Devils Add Volchenkov, Tallinder On D; Snag Hedberg To Backup Brodeur

 

The New Jersey Devils were one of those teams to watching heading into this free agency period. Not only were they the rights holder before today to the hottest UFA on the market - Ilya Kovalchuk, but they were also in danger of losing Paul Martin while being linked to Tomas Kaberle and Dan Hamhuis.

Well, Kovalchuk still hasn't signed anywhere as of this writing and Martin in now a Pittsburgh Penguin. But what the Devils did was build upon their strength - defense.

General Manager Lou Lamoriello committed $39 million to defensemen Henrik Tallinder and the prized defensive-defenseman of this class, Anton "A-Train" Volchenkov, while also forking over a one-year, $1.5 million deal (bonuses and no-trade clause included) to backup goaltender Johan Hedberg.

Volchenkov is not a sexy pickup but one that will make the Devils even more frustrating to play against. He is a top-notch shutdown defender who is well-regarded for his shot blocking and penalty killing. The 28-year old is limited offensively and will miss games throughout the season thanks to putting his body on the line so frequently. But when he's there, it will be even tougher to score against New Jersey. Volchenkov will be around for the next six years on his this contract and will earn $25.5 million, or $4.25 million per season. The deal also includes a no-trade clause.

Tallinder, 31, is another shutdown defenseman who Lamoriello grabbed, in part, because of his mentoring ability. According to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun:

One thing Lamoriello mentioned to me is that he's got young Swedish kids on D and he loves the way Tallinder helped Tyler Myers in Buff

Outside of teaching the kids, Tallinder will be another presence in the Devils' zone and limited offensive abilities on the other end. In a full 82-game slate last year, he posted four goals and 16 assists for 20 points.
He will cost New Jersey $13.5 million over four seasons - an annual cap hit of $3.375 million.

Of course, neither of these signing addresses who will replace Martin's offense, who will be the power play quarterback and if the Devils intend on having any defenseman actually join the rush next season. But good luck to any opposing forward who wishes to get past the neutral zone.

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In addition to adding to the options guarding the crease, the Devils secured their No. 2 inside it. Playing the role of the guy who will see about three games while Martin Brodeur takes on the other 79 this year is Johan Hedberg. Hedberg is as good a backup as any team could get this summer and comes on over for $1.5 million in a one-year deal that includes bonuses and a no-trade clause. That's a bit expensive for a backup, especially a backup to Brodeur. But maybe, just maybe, this is the year the Devils play him less? If so, the extra expense for a proven 37-year old veteran is worth it.