Oduya Signs Multiyear Deal

Well, I was wrong in predicting we would have a new coach by the end of today, but the Devil’s did do something to keep the fabric of their team together. Johnny Oduya signed a multiyear deal today locking him up in Jersey for the next three years. This wasn’t exactly on the top of the “to-do” list for New Jersey, but none the less, I am pleased the Oduya will remain in Jersey. Lou Lamoriello is quoted as to saying Johnny “has developed into one of the more talented young defensemen in the National Hockey League.” I agree, and under the right system he can really blossom into a great defenseman.

Does this mean the Devil’s talks with Brian Gionta were unsuccessful? I sure hope not because to loose Gionta would be a major blow to the Devil’s as a team overall. Since they signed Oduya first, two things are likely to have happened. They talked with Gionta and got no where yet, or Gionta has a deal on the table from New Jersey and is fielding other offers. If he is waiting to see what he can get else where it isn’t the end of his days here. He has been a great teammate and loyal to the organization so he may just be waiting to see if he gets an offer he can’t refuse, but I don’t see that happening.

Elsewhere around the NHL, former Devil Scott Gomez was sent to Montreal in a trade for Chris Higgins. This is likely to free up some cap space, so don’t be surprised if the Rangers sign a big name soon. They are always scheming up something and are always major players in free agency. Lastly, the Flames preserved one of the top defenseman in the league in Jay Boumeester. This gives them a phenomenal blue-line with Phaneuf and Boumeester as an elite defensive pair.

Tags: Brian Gionta, Dion Phaneuf, Jay Boumeester, Johnny Oduya, Lou Lamoriello, Scott Gomez