Janssen does his best Howard Stern and Jason Ellis Impression

I've been searching high and low for something I can finally post about news worthy.  I spent three days staring at NHL.com praying something other than "Rick Nash's trade coming some time this century" on the main page.  I didn't find it.  But what I did find, intrigued me.  Cam Janssen had been interviewed by "The Thom and Jeff Show".  Never heard of it? Yea, me neither.  Now you have.  I have never heard anything about them and I for one am a huge fan of edgy, uncensored radio.  A couple of years ago Scott Ferrall of Howard Stern fame interviewed Brian Rolston.  The talk was mostly about Kovalchuk's new mega contract but also some slight adult themes.  Rollie, being the mature hockey player he is, kept it a little more PG-13 as much as he could.  Whereas our friend Cam Janssen, uhhh... took it to the next level.

In the interview Cam called the LA Kings "The fat broads you bang, then regret you banged them.  I've been there and done that before!" Holy hell!  Now our friend #25 is just getting started.  He then went into saying something that completely destroys his reputation as a player and human being.  He said he intentionally sets out to hurt other players.  Acording to "SBNation.com" this is what Cam said:

"I love it. And you know what, I respect a lot of the guys and you wanna have people respect you. If you're a f****** dips*** out there, you're not going to get any respect and other teams aren't gonna respect you. And if other teams don't respect you, then they're not gonna sign you and it's just kind of a trickle effect.

"But you wanna be scary. You wanna put the fear of f******* God in people's eyes, and not just, 'Oh, I'm gonna beat you up' -- no, 'I'm gonna catch you with your f******* head down and hurt you because you're not gonna know I'm comin', because I know how to hit.' Fighting guys is one thing because I know, 'Oh, I won't fight you. I'll just turtle.' Whatever. But if you have the puck and you know how to hit and you can hurt guys with hits like I know how to do, that's what puts the fear of God into people."

 Christ!  But THEN... Oh yes my little pitchforks, our friend Cam isn't done yet.  He then makes a comment about gays.  Yes, you heard it here.  He was asked about trash talking on the ice.  He said that guys use "personal s***" to get their point across.  The host then asked him: (This is very graphic folks) "So if a guy was s****** c*** a few weeks ago, you'd let him know about it?"

To which Cam replied: "Oh if he is s****** c***, he's getting his a** kicked!"  

He offered an apology the following day: 

"Earlier this week, I participated in an internet-based radio show in which I used some poor judgment which I now regret. The New Jersey Devils were unaware of this interview, which I arranged myself.

"I would like to apologize for my poor choice of language. The tone of the interview was very casual and off-color, and I lost focus on what is and is not acceptable and professional. I am deeply sorry to anyone who was offended by my language. Moving forward, I hope to eliminate that type of language from my vocabulary. I would also like to take this chance to express my support for the work the You Can Play project is doing, and for the gay community in general.

"I apologize for the embarrassment my comments have caused to the New Jersey Devils management, as well as my teammates."

Good job Cammy!  We are sure glad you're back! Hey NHL LOOK!!! OUR VERY OWN SEAN AVERY!!!!!  God help us all!

If you want to actually hear the interview, here it is.  Don't say I didn't warn you.  http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2012/7/12/3155651/cam-janssen-interview-video-devils

My Ultimate Devils lineup!!!

A few days ago #DevilsUltimateLineup was trending on Twitter.  people were all posting about what lineup would they start a game with if they could put together any Devil from history.  Obviously Marty was the starting goalie on every tweet but I noticed the forwards and defenseman kind of spread out.  Even I had trouble putting together my line.  So I figured it might be fun to give you guys my ultimate Devils TEAM as opposed to just ultimate "line".  Keep in mind some of these guys only had short stints with NJ, but felt they needed to be included.

1st line-   LW Ilya Kovalchuk       C Patrik Elias           RW John MacLean
2nd line-  LW Claude Lemieux     C  Mark Johnson      RW Alexander Mogilny
3rd line-  LW Patrick Sundstrom  C Doug Gilmour       RW Brendan Shanahan
4th line-  LW Stephane Richer      C Bobby Holik         RW Brian Gionta

Defense-
1st line- Scott Niedermayer     Scott Stevens
2nd line- Bruce Driver             Viacheslav Fetisov
3rd line-  Jack O'Callahan       Phil Housley

Goalies-
Starter- Martin Brodeur
Backup- Sean Burke

Well that was fun.  Leave a comment, hit me on Twitter, or email me if you think I missed anyone or picked someone on here poorly.

C IS FOR CAPTAIN, THAT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME!

Last year around this time I posted who I thought would wear the C that upcoming season.  I said it would be Parise and I was correct.  Now that Zach has gone home to eat his Mommy's chicken nuggets and play with his Shrek coloring book (if you don't get the reference go back to my earlier posts) it is time to "part the Red C" once again.

Let's take a look at the candidates.

#17 Ilya Valerevich Kovalchuk- The probable winner of the sweepstakes.  He is the most willing to lead the team into battle.  He is also not afraid to throw his weight around.  Schenn learned that the hard way last season when he got Tyson-style KOed by Kovy.  It will be also kind of nice to have a captain who will be sticking around for a while.  13 more years to be exact.  He won't be as impactful a captain as Scotty was, but most likely will still lead the team to at least one Stanley Cup in our future.

#26 Patrik Elias- He won't get it for one reason.  He doesn't want it.  He had it for a while during that awkward Niedermayer/Stevens concussion/lockout time period.  He says he doesn't like to be the star attraction.  Very humble if ya ask me, but he would make a great fit.  He is one of our franchise players and holds just about every Devils record that does not involve a goaltender.

#24 Bryce Salvador- I'm going to get one thing abundantly clear.  I HATED this man.  Note the past tense.  I am now eating my words as he is one of my favorite players on our roster.  A player who seemed like a stay-at-home defenseman, he all of a sudden drank the Niedermayer kool-aid in the playoffs.  He scored key goals and help lead the team right into the Stanley Cup Finals.  He will most likely get an A on his chest but no C.

#30 Martin Brodeur- I know it's considered taboo to make a goalie captain.  But Vancouver did it. Why not us?  But will it? No.  But it is kinda nice to think about.  He is the backbone of the franchise and if you say the words "New Jersey Devils" he is the face you picture in your mind whether you know about hockey or not.  He has become synonymous with winning and is our team leader, however he won't be wearing a C anytime soon.

Honestly, that's about it.  I can't really picture any other Devil being the captain other than Kovalchuk or Elias.  It was a shame to lose Zach but we can now have a captain who will actually do something with the captaincy rather than just get it for a year then turn your back on it.

I know the humor was lacking in this post, but we gotta be serious sometimes right?... right? Oh, that's boring? Oh ok! Won't happen again!

Semin please fill the hole......... In our lineup!

Yes, it's a bad joke I know.  But let's be honest, out of all the remaining FA's who would you rather have out there with Kovalchuk?  Shane Doan is never going to don the red and black.  But still, some fans actually believe he might be jumping the coast from the desert to the swamp.  We've picked up a new guy along the way and resigned a bunch others.  That new guy I have to ask why?  But we'll get to him.  Here's a look at the top 3 remaining free agents and how they would fit into our lineup.

Teemu Selanne-  
Pro- The ageless Finn.  He keeps signing one year deals because he nor the Ducks know when that season will be his final.  76 Goals in his rookie year? Holy hell! He would bring a sense of leadership to our lineup the same way Shanahan did when he came back a couple of years ago.
Con- He's old as hell! Not taking anything away from him.  I mean he still can score, but he's just too old.  The Devils need youth.  The other con, he is not going to sign with us.  He's got his sights set on Anaheim or Winnipeg.  I'm sure Jersey hasn't even crossed his mind.
Final verdict- Teemu will go to Manitoba or stay in Disneyland.

Alexander Semin-
Pro- He seems to be the most likely to head to NJ.  But once again the Penguins are trying to get him and even the KHL.  I don't understand how Pittsburgh has so much cap space.  You have 2 of the best players in the NHL in your lineup.  How do they have the money?  It blows my mind!  If he does sign with us, it'll give Kovy a possible winger who can talk to him on the ice in Russian.  Sorry Trav, but you're going to have to brush up on your Bolshevik speak because the two guys next to you at the faceoff circle will be speaking it to one another.
Con- He's a pussy. I hate to be blunt here but I can't stress this enough.  He holds a hockey record.  First slap fight in NHL history.  If you want to have a hockey record come up with something original.  Like... taking off your skate and try stabbing someone.  That's original right?  No one's EVER done that!  But I feel that playing with Kovy would help his toughness out a bit.  Kovalchuk is no pushover.  Just ask Brayden Schenn.  I think he was most excited about his brother Luke coming to Philly because of the fact that his brother can protect him from Ilya.
Final Verdict- Pens will push for him but he will either come to Jersey or go play for the Lokomotiv.  He seems like a guy who wants money.  He's going to be a fish in a big pond.  He's going to see a ton of bait coming from different fishing lines.  And whichever one is shiniest and biggest, he's going to bite it.  Phew, I filled my riddle metaphor quota for this post!

Shane Doan- 
Pro- Skilled yet old, Shane Doan has spent his entire career with one franchise.  He is in the same boat as Selanne.  He will either stay with the Jets errr I mean Coyotes, or sign with the Jets. But rumors have circulated that as many as 20 teams have sent him offer sheets, including the Devils.  He can score, but somehow he has only gotten one hat trick in his entire career.  He scored that 3rd goal with less than a second left in the game.
Con- Also like Teemu, he's older.  The Devils need a youthful winger that can help the team.  He isn't a demon scorer.  His career high is 31 goals, but has stayed consistent throughout his career.
Final Verdict- He isn't coming to NJ, he will most likely sign with the Rangers or Penguins.  He is nearing the end of his career.  The guy wants a Cup.  And let's face it, even though we made it to the Finals, we are never a front-runner for the Cup.


Now really quick I want to talk about Krys Barch and some recent re-signings by Lou Lamoriello.  Namely one.  Cam Janssen.  A simple question I need to ask is... Why!?  He's the most unproductive forward in the NHL if you don't count Eric Boulton who, thank God, got scrapped and is playing in Nassau County next year.  I have two theories as to why he got resigned.  1. He likes it here, and the fans seems to like whenever he's in the lineup because you know some s*** is about to go down!  Especially against the Rangers.  He hates the Rangers.  Don't believe me? Check out the video on the bottom of the post and skip to about 2 minutes.  The 2nd reason? Uhhh... I'll get back to you on that one.  Now if resigning Janssen was bad, then how about signing Krys Barch?  My first reaction to this was... "Who the hell is Kyrs Barch?"  I looked him up on Wikipedia (the most reliable source ever.  Well, second best.  The best has to be the HockeyyInsiderr.) and I first saw his stats.  Oh wow, 12 goals in 302 games.  He has got to be a D man.  Right? No.  He's a forward.  With a ton of penalty minutes.  So we got rid of Boulton, just to sign another Boulton.  Your brain can fight that alllll you want.  Kinda makes ya dizzy, eh?  So you mgiht be thinking, well he's still young, he will develop a bit.  It took Clarkson a few years before he came through.  But no, this guys is 32.  There was NO REASON TO SIGN THIS MAN! You have probably the BEST 4th line in the whole damn league!  You don't NEED this a**hole!  You can see how angry I am about this.

Ok, so I need to calm down a bit, but when I do I will be back to give you guys the rundown on the captaincy as we reopen one of my first posts from last year.  Who should be the captain?

My exclusive interview with Zach Parise

I don't have to tell you how upset I was when I read the words "Parise signs with Minnesota".  We felt a deep sense of abandonment.  It was without a doubt the worst moment to be a Devils fan since Niedermayer left us.  But was it really SO bad to lose him?  7.5 million dollars is as LoneStar put it: "A S***LOAD of money!"  Let's take a look at the facts.  Zach Parise was sort of a playoff bust.  He rarely showed up to games and didn't seem like a great threat to score when he was on the ice.  That's where the Devils needed leadership.  The playoffs.  Now I have been trying to figure out why Zach went to the Wild.  So I set up an interview with Zach Parise one-on-one to get to the bottom of this.

PF&HS: How you doin' today Zach?

Zach Parise: Doin' great.  I just got back golfing with my Daddy.

PF&HS: Well, that's nice.  So Zach let's cut right to the chase.  Can you elaborate on your decision of abandon er I mean... leave New Jersey to go to Minnesota.

ZP: I decided that my parents needed me at home.  Can't ever beat my Mommy's cooking.  She makes the best chicken nuggets ever!  They're Purdue!!!

PF&HS: OK, so you're saying the only reason you signed with the Wild is because you... Like your Mother's-

ZP: (interupts) Mommy's!

PF&HS: sorry, "Mommy's" chicken nuggets?

ZP: Oh no Mr. Pitchfork, I also love the color green!!  It's my favorite crayon in the Crayola box!  This one time I got a Shrek coloring book, and he's green so you can imagine my excitement! So I signed with a team with a green jersey!

PF&HS: You do realize that the home jersey for the Wild is maroon right?

ZP: (puzzled) Next question!

PF&HS: Ok, Zachary, so far you have told me you went to the Wild because you like green and your Mommy's chicken nuggets.  Is there any REAL reason you left?

ZP: Well, I love going on vacation during the Spring.  And going to Minnesota guarantees it!  It'll be nice to just relax during April, May, and June instead of working to get that dinky trophy!

PF&HS: Dinky trophy?

ZP: Yea, it's too heavy.  Weighs like 40 pounds.  I don't really want it anyway.  It's overrated.  I'll get it eventually.  Maybe my son will win it and bring it home or something.

PF&HS: OK, well on that note I think we're just about wrapped up here.  Thanks for joining me Mr. Parise.  We'll miss you in NJ.  Thanks for coming.

ZP: My pleasure!  Hey you need a ride home?  Heatley is picking me up and he can drive you home!

PF&HS: Uhh no thanks!

NO KIDDING IT'S FAKE!  AT LEAST I ADMIT IT!  WHO DO YOU THINK I AM? THE HOCKEY INSIDER?

How I picture this Nash thing ending. It ain't pretty!

July 1st, 2012
03:24 AM
9 hours 36 minutes until FA deadline
Columbus, OH


All the GM's except Scott Howson, GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets, are sitting in a white empty room with no doors nor windows.


Lou Lamoriello (Devils): What the hell? Where are we?

Glen Sather (Rangers): I don't know.

Ray Shero (Pittsburgh): I don't know either, but I do know this is somehow Paul Holmgren's fault.

Paul Holmgren (Flyers): Oh go suck on Crosby's.... *twitch* My trade senses are tingling. Must... trade... away... our... best... backup... goalie.... for.. no... reason....

Mike Gillis (Vancouver): Does he always do that?

Ray Shero: constantly.

All of a sudden Scott Howson teleports into the front of the room.  All the GMs look on in disbelief and fear.


Glen Sather: Oh god... *facepalm* I knew this would happen eventually.

Scott Howson: Gentlemen, I have called you here to discuss Rick Nash.  And as you all can see there are no windows nor doors in this room.  I know the way out.  The only way you will learn the way out is if we can come to a fair and just decision on Rick Nash, the greatest player in the NHL since forever!

Dean Lombardi (Kings): Scotty, listen, we all want Nash on our team.  But you're asking so much.  I mean, he's great but... He's like... Not hockey Buddha!  There are players better in the NHL tod-

Scott Howson: SILENCE!!! *Gets right in Lombardi's face* NASH FOR BROWN, QUICK, KOPITAR, RICHARDS, CARTER, AND 3 DRAFT PICKS!!!! AGREED!?

Dean Lombardi: ...*puzzled look* no?

Howson pulls out a .45 and shoots Lombardi in the leg


Bob Murray (Anaheim): hahahaha!

Dean Lobardi: WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?

Scott Howson: I grow tired! AGREE! That trade is fair and just!!!

Dean Lombardi: Listen. Scotty, you and I have been good friends this year.  Remember?

Howson shoots Lombardi in the head


Scott Howson: Don't EVER doubt the will of Rick Nash!!!!!  WHO'S NEXT!?  How about you Glen!?

Glen Sather: Oh Jesus!

Scott Howson: Rick Nash... For Kreider, Gaborik, Del Zotto, Richards, and Lundqvist!

Glen Sather: Why would I do that I don't even have a backup goalie signed yet?

Howson points the gun in between Sather's eyes


Lou Lamoriello: Howson don't you think this has gone on long enough?

Scott Howson: NO! I wouldn't trade with YOU anyway!  WHY WOULD I TRADE WITH A GM WHO DOESN'T EVEN BELIEVE IN TWITTER!?

Lou Lamoriello: I will give you David Clarkson, Marek Zidlicky, the rights to Ryan Carter, and the 4th round pick. For Rick Nash, and a 5th round pick next year.

Howson walks over to Lamoriello


Scott Howson: How dare you.  You old fool!  You expect me to trade away the greatest player in the world for a fool WHO CAN'T EVEN STAY ON HIS SKATES!?  NO SIR!!

Scott Howson: Now Glen, what if I took off Lundqvist but you give me your 1st round picks for the next 3 years?

Glen Sather: No Scotty!

Scott Howson: very well.  *Shoots him in the head*  Now that we have exhausted the alternatives, I am now going to go down the list ABC order!

Bob Murray: I am not giving up Hiller or Getzlaf.  Nor the rights to Selanne.

Scott Howson: what about Nash for Ryan, Hiller, and all your draft picks next year.  I'll even throw in a draft pick of my own.  The 7th round pick of the 2045 NHL entry draft.  Agree? *points gun at his head*  And I would agree.  Because I loooove Duck hunting.

Bob Murray: I'm so tired of that jo-

Howson shoots him in the head, looks down the list, decides no team in the East is to his liking so he kills every Eastern GM except for Lamoriello, Shero, and Holmgren.


Scott Howson: I like you Atlantic Division folk.  I'm saving you till the end.  Sather is dead because he tested my patience to it's limit.  Rick Nash is the greatest player in NHL history.  And to not be jumping on the idea of having him is insane.


Ray Shero: What about Snow?! He was an Atlantic Division GM too!

Scott Howson: It's the Islanders.  They count less than anyone in the NHL.

Joe Nieuwendyk (Dallas): Scott, your team is the laughing stock of the NHL.  And you're the reason.  You have one good player who wants to leave, a goalie who fell apart after his rookie season, and that's about it. You kidnap us, tie us up in here, hold us at GUNPOINT, more than HALF of us are dead! And you expect us to negotiate a deal for Rick Nash?  I speak for everyone left here when I say that Rick is a great player, but nowhere near the skill that you are asking for with these trades.

Scott Howson: *angered* Mr. Nieuwendyk, you are one of the youngest GMs in NHL history, you won 3 Cups in your lifetime with 3 different teams.  One was with him *points at Lou*, but you didn't play in that Final did you Joey?  Did you?!

Joe Nieuwendyk: No Scott I didn't.  I was hurt.

Scott Howson: And when Brett Hull scored in 1999 OT.  He was in the crease illegally correct? *points the gun at his head*

Joe Nieuwendyk: Some people claim he was, yes.  I didn't get a good view of the goal so I don't know.

Scott Howson: Well, let me assure you.  That when Rick Nash wins his 20 Cups, not one will be controversial for him.  Now, Mike Ribiero for Rick Nash.

Joe Niewendyk: That's it?  Just Mike Rib- *realizes he just traded him away a few days ago* Oh crap...

Howson shoots him in the head.  He then kills every West GM except Ken Holland (Detroit)


Scott Howson: Kenny, our teams have been division rivals for over 25 years.

Ken Holland (Detroit): You guys have only been around for 12.

Scott Howson: No matter.  You are the one that I am most wanting to trade with. And I-

Paul Holmgren: BRYZGALOV, GIROUX, AND SCHENN FOR PATRICK EAVES!!!!

Ken Holland: uhh sure *big smile*


Scott Howson shoots Holmgren in the head


Scott Howson: Well he's pointless now.  Kenny, I'll come back to you later!  Ray, let's make this quick and painless.  I want Crosby, Malkin, and Fl-... On second thought, just Malkin and Crosby.

Ray Shero: I will give you Fleury, Martin, and next year's third round pick.  For Rick Nash, James Wisniewski, and the 6th round pick of 2013.

Howson shoots him in the chest multiple times


Scott Howson: I said... Let's make this quick and painless!!! BUT YOU CHOSE THE WRONG WAY!!!

Ray Shero: *signals Lou to come in closer* You have to know.... *cough cough*... Tell Sidney.... I love him....... *dies*

Lou Lamoriello: Why have you not killed me yet?

Scott Howson: Because I'm saving you for last.  Kenny I will give you-

Ken Holland: I will give you... uhh... *has an idea and smirks* Claude Giroux, Ilya Brygalov, Brayden Schenn, and uhhh Dan Cleary!  AND uh uh... My 2nd round pick! For Rick Nash!!!

Scott Howson: *smiles* see how easy that was?  You got yourself a deal!  *shoots Lamoriello in the head*

Lou Lamoriello instantly wakes up in a pool of sweat


Lou Lamoriello: *panting* it was just a nightmare!  *turns on the light*

Scott Howson is standing there with a knife over his bed


Scott Howson: GUESS AGAIN!!!


This was strictly satirical. I in no way, shape, or form feel that Scott Howson is murderous.  I do however feel he is absolutely nuts to demand such a high price for Rick Nash.  Obviously these trade requests are fake, not even Howson is stupid enough to try and get Crosby and Malkin for Nash.  Don't ever take anything that I post seriously.  I made a prediction that Cam Janssen would win the Conn Smythe for God sakes!

Sorry about the wait, folks!

Ok, sorry guys.  It's been forever since I have posted.  Main reason? Been busy with other things: vacations, parties, weddings, ect.  Well, I want to give my 5 cents on the last two series matchups for the Devils.  First let's start with the Rangers.  I promise I won't go too deep into it since it's old news.  But how sweet was it to have a little bit of retribution for '94?  I thought it felt pretty damn good.  The series itself was awesome.  Every game was played like a game 7.  New Jersey was flat out the better team game in and game out even in the games they lost.  Lundqvist won those games for them.

Now, on to LA.  This series went like this:
"Crap! eh, that sucks.  But we'll get em next game." to
"Are you serious!? AGAIN IN OVERTIME!?" to
"Oh my God this game 3 is pathetic! I cannot believe they are about to be swept!" to
"Well our sweepless streak stays alive.  But I'm forced to watch another game of this garbage!" to
"Uhhh, can we actually do this?" to
"Well that was fun while it lasted!"

Now, everyone has something to say about the hit by Bernier.  Well, it was a dirty hit yes.  But it shouldn't have even happened.  We all know why.  We all know what happened a few seconds prior to the hit.  It's a story that's been beaten to death with "what if"s.  "What if that penalty had been called on Stoll?"  "What if the Devils had scored on that power play?"  You can argue the "what if"s all day long (trust me, I have) but it still doesn't change the fact that it was called the way it was called and the game went the way it went.  The penalty deflated us in that game.  Our PK which was record breaking in the regular season was a disaster in the playoffs.  Regardless of the 5 minute major, 3 goals on a major PP is just pathetic.  The most lopsided Stanley Cup decider in 21 years since Pittsburgh tore through the North Stars.

Now on to business about the offseason: Marty, Zach, Draft, UFA, CBA, and financial trouble.  Phew, where the hell do I begin?

Martin Brodeur: If he comes back for another year it will be very interesting to see how long and how much.  He has openly stated he understands New Jersey's first priority is signing Parise to a long-term deal.  I feel that Marty can be a fantastic mentor for Frazee or Kinkaid this upcoming season if he decides to resign with us.  So yes, I will answer that question right now: Moose will not return to NJ next year.  In my opinion of course.  We'll miss him though.

Zach Parise: This is the story that's eating at our brains for the past calendar year.  How are we going to afford such a superstar player on our budget?  Well, here's 3 main reasons he will get signed by NJ within the next 10 days.
1. We have the money to do it.  Yes, our team is in financial turmoil.  But our cap space is high.
2. It's Lou Lamoriello we are talking about.  The best GM in the East if not the entire NHL.  He'll get it done!
and 3. He WANTS to stay.

Draft: Remember when I said Lou is the best GM in the NHL? (If you don't remember, well, you might want to get that checked out) Well, this is an instance where I look at this and say "what the hell were you thinking Lou?"  We need to sacrifice a first round pick next year no matter what now.  Instead of just sacrificing the 29th pick this year!!!  Makes no sense to me!

Free Agents: We have a bunch we need to sign, not just Parise.  Salvador is the big one other than Zach.  Like I said we have some cap space to play with.  As far as signing UFA other than our boys, I don;t see any major one happening.  Devils might make a fight for Suter but it won't come through.  In fact I think the Predators will keep a hold on him.

CBA: I have no comment.  Don't screw me out of another season.  That is all.  Goodbye!

Financial difficulties: Ok, we are a young franchise.  We really are.  We come in with a dynasty in full swing.  A team coming off it's glory years in Philly.  And the Rangers have already established themselves as a historic team with 3 Cups.  So of course some people will be reluctant to embrace a new team right smack dab in the middle of all of that.  It's a shame though.  Gary Bettman has said he will take control of the team if Jeff Vanderbeek wished.  This will allow the Devils to stay intact until they found a new owner.  That new owner can....... gulp... move the team anywhere he/she wants.  (Which won't happen but that is the worst case scenario).

So, that was my longest post haha.  But I was so far behind I needed to get this stuff out.  More to come with signings and whatnot.