What If Jamie Langenbrunner Rejoined The Stars?

by C. Bob on Dec 16, 2010 1:16 AM CST

I noticed that the Devils have been struggling recently, and somewhere in the right-center of all of this, is Jamie Langenbrunner.

There's been some talk about how he isn't the most effective captain in his role right now, and all of that; not being a Devils fan (far from it, actually), I wouldn't know.

Hypothetically, though, let's say that all the problems the Devils are facing force them to trade some players, and let's say that, for some reason (whether his alleged attitude last season, or on-ice performance, or anything), they decide that it would be a good idea to trade Langenbrunner, just as long as they can get a tiny bit in return. Let's say that the Stars see an easy way to help build up their wings, and are able to trade Fabian Brunnstrom, and a fourth round draft pick in 2011 for Langenbrunner. Let's also assume that money is no object (even though it is).

If all of these factors weren't an issue (they are), and if the Devils were willing to actually make such a trade (they aren't), how do you think this purely hypothetical situation would affect the team as a whole, and how do you think Langenbrunner would react to this environment, and the experience of playing for the Stars again?

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According to NHLnumbers.com, it looks like he’s in the last year of his contract and he’s due $2.8 mil. this season. That’s a reasonable salary, but a step up from Brunnstrom’s $675k; not sure the frugal ownership is going to allow any kind of move like that this year.

We’ve got a lot of depth at wing as it is. I’d love to bring back Langenbrunner, but where does he fit? Yes, we could use another right-handed shot to help balance our attack, but who are you going to take ice time from?

If the Stars were somehow able to get the Devils to agree to this deal, I feel like you’d have to make a few others moves to make room for Langenbrunner. I’m not totally opposed to that, but it’s hard to justify blowing up this team when they’re in good position for the playoffs as it is.

by Chris Mulkey on Dec 16, 2010 5:58 AM CST reply actions

Just Brunnstrom? No. But I can see...

…trading, say, Brunnstrom, Skrastins and a late pick for Langenbrunner. As much as I’d hate to let Skrastins go, he’s exactly the sort of reliable D-man that the Devils and their fanbase would love.

It might be worth it, if only because I’m positively salivating at the idea of a second line of Morrow-Ribiero-Langenbrunner behind the Richards line. The top line would be ace, and you just KNOW both Morrow and Lags would turn it up come playoff time; that’s just the sort of attitude would spread through the lineup. They’re the same sort of glue guys that earned their respective C’s through hard work and clutch performance, and Ribs would have a right-hander on his wing to boot.

Below that, Benn-Ott-Burish, and Sutherby-Wandell-Seagal, still providing checking and energy lines we’ve come to appreciate.

All in all, with skill up top and hard working grit below, this would be a forward corps practically BUILT for the playoffs.

by Angelou Del Angel on Dec 16, 2010 11:29 PM CST up reply actions

I Concur

It was a sad day in Stars Hockey to see Jamie go, as alot of others from the Glory Days…
But, have to agree with Chris. Just dont see the need to try and disturb what balance we have right now. Now, on the other hand…If we could get Zubie back…:) That would be a whole different ballgame. We could use abit more Veteran presence back there. Other then that…We have a pretty solid team.

by k9mike on Dec 16, 2010 9:30 AM CST reply actions

likely not

unless there’s an injury to a winger after the new year and NJ eats most (if not all) of his contract. he could be a nice playoff-push piece but Segal and Burish have earned their PT up to this point imo.

now as for Zubie, yes! even old Zubie is an upgrade. btw, is he playing another season in the KHL? i havent seen it mentioned.

by spatulacity on Dec 16, 2010 9:43 AM CST reply actions