FEDOR Fedorov to Devils

[Opie 308]

Seriously?!

I understand this is a depth move, but why?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=Apqp...p&type=lgns

NEWARK, N.J. (AP)—Russian center Fedor Fedorov was signed by the New Jersey Devils on Monday after he spent the last two seasons playing in Europe.

Fedorov, 27, had 12 goals and 14 assists in 49 games last season with Dynamo in Russia. His previous stint in the NHL came during the 2005-06 season when he played three games with the New York Rangers.

Fedorov also played in 15 games with the Vancouver Canucks during the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons. He spent three seasons in the Canucks’ organization, playing in 116 contests for Manitoba of the AHL.

Internationally, Fedorov—the younger brother of Washington Capitals star Sergei Fedorov—represented Russia at the 2005 World Championships.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

You would think at some point his last name would stop garnering him more opportunities than he ever deserved. Apparently not.

[DatsyukownzU13 1]

I know him in real life, and despite him being somewhat of a headcase, he has a ton of offensive potential. But the problem is he isn't the youngest of prospects anymore. So if something positive was to come from this it would have to happen pretty fast. The only way he'll ever be alright in the NHL is if he isn't playing 4th line minutes with 4th line players like he was in VAN.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

I know him in real life, and despite him being somewhat of a headcase, he has a ton of offensive potential. But the problem is he isn't the youngest of prospects anymore. So if something positive was to come from this it would have to happen pretty fast. The only way he'll ever be alright in the NHL is if he isn't playing 4th line minutes with 4th line players like he was in VAN.

So you're saying he needs better linemates to make him respectable? That isn't too convincing for a player that's already been given more chances then he should have ever got.

[DatsyukownzU13 1]

So you're saying he needs better linemates to make him respectable? That isn't too convincing for a player that's already been given more chances then he should have ever got.

No it's more the fact that when he was with the Canucks he was playing with horribly defensive-minded players. I'm not saying he would be amazing but he has put up very respectable numbers at all levels besides the NHL where he conveniently was not on a first or second line. I watched him play in ever Vancouver game because my GF and I were hoping he would pan out to be good since we knew him. He was never really given over 6 minutes in a game. Also, the guy is huge for a skillful player.

With that said, at the time he had absolutely no sense of his own end. So unless that changes I don't see how he fits into the Devils system at all.

Just to show you he has some talent:

[Opie 308]

I don't think anyone was arguing he didn't have talent, but everyone's talent has a cap, for some people it is being great in Bantems, others it is college or juniors, some cases it is as an NHL 3rd liner and some players have elite NHL talent.

Fedor looks to be a guy who should realize he is destined to be a star in the Russian league and stay there.

I know he has dreams and I am not faulting him for chasing them, but the Devils, a defense first system, ugh!

The guy is a 1000000 times better hockey player than I could ever fathom being, however every time he has been on an NHL roster he just can't perform up to expectations. He got about as much ice time as Hudler gets, Hudler is working to get more minutes, and his size is a detriment to him, if Fedor was really NHL talent, he would have stuck some where by now.

EDIT: Huds does get a hell of a lot more PP time than Fedor got or will get, that does skew the numbers a little in his favor.

Edited July 22, 2008 by Opie

[JayUp88 1]

I think he played for the Port Huron Boarder Cats back in the day.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

No it's more the fact that when he was with the Canucks he was playing with horribly defensive-minded players. I'm not saying he would be amazing but he has put up very respectable numbers at all levels besides the NHL where he conveniently was not on a first or second line. I watched him play in ever Vancouver game because my GF and I were hoping he would pan out to be good since we knew him. He was never really given over 6 minutes in a game. Also, the guy is huge for a skillful player.

With that said, at the time he had absolutely no sense of his own end. So unless that changes I don't see how he fits into the Devils system at all.

Just to show you he has some talent:

But why do you think he's "conveniently" not getting first or second line minutes/linemates? It's because he's never shown the ability at the NHL level to warrant more minutes or better linemates. I'm not denying that he doesn't have talent at *most* hockey levels, but it just isn't enough to garner him playing time at the NHL level.

Don't get me wrong, I understand that the guy may be a friend of yours and hence you want to see him do well, but if he really was as capable at the NHL level as you want to believe he is, than he would've been given his opportunity by now. The fact of that matter is that he may be good or even great in many leagues in this world, but he just isn't good enough for the highest level league in the world.

[joshy207 156]

With all apologies to "Major League"...

NHLer: "Fedor, what are you doing back here?"

Fedor: "Aw, I couldn't cut it in the Russian League."

I'm surprised to see this. I figured he'd make a lot more money in Russia, and get more icetime as well...

[lfd250 1]

This will be interesting because he is one of the players suspended due to the whole IIHF/KHL deal going on.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

He's already in his late 20's. Whatever potential he had was never realized, and I don't see it all of a sudden happening now.

[puckbags 863]

The Canucks gave this guy lots of chances, they briefly tried playing him with some top players but Fedor has the work ethic of a greasy slug on your sidewalk. He is tragic in his own end of the ice also which makes it seem more strange that a team like the Devils who are generally known for their good defence would take a shot on him.

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

He's already in his late 20's. Whatever potential he had was never realized, and I don't see it all of a sudden happening now.

Yeah that Franzen in his late tweneties never improved fast...

Not saying Fedor will, because I belive he won't, but people do have flash in the pan seasons.

[Opie 308]

Yeah that Franzen in his late tweneties never improved fast...

Not saying Fedor will, because I belive he won't, but people do have flash in the pan seasons.

And if he had signed in Tampa where they are all offense all the time, I would have said well maybe you are right and he could have a couple of good seasons surrounded by offense first, but NJ Devils.

BTW I am still not sold on Franzen, I know that is an unpopular opinion around here, but I have seen a couple of great months from him, but I would like to see it for a season. (Let the castration begin!)

[wingsdiehard13 33]

I think he played for the Port Huron Boarder Cats back in the day.

Yeah, he played with some team over there. I remember watching him play.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

And if he had signed in Tampa where they are all offense all the time, I would have said well maybe you are right and he could have a couple of good seasons surrounded by offense first, but NJ Devils.

BTW I am still not sold on Franzen, I know that is an unpopular opinion around here, but I have seen a couple of great months from him, but I would like to see it for a season. (Let the castration begin!)

I couldn't agree more, but I have a little more faith than you probably. The thing with Franzen is that he was supposed to be a scorer for the Wings right from the get-go last year, and had he not been injured the first part of the season who knows where he would've ended up. Now, it is beyond naive to think he can keep up the torrid pace he was on from March through the end of the playoff run and I'll flat out say that he's not going to perform like that consistently next season. What I do expect from him given that he stays healthy is a 30+ goal season now that he'll have either Z or Dats centering him, around 20 assists and a strong physical presence night-in and night-out.

For the level he showed he could play, those types of things can and should be expected from Mule next year.

[Louisville 112]

Didn't he play for the Muskegon Fury at one point? Or am I imagining things?

Maybe he just played against them?

[Louisville 112]

I couldn't agree more, but I have a little more faith than you probably. The thing with Franzen is that he was supposed to be a scorer for the Wings right from the get-go last year, and had he not been injured the first part of the season who knows where he would've ended up. Now, it is beyond naive to think he can keep up the torrid pace he was on from March through the end of the playoff run and I'll flat out say that he's not going to perform like that consistently next season. What I do expect from him given that he stays healthy is a 30+ goal season now that he'll have either Z or Dats centering him, around 20 assists and a strong physical presence night-in and night-out.

For the level he showed he could play, those types of things can and should be expected from Mule next year.

I thought John Buccigross had a great analyzation on this subject during the SCFs, I'll post it here.

Franzen is off the charts when you see him in person. The Wings have him for $1.15 million next season, and he will be a 29-year-old free agent next summer. I expect the Wings will try to extend him after July 1 with a four- to five-year extension at $4-5 million per year. He is a great skater with amazing hands and a big body (6-3, 220 pounds). He reminds me of Todd Bertuzzi in his prime, without the aloof attitude. Players such as Bertuzzi and Franzen, who will play a contact game, usually drop off after turning 30. That's why it probably behooves Franzen to take an extension now, especially considering his concussion issues. It's a tough call, more so for the Wings.

I could see Franzen scoring 30-40 goals going into his unrestricted free agency next season. That would set him up for a $6 million a year payday. But what if he continues to battle injuries? He missed 13 games in 2006-07, 10 this season and some playoff games. You would think it would make sense for both sides to sign an extension this summer. The Wings could set up Franzen for life by getting him at under market value if he continues to perform the way he has the past three months. But they also assume a lot of risk if Franzen misses time. So, do you sign him now or wait to see how Franzen plays next season when it could cost you more? And, if you are Franzen, do you take the security now or gamble for a huge payday in 2009? Fascinating and important decisions in the salary-cap era. But back to the original premise -- Franzen is fun to watch and way more impressive in person. I saw him play last season against the Islanders, and I can't believe how much better he is. His confidence is exploding right now.

[JayUp88 1]

Yeah, he played with some team over there. I remember watching him play.

I used to live by there so I remember going to see him way back in the day

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Yeah that Franzen in his late tweneties never improved fast...

Not saying Fedor will, because I belive he won't, but people do have flash in the pan seasons.

I can't believe anyone would have argued what I said, but oh well.

Franzen was never built up to be anything the way Fedorov was. There's not comparison between the two. Fedorov's work ethic has constantly been questioned and I don't see it improving now.