Possible Salvador injury could give Devils salary cap relief, but one trade is still likely

While the Devils have not received official word from the doctors about Bryce Salvador's condition from his tests today, there could be some good fiscal news on horizon for the team. If Salvador has a concussion or inner ear problem and the injury needs weeks to months of recover, the Devils can place him on Long Term Injury Reserve or (LTI), in which case his salary will not count against the cap. His cap hit is approximately $2.4 million, but the Devils need to clear at least $3 million, so it might affect who is traded. Assigning players who are 35 or older to the minors will not give them any relief, so one trade is likely necessary.

Salvador is one of many Devils mentioned in possible trade rumors in their effort to get under the NHL's $59.4 million dollar ceiling salary cap. His contract does not include a no-trade clause, so he is very much in play, but the feeling amongst Devils fans is that they want the team to deal Brian Rolston and Colin White, who have no-trade clauses in their deals. Rolston's cap hit is roughly $5.1 million and has two years left on the deal and expires in summer 2010 and Colin White's is $3 million. Both contracts will be difficult to move especially Rolston's, who will have to waive his no-trade and have one team take on his contract. Dainius Zubrus is another one mentioned and also does not include a no-trade clause, so he will be easier to move, but I feel that his connection and history with assistant coach Adam Oates should be very beneficial to him, so he probably should stay with Devils. Zubrus is also good friends with Ilya Kovalchuk.

Coach John MacLean and GM Lou Lamoriello claim the injury is not that serious and he is fine, which might mean he might only need a few days of rest, so it is likely he will miss the rest of the preseason. If he is not traded, he should be ready to go for the opener on October 8th. He suffered the injury in the first period of the preseason game against the Flyers last night at Prudential Center after an away from the play hit by Philadelphia forward James vanRiemsdyk.

Notes: As I mentioned earlier Marcus Nilson has been released from his tryout and returned to Sweden where he is likely to suit up for Djurgarden IF of the Swedish Elite League.