New Jersey Devils 2010-2011 Preview
T
he 2010-2011 NHL season is steadily approaching, and with that comes many goals and expectations for all teams and fans around the world. I’d like to take a look at the New Jersey Devils and what is and isn’t expected of them this year.
As most avid hockey fans know, the New Jersey Devils have been arguably one of the most winningest franchises in NHL history over 15 years. With Lou Lamoriello, who has been the GM since 1987 the Devils are perennial post-season participants just about every season. And it is believed to be more of the same on the horizon as the devils take the ice this October for the new season.
The Devils have added new and old faces to the organization, by re-acquiring Jason Arnott (who was with the team during their famous 2001 Stanley Cup winning year), and the acquisitions of Henrik Tallinder, Anton Volchenkov, and the new coach of the Devils former player John Maclean. Though the losses of Paul Martin and Rob Niedermayer hurt the team, I think they are a solid team over all.
Don’t think I’m forgetting the biggest signing of the off season, a man by the name of Ilya Kovalchuck. One of the most prolific scorers in the NHL today re-joins the Devils after a strange and arduous negotiation period, that took months and many let downs to orchestrate. On July 19, Kovalchuck signed a 17 year, 102 million dollar contract which was later rejected by the NHL, and for awhile seemed as if there was no deal immanent, but eventually after much coercion from the NHL Players Association and the New Jersey Devils, the Devils and Kovalchuck agreed on a contract of 15 years and 100 million dollars, which was accepted by the NHL but did lead to a 3 million dollar fine to the Devils and the loss of 2 draft picks in the 2010-2011 entry-draft.
Nevertheless, The New Jersey Devils seemed poised for another big season and hopefully a playoff push that will take them further than the 1st round. I predict a top 3 finish in the Eastern Conference as well as a great season from Kovalchuk and of course the staid force in Martin Brodeur. With an influx of young players and a strong base of talented veterans it seems as if the Devils will make the Prudential Center shake with excitement. For information about tickets to New Jersey Devil games, or any other NHL team, visit Premiere Global Sports today.
