Sun 15 Jul 2007
In news coming straight out of the “WTF Department,” NHLPA.com is reporting that Grant Marshall is under contract with the New Jersey Devils for the 2007-08 season.
Uh, okay?
Marshall is slated to make $475,000 next season.
The 34-year-old winger spent all of last season with the Baby Devils, tallying eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points in 59 games.
PATRICIA SAYS: Uh…huh? I hope this is a two-way contract at the least. Either Erik Rasmussen won’t be retained, or Lou merely signed Marshy out of pity. Don’t get me wrong, I am without-a-damn-doubt more than grateful for Marsh’s contributions, but dude is washed up now. He ain’t no NHL player, folks. At least, not anymore.
July 15th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
He’ll be a good 4th liner and needed veteran to work with the rookies that play with him on that line.. all that being said ONLY if Dowd and Rass aren’t resigned and if he even plays with the Devils..
July 15th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
This better be a two-way deal…
Marshall for Lowell Captain! And may he get a couple of games on the fourth line in NJ for old times sake when the regulars are out of the line up.
July 15th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
Nick –
Thing is, we don’t NEED any more fourth liners. Dowd should by NO means be re-signed, he is really not needed on the team anymore, and with the signing of Viuhkola, I wonder if Rasmussen is truly necessary. We have Pelley and Clarkson in the wings already, and while Pelley has proven he may not be compltely ready for the big time just yet, Clarkson is more than capable already. Add Cam Janssen to the mix and there are waaay too many fourth liners for the team to handle.
If Grant Marshall is still a solid fourth liner, he would have played last season. Marshall is one of those players who may look attractive because of their ability to put a flashy play or two together every once and a while, but that’s the thing — he’s only good for that on a very inconsistent basis anymore. With age and a faster-paced NHL, it’s hard to find a true role for Marshall.
That said, I will definitely admit he is a great locker room personality to have — those guys are hard to find. However, that coupled with everything I’ve already written, I think he’s better suited to help develop players in Lowell. I could see him working with the organization after he retires to help develop the young’ins.
July 15th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Agree with everything you just said Patricia. I am hoping to see a line up of:
Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Pandolfo-Madden-Clarkson
Rupp-Viukhola-Brylin
I like the idea of shifting the fourth line away from strictly body checking and fighting, towards some scoring. I think that is a much more balanced line up then past years.
July 16th, 2007 at 2:45 am
should provide the lowell outfit some good veteran leadership…
July 16th, 2007 at 3:18 am
Bring back the Marshall chicken dance!
July 16th, 2007 at 7:44 am
I’m sure this signing is just in case Sutter doesn’t think Clarkson is ready. Otherwise Marshall and Janssen would fight it out for the extra forward spot. Also, this Viukhola and Pelley would battle it out for the 4th line center
Brian, why not keep Brylin with Pando and Madden? the trio seemed to play well together last season
July 16th, 2007 at 11:50 am
Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Pandolfo-Madden-Pelley
Rupp-Viukhola/Clarkson-Jansen
Made some minor changes to that line combo’s. Sarge needs to go. Has done his job, and I’m grateful, but he’s not needed anymore. Make room for Pelley on that line. Clarkson needs to get playing time and a lot of it. Sorry Grant, but no room for you at the inn.
July 16th, 2007 at 11:52 am
i hope they re-sign razza-muffin…
zzpop forever!
July 16th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Patricia love the site. I read that Patrik Marleau is on the block. he is due 4.5 mil against the cap this season and then is a unrestricted free agent. I would like to see C. White shipped out to SJ as part of a package. Think of this:
Elias Marleau Geo
Pairse Zajac Langenbrunner
Pando Madden Zubrus
Brylin Rupp Clarkson
This would be the deapest collection of forwards in the league. Assuming ZP and PM are only a combined 6.5 mil against the cap and If White was to go, we would still have about $2 mil for another D-man. Do us Devs fans a favor and slip a note under Lou’s door. We need Marleau. Whatcha think?
July 16th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Randy –
Thanks for the compliments! I love reading what each and everyone has to say, so feel free to comment anytime!
Oh, I would love Marleau, but White alone would not get him (as you have already mentioned, it would have to be a package deal), and unfortunately, White is a very difficult player to move because of his contract, he has quite a few years left unfortunately.
If I had my way, I’d move a package including White for Marleau in a heartbeat. He would be a great addition to the team. Having Zubrus on the third line wouldn’t be the most attractive idea, though, as he is capable of being a very decent center and would really not be utilized as a scoring forward when placed with Pandolfo and Madden.
There are still some crazy rumors that Gionta could be dealt. I could actually see the potential for it, but in the end, I’d really dismiss the thought of it. I don’t see Gionta having a monster year like he did two seasons ago, but I think he is definitely a better player than he showed last season — 2006-07 seemed to be a bad year for a lot of the Devils.
I’m not overly concerned with our forwards other than the fact that I predict a terrible power play unit this year, but I do worry a bit about our defense. I still think there’s the potential for a trade, but we won’t see one for quite some time, I think.
July 16th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
At this point, do you think Dowd is considering retirement??
July 16th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Kelly –
Wouldn’t be surprised. I don’t see another team signing him with the thought of using him on a daily basis. He could potentially be used as an extra forward, but it wouldn’t be with the Devils in my eyes. There are way too many players in the wings at this point, and a lot of them are potential third and fourth liners.
Jimmy Dowd will be turning 39 this season, which doesn’t bode too well for him. If he really wants to stay in New Jersey, he’ll take a PR or developmental job within the organization. It’s entirely possible that he thinks there’s still gas in the tank — if that’s the case, he could be a late summer-to-mid-season signing. I think he’s done though.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Patricia, I understand your worries about the defense. My thinking was SJ wants to move Marleau and how many 6′2 220 LBS 27 year old first line centers are available for a 4.5 mil cap hit. Elias and Geo cannot reach their potential without a first line center. As for Zubrus on the 3rd line, DZ is 6′4 225. I think his size and skills would transform the 3rd line into a two way threat. The defense is going to have to grow with the reliance on young guys like Greene, Martin, Corrente, Oduya and Fraser. SJ lost out on the Hannon and Souray Sweepstakes. The SJ blue line is very thin and they may very well like locking up a top four defenseman with stanley cup exeperience for a few years. I agree it could take more than White, but merely bring to your attention Marleau is on the block and on my wish list. Thank you for your prompt response.
July 21st, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Hey Patricia, Marshall may not be the third or fourth liner he used to be, but he brings just as much to a fourth line than Cam Janssen. I like Cam don’t get me wrong, but Marshall is Gretz compared to Cam Jam.
July 21st, 2007 at 11:53 pm
Al,
Problem is, they’re completely different players with completely different roles. You can’t really compare them. If you’re looking for a potentially MORE offensive fourth liner, then of course, Marshall would be your man. However, if you need a purebred enforcer, Janssen is who you want in the lineup. Marshall can be physical, but he is not the force Janssen is and is not all that great of a fighter.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not an advocate of playing Janssen more than 40 games this season, but I don’t think Marshall has a place on the New Jersey Devils. If there is a significant injury, though, he’ll fill in nicely.