NJ brings in Kovalchuk, here's what they're lines will look something like - (Paul Martin should have his cast off in 2 weeks and could rejoin the team after the Olympic break)
Kovalchuk - Zajac - Parise
Langenbrunner - Elias - Zubrus
Rolston - Niedermyer - Clarkson
Pandolfo - McAmmond - Peters/Lablond
Martin - Greene
Mottau - Salvador
White - Salmela/Fraser
Brodeur
Danis
I'd say they'll probably add a defensman at, or before the deadline. Other than that, I guess they're okay. You have to consider them among the favourites now (if you didn't already). They're pretty deadly. Here are some options for them to add on the blueline:
Sheldon Souray - although this is a long shot with the $ involved. NJ was linked to Souray rumors. Now with the Kovie trade, I wouldn't count on this.
Niclas Wallin - some kind of trade is in place with SJ, but as of right now Wallin could still be had. Who knows, maybe the hold up is that Wallin won't waive his NTC for the sharks? If that's the case he's still up for grabs, and he's a great playoff guy, type of guy who really steps it up.
Joe Corvo - decent rental from the Canes, shouldn't cost more than a 3rd round pick at most.
Scott Niedermyer - no NTC, but the Ducks have said that they'll give him the chance to choose if and where he wants to go. A return to NJ could make sense but Anaheim would have to take back some salary to make this trade fit.
Garnett Exelby - NJ can get away with some workman-like defense, so maybe picking up XLB for a mid-late pick is all they need, and I could see them going after a guy like this or someone similar.
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