Bobby Holik Returns to New Jersey

[caps05]

The New Jersey Devils have signed free agent forward Bobby Holik, Devils' President, CEO and General Manager Lou Lamoriello has announced.

Holik, 37, returns to New Jersey having spent the last three seasons in Atlanta. The 6-4, 230-lb. center tallied 15 goals and 19 assists while playing all 82 games for the Thrashers last season.

Holik emerged as one of the Devils' top checking forwards in 10 seasons with the Devils from 1992-93 to 2001-2002, and was a member of the organization's Stanley Cup wins in 1995 and 2000.

Taken with Hartford's first pick, 10th overall, in the 1989 Entry Draft, Holik's first stint with the Devils featured 198 goals and 265 assists for 463 points in 724 games. The native of Jihlava, Czech Republic, has 322 goals and 416 assists for 738 points in 1,252 career games with Hartford, New Jersey, NY Rangers and Atlanta.

[canuckfan]

Looks like the Devils are trying to re-kindle some magic from their Stanley Cup wiinin days in the 90s. First Rolston and now Holik.....

[Isles4life]

The Devils are really interested in turning the clocks back I guess. Holik is far from what he used to be, but maybe a return to NJ can get him back on top of his game as an annoying 2-way center. Not a bad move by Lou.

[Grittzkey]

Shanny next?

[devils29]

Rumour: Shanny returns and Stevens un-retires. Trades Parise for Niedermayer. Devils win Cup. Come last following year coz everyone retired.

[Viper207]

Originally Posted by Grittzkey

Shanny next?

Actually, that's been discussed. Now just how long is it before the USS Holik gets put on display in Camden? (Ooh, naval joke)

[PuckHogs29]

My first reaction to this was....WHAT?!?!?!? Now that I think about it, Holik will probably center the 4th line, and I have no problem with that. He's big, he's not unskilled necessarily, and that's about the only damn place they can fit him.

[caps05]

Originally Posted by Skorka85

My first reaction to this was....WHAT?!?!?!? Now that I think about it, Holik will probably center the 4th line, and I have no problem with that. He's big, he's not unskilled necessarily, and that's about the only damn place they can fit him.

Clarkson-Holik and who would be on the other wing?

[PuckHogs29]

Originally Posted by caps05

Clarkson-Holik and who would be on the other wing?

For now, Mike Rupp, but I'm holding out hope that a legit HW is on the way.

[caps05]

Originally Posted by Skorka85

For now, Mike Rupp, but I'm holding out hope that a legit HW is on the way.

Maybe BGL? Who knows? He's about the only HW left on the market, since Brookbank, Hordichuk, Godard, McGrattan, Fridge have all been locked up.

[HordiBrusk29]

There are still a few other names out there (but not many legit guaranteed NHL tough guys) other than Laraque and Boulton. I can think of a few others like Brennan, Koci and Boulerice.

[PuckHogs29]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

There are still a few other names out there (but not many legit guaranteed NHL tough guys) other than Laraque and Boulton. I can think of a few others like Brennan, Koci and Boulerice.

I don't know how I'd feel about Laraque. Obviously he is the ultimate weapon when he wants to fight. The problem is very often he doesn't want to fight. I would not like Boulton's chances in a division with Orr, Cote and Godard. If the Devils wanted to take a chance on Brennan I'd settle for that. Even if he'd be in a platoon sort of situation with Rupp and most likely wouldn't play every game.

[pesadillamal]

As a Ranger fan, this scares me for sure. I think Holik will be a good fit but I will just have to hope that he gets himself in trouble with that mouth of his.

[PuckHogs29]

Originally Posted by pesadillamal

As a Ranger fan, this scares me for sure. I think Holik will be a good fit but I will just have to hope that he gets himself in trouble with that mouth of his.

I think he knows he most likely won't get away with running his mouth off too much with Lou's ever present ears, and Brent Sutter doesn't exactly take crap from anyone either. I'm hoping he can return to his previous form with the Devils and wreak some havoc.

[JerseyRupp]

Originally Posted by Skorka85

I don't know how I'd feel about Laraque. Obviously he is the ultimate weapon when he wants to fight. The problem is very often he doesn't want to fight. I would not like Boulton's chances in a division with Orr, Cote and Godard. If the Devils wanted to take a chance on Brennan I'd settle for that. Even if he'd be in a platoon sort of situation with Rupp and most likely wouldn't play every game.

The Devils could also call-up Pierre-Luc Leblond to fill the enforcer role. He did beat Kip Brenan and other top AHL guys. 6'2" 220lbs is not a bad size.