Devils Sign Vitaly Vishnevski

[enforcer55]

The Devils have signed free agent defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski, Devils' CEO/President/GM Lou Lamoriello announced Tuesday.

Vishnevski, 27, recorded three goals and 10 assists in 67 games split between Nashville and Atlanta last season. He finished the 2006-07 campaign with the Predators after being acquired in a February deal that sent forward Eric Belanger to the Thrashers.

"Vitaly Vishnevski is a defenseman who brings a physical presence to our hockey team," said Lamoriello. "He has both size and experience, and we feel he can play our type of hockey."

Drafted fifth overall by Anaheim in the 1998 Entry Draft, the 6-2, 215-lb. rearguard spent the first six seasons of his seven-year NHL career with the Ducks. The Ukrainian native appeared in all 16 games of Anaheim's run to the Western Conference final in 2006, and played in 21 games of the Ducks' trip to the Stanley Cup final in 2003.

Vishnevski has recorded 14 goals and 47 assists for 61 points in 483 career NHL games, and has represented Russia seven times in international competition, including the 2006 Olympics and the 2004 World Cup.

[Adambruinsfan]

Good signing for the Devils. But does this mean now that the Devils are out of the running for Souray?

[HoliksGhost]

Originally Posted by Adambruinsfan

Good signing for the Devils. But does this mean now that the Devils are out of the running for Souray?

It's not an official signing, so any other scenario is posibble.

[BrianTheAdsFan]

We'll see about it being good. Most of the time he was on the Preds he was a healthy scratch. So at least he's well rested.

[NJD Oliwa]

Originally Posted by Adambruinsfan

Good signing for the Devils. But does this mean now that the Devils are out of the running for Souray?

I think if Souray was coming to NJ it would've been announced by now. The longer it drags on the less it seems like he's gonna sign with NJ.
He's just asking for too much $ and Lou doesn't wanna pay it, rightfully so.
I would be super pissed if Lou's decesion to not pay the big bucks for Gomez and Rafalski was all for nothing by him giving a huge contract to Souray.

There's other fine defensemen out there who can fill the holes and come much cheaper than Souray will.

[Sourdoughkeeper]

Vish was pretty reliable in Atlanta, as I recall. Wasnt the same physical player after the Caps Thrashers brawl though. Seemed sorta scared to hit somebody almost. From what I saw that was the case anyway.

Maybe if the team he played for carried a heavy he would play more physical? I dont know. Good luck to him. Hope he works out for the Devs.

[Janssen25]

I think this is a solid signing for the Devils. I like how Lou is adding size and physical players. Vitaly should fit in very well with the Devils defense core and system.

[Lead]

He was a great hiter, but after Brashear broke his nose, he was never the same again.
I wish him best in New Jersey.

[hazard5]

a perfect fit.
i've been a fan of his checks for years.

[Purely_Purinton]

Can't wait to hear Doc say his name on a nightly basis

[HoliksGhost]

Originally Posted by Janssen25

I think this is a solid signing for the Devils. I like how Lou is adding size and physical players. That seems to be the trend, and I'm glad to see it. Our guys (Gomez, Rafalski come to mind) got knocked around in the playoffs and it showed. Replacing "some" of the small guys with some size should pay dividends Vitaly should fit in very well with the Devils defense core and system.

I'm looking forward to the Zubrus signing most of all, as he was a PITA against Yagr in the playoffs.

[Podollan]

Originally Posted by Lead

He was a great hiter, but after Brashear broke his nose, he was never the same again.
I wish him best in New Jersey.

Hopefully he will play physical again, if he knows that he will have fighters in his team who will enforce the team.
Anyway I hope this does not mean White will get sent to the Canucks.

[NJDevils17]

Originally Posted by Podollan

Hopefully he will play physical again, if he knows that he will have fighters in his team who will enforce the team.
Anyway I hope this does not mean White will get sent to the Canucks.

I don't think Colin White is going anywhere. He is the most experienced defenseman the Devils have and is one of their leaders.

[goats14]

Originally Posted by MVgiants17

I don't think Colin White is going anywhere. He is the most experienced defenseman the Devils have and is one of their leaders.

I think his contract might make him hard to move. He has 5 years left on his contract with a $3 mill/year cap hit.

[Isles4life]

Vishnevski's a pretty good addition to their blueline. He can really lay some crushing hits out there, although he did seem to take a step back last year. He may never have panned out as hoped for being fifth overall pick, but he's still a decent defenseman.