agreed to deal, but it just had not been signed and registered yet or anything like that, he said, "No. There is nothing that has been done."
That said, it is clear that there have been talks between the Devils and Oduya. Lamoriello would not speculate, however, when I asked him whether Oduya would be re-signed before he can become an unrestricted free agent at noon on Wednesday.
Well I guess it's a good start that there have been talks. Hopefully they agree on some kind of terms.
Posted by: Pat D | June 28, 2009 at 03:24 PM
that is Lou talk for "hes signed, don't worry about it"
Posted by: YEAHw/e | June 28, 2009 at 03:24 PM
bummer :(
thanks a million tho TG- I don't know what us devoted Devils fans would do without you!
Posted by: Tull | June 28, 2009 at 03:24 PM
We'd talk amongst ourselves with tons of speculation and mis information. I think he's basically signed already.
Posted by: Christian T | June 28, 2009 at 03:56 PM
They are probably still working on contract length, bonuses, etc.
Also TG, I have seen rumors that Petr Vrana has signed with HC Vitkovice in the Czech Republic. I'm not sure if this a new development but I had not heard anything about it previously and am wondering if you have heard it.
Posted by: Andrew | June 28, 2009 at 04:38 PM
They probably have a deal and Oduya leaked it to someone in Sweden thinking it wouldn't get out.
Posted by: george | June 28, 2009 at 04:47 PM
Also Lamoriello doesn't want to say its a done deal even if there is a 99 percent chance it is done because he would look stupid if that 1 percent came true.
Posted by: Christian T | June 28, 2009 at 04:54 PM
How funny would it be if the announcement is Oduya is resigned for $2.5M instead of $3M and the reason is Lou docked him for opening his mouth before the deal was announced.
I know he has a history of killing deals for leaks but he can't afford to let Oduya walk unless he has a major plan B in place which is highly unlikely considering the pending UFA's this year.
Posted by: Pat | June 28, 2009 at 05:15 PM
i agree with yeahwe, "lou speak" all the way...until tomorrow, when the deal is announced.
Posted by: SonicDude | June 28, 2009 at 05:22 PM
That's why Lou is the best! Not some loud mouth dope like Burke or sather going half cocked. The Family business stays close to the vest until Don lamoriello is ready!
Posted by: Joe | June 28, 2009 at 05:41 PM
The Vrana news is about a month old.
Posted by: TG | June 28, 2009 at 05:43 PM
What about Gio? Any hope for him?
Posted by: Alexa | June 28, 2009 at 05:50 PM
The Devils love Swedes suddenly. Maybe Lou will shock the world and sign the wonder twins and Ohlund, too. Then in a few years the Devs can have like half the team be Swedish. Lou won't be around in 12 years, so go for it, and let the next GM figure it out later.
Posted by: NJSwampdragon | June 28, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Oduya needs a new number. 29 is a terrible number for a dman. Give him 5 and release White.
Posted by: Middlebrook | June 28, 2009 at 06:20 PM
You would release a solid defenseman because someone else want his number? come on, get real...
Posted by: Andrew | June 28, 2009 at 06:29 PM
Article on devil draftee Gelinas.
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11306/2009_prospects_eric_gelinas/
Posted by: Tapiolevo09 | June 28, 2009 at 06:32 PM
I'm obviously not a GM, but wouldn't it be fair to say that as one, you'd want to get your upcoming UFA's you plan on keeping signed ASAP?
The coach not being picked yet I understand better...But haven't we had problems with UFA's leaving before? Rafalski?
Posted by: jerseytom | June 28, 2009 at 07:36 PM
@jerseytom: Lou didn't want Rafalski; that's why he left. It wasn't that he wasn't willing to sign here.
Posted by: jules | June 28, 2009 at 08:18 PM
jules: I was not aware of this back when Rafalski left...why would you not want Rafalski, especially when you just lost Niedermayer? I remember Rafalski said something about being from Michigan it was his (and his dad's) dream to play for the Wings, so he was going to take that opportunity.
But I reiterate, why would you not want Rafalski?
Posted by: Pete | June 28, 2009 at 08:56 PM
thank god it's not true.
Posted by: Mike O. | June 28, 2009 at 08:57 PM
Pretty sure Lou wanted Rafalski, but Detroit gave an extra million and an extra year, so you can't blame Lou on that one, Rafalski wanted to go home and he got a great deal.
Posted by: Steve | June 28, 2009 at 09:00 PM
That's what I heard Steve. I guess what I was saying is that I was under the impression that Lou could've locked him up before he had another offer...
Posted by: jerseytom | June 28, 2009 at 09:02 PM
I absolutely expect Lou to strongly pursue Ohlund on Wednesday...and get him.
Posted by: Moe | June 28, 2009 at 10:15 PM
this team is going to have a very strong Swedish flavor in the next few years.
Posted by: Moe | June 28, 2009 at 10:16 PM
I live in Vancouver and watch a ton of canucks games obviously.. Ohlund would be a decent pickup, but anyone out here would tell you his play has been declining the last few years. That being said hes still good , but dont expect the saviour for our defence he isnt that player any more.
Posted by: Vancouver Devils Fan | June 28, 2009 at 10:58 PM