Since former Devils defenseman Scott Niedermayer announced that he will return to the Anaheim Ducks this season, all I've been able to think about is whether New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello would be able to get something out of this situation to help the Devils.

The Ducks are in a position where they have to clear cap space to fit in Niedermayer's contract (even though he may not play next season, the new CBA has a "tagging" rule which is kind of complicated, yet requires the team to clear space for next season), and the Devils have $3 million in cap space to absorb a contract.

Yes, the Devils have played extremely well of late, but the team still needs more offensive production from the d-lines.  Seven Devils defensemen have combined for 36 points this season and the power play is what's suffering the most.

The Devils lack that threat on the power play that they expected winger Jaime Langenbrunner to provide upon his return from injury (0 power play goals in 13 GP this season).

My first thought was, 'Mathieu Schneider would be a perfect fit, but there's no way Lou would pull the trigger.'

However, I think I may have reacted too soon.  Reports from The Orange County Register and TheFourthPeriod claim the Devils have vested interest in the veteran defenseman.

Some might wonder why any team would want a 38-year old defenseman with a $5.5 million on his contract this year.  Here's why.

In his last two seasons in Detroit, he has reached 111 points in 140 games played, more than any Devils blueliner and several fowards.

In his 18-year NHL career, Schneider has recorded 677 points and a plus-52 in 1149 games.

This season, Schneider has tallied 14 points in 17 games after missing the first 12 games of the season due to a left ankle injury.  He is also a pivotal player on the Ducks power play this season and has recorded 3 goals and 5 assists with the man-advantage.

If Lou can make this deal happen, he will vastly increase the team's power play and potentially improve overall team scoring.

A ferocious power play is the only thing the Devils are missing from legitimately making them one of the elite teams in the Eastern Conference.

Dude Joel

NJ Devils Defensemen's Scoring Thus Far:

Paul         Martin 12
Karel        Rachunek 6
Mike        Mottau 5
Andy        Greene 4
Johnny     Oduya 4
Sheldon   Brookbank 3
Vitaly        Vishnevski 2

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