Just as the bidding ended, it became more vital than ever for the Devils to re-sign Scott Niedermayer. They learn the answer today.
Just down the Turnpike, the Flyers – who manhandled the Devils when they were last seen – have made huge splashes the past three days, the biggest being last night’s signing of Peter Forsberg. Meanwhile, the Devils have been quietly waiting on their unrestricted defensemen, Niedermayer and Brian Rafalski. The gap has grown, and losing Niedermayer would widen it further.
Niedermayer’s agent last night promised the decision this afternoon. The Norris Trophy holder was to spend the time mulling his offers.
It is probably down to Anaheim and the Devils, although San Jose has been mentioned as a possible finalist. The Ducks have Rob Niedermayer as a restricted free agent, and the brothers have made no secret of wanting to play together at some point in their NHL careers.
However, the Ducks may have even more salary cap trouble than New Jersey, and the Devils are believed to have offered in the neighborhood of $6.8 million per season for Niedermayer.
The Flyers threw down the other gauntlet to the Atlantic Division last night by signing Forsberg, having already added Derian Hatcher and Mike Rathje.
Brian Leetch was another of the big names of yesterday’s signings, leaving the Maple Leafs for a one year, $4 million salary with the Bruins.
Meanwhile, the Rangers signed their third Czech in two days, bringing back 34-year-old winger Martin Rucinsky for a third stint at the Garden. They signed Martin Straka and Marek Malik Tuesday.
Defensemen have been snapped up quickly, and the market surely narrowed on both Niedermayer and Rafalski. Adam Foote started the run on top backliners Monday, followed by Adrian Aucoin, Hatcher, Rathje, Alexei Zhitnik, Marek Malik, and yesterday, Sergei Gonchar, Bryan Berard and Leetch.
It would appear several teams have already made their big plunges into the market for defensemen. The Penguins signed Gonchar for $5 million per, for five years. Philly is committed to $3.5 million per year to both Hatcher (four years) and Rathje (five years).
There were 14 teams that initial contact with Niedermayer Monday.
Rafalski was said to be near the $4 million salary level in offers, but his signing may be waiting on that of Niedermayer.
It appears the short-term deal is Leetch’s choice, leaving the door open to return to the Rangers next summer if the team is under new managment.
Rucinsky was dealt from the Rangers to Vancouver in March 2004. He stands 18-39-57 in 84 games in his two runs with the Rangers.
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Rangers also signed their own restricted D Tomas Pock, 23. He is 2-2-4 in six NHL games. He spent most of last season in Hartford, going 1-5-6 in 50 games, with an ECHL stint as well . . . The Devils will host the Isles Sept. 25, Rangers Sept. 27 and Flyers Sept. 30, and visit Flyers Sept. 29 and Rangers Oct. 2 in the shortened preseason slate.
