Welcoming new faces to the Devils

Hello.  My name is Tony (just kidding, my real name is Down Goes Avery).  This might be your first time visiting this site, or you may have followed along over the past three seasons when I used to blog regularly.  I have returned from my blogging hibernation, at least for now to bring you a look at some of the new faces on the Devils, and a glimpse at their transition from last season to this season.  We'll see how this goes and maybe I'll even do another post in the near future.  Thanks for stopping by!



NorthJersey.com
Every time I see a picture of Jagr in a Devils jersey, I think "uh, yep, that's photoshopped."
When I realize I'm wrong, I then wonder why this couldn't have happened 10 years ago.

Cory Schneider

CBS New York

Previous team: Vancouver Canucks

How he was acquired: Stolen Trade from Canucks

Transition to the Devils: Has essentially gone from backing up a well-known goalie from Montreal in Vancouver to backing up an even better known goalie from Montreal in New Jersey.

Season forecast: Will likely spend the season wondering why Devils players don't cringe every time someone says the word "playoffs."



Damien Brunner

Previous team: Detroit Red Wings

Yahoo Sports

How he was acquired: Signed from tryout

Transition to the Devils: Goes from the team with the most playoff success over the last 20 years in the Western Conference to the team with the most playoff success over the last 20 years in the Eastern Conference.

Season forecast: Will perform well, and will enjoy city life this year more than last year, now being in Newark.



Rostislav Olesz

Sport Aktuane

Previous team: Chicago Blackhawks/AHL

How he was acquired: Signed through free agency

Transition to the Devils: Once again coached by Pete DeBoer, as he was in Florida, becoming the 349th (a lot) player to come to the Devils after previously playing for DeBoer.

Season forecast: Is almost guaranteed to be at least the fourth best Czech-born player on the Devils this season.





Ryane Clowe

NBC Pro Hockey Talk

Previous team: New York Rangers

How he was acquired: Signed through free agency, as Lou Lamoriello's revenge to the Rangers for signing Scott Gomez

Transition to the Devils: Coming from the Rangers to the Devils.  What could possibly go wrong?

Season forecast: Definitely a plus for the Devils, especially if they end up facing the LA Kings in an important game again.




Michael Ryder

Previous team: Montreal Canadiens

How he was acquired: Signed through free agency to fill Lou Lamoriello's annual Getting-Someone-With-Ties-To-Montreal quota

Transition to the Devils: Very well, after recovering from parting ways with his previous number, 73.

Season forecast: Will absolutely definitely undoubtedly be the best #17 the Devils have had since Sykora.



Jaromir Jagr

Previous team: Pittsburgh Penguins Washington Capitals New York Rangers KHL Philadelphia Flyers Dallas Stars Boston Bruins

Pete DeBoer, thinking he's actually teaching Jagr something.
NorthJersey.com

How he was acquired: Signed through free agency

Transition to the Devils: Should be seamless, since like the Devils, he missed the playoffs last season.

Season forecast: Figures to give the top-6 forward group a boost.  Or he'll get buried in the minors for cap relief.  Not like that could ever happen to a superstar in his final season in New Jersey.



Mike Foligno

Assistant Coach

Previous job: Anaheim Ducks assistant coach

Season forecast: Leaves Jagr on the ice during the entire power play and hopes he doesn't fall apart.  Also convinces Lou Lamoriello to trade for his two sons.