Devils Sign Leach, DiSalvatore and Wiseman

[Thrillhouse]

The New Jersey Devils today signed three players: defenseman Jay Leach, and forwards Jon DiSalvatore and Chad Wiseman. The announcement was made by Devils’ President/CEO/General Manager Lou Lamoriello.

Leach, 28, joins the Devils after seeing action in 77 games last season with Norfolk (AHL), Tampa Bay (NHL), and Portland (AHL). The 6-4, 220-lb defenseman will enter his eighth pro season in 2008-09, having previously played for Mississippi (ECHL), Springfield (AHL), Augusta (ECHL), Providence (AHL), Long Beach (ECHL), Bridgeport (AHL), and Trenton (ECHL). Leach made his NHL debut with Boston in 2005-06. Born September 2, 1979 in Syracuse, NY, he was Phoenix’s fifth choice and 115th overall selection in the 1998 Entry Draft. Leach played four seasons at Providence College (HE) prior to his pro career.

DiSalvatore, 27, will enter his sixth pro season in 2008-09. The 6-1, 200-lb. winger spent last season with San Antonio (AHL), recording 22 goals and 24 assists for 46 points and 46 penalty minutes in 66 appearances. DiSalvatore made his NHL debut by appearing in five games with St. Louis in 2005-06. He has also seen action with Cleveland (AHL), Worcester (AHL), and Peoria (AHL) during his pro career. DiSalvatore was born March 30, 1981 in Bangor, ME. He was San Jose’s second choice, 104th overall in 2000, and spent four seasons at Providence College.

Wiseman, 27, returns to North America after spending last season with Wolfsburg (Ger.). The 6-1, 210-lb. native of Burlington, Ont. split the 2001-02 through 2006-07 seasons between the AHL and NHL with the San Jose, NY Rangers, and Washington organizations. Wiseman saw action in nine NHL games from 2002-03 through 2005-06. He was San Jose’s sixth choice and 246th overall selection in 2000. Wiseman played his junior hockey at Mississauga and Plymouth (OHL).

[chilly666]

leach ok for lowell, the other two suck. leach should be captain in lowell this comin year. wiseman can score and drop them once in a great while, but not that special. and well disalvatore gets hurt every 10th game or so and has to sit for 1 or 2, he sucks the most.

[vic714]

i cant believe the devils might be going into the season with no tough guy,and yes i mean that clarkson is not a tough guy,he's a guy that will mix it up but will get killed iffin he ever went punch for punch with nhl,or ahl or even ohl top ten tough guys.the devils need a bona fide tough guy and these 3 signings of big wimps dont cut it.

[blackngold]

Leach is nothing but heart. I still hope he'll get an everyday gig in the NHL one day.

[Purely_Purinton]

3 Signings for Lowell, hopefully Leach will get a few games in the show, but overall these are just 3 vets with a ton of AHL experience for the kids to learn from.

[intricateproces]

Leach has been one of my faves in the AHL for the past few seasons. Glad to have him on my team

[Podollan]

I am very happy that Lowell gets a replacement for Grand-Pierre.
And Leach is even an improvment as he has a lot of heart as mentioned above.
He is a great teamguy and is more willing to fight than Grand-Pierre who is a veteran without the interest to go out and fight the heavys.
Now they just have to play Leblond and him and Leach will be a decent duo.

Wiseman was injured most time in Germany also. He had a fight at the last weekend but doesnt look to good against a smaller german. He can score arround 50 points in the AHL anyway.

All 3 are minor leaque signings.