Word this morning has Jim Down close to a one year deal with the New Jersey. For those who have been sleeping, the Devils are already over the 44 million dollar salary cap, and still have to sign Gionta, Martin and Hale. The Devils have to make a move eventually, whether it's moving Gomez, Gionta, Mogilny, or even Brodeur (couldn't happen, could it?). You have to figure with regular season kicking off in less than a month, this move has to happen sooner rather than later. If I'm a team in the Atlantic Division, I make an offer sheet for Gionta or Martin. I'll tell you this, the Devils would not have an easy time matching it.
Gagne still isn't signed, which could mean bad things for the Flyers. If Forsberg doesn't return to post-surgery form, what offensive talent are the Flyers left with? Primaeu s still a giant question mark, and this team's defense and goaltending is also questionable. If I'm the Flyers, I give Gagne exactly what he wants, simply because if Gagne isn't wearing Flyer orange this season, the Flyers are in a world of trouble.
Finally, why are Carter and Allison still available. They are both at least top six players on 95% of the teams in this league. Allison played at almost a point a game last season, and is a great pick up for any team needing someone to lead their powerplay. As for Carter, did we forget he was once traded for Jagr? Maybe last season wasn't his fluke season, maybe it was the poor season he had before that? Nah, couldn't be....
