Devils add center depth, sign Rob Niedermayer

September 25, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Perhaps Lou Lamoriello finally came to his senses. Lacking depth at center entering the season, the Devil Kool Aid master scooped up Rob Niedermayer inking Scott’s younger brother to a one-year deal.

Of course, Kool Aid drinkers are joking that it’s the wrong Niedermayer. But it definitely fills a need helping boost a weak area on the club in an ultra competitive division. At 34, Rob is an experienced vet entering his 17th season having played for Florida, Calgary and Anaheim where he was an integral part of their 2006-07 Stanley Cup- part of the lock down checking line that featured Travis Moen and Sami Pahlsson. Without the trio, the Ducks don’t win Lord Stanley. Hard to believe all three are now gone with Moen in Montreal while Pahlsson is with Columbus.

So, no more lame Nied my brother jokes as the older ex-Devil Scott Niedermayer will have to go it alone on a reconstructed Anaheim club that could make some noise in 2009-10.

As for younger bro, Rob’s a solid checking type who should replace departed John Madden, who landed in Chicago. Last season, he tallied 14 goals and seven assists for 21 points in 79 contests while adding three helpers in 13 postseason games. Not bad. While he’s listed as a center, it should be noted that with Anaheim, Niedermayer saw limited duty there mostly due to Pahlsson and Todd Marchant, who took most of the key draws. So, the Devils are banking on him to shift back to his regular position and be strong in the faceoff circle.

That might not be so easy even though he’s very experienced. Last season, Madden won 51.6 percent of draws ranking in the top 40 while No.1 pivot Travis Zajac converted 53.1 placing 23rd. It’s an interesting choice by Lamoriello with younger Dominic Moore still around who tied for 14th best (54.1) while also being more productive. Our guess is Niedermayer came cheaper. Plus we’re sure Scott had some influence advising little bro on what to expect playing for Jacques Lemaire.

Funny how things work because rumors were rampant that Niedermayer was talking to KHL clubs about playing in Russia. Go figure.

His addition gives the Devils better center depth boasting Zajac, Dainius Zubrus who looks like once again will center the second line, plus Niedermayer with Rod Pelley expected to be the No.4 with Tim Sestito still in camp.

For more on Rob’s Kool Aid trip down the Turnpike, former Battle originator Steve Lepore has some thoughts over on In Lou We Trust.

The Devils host the Flyers tomorrow in the back end of a home-and-home exhibition after dropping last nite’s in Philly 2-1 (OT).