Anton Volchenkov a Devil for Six Years
Posted by freezethepuck on July 2, 2010
Yesterday the New Jersey Devils made a big splash into the free agency market. It all began with defenseman Paul Martin leaving for the Pittsburgh Penguins for five years.
Unfortunately, Martin’s departure left a huge hole in the defense corp for the Devils.
Knowing Lou Lamoriello though, that hole would not remain empty for long. In fact, Lamoriello signed former Ottawa Senators defenseman, Anton Volchenkov.
Volchenkov signed a contract for six years, worth $25.5 million total. The Russian 28 year-old played eight years for Ottawa before he signed with the Devils yesterday.
His stay-at-home defensive style fits perfectly with the mold of the Devils’ defensive style. The one area that he does not fill that Martin filled is the puck-moving ability. Now of course any defenseman can move the puck, but as a stay-at-home defenseman, Volchenkov lacks that extra push to add offense.
In June of 2007 though, the Hockey News voted Volchenkov as the fifth best defensive defenseman in the game today.
Tom Gulitti reported his thoughts on the Volchenkov acquisition and commented on the shot blocking that seems to take a toll on Volchenkov.
However, Volchenkov seems like a great piece for the Devils.
