Langenbrunner re-signed with the Blues in the offseason to return to a support role, and is likely slated for third-line duty. Despite what turned out to be a relatively minor role last season, Langenbrunner wore an "A" on his sweater and will likely retain that in 2012-13. He was an important team presence when the Blues transitioned to head coach Ken Hitchcock in early November. Hitchcock said he'd like to give Langenbrunner a bigger role if he re-signed, but it's hard to see what that bigger role might be as the Blues are loaded with young talent in the top six. He posted 24 points last season and we're not seeing much more from the 37-year-old this year.
Langenbrunner’s slide continued in 2010-11, when he posted just nine goals and 23 assists in 70 games for New Jersey and Dallas. Several long point-less streaks and a minus-18 marked his long season. In St. Louis, Langenbrunner may be no more than a fourth-line winger, though he does give a young a team a needed veteran. And who knows, it may turn out that the veteran Langenbrunner develops some chemistry with some top-six forwards along the way and force his way into more minutes.
The Devils' captain had a forgettable end to the 2010 season; expounding his late-scoring woes (two points in the final 12 games, both coming on empty-netters) the Devils were embarrassed by Philadelphia in the playoffs. Langenbrunner posted his second consecutive 60-plus-point season last campaign but saw 10 less goals. Rumors of disagreements with former coach Jacques Lemaire abounded late in the season, but look for him to have a bounce-back season with 50-60 points.
The Devils’ skipper posted the best offensive numbers of his distinguished career last season, potting a career-high 29 goals and finishing with 69 points and a plus-25 rating. Life for Langenbrunner was good with Zajac and Parise; 17 of his points came on the man-advantage as the Devils utilized his blistering shot by placing him on the point. When the elite forwards are gone, Langenbrunner doesn’t sport a ton of upside, but he’s in a great situation and could be a safe pick come the middle to late rounds.
Langenbrunner had a bit of a down year offensively with just 13 goals. In his defense, he did battled some nagging injuries, but the Devils were expecting more of him. Look for the veteran to bounce back, but don't expect too much. He'll see some power play time and be featured on one of the top two scoring lines.
A tough, gritty role player for the Devils, Langenbrunner has shown some offensive spark. He should see some power play time and could be worth a late round pick as he has 50-point potential.
