Tue 7 Aug 2007
Hey, why not keep the parade going, eh?
In a move that likely solidifies the fourth line, the New Jersey Devils have announced the signing of former New York Islander Arron Asham to a one year, $700,000 contract.
The 29-year-old winger posted 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points in 80 games with the Isles last season.
Dude is only like 5′11″ though.
PATRICIA SAYS: Don’t think this is a Lowell signing. He’ll man the fourth line, and if it weren’t said before, there is absolutely no way I can see Mr. Rasmussen retained now.
Asham is on the smaller side, but he is a solid 210 pounds, and that’s something at least. He’s not going to be a scorer by any means, but he’s a feisty lil’ bugger and he’s got quite admirable worth ethic to boot. He won’t be afraid to drop the gloves, and that’s always a nice thing.
I like this signing, actually. We’re looking at a completely revamped fourth line here, folks.
It’s pretty.
TONY SAYS: While decreasing Islander competition despite how far they’ve diminished, we sign a scrappy guy to (somewhat) match players like Sean Avery on the Rangers.
I think it’s a good signing.
Asham is really a good pickup by the Devils. He’s a young veteran who is familiar with the division and can help the boys with his feisty, scrappy qualities. Great ambition and fits perfectly with our fourth line. He should bring excitement to our team next year.
Poor Isles.
Ha.
JOSH SAYS: Despite the obvious handicap of being an Islander these past four years, I kind of like Arron Asham, so I’m kind of pleased with this signing. Asham will be able to move as high up as the third line and should fit comfortably on the fourth line most of the season.
The Devils now have many options when it comes to the third and fourth lines, which is, well, really nice. Pandolfo-Madden-Clarkson and Brylin-Rupp-Asham? Pandolfo-Madden-Asham with Rupp-Pelley-Clarkson? Hell, if things get chippy, maybe Pandolfo-Madden-Clarkson with Asham-Rupp-Janssen?(!)
The Devils can comfortably roll four lines, which means more rest for the top two lines, which, in theory, means less injuries, more stamina, and more production.
JOE SAYS: Ho-hum. Another participant in the 4th-Line-Deathmatch (AKA: “Training Camp”). I’m not exactly loving this signing just yet, but I’m warming up to it more and more as the season approaches. He reminds me of a younger Sergei Brylin. He even has the could-be-Asian thing goin’.
DARREN SAYS: In what seems to be a typical Lou move this summer, Asham is another solid, under the radar signing.
I think his place on the Devils will be on the forth line but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him spend some time with Madden and Pando on the third line. Asham adds a touch of offense to the team, which is important when you are going to consistently roll four lines every night. Asham also brings a little more grit to this team as he’s not one to shy away from taking the gloves off.
The only downside I see in Arron’s game is his ability to take undisciplined penalties, which we all know is Colin White’s role. I think the arrival of Asham assures us that we won’t be seeing Dowd or Rasmussen in a Devils jersey next season. Overall, I like this signing and feel the Devils won’t be getting pushed around next season.
August 7th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Great pickup. I love how Lou is focusing on creating a solid fourth line. That will really help the team. Also, this probably won’t happen but imagine if the Devils really needed to have a line brawl, they could ice a line of Asham-Rupp-Janssen lol. In all seriousness, it looks like the Devils will actually be able to trust the fourth line with a significant amount of minutes now that they have depth.
August 7th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Asham-Rupp-Janssen, the Broad Street (Newark) Bullies? Plus it rhymes, in an indirect sorta way.
Lou’s too classy for that kind of obvious goonery, but it would be fun to dream…
August 7th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
This is not an accident…we needed to become more physical so liberties wouldn’t be taken the way Ottawa did to us in the playoffs. For the record, some of those hits were cheap shots at best. Time to play with the fire and the Devils, I am glad, are getting Broad St. tough!
August 7th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
I do think that unless Viuhkola has an unreal camp, he will not be making the team. Jari’s signing baffles me now — maybe it was nothing more than a Lowell depth move.
August 7th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
I sure hope this doesn’t squeeze Clarkson off the roster, I really liked the way he played in his limited time last year, and he can play on the PP. Now it looks like the 4th line will be Rupp-Pelley-Asham, with Viukhola the extra forward. Brylin will be with Pando and Madden
August 7th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
I see it more as a Asham-Clarkson-Rupp line (sorry Cam). Toughness and more of a scoring threat than last seasons fourth line.
August 7th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
I think Clarkson is set to make the team.
We have an abundance of fourth liners right now, potentially we have:
Rupp
Janssen
Viuhkola
Asham
Pelley
Clarkson
Dowd (unsigned)
Rasmussen (unsigned)
The latter two will not be retained. I’m struggling to see Viuhkola’s place on the team, although he could man the fourth line while Asham could be bumped up to the third line, potentially throwing Brylin in Viuhkola’s place on the fourth line. That would then leave a combination of two out of the remaining fourth line pool with Clarkson, Pelley, Janssen, Rupp, and Viuhkola.
With all of that said, I’m still puzzled by Viuhkola’s signing, as well as Rupp and Janssen’s. Maybe Lou is thinking of rotating the fourth line, but I don’t see Janssen as anything more than an extra forward at this point. He has drastically fallen on the depth chart, especially given the signing of Asham, who is more versatile than Cam — he can fight, but he can also score and play solid defense. He has a knack for taking dumb penalties though, which can be concerning.
August 7th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Pandolfo-Madden-Brylin
Rupp-Asham-Clarkson
I think Lou may split up Pando/Madden against teams that don’t have necessarily a star line but a more evenly distributed lineup. That would bring Clarkson up to the 3rd line at some points.
We still need another stronger defenseman. Wish we could grab Kubina or Sopel.
August 7th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Laura,
Asham is not a center, nor could he ever pretend to be one. He’s far too small, and he has no faceoff skills whatsoever.
And in terms of a stronger defenseman — yeah, it would be nice to have somewhat of an upgrade still, as I do believe we have some questions on D this upcoming season, but don’t dare mention “stronger defensemen” and “Brent Sopel” in the same category. Sopel is vastly overrated and wouldn’t really add TOO much to the team.
I think this team is done with signings now. A trade could still easily occur, but I’d rather give the current defense a decent chance to see how they’re going to do this year. Give it 15-20 games. We look terrible, then look for a trade. Otherwise, don’t fix what’s not broken.
Then again, Lou may not be done and we could easily see a trade take place before the start of the season. Crazier things have happened.
August 7th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
lol Meant to put Rupp in there - Just put together the 4th line as is. Honestly, I like Sopel - we don’t exactly have many options at this point. Our defense needs something - there’s a piece missing.
August 7th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Laura,
Oh yeah, I definitely agree about or defense. Granted, I wasn’t a Rafalski fan, but having him in the lineup would have looked a TON better than the top six we sport now, you know?
I just think maybe we should look at acquiring a defender through other means rather than free agency. The pool of available UFA blueliners just wasn’t all that attractive this summer, and I think that’s why guys like Rafalski and Lukowich were scooped up rather quickly.
August 7th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Lou is just giving more options for Sutter.
August 7th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Here what my lines would look like.
Elias Zubras Gionta
Parise Zajac Clarkson
Pando Madden Langs (remember 03)
Asham Byrlin Rupp
August 7th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
does anyone know if “ashy” is his nickname? i am curious.
asham is also a red deer alum, though am not sure if he played directly under sutter.
August 7th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
crossbar –
If (Ashy) is not, I’m sure it is now!
August 7th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
I’m hoping something becomes of the Ohlund trade rumor…granted, we’d have to give something up but who knows. Ohlund would be a nice addition.
August 7th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Asham and Janssen? They’ll probably the only teammates fighting eachother.
August 7th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Tiffany –
It’s funny, right? You have two guys that hated each other’s guts (at least, on the ice) who are now teammates…but, well, I don’t quite know if Janssen will even PLAY next season. I can’t see him playing an integral role on this team, at least, I don’t see him getting consistent ice time.
August 7th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Right now, the following looks to be the lines. With Dowd gone, I think Pelley has a great shot at the 4th line center, with the potential to show off if he can replace Madden after this season (he’ll be a UFA, making too much $2.8 for what he produces):
Elias-Zubrus/Viukola-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Pandolfo-Madden-Brylin
Rupp-Pelley-Asham
Either Janssen or Clarkson will be an extra forward along with Viukola. There could always be a surprise in camp as well, maybe if Bergfors can win a spot as a 2nd line LW, Parise could join the top line at center, and Viukola could be part of a potential 3rd scoring line with Brylin and Zubrus, with Asham to the right of Pando and Mad Dog. Training camp will definitely have some interesting competition. Also, that fact the the whole team will be in camp right from the start, unlike last training camp, means that there a less of chance of groin injuries that Gionta and others went through last season.
August 7th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
mike –
How do you possibly see Pelley leapfrog Clarkson on the depth chart?
I don’t see Pelley making the team this year. Asham’s contract is only a one-year deal, this gives Rod extra time to develop in Lowell and turn into a solid checking liner.
I understand that Pelley is a center, but I’d venture a guess that Rupp or Brylin will center the fourth line, barring a huge camp from Viuhkola.
In terms of Bergfors, I can’t see him making the team next season. He was placed on loan to Sweden next year and has not developed as he maybe should have so far. He is a ways off from the NHL still. I’m not calling him a bust, but I think people need to be VERY patient with Niklas.
August 7th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Sounds like a great signing for you guys.
I’m a Sabres fan. Kinda hoping we’d add some toughness. oh well.
August 7th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Not for nothing but Asham has a cannon of a slapshot. I can see him easily finding a spot on the blueline for the 2nd powerplay unit. If the Devils use him properly Asham could be a very solid addition to the club. As far as the lines are concerned, I wouldn’t touch the Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner line, though I would like to see Clarkson get some good ice time this season. All this offseason has told me is that we can run all 4 lines with consistancy now. At the very least our boys will be more rested than usual.
August 8th, 2007 at 7:39 am
Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Pandolfo-Madden-Pelley
Asham-Rupp-Clarkson
I see Sarge going. Said it before last season, I don’t think Sarge has a place on the team any more. He’s done his job, had a great 13+ seasons, won 3 cups, but need to make room for a few other, younger, fiester type players.
A trade will happen at the beginning of the season. Who goes? Not sure. However with this Asham signing, Cam’s on the outside looking in. Unless Clarkson has an aweful camp, then Cam’s up starting the season until Clarkson progresses enough.
I do think Pelley needs to play this season. Putting him on a line with Pando and Mad Dog could be very beneficial for him, from a learning aspect.
August 8th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Sarge is an excellent fourth line player. It is an advantage to have fourth line players with multiple skills. Rupp can fill in at center on an offensive line, play the power play or drop the gloves. Asham can provide a little offensive and play a wing as well as scrap. Brylin is a steady player that can fill in at center or wing on offensive or defensive lines as well as kill penalties. Unless, it is a situation where the Devs need his cap space for a stud player, Sarge needs to stay for at least this season.
August 8th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Nice job Patricia — nice to see the hockeypen moving again. He’s okay — comparable to a Ryan Hollweg (PLEASE…don’t mention the word Chris Simon)…
This little Jersey team is rounding out to suit Mr. Louie well in his system…the lines work. Hate to say it, but they do.
Looking forward to October.
The Dark Ranger
August 9th, 2007 at 7:30 am
Patricia, take a look at hockeyfuture.com, or the Hockey News prospect report that came out last March. Rod Pelley is rated a lot higher than Clarkson amongst the team’s prospects. The scouts see him as the successor to Madden, who I incorrectly stated would be a UFA after this upcoming season. He won’t be a UFA until after the 2008-09 season.
As for Brylin, I thought he played very well with Pando and Maddog, but this will be Sutter’s team, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Asham lines up on the checking line, and Sergei is pushed to wing on the 4th. Rupp isn’t a center anymore, he only played in on the PP last season, he’s more a winger. So that leaves Pelley or Viukhola contending for the 4th line center, unless Sutter decides to really change the lines around.
Asham and Clarkson seem to be the same type of player, so I don’t see both of them being on the roster at the same time, unless there is injury.
The reserves will be Janssen, Oduya, and whoever sits out as the extra center that night.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
TDR — Thanks, it’s nice to have something cure these summertime blues, you know?
October should definitely be fun. I haven’t felt this comfortable about a Devils team in years. I really think Louie Lams is icing a fine team this coming season. Just wish the defense was a bit stronger, but I’m not fretting too much about it, the Atlantic has one of the weakest defenses in the whole league next season.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
mike –
That’s great and all, but I’m more interested in literal play rather than what’s ranked on paper. From seeing both Pelley and Clarkson last season, David looked a heckuva lot stronger than Rod.
Guess we’ll see what happens in camp though! Don’t have too much longer to wait now! Thanks goodness for that…
August 9th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Why are people so quick to drop Langenbrunner to the 3rd line with Madden & Pandolfo? The ZZ Pops line was easily our best and most consistent line last year, and I feel that dropping Langenbrunner and sticking him with the checkers decreases his offensive output. Madden & Pandolfo give us no chance to score. I’m glad we can roll 4 lines, it gives these two less time out there. Let’s face it, shadowing the top line didn’t really work did it? LeCavalier-St.Louis killed us and even more Heatley-Alfredsson did as well.
August 9th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Clarkson needs to play as does Pelley. I liked Mike’s post. Asham playing with MadDog and Pando. That might not be bad, but I still think putting Pelley on that checking line will be good for the team.
Have Rupp, Clarkson and Asham on the 4th line or change out Asham on the 3rd line and Pelley on the 4th. Again, Sarge is on the outside looking in.
I’m going to go out on a limb. I love Mad Dog, love him and his intensity. But could Mad Dog be traded to make room for Pelley?
Just think about that. Not saying I want or expect that to happen, but I’m interested to hear your thoughts.
August 9th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Asham playing with MadDog and Pando.
Do not forget,the checking line also been known for not taking stupid or any kind of penalty.
Asham by it self had more pen. minutes then the hole 3rd last season.
August 9th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
NJDevil,
I like your lines setup, but Brylin isn’t going anywhere. Lamoriello picked up the option they had on him for the upcoming season. It was actually one of the first things he did this off-season, showing that he had a good amount of intent to keep Sarge around. Pelley may be able to match him with the chippy play, but Pelley doesn’t have the hockey smarts just yet to take Brylin’s spot.
August 9th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
TRADE BAIT???
White
Martin
Madden - at least after 1/2 season to see how team shapes up.
That’s apx. $8-10M right there, if you factor Martin’s salary last year. Martin won’t get > $4M.
We currently have just over $8M to bring in a 1st line offensive d-man or 1st line center.
Plus, nobody has discussed the previous notion of dropping Zubrus to 3rd line center if Madden leaves if we bring in someone like Marleau.
August 9th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
The idea is, we are set at forward. I really am content with our offense — it’s not exactly lethal, but it is VERY balanced.
If there’s something to worry about, it is the defense. It’s average at best, and could be exposed this season. Our only saving grace is that the rest of the Atlantic has average defense as well.
August 9th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Patricia,
You’re 100% right. Let’s give this team a chance to gel before we start moving people. Zubrus was brought in to be the #1 center and I expect him to click with his Eastern European buddy.
Everyone will agree we need a d-man with a respectable slapper to keep other team’s PK’s honest so they don’t collapse in the crease.
Who are the top UFA’s next year or possible trade targets this season?
Lou will never sign a RFA to an offer sheet b/c he cherishes his farm system too much.
August 10th, 2007 at 7:27 am
Wade Redden of the Sens, Dan Boyle of the ‘Ning and John Michael-Liles from the Avs are the top d-men who are UFA’s next offseason. Redden would look awesome in the Devils jersey, while Boyle and Liles might be great, but aren’t the greatest defensively, so they might not fit in as well.
August 10th, 2007 at 10:55 am
I don’t see Redden and Boyle going anywhere. Though I’d love to have either one, the Sens let Chara go for Redden and Danny is the star of the Lighting D.
Marleau (sp) is a great idea. He’s big and can rack up a ton of points.
I don’t think Lou’s going to do anything in terms of a trade until camp starts playing out. Injuries happen, line combo’s, etc. I wouldn’t expect much to happen on O. Seems like we’re loaded up and the front two lines seem to be solid.
Its the D that I want to see solidified. More size, and someone to QB the pp. Colin just doesn’t use his size like he used to. Pusses out too much. Then we have Martin (too small) Oduya (solid, but small) and Green (solid but small). Interested to see how we end up.
August 10th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
I wouldn’t really want Redden on this team anyway. He’s certainly an upgrade over Paul Martin, but with that said — we don’t really need a guy like Redden, IMO. I’d rather stay younger and work on developing a guy like Martin than signing Redden to an inflated contract and worrying if his offensive game will translate well in the Devils system.
I am of thought that Redden is a product of the Senators, which is great and all, but I’m not sold his game would really pan out with New Jersey. He also concerns me with the fact that he’s been bitten by the injury bug over the past few seasons. Not sure how durable he can be within five years if he keeps on getting hurt.
He would be nice to have on the point though.
August 10th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Redden is overrated. I’d rather the Devils develop from within (rootin’ for Greene to be the next undrafted gem of the team) and pick up a supporting piece or two when necessary. Brett Clark, for instance, is a solid-but-unspectacular UFA after this upcoming season. For more flash, Brian Campbell hits the market, too.
Liles may not be the best in his own end, but he’s certainly a respectable option… considering 8 of his 14 goals last year came on the powerplay he was still an even rating. Colorado won’t let him walk, though.
If you want to talk about a cheap pickup with a shot, look to Patty’s favorite… Brent Sopel. Hell, he’s available right now.
August 10th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
If the best argument for picking up Sopel is “hell he’s available” the Devs should pass. What does anyone know about Corrente? his scounting report is a fast skater with a hard slapshot and a physical force but may commit to many penalties. Is he going to get a chance this season?
August 10th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
I don’t think we’re going to see Corrente with the Devils any time soon, and in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he were part of a trade during the season to get a big name. Corrente got into some legal trouble this past season along with other members of his junior team, which led to his trade to another Jr team. Players will issues don’t last long in Lou’s organization.
August 10th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
Well, the Islanders signed Andy Sutton today. Good news for us. While I did list Andy in my list of potential defenders to pick up, I wasn’t exactly hoping he’d actually come here. He’s certainly quite an overrated defender, but from what was available, he did become somewhat attractive.
With that said, the Isles made a desperate move in inking Sutton. Granted, no financial terms have been released, so maybe this is an actual decent signing if the terms are right. He’s pretty terrible on defense though.
August 11th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
The Isles needed someone and like being the lucky person at the right place at the right time….Sutton was still there…and BAM…SIGNED!
Makes me glad more and more when we signed Vishnevski.
August 12th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
arron is definetely an upgrade over cam janssen ..sergei brylin is on the outside looking in and i think lou should trade him for a 1st line center
August 12th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
njdevil -
Uh, what? First, Sergei Brylin is not on the outside looking in. He will either play the third or fourth line next season, and there is absolutely no danger of him losing his spot.
Second, if by some major stretch Brylin did happen to be traded, he could by no means fetch a first line center…nor do we even need one. We signed Zubrus this offseason, he will center Elias and Gionta next season.
August 12th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
i meant not brylin by himself…maybe bergfors and brylin and a draft pickor corrente……id like to see pelley play with madden and pando…learn alot from them…and fourth line should be rupp asham clarkson(janssen)
August 13th, 2007 at 5:34 am
There is no way Corrente should be traded and I would rather see Brylin play with Maddog and Pando. He’s put in the time for us and Lou should continue to offer him a roster spot. I think we can all agree that loyalty is hard to come by and Brylin deserves the ice time for proving himself a Devil time and again. Plus…he can do the job well.
August 13th, 2007 at 7:25 am
The guy who posted in comment #44 wasn’t me. Patricia or any other Mod, our names are too close together. It seems he/she reposted in #46 but in with a different name. Please make sure he/she doesn’t we can’t use the same names, even though mine is captalized.
Besides, I wouldn’t have ever said Brylin would be traded for a first line center.
August 13th, 2007 at 10:49 am
I think Janssen will be an extra forward this season.
…whoops, wrong site.
August 13th, 2007 at 10:50 am
hehe
August 13th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Brylin does his job and then some…really that’s all you can ask for…let’s see what shakes in training camp first.
August 15th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Maybe #44 was the HAWK. Beware of this guy:
http://hawktawk.blogspot.com/
This guy harasses some of my fellow bloggers…though, his site is kind of funny.
The Dark Ranger
September 16th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Arron is a nice guy. He has cool tattoos. Wonder if he and Cam will be friends now? They seemed ok at training camp…