New Jersey got one of the best shot-blockers in the league. But don't think that the team is the only winner here; Volchenkov has to be happy that he won't have to block those Brian Rolston bombs anymore. The Russian defenseman was yet another piece that the Devils knew they needed. He really brings more of a competitive edge to New Jersey as the league's best shot-blocker.
Henrik Tallinder is a former Buffalo defenseman that can put fear into opposing offenses. His 6'3” stature doesn't even speak for how well he keeps forwards out of the play. He also is a smooth skater that possesses soft hands to make some long stretch passes out of his zone. New Jersey knew what they wanted when they went after this guy.
A cap-hit of $4.25 million may be a little too high for Volchenkov, as he really does not possess much of an offensive game. His former salary of $3.5 million with Ottawa was just about right for what a defensive defenseman should command. But if Volchenkov and Tallinder can combine to stop all opposing offenses with the help of their defensive teammates, it may prove to be two great pickups at season's end.
Keywords: anton volchenkov, brian rolston, henrik tallinder, ilya kovalchuk, new jersey devils, nhl
