Even now, I think that the Devils are overpaying a bit for a center who's tumbled a bit in recent years, but still offers a feisty presence and who could revitalize his two-way game.
One of the players that’s overlooked in today’s NHL—especially in competition with Crosby and Malkin in the Atlantic—is Zach Parise. Now, you wouldn’t expect an offensive dynamo to emerge from New Jersey, but that’s exactly what Parise is: He’s had back-to-back 30 goal campaigns, and two straight 60-point seasons; He’s smart, he skates like the devil (it’s a pun—get it?), and will be a great captain for this team one day. It’s too bad this kid doesn’t get more attention.
A few of the names he’s being overshadowed by in Jersey are long-time Devils Patrick Elias and Jamie Langenbrunner. Elias has proven to be an excellent point-producer throughout his career, but is dogged by consistency issues, and a little bad luck. He’ll go from a 30-goal, 80-point season and stay completely healthy one year, to a 20-goal, 55-point performance, and struggle through some health issues.
Although his playmaking ability and his vision would be better utilized in a more offense-first system, one has to respect Elias for his commitment: Although Chicago and the Rangers both offered him a competitive contract, he still made the choice to stick with New Jersey, showing dedication to a program that has proven to be successful.
Langenbrunner has also put in some solid time with the Devils. Although Jamie is also prone to the cycle of one season up, one season down, he is a speedy guy with some versatility, and has been around long enough and seen enough success to be a quality leader.
Although he is small, Brian Gionta will still continue to help the Devils this season. Despite exploding for 48 goals two years ago, Gionta has shown that he can play a good two-way game, as well as being a constant 20-goal threat—especially when playing with a quality centre who can get him the puck. If he’s able to find his 2006-07 form once again, thank Travis Zajac.
John Madden and Danius Zubrus will also become vital parts of this New Jersey team. When Zubrus is surrounded by quality players (like in Buffalo) he’s able to produce. Madden, meanwhile, should provide a fundamentally sound penalty-killing tandem with Jay Pandolfo for the Devils.
The lower forward spots will be filled by Mike Rupp, Rod Pelley, Fedor Fedorov (although if he suddenly becomes motivated, his skills could carry him higher in the lineup), David Clarkson, and Barry Tallackson.
There are also a few young players that the Devils could showcase this season.
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