The New Jersey Devils began working on their 2006-2007 roster late last season when negotiations started with Scott Neidermayer. With a month to go in the regular season, Neidermayer signed a lucrative extension. Management then focused on Alexei Zhitnik and convinced him to stay just as Free Agency was opening up. So while other teams were making front page news with high profile signings this off season, the Devils' stayed quiet in the background. They had kept their two defensemen off the market.
The work however, was not done. The organization found itself two million dollars over the new Cap with only days to go before the season began. In a desperation move, Brent Sopel was shipped to Anaheim for Daniel Tjarnqvist and the Devils ducked under the Cap with less than 100K breathing room.
The payroll crisis had been averted and a solid roster was in place. The Devils got off to a good start winning their first 3 games of the season. Surprisingly, players like Radek Dvorak and Nolan Baumgartner have led the way. Scott Neidermayer on the other hand has yet to register a point. The all star defenseman was diagnosed with a lower body injury Thursday and will be out of action for about a week, which may explain the slow start.
On Saturday, they locked horns with Florida, the OTHL's number one team. The Devils, without Neidermayer, stepped up and managed a 2 - 2 tie. Brodeur was outstanding, especially in overtime where he made several point blank saves. The old man still has it.
The league has never been as competitive as it is this season and the Devils know it will be a dog fight just to make the playoffs.