Mon 16 Jul 2007
Okay, I think the Devils are attempting to carry the most mediocre defensemen in the history of the NHL.
Seriously.
So, let’s add Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre to the mix.
J-L G-P (that was awesome) has inked a contract with the Devils, as reported by the Hockey DB. (link opens in new window)
The 30-year-old utility man spent last season in Germany, netting nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points in 44 games. He last appeared in the NHL in 2003-04, enjoying a 13-game stint with the Washington Capitals. He has also played with the Atlanta Thrashers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Buffalo Sabres.
PATRICIA SAYS: Don’t fret folks, this is not a New Jersey Devils signing. Purely a depth move. Grand-Pierre will skate with the Baby Devils next season, easily taking the place of NHL-castoff Dan McGillis. A nice, bulky defender who can play at wing as well, G-P will toughen up a decisively weak Lowell lineup.
If nothing else, at least his name is awesome — come on, who doesn’t love a ridiculously long name?
July 16th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Top three long-named players:
1. Steve Konowalchuk (the name so long, it had to be curled around to fit the jersey)
2. Sergei Krivokrasov
3. Jamie Langenbrunner (it’s just that fun to say)
Honorable mention:
Alexei Ponikarovsky
July 16th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
he’s more defensivley sound than souray.
cool name! lol!
July 16th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
wow what are the devils trying to do either wint the cup or the NBA championship Weeks, Oduya, and this. Nasty point guards go NETS!
July 16th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
yeah, um race is insignificant to me. to me it’s all about skills, responsibility and endurance but aside form that, lou needs to stop all these mediocre player signings and concentrate on extending parises contract. I don’t expect him to see anything to the likes of crosby but i would feel kinda dogged out if i were him right now. He deserves some insentive to work his ass off hardcore after last season. I believe if he goes through this next season on the same salary then i doubt he’ll be much for staying in 08/09. I dont know i just think it’s time and he deserves it and it would just be a great security for us in the future to know he’s here for a while.
July 16th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
he is weak he was horrible on the CBJ and he wil be another mediocre player
July 16th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
I’m absolutely baffled by this signing. And this description of Grand-Pierre as mediocre. No, he’s not a good defenseman in the NHL - at all. Was Ken Klee unavailable? If he’s up with New Jersey, then we have problems unless J-L G-P proves me wrong and plays well above his head.
With respect to Parise and Martin, I believe those talks are continuing.
July 16th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Klee was scooped up by Atlanta, heh. In all seriousness, Klee had a relatively decent season with Colorado last year. Crazy, eh?
Don’t worry, John, this is purely a Lowell depth move. G-P won’t be playing with the Big Devils, I really think.
July 17th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
great we just lost a point guard then
July 18th, 2007 at 11:09 am
Seems like a decent pick up for Lowell. He has decent NHL experience so hopefully he can mentor some of the kids down there and be a leader. I know this will never happen, but how cool would it be if him, Fraser, Oduya, and Weekes all got into a game together for the Devils? Regardless, I like his size, hopefully he gets into some fights in Lowell.