It is only one game into the Devils’ preseason, a 3-2 shoot out victory at home against the Rangers, and it seems the defensive lineup is set. The Devils, who typically carry 7 defensemen on the roster, will start the season with regulars from last season, Paul Martin, Johnny Oduya, Colin White, Mike Mottau, and Bryce Salvador. In addition, Andy Greene, who played 49 games in 2008-2009 is looking for more playing time. Greene is an adequate player who has excellent moments followed by poor decisions. His upside is limited but he is an adequate “7th” defender who can play on the power play.
The final position open on defense seems to belong to newcomer Cory Murphy, who played 6 season in Europe before coming here to play for Florida and Tampa Bay 2 years ago. Murphy signed a 2-way deal (allowing him to be moved to Lowell of the AHL without clearing waivers) with the Devils in July. It is no coincidence he is wearing #28 in training camp. It is a number worn by a player of similar height (small) and right-handed shot, Brian Rafalski. Rafalski was an all-star defender with Devils before signing with Detroit as a UFA a few years ago. Devils’ GM, Lou Lamoriello, loves to play the jersey number game with his players so when I saw 28 on Murphy, I thought immediately he was going to make the team. In overtime against the Rangers on Wednesday, it was Murphy who was on the ice as the lone defensmen on the Devils 4-3 power play. They didn’t score but Murphy surely looked like he belonged.
Some of the Devil’s faithful were hoping to see 21 year old Devils’ prospect Matt Corrente get a shot on defense. However it seems the Devils do not think he is ready. In fact it appears that 18 year old defensemen, Alexander Urbom has stolen the show in camp and won himself playing time against the Rangers and seems to be playing with the first squad in practice. He won’t make the team this year, but by the Devils giving him NHL time at camp and in preseason, clearly they think he will be the next defensive star for the Devils.
It was my analysis at the end of last season that the Devils needed a star/stud player on defense (sorry Paul Martin you are an excellent defender, but not a stud) to move to the next level. Corey Murphy is what the Devils have come up with to help their pp with a Right-handed shot. A poor man’s Brian Rafalski is not exactly what the Devils’ needed. However, in Devils’ land we say, “In Lou we trust.” No need to worry, the season hasn’t begun yet and Jacques will surely get us through anyway.
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