Brylin has agreed to terms with KHL team

From Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger:

Sergei Brylin, the classy three-time Stanley Cup champion, returned to New Jersey today to pick up his personal effects before heading to Russia to sign a three-year contract with St. Petersburg of the Continental League.

"I haven't technically signed," Brylin told me, "but we've agreed to terms. I've heard good things about the team. Igor Larionov will be involved with the team. Maybe it's a change I needed. Being here for so long, I wouldn't say it puts you to sleep, but I got used to things. This will shake things up."

Read the entire article here.

Brylin was an important part of all three Stanley Cup championship teams and was really one of the more underrated players in the NHL during his entire career.

Larry Robinson scaling back

From Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger:

Larry Robinson, who spent last season next to head coach Brent Sutter, won't be behind the Devils' bench again this season. He'll serve as a special assignment coach between the organization's prospects in Lowell, Mass., and the Devils.

Tommy Albelin, as assistant coach who served as the club's eye in the sky in the press box, will join John MacLean behind the bench.

Read the entire article here.

Robinson is a great coach, and he brings a lot of life to a team's bench. I'm sure he will be missed behind the Devils' bench.

Fedorov looking to stick with Devils

From Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger:

Fedor Fedorov might not possess some of his older brother's Hall of Fame-caliber skills, but he has Sergei's unmistakable confidence.

Signed as a free agent by the Devils after playing the past two seasons in his native Russia, Fedorov is taking part in this week's developmental camp for prospects at the Prudential Center.

The catch is, unlike most of the players involved, Fedorov, 27, is extremely confident he'll earn a spot with the Devils in training camp.

"That's the only reason I'm here," Fedorov said Tuesday. "No other reason. There is no (other) point in me being here."

Read the entire story here.

Fedorov has confidence, arguably too much, but if he can exhibit determination and a willingness to compete that matches his skill level, he'll be in good shape.

Devils sign Fedor Fedorov

From the Newark Star-Ledger:

Russian center Fedor Fedorov was signed by the New Jersey Devils on Monday after he spent the last two seasons playing in Europe.

Fedorov, 27, had 12 goals and 14 assists in 49 games last season with Dynamo in Russia. His previous stint in the NHL came during the 2005-06 season when he played three games with the Rangers.

Read the entire article here.

All recent reports had speculated that this deal has been basically done for a while now; so, this signing comes as no surprise. Now that he's officially signed, I have to say that I'm not really sure what Fedorov can bring to the Devils. He has a high skill level, but his attitude has been a problem in the past. Considering the team is coached by hard-nose Brent Sutter, the Devils must think Fedorov has matured/changed.

Brylin hasn't signed with Continental Hockey League

From Tom Gulitti of Fire & Ice:

Although it's been reported that Sergei Brylin has signed with SKA-St. Petersburg of the Russian Continental League, I received a message from Sergei this morning saying that he "hasn't signed a contract for next season."

Read the entire entry here.

Brylin has had a nice run with the Devils, and could certainly be a useful addition to a number of team's 3rd lines. While he hasn't yet signed overseas, it wouldn't be surprising if he ended up in the Continentel Hockey League.

Devils' new arena needs some fixing

From the Newark Star-Ledger:

This morning, The Star-Ledger reported on a shutdown of the Prudential Center in Newark, as the arena was in violation of a code related to the smoke evacuation system

Read the short article here.

With those warnings on the door, I'm not sure if it's safer to be inside the arena or on the streets outside the Prudential Center.... I kid, I kid.

Are the Devils pursuing the Fedorov brothers?

From Tom Gulitti of Fire & Ice:

Fedorov, a 27-year-old center, is the younger brother of Sergei Fedorov. He got in 18 total NHL games with the Rangers and Vancouver earlier in his career. He played last season for Moscow Dynamo in Russia and put up 12 goals and 13 assists in 49 games. It appears he's destined to play in Lowell of the AHL.

"We'll see," Lamoriello said. "He's a big, strong kid. We'll see how he does."

I asked Lamoriello about the rumors about him being interested Sergei Fedorov, a 38-year-old center who finished up last season with Washington, but he would not comment on that.

Read the entire post here.

Wouldn't be a bad move for the Devils who clearly intend on competing for the Cup next season. The team has already signed two veteran forwards (Rolston and Holik) and signing Sergei Fedorov would be a solid move considering his two-way ability. As for his brother, well, if it isn't a package deal then I would probably take a pass.

Holik back to the Swamp

From the Newark Star-Ledger:

Two players familiar to Devils fans will be returning to the club. Brian Rolston, the speedy forward who last played for the Minnesota Wild, has signed a multi-year deal with the Devils while center Bobby Holik is also coming back to New Jersey.

Holik, who captained the Atlanta Thrashers, signed a one-year contract for a reported $2.5 million.

Read the entire story here.

A one year deal for Holik isn't a bad move at all. The veteran had a poor 2007/08 for Atlanta last year, however, Lou Lamoriello still believes he can be a useful part for the Devils. I happen to agree. So long as Holik is utilized in the right circumstances, I see him having a solid season. If he doesn't, there is limited risk with the one year deal anyways.

Rolston close to deal with Devils for 4 years

From TSN:

James Duthie just reported the Devils are close to signing Brian Rolston to a 4 year contract worth $20 million.

Rolson fits in perfectly with what the Devils want from their players. He can kill penalties, play the power play and is a versatile forward. In addition, he is extremely fast and has a powerful shot. The player fits perfectly in New Jersey; although, at his age (35), I would be a little hesitant to give him more than a three year deal.

Pandolfo re-signs, Brylin a goner

From the Newark Star-Ledger:

Sergei Brylin, the last skater to have played on all three Devils Stanley Cup championship teams, will not be rteunring to the club next season. GM Lou Lamoriello said this morning that he decided not to pick up the one-year, $1.52 million option on Brylin, who is 34...

Lamoriello said he was unable to sign both Pandolfo and Brylin because of the way they play and financial considerations. Pandolfo was re-signed along with restricted free agent right winger David Clarkson and minor league winger Barry Tallackson.

Read the entire report here.

Pandolfo has been a mainstay on the Devils for a long time now, no one really anticipated him leaving the Swamp. Pandolfo and John Madden will continue to play against the opposing team's best lines for years to come.

As for Brylin, his exit is somewhat surprising. The veteran forward has been a part of the Devils since their first Stanley Cup back in 1995. His willingness to play in all different situations and focus on defense made him the prototypical New Jersey Devils player. His role with the team is similar to Troy Brown's role all these years on the New England Patriots.

Devils re-sign Bryce Salvador

From Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger:

The Devils have prevented defenseman Bryce Salvador from becoming an unrestricted free agent at noon today by signing him to a multi-year contract believed to be worth almost $12 million.

Read the short report here.

Apparently the contract is for 4 seasons as $3 million per season which is about market price for a stay-at-home defenseman in the NHL these days. Nothing overly surprising about these terms, as the two sides were reported to be close to a deal yesterday.

Will Shanahan sign with the Devils?

From Larry Brooks of the NY Post:

A free agent at noon today, Brendan Shanahan isn't going to glue a Bluetooth to his ear in anticipation of the call that probably won't come from the New York Rangers .

Rather, The Post has been told to expect the 39-year-old winger to go home again - home to New Jersey to complete the circle of his first-ballot worthy Hall of Fame career that commenced with the New Jersey Devils in 1987-88.

Read the entire article here.

Brendan Shanahan isn't the player he once was, but if the Devils sign him in a reduced role, he can still provide leadership and good hands on the power play.

Devils to Pursue Hossa?

Tom Gulitti of northjersey.com says that the New Jersey Devils may be in the market for Marion Hossa in order to propel the Devils back the Eastern Conference lime-light. Secondary targets might be Wade Redden and Brian Campbell.

******************

Although pursuing such big-name players would seem to be out of character for Lamoriello, he suggests otherwise.

"All of that goes on behind the scenes and we don't talk about it," he said. "If we can do something that makes our team better, we'll do that. You try to do that during the regular season, but you can't always do it."

*******************

I do not foresee the Devils making a big splash in the market. They have some good young talent up front already and spending big dollars on Hossa or Campbell seems to be too big of a departure from their team building model.

Devils and Salvador make progress

From Mark Everson of the NY Post:

Contract talks between Bryce Salvador and Lou Lamoriello yesterday produced significant progress yesterday, the agent for impending unrestricted defenseman told The Post yesterday.

"We made progress on several items, and still have a few more to go," agent Carlos Sosa said. "We'll continue talking with the New Jersey Devils through Tuesday, and after Tuesday, too, if we still have more to do."

Read the short article here.

Salvador is expected to net about $3 million per season, and it appears the sides are closing in on an agreement. The tough stay-at-home defenseman is a solid fit in New Jersey.

NHL Morning Papers (Tuesday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail profiles Evgeni Malkin in this morning's paper.
• Mike Brehm of USA Today also has an article about Evgeni Malkin and his chase for the Hart Trophy.
• Dave Shoalts "goes out on a limb" and guarantees the Leafs will not make the playoffs.
• Wayne Scanlan of the National Post tells readers that Ray Emery wasn't John Paddock's only problem.

Here are the Eastern Conference Morning Papers:

• "It happened, we had a bad game, and we have to put it behind us," said Zdeno Chara after his team's embarrassing 10-2 loss at Washington. In contract news, Bruins center Glen Metrpolit would love some contract security, writes Fluto Shinwaza.
• The Sabres need to starting playing with their head if they want to make the playoffs, writes John Vogl. The Sabres will be without Jochen Hecht for at least the next two games with a groin injury.
• Losing Rod Brind'Amour hasn't meant the end of the Hurricanes' season; in fact, just the opposite has occurred.
• Larry Brooks of the NY Post tells us that the Rangers are going to allow Sean Avery to hit the open market come July 1st. "I think both sides are pretty adamant about a dollar amount and I don't see anyone moving off of that anytime soon," said Avery.
• The Flyers got some great news yesterday with word leaking out that Derian Hatcher may be able to return to the team's lineup on Saturday night. Here is the Philadelphia Inquirer's Flyers Report.
• Penguins fans know that Pascal Dupuis was more than just a throw-in as part of the Marian Hossa trade, writes Dave Molinari. Don't expect the Pens to take it easy against the visiting Lightning tonight.
• Alex Ovechkin reached 50 goals last night and didn't stop there, in his team's 10-2 demolition of the visiting Bruins.
• The Panthers may get the speedy Radek Dvorak back in their lineup tonight, writes Steve Gorten. Meanwhile, it appears the Branislav Mezei has really picked up his play since the trade deadline passed.
• The Canadiens just made too many mental mistakes last night in San Jose to have a chance to win, writes Pat Hickey.
• If the Devils want to regain top spot in the Eastern Conference, their offense needs to pick it up, writes Colin Stephenson.
• The Islanders' season may depend on their upcoming home-and-home versus the rival Rangers, writes Mark Herrmann.
• The Senators not only lost last night's Stanley Cup rematch with the Ducks, but they also lost Daniel Alfredsson to an upper-body injury. The Senators also saw coach Bryan Murray ejected from last night's game for chirping at the refs.
• Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star talks about the great leadership skills of Mats Sundin. Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun takes the time to review the Leafs' crazy season.
• The Lightning understand they no longer have a chance to make the playoffs, so all their efforts right now are being put towards building for next year.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• The Ducks and Senators picked up just as they left off from last year's Stanley Cup Finals, as the Ducks were victorious 3-1 at the Honda Center last night.
• Rhett Warrener hasn't been in the Flames lineup close to as much as he'd like, but he is the ultimate professional and is always ready to step in. Just because the Flames have not named a starting netminder for tonight's contest, does not mean there is a goaltending controversy in Calgary, writes Jean Lefebvre.
• Rob Oller of the Columbus Dispatch is ecstatic to be following the Blue Jackets for what is finally some meaningful late-season action. Rick Nash wants to be the next captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets, writes Tom Reed.
• Loui Eriksson certainly isn't complaining about his role as the winger on the Stars' top-line alongside Brenden Morrow and Mike Ribiero, writes Chuck Carlton.
• Brad Stuart is settling in well with his new teammates, writes Helene St. James. The Wings got back on the winning track on Sunday, and that allowed for Kris Draper to resume his trickery, writes George Sipple.
• Michael Russo of the Star Tribune has a nice article on Martin Skoula, a player the Wild fans have been too harsh on during his time in the State of Hockey.
• The Predators will be without steady veteran Martin Gelinas for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL.
• The Sharks made it six in a row last night with an impressive victory over the Habs. Apparently this will not be Jeremy Roenick's final season in the NHL.
• Here is a Blues/Kings preview for tonight's contest.
• The Hawks will start Corey Crawford in net tomorrow night versus the Ducks.
• Peter Forsberg could be in the Colorado lineup tonight, and if he is, he will be on a line with Joe Sakic and Milan Hejduk. Unfortunately, the Avs may need Forsberg even more than they thought, after the team lost both Marek Svatos and Ryan Smyth to serious injuries.
• Oilers youngster Robert Nilsson has continued to improve throughout the season, writes Joanne Ireland. In other news, the Oilers have promoted Marc Pouliot from Springfield.
• The Coyotes are still holding out hope on a playoff spot, writes Jim Gintonio.
• Alain Vigneault has not lost confidence in his team, writes Gordon McIntyre.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

News You Can Use Late in the Day

-John Ferguson Jr. rejects a report saying he was trying to fire Paul Maurice.
-Bob McKenzie discusses possible changes the league rules being considered by NHL GM's.
-Sportsnet reports that Daniel Alfredsson has resumed skating.
-Sean McCormick thinks that the Oilers should consider giving the C to someone other than the perpetually injured Ethan Moreau.
-The Hot or Not list from the CHL.
-The NHL celebrates its 90th Birthday today.
-The AHL's Teddy Purcell, an undrafted free agent before the Kings signed him, is leading the league in scoring.
-NHL.com with an in-depth look at the shootout.
-A profile on my future brother in law, Mike Cammalleri.
-The weekly NCAA hockey rankings from INCH.
-Brian Burke continues to lobby for changes to the CBA which would allow teams to trade players but keep some of the salary on their own books.
-Richard Peddie says there are no plans to fire JFJ.
-The weekly release from the American Hockey League.
-8 year olds brawl in Guelph.
-An analysis of the USHL from Gabriel Desjardins, master o' stats.
-A map of the hockey blogosphere.
-Taking Note tells us that former Oiler Mike Krushelnyski is coaching in the German Elite League.
-Sam Gagner will start tonight's game against Columbus on the 1st Line.
-Darren Eliot thinks the Penguins just need to relax and make the simple plays.
-Todd Bertuzzi reflects on his time as a Canuck.
-Greg Dennis of the Canadian Press examines the big money busts of fantasy hockey.
-Roundups from the QMJHL, WHL and OHL.
-The Hockey News debates the supremacy of Roy or Brodeur.
-The NY Times tells us how to block shots, doesn't blame Bush.
-The Score looks at the NHL's top lines.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

Due to an exceptionally busy day, I will post a Prospect Pulse tomorrow and stick with the news this afternoon.

-Eric Duhatschek feels that Mikka Kiprusoff is not to blame for the Flames poor play this year.
-Mike Brophy wonders if the Leafs should trade
-The sultry Martine Gaillard examines NHL rivalries.
-Nik Backstrom is making the most of his opportunity with the Wild after paying his dues in Europe.
-The Sharks have locked up Matt "Hot" Carle with a new 4 year deal.
-Kukla with some reasons to be thankful for hockey.
-The Hockey News with the Top 10 Reasons for trading Tuuka Rask.
-Alex Ponikarovsky becomes a Canadian citizen.
-The Hockey News with mini-profiles on some hot prospects.
-The Regina Pats call up some prospects on their western road swing.
-Tortorella is fined $10 large for his comments on league officials.
-The Miami Herald reports trouble in the Panthers dressing room.
-An update on former Red Wing Jiri Fischer.
-The Thrashers have enjoyed a revival under Don Waddell.
-Kevin Lowe admits the Oilers are rebuilding.
-NHL Power Rankings from Sports Illustrated.
-NCAA Power Rankings from INCH.
-Stan Fischler wonders if the Devils are on the verge of making a deal.
-The Score looks at the decline in the number of Russians in the NHL.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

News You Can Use Late in the Day

-Eric Lindros is expected to officially announce his retirement on Thursday.
-Wade Redden has said he will take a home-town discount to stay with the Ottawa Senators.
-An MRI has revealed that Dan Boyle will need more surgery on his injured wrist.
-Senators owner Eugene Melnyk feels that Canada can support more NHL teams.
-Todd Bertuzzi's $350,000 settlement offer to Steve Moore is rejected.
-Bob McKenzie does not believe John Tortorella's job is in jeopardy.
-Chris Bourque may make his NHL debut tonight.
-John Buccigross talks Jeremey Roenick.
-Fluto Shinzawa discusses the Bruins goal scoring struggles.
-The Ottawa Senators could make history tonight by recording the most points ever after 14 games.
-The Buffalo Sabres are unsure as to why they are struggling early on this year.
-The Globe and Mail notes that the CBA appears to have achieved parity in the NHL.
-Damien Cristodero says don't expect the Lightning to make a deal for a goalie.
-Sioux backup goalie has Anthony Grieco has returned to the OHL.
-Alexei Doistonov has left the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets to play for the Kitchener Rangers.
-Taking Note details an amazing story of underage players drinking and the coverup that followed.
-Jennifer Botterill and Hayley Wickenheiser lead the way for Canada in Sweden.
-An interesting story about a documentary about the life of junior aged hockey players in Quebec.
-Power Rankings from the USHL.
-James Mirtle looks at a few NHL teams that are already in trouble.
-Sports Illustrated's Power Rankings. The Islanders crack the Top 10.
-Barry Smith blogs from the Russian Super League.
-Interesting take on the Oilers and their future from David Staples.
-Orlando, FL. man on the hockey trip of a lifetime.
-The Bleacher Report with the top ten hockey teams of the future.
-Six Senators make the All-Star Ballot.
-Darcy Tucker makes an appearance on Little Mosque on the Prairies. The Leafs dominance of the Commie Broadcasting Corp. is complete.
-Michael Farber reports that the Blues are back.
-Wes Walz has gone AWOL in Minnesota.
-Luc Bourdon has been recalled by the Vancouver Canucks.
-Stan Fischler looks at what ails the Devils.
-The Kitchener Rangers extend their winning streak to 9 games.
-The Score reports that Pittsburgh may be shopping for a goaltender.
-Hockey News' Hot List.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Saturday Night Recap: Kovalchuk Beasts on the Lightning

-Mike Fisher scored two goals including the game winner. Ottawa 3 - Boston 2. Tim Thomas made an amazing 42 saves for the Bruins and Chuck Kobasew added two goals in the loss.

-With two powerplay points Matt Cullen was Carolina's first star. Roddy Brind'Amour and Jeff Hamilton were stars two and three with two assists each. Richard Zednik scored for Florida, he now has 5 points in his past three games. Carolina 4 - Florida 2.

-Rangers 2 - Devils 1 (SO) Who says 1-1 games can't be exciting? Henrik Lundvquist continues to play phenomenal stopping 28 for the Rangers and Marty Brodeur was no slouch keeping 26 out of the net. The Rangers have had major offensive problems this year only scoring more than 3 goals in a game once, but King Henrik has been their MVP and has now allowed 6 goals in his past 7 games. Petr Prucha scored the shootout winner for the Rangers. Game Notes: Sean Avery returned from injury this game and was a a complete ball of energy on the ice. Jaromir Jagr played sparingly in overtime, he came on for one rush and then went off immediately, I'd keep an eye on him.

-Miroslav Satan scored two goals for the Isles including the game winner. Islanders 3 - Penguins 2. Rick DiPietro had to leave during the game for an injury that the team says "wasn't serious". Wade Dublewicz came off the bench and stopped 7 of 7. Al Arbour returned to the bench tonight to coach his 1,500th game. Game Notes: This game had a very unusual play; It appeared Tyler Kennedy of the Penguins had scored, all of the Penguins on the ice began to celebrate, but the referee did not count it as a goal. The teams played it out for 4 minutes until a whistle and then there was a review. It was counted a goal and the clock had to be reset to the time of the goal and then the puck was dropped. But, If the Islanders had scored during those 4 minutes, their goal would not have counted because of the Kennedy goal. My question is, what would have happened if the Penguins scored again after that play? Also just one goal?

-It's always exciting when the Habs and the Leafs get together, Matt Stajan scored with 1:34 left in the 3rd to give Toronto the win. Toronto 3 - Montreal 2.

-BEAST of the night Ilya Kovalchuk, so hot right now. He scored 4 points and now has 7 in his past two games. Marian Hossa also got on the board with two points. Atlanta 6 - Tampa Bay 4. Martin St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier had 3 assists each in a losing cause.

-Calgary has now lost three of their past four. Minnesota 4 - Calgary 1. Marian Gaborik had 3 points with two goals and one assist.

-Jonathan Toews had his 10 game point streak snapped, but Patrick Sharp's two shorthanded goals help the Blackhawks defeat the Blues. It was the first time a Chicago player had scored 2 shorthanded goals in a game since Steve Sullivan in '01. Chicago 3 - St. Louis 2.

-Ryan Getzlaf and Chris Pronger had 3 points each for the Ducks and J.S. Giguere stopped 30. Ducks 5 - Coyotes 2. Coyotes' Alex Auld stopped 34 in the loss.

-Vancouver 4 - Colorado 3. Colorado loses for their first time at home, and how have a 6 - 1 record at the Pepsi Center. After being called out by Coach Alain Vigneault, the Sedins combined for 6 points.

-The Sharks split their home and home with the Kings winning tonights game in Los Angeles. Jeremy Roenick scored his 4th goal of the year for San Jose and is now only one goal away from 500 for his career. Joe Thornton added two points in the win. Jason LaBarbera started in goal tonight for Los Angeles and made 25 saves in the losing effort. San Jose 3 - Los Angeles 1.

Tomorrow's Games (All Times Eastern)
5:00pm STL@CLB
7:00pm OTT@BOS, NSH@CHI

Euro Curve

Euro Curve takes a look at the latest international hockey headlines.

- The New Jersey Devils recalled Finnish Defenseman Olli Malmivaara on Wednesday from their American Hockey League Affiliate, the Lowell Devils, but he didn't play in the game versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. Malmivaara played 60 games for the Lowell Devils last year after spending the last six seasons in the Finnish Sm-liiga. In 60 games last season with Lowell, he had one goal and 11 assists in 60 games. The Devils were forced to recall Malmivaara after a serious injury to veteran Colin White has seriously depleted their d corps. In 2005'06 Malmivaara had 11 goals and 9 assists in 54 games for SaiPa Lappeenranta in 54 games. Malmivaara was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2000 (4/117). According to The Sports Network, the Scouting report on Malmivarra is:

Assets
Has a huge frame and wingspan. Takes up a lot of space in the defensive zone.
Flaws
Needs more work on his skating and coordination. Must develop a mean streak.
Career potential
No. 6 or 7 defenseman.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.