From Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger:
There is only one reason so many former Devils eventually find their way back to the organization and why others choose to stay rather than taking more money elsewhere: The belief that another Stanley Cup is right around the corner.
That belief is what prompted speedy forward Brian Rolston and hard-hitting center Bobby Holik, both unrestricted free agents, to sign with the Devils yesterday on the first day of NHL free agency. It also convinced left winger Jay Pandolfo and defenseman Bryce Salvador to re-sign with the Devils instead of testing the market.
The Devils surprised many hockey people yesterday by landing Brian Rolston, who had been acquired earlier in the week by the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a conditional draft pick (from the Minnesota Wild). GM Lou Lamoriello obviously believes that the best way to ignite the Devils anemic offense is to bring back players who tasted Stanley Cup glory back in 1995. On the other hand, why let Sergei Brylin go then? Well, it appears that Lamoriello had to let Brylin and his $1.52 million salary go to free up room to bring in a free agent defenseman. Brooks Orpik would look nice in a Devils jersey.
For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.
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