Devils look solid behind the blue line

VOORHEES , NJ – The New Jersey Devils have long been known as an organization that has prided itself on defense.   Three Stanley Cup titles have been won based upon the stingy play of the players behind the blue line. A good number of the players who helped the Devils to their Stanley Cup triumphs started out as top prospects in the system.

From a goaltender such as to their future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur, New Jersey has done well to keep this position well stocked.   And, at least with defensemen, that is the case right now as the Devils are well stocked in the defensive area.   Goaltending however is a different subject as there is only one true prospect in the New Jersey system. In the first of PHN’s ranking of the Devils top prospects, we will look at the goaltending and defense prospects and see who may be ready to make a trip to the Prudential Center one of these days.   Goaltending Prospects Jeff Frazee, Lowell (AHL) Frazee is the lone true goalie prospect in the Devils system.   The Devils 2^nd round pick in 2005, Frazee has had a good start to his professional career.   After struggling in his junior season at the University of Minnesota last year, Frazee has put up solid numbers so far as a pro in the 2008-09 season, good enough to have earned a spot on the Planet USA roster for the AHL All-Star Game in Worcester, MA. Frazee started in Trenton (ECHL) and moved up to Lowell (AHL) following the injury to Martin Brodeur.   While the numbers have been good, there have been brief moments of play that look too familiar to his play in college a year ago.   Frazee can be very good when he is able to stay focused which he has managed to do more often than not in the pros. Outlook: If Frazee continues his solid play in Lowell, expect him to give it a good run at being Brodeur’s backup for the 2009-10 season, although another season in Lowell will not hurt him at all. Defensive Prospects 1.    Matt Corrente, Lowell (AHL) Corrente is having a steady season in this his first pro season with Lowell after having impressed the Devils in previous training camps.   As one of several rookies playing in Lowell this season, Corrente has managed to stay healthy and has received good amounts of ice time. New Jersey ’s top pick in the 2006 draft, Corrente has good size, skill and toughness that will make him a solid professional.       Outlook: Another solid effort in next year’s training camp and Corrente could possibly crack the New Jersey defensive corps.   Another year of seasoning in Lowell would probably be more helpful than being a sixth or seventh defenseman in the NHL. 2.      Brandon Burlon, University of Michigan (NCAA) Burlon is off to a good start as a freshman defenseman for the Wolverines.   The Devils second round pick in the 2008 draft, Burlon is looked at as a highly skilled, two-way defenseman.   Burlon has good size and speed, and has impressed with his ability to jump into the play, carrying the puck and playing the physical game. Outlook: Burlon will most likely not be a factor until after he completes his collegiate career but has an extremely high ceiling and could end up being the Devils top defensive prospect in another year or two. 3.      Mark Fraser, Lowell (AHL) Fraser, a third round pick in 2005 who saw some time with New Jersey back in the 2006-07 season, but has been in Lowell ever since.   Fraser is more of a “defensive” defenseman and doesn’t shy from the physical play. Outlook: Fraser is running out of time as a prospect.   He is likely looking at being a career AHL player or occasional call up due to injuries. 4.      Tyler Eckford, Lowell (AHL) Eckford is having a quiet, yet very steady season as a rookie in the AHL.   The Devils seventh round pick in the 2004 draft who has done very well for Lowell so far.   Like most of the prospects here, has good size and skill and has adapted very well to the pro game, both physically and speed-wise. Outlook: Eckford could be a surprise next year in camp if he keeps progressing as he has this season. 5.      Anssi Salmela, Lowell (AHL) and New Jersey (NHL) Salmela, a free agent signing during the off-season, has been back and forth this season between New Jersey and Lowell.   Salmela earned a spot on the New Jersey roster out of camp, but found himself in Lowell after only a few games.   Salmela is definitely not afraid to jump into the play and make some noise on the offensive side and will likely be the one to bounce between teams this season. Outlook: Salmela would probably be better served by staying in one place but his skill should keep him in competition for a spot out of camp next year. Contact the author at Tom.Hoffman@prohockeynews.com