The offiical announcement won't come until noon, but Devils left wing Zach Parise has been invited to take part in the U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Orientation Camp from Aug. 17 to 19 in Woodbridge, Ill.
I spoke with Parise on Sunday night and he said he will be at the orientation camp.
Devils defenseman Paul Martin is also a sure thing to be on the invitee list that is released at noon.
Other Devils expected to be invited include right wing Brian Gionta, left wing Brian Rolston and right wing Jamie Langenbrunner.
I''ll post the full list when it is released.
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I spoke to Langenbrunner last night. He called me back from a message I left him last week about Brent Sutter being hired in Calgary. (He had been away on a fishing trip).
Of Sutter taking a job with the Flames so quickly after leaving the Devils, he said, "I wasn't thrilled with it, but I understand his reasons for leaving and he's in a situation now that's much better for him (as far as being closer to his family)."
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There is no official word yet on the Johnny Oduya signing. When I get it, I will post it as soon as possible.
kudos to Langenbrunner on at least admitting he wasn't happy with it at least initially; how could others not feel the same way?
Posted by: pando20rules | June 30, 2009 at 10:59 AM
agreed, well look who made the other comments, i believe most of them are now FA's, aside from salvador.
Posted by: HF | June 30, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Burke said he's going with a very small group of about 30 players for the camp. I'd be surprised if Gionta or Rolston were invited.
Posted by: Dan | June 30, 2009 at 11:06 AM
How could you not feel a little bit left down by his move?
Team USA has a bright Olympics ahead with the likes of Parise, Kane, Martin, etc. on the squad
Posted by: JT | June 30, 2009 at 11:06 AM
i have to believe the sutter thing stung a lot of the players as well as other members of the organization, but i agree with you guys, its nice to hear people say it. especially the captain.
good for parise.. i'm SO EXCITED for the olympics, this is one of the few years i think the USA has a good shot, though the russians and canadians will be stacked.
Posted by: dubnoxious | June 30, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Ive heard Rafalski is going to be the only veteran invited. I no for sure Rolston is not going, not positive about Gionta.
Posted by: rmDevil313 | June 30, 2009 at 11:10 AM
I wonder if this is the year they finally put an 'A' on Parise's jersey.
Posted by: frankied | June 30, 2009 at 11:20 AM
ANY team with Parise on it has a shot!
Posted by: modnarm | June 30, 2009 at 11:21 AM