Rink Wrap: Wild about Parise
The Devils have a decision to make before next month’s NHL trade deadline: Do they deal star winger Zach Parise?
With Parise set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, the Devils are desperately trying to keep their 27-year-old captain from testing the market, but if he’s not signed in the next month, GM Lou Lamoriello may have to consider moving him before Feb. 27.
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Devils’ Brodeur not ready to pack it inHe’s 39 and admits he even feels his age some days, but retirement hasn’t yet crept into the mind of Devils goalie Martin Brodeur.
“I haven’t given any thought to that,” Brodeur said after practice in preparation for Tuesday’s game against the Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. “There might be a time when I have to ask that question but I’m not ready to ask it yet.
Devils Camp: Final season for Brodeur?Martin Brodeur opened what could be the final training camp of his NHL career Saturday. The surefire Hall of Fame goaltender, who will turn 40 in May, is in the final year of his contract with the New Jersey Devils and is not currently negotiating a new one.
Brodeur isn't willing to say this season will be his swan song, instead opting to take a wait-and-see approach.
Devils skate to verge of bankruptcyThe New Jersey Devils training camp doesn’t open until tomorrow but already the three-time NHL champs are skating on thin ice, The Post has learned.
The attendance-challenged, heavily indebted team missed its Sept. 1 loan payment, giving its lenders a breakaway chance to push the team into bankruptcy, a source with direct knowledge of the situation said.
“The Devils are blowing up,” the source said.
Devils haven't contacted Hitch***** about coaching job While the coaching position remains vacant and obvious candidate Ken Hitch***** telling The Post last night that the Devils have not contacted him, there are indications perhaps, finally, general manager Lou Lamoriello is working on Zach Parise's contract.
Devils may be playing with fire with Parise More than two months have passed since the Devils’ season ended without a playoff appearance and it’s been nearly eight weeks since general manager Lou Lamoriello said he’d try to re-sign Zach Parise, "as expeditiously as possible."
Yet, Parise remains unsigned today and says, "nothing" has happened so far with his contract. While this raises questions about whether the Devils’ ownership situation (partners Mike Gilfillan and Ray Chambers want to sell their share) is impacting business, the intention appears clear.
Ken Hitch***** to coach the Devils? So the name this time, the coach several sources have told Slap Shots that
Lou Lamoriello intends to hire this summer, is Ken Hitch*****. And that makes perfect sense because the Devils general manager, who in the previous six summers since the lockout hired Larry Robinson, Claude Julien, Brent Sutter,
Jacques Lemaire and John MacLean, has to go for the safe pick this time, has to go for a coach who will grab every one of his players' attention and command every one of his players' respect the moment he walks in the room the first day of training camp.
Lemaire will consider returning next season However it ends, record miracle or three-month tease, Jacques Lemaire will deserve consideration for a second Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year (the first in 1993-94). That wouldn't do it, by itself, but don't be surprised if the Devils' Preposterous Dream is enough to bring him back next season.
Jason Arnott wonders if Devils will trade himJason Arnott spent the All-Star break in Miami.
The Devils' veteran center isn't sure where he will spend the final months of this season.
"It's going to be a little tough. I'm sure a lot of talk and rumors will be flying around," Arnott said today. "I just have to go out and play and see what happens."
