New Jersey Devils vs. New York Islanders 2nd Preseason Game

Damon Severson, a 20-year-old defenseman, made the Devils' opening night roster. (Saed Hindash/The Star-Ledger)

(Hindash, Saed)

NEWARK — In assembling the Devils’ 23-man roster, GM Lou Lamoriello kept 20-year-old defenseman Damon Severson and demoted veterans Steve Bernier and Peter Harrold. He also signed tryout Jordin Tootoo and asked Scott Gomez to hang out with the team and wait for a possible contract.

NJ Advance Media chatted with Lamoriello about the decisions that went into putting his team together.

What are your thoughts on the percentage of young and veteran players on your roster?

“We’ve got some quality young defensemen, no question about it. We made a decision to go that way. And we have great veterans on this club up front. I know they are going to help them. There are going to be times when things don’t go exactly the way you want, but I trust the coaching staff 100 percent. We’re all on the same page and it’s going to help us immediately and down the road.”

Is the team a little younger than you expected?

“We expected to be young on defense.”

Peter Harrold was considered the ideal 7th defenseman. Is Adam Larsson now in that role?

“No. We’ve got four young defensemen and they’re not all going to be able to play every night. I wouldn’t be surprised if they all got an equal amount of time. I don’t think any one of them should be looked at as a 7th or 6th or 5th defenseman. We knew exactly what Peter’s role was. These four young kids are going to be solid NHL players. There is no question in our minds. How long it takes, we’ll see. We’re going to go through some things, but we’ve made that decision to go forward.”

Jacob Josefson did enough to stay. Did he do enough to please you?

“Well, I think the coaches gave him every opportunity to do certain things. No different than Damien Brunner. Damien is a top nine (forward). Right now they have to both wait, in my opinion, to get in. Everybody had an equal chance to do things. I support the coaching decisions 100 percent. We’ve had open minds and everybody looked at it very objectively. Players have to work harder, not that they don’t work hard, and be ready when the opportunity comes.”

How long will you allow Scott Gomez to stick around without a contract?



“There is no timetable. I don’t know how long it was with Tommy Albelin when we did the same thing. Scotty knows exactly what this is. He’s been very impressive, and I mean that sincerely. The work ethic he’s had, the amount of preparation he did and how hard he’s worked to get into shape, he is committed. He’s given it everything he has. We’ve talked. He wants to see where it goes with hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

What are your thoughts on Ryan Carter signing with Minnesota?

“Ryan and I had many discussions. I’m one of his biggest fans. Unfortunately there were a set of circumstances with our roster numbers. I wish him the best. He’s actually going back home. He’s been a solid citizen and player who you not only respect but like as a person.”

Might we see a trade in the next few days or weeks?

“I don’t know. Is there anything imminent? I can’t say there is. You’ll always do something at any given time if you can better your team. Every team is in the same spot. It’s not unique to the Devils. Right now we’re very happy with our roster.”

Do you have health and durability concerns for Ryane Clowe or Bryce Salvador?

“They’re 100 percent right now and they feel good. I look at them like any other players. I don’t think about that. You always have concern when somebody has had a previous injury, but they have been totally cleared 100 percent.”

Is this right now, as it stands on paper, a playoff team?

“Let me put it this way: I don’t think the New Jersey Devils ever go into a season without the feeling, intent and belief that they’re a playoff team. That isn’t the way we operate and that isn’t the way we think.”

Is the team better than it was leaving training camp a year ago?

“I don’t compare. I feel the same way every year.”

Is Jordin Tootoo an upgrade for that role as a fourth line winger?

“He brings a certain element that we really needed. He’s feisty, he can skate, he can get there. He’s a talented player. He’s got skills. He’s got hockey sense. He’s not just a fighter or a banger. He knows his role. I like the looks of that line if that’s the line the coaches keep together. I just like what they bring.”

Rich Chere may be reached at rchere@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ledger_NJDevils. Find NJ.com on Facebook.