Wait, or win? The Devils may have the chance to solidify their patched-up center position, and might have already asked the Oilers about 22-year-old Sam Gagner.
The patience route was tangibly encouraged by Travis Zajac’s visit to practice yesterday, after having already started light solitary skating. It was reminder the Devils’ No. 1 center — the missing righty — could be back by Christmas, although how good he’ll be this season is an open question.
But by keeping top draftee Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers have a glut of centers and have shifted Gagner, the 2007 sixth-overall pick, to wing after he returned from one of those difficult high ankle sprains.
The chances for a deal for the righty Gagner depended on the Oilers keeping Nugent-Hopkins. That shot likely now is stalled with Tom Renney’s team on a five-game winning streak.
It was said the Oilers would want young defensive prospects from New Jersey, probably defenseman Matt Taormina, whose No. 20 is now worn by Ryan Carter, and huge Alexander Urbom, both currently in Albany. It would seem they probably also would require a roster winger and draft pick.
Gagner piled up 118 points in 53 games in his lone season in the Ontario league, but was rushed to the NHL and had 49, 41, 41 and 42 points in his four seasons with the Oilers. He’s a gamble, but that’s how a 22-year-old choice draftee comes along.
The sight of Zach Parise shifted to center to play with Ilya Kovalchuk should have Lou Lamoriello besieging Steve Tambellini for Gagner. Parise hasn’t been used to best effect this season, most notably on the power play, as a set-up and rebound man rather than a primary shooter. Using Parise in a secondary role only will push him towards another team — for free — next summer. Meanwhile, Kovalchuk hasn’t managed much.
When Zajac (left Achilles tendon surgery) and Jacob Josefson (shoulder surgery) return, the Devils would have a wealth of skill down the middle, and Parise and Kovalchuk each would have a righty center. The question then would be what to do with Patrik Elias.
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Pete DeBoer said using Martin Brodeur tomorrow against the Leafs in Newark is a possibility, but he didn’t sound as if he was planning on it.
Brodeur was removed from the injured reserve list and backup Keith Kincaid returned to Albany yesterday. Brodeur reinjured his right shoulder Oct. 13 and has missed the last six games. DeBoer said the decision would rest with Brodeur.
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Zajac said he skated Thursday and expects to skate again when he returns to Winnipeg this week.
“Just fooling around and getting used to being on skates. Baby steps,” Zajac said of skating. “About a half-hour. It’s easier than walking. Being in boots, you’re locked up and don’t use your Achilles that much.”