Preseason is Over – So Now What?

The New Jersey Devils finished their preseason schedule with a 3-0 victory over the New York Rangers on Saturday night, giving them a 4-1-1 record in their six warm-up games.

So now what?

The largest question mark remaining for the Devils is that of who the final roster will consist of. Prospects Reid Boucher, Stefan Matteau, Seth Helgeson and Keith Kinkaid were sent to Albany prior to Saturday’s contest with the Rangers, further trimming the roster. But uncertainties remain, as tryouts Scott Gomez and Jordin Tootoo, as well as the unsigned Ryan Carter remain in Devils camp – for now.

It’s worth noting that on Saturday night, the Devils’ lines were as follows:

1. Mike Cammalleri – Travis Zajac – Jaromir Jagr
2. Martin Havlat – Patrik Elias – Dainius Zubrus
3. Ryane Clowe – Adam Henrique – Michael Ryder
4. Tuomo Ruutu – Stephen Gionta – Jordin Tootoo

Defense: Andy Greene, Jon Merrill, Bryce Salvador, Eric Gelinas, Adam Larsson, Damon Severson

Goalies: Cory Schneider, Scott Clemmensen

So how may this break down?

Defense

It is very possible that this is who we see take the ice on Thursday night in Philadelphia, minus one defenseman, of course. Marek Zidlicky did not play on Saturday night, but is a lock to make the Devils’ final roster. Other locks include Andy Greene, and although he should be the odd man out, Bryce Salvador is a guarantee to make the final roster as well. The question is who will round out the top-six?

Eric Gelinas appeared in five preseason games, tallying a goal and an assist while averaging just over 21 minutes of ice time in those five games. He was even in the plus/minus department.

Adam Larsson appeared in five games as well, averaging just over 22 minutes of ice time per game, while adding two assists and a +3 rating.

“That’s what I’m here for … I’m here to make the team and I expect myself to be on this team and I feel like I left a good impression and, hopefully, the coaching staff and the management saw that.” – Damon Severson

Jon Merrill and Damon Severson, who has expressed his expectation to make the team, also played well. Quite frankly, both deserve to be given a spot on the final roster. But that most likely won’t happen.

Peter Harrold will almost certainly be the odd man out, playing a statistically-poor preseason, tallying a -2 rating in three games.

Offense

Cammalleri, Zajac, Jagr, Havlat, Elias, Zubrus, Clowe, Henrique and Ryder and most likely all guaranteed to make the Devils final roster.

Damien Brunner should make the roster, as he may have been the Devils’ best player (who isn’t a lock to make the team) during preseason, scoring three goals in three games with a +2 rating. Tuomo Ruutu and Stephen Gionta both had a +1 rating in four and three games respectively.

Jordin Tootoo outplayed Cam Janssen in their auditions to earn the “grinder” role on the Devils’ roster, but it’s possible that neither of them make the team.

The most interesting decision the Devils make may be whether to keep Scott Gomez or Ryan Carter, or possibly neither of them. Gomez had three points (two goals, one assist) in his preseason, but the fact that Carter has not yet been sent packing by the Devils despite not having an actual contract may speak volumes toward his chances to make the team.

But with Steve Bernier, Jacob Josefson, and Gionta signed to one-way contracts, they would have to clear waivers to be sent to Albany, which may or may not influence a decision by the Devils’ front office. But it will be an interesting point of emphasis to watch in the next day or so.

NHL rosters must be trimmed to 23 players by 5:00 pm on Tuesday.

Who will make the Devils final roster? Let us know in the comments section below.

Update: October 6, 2014, 12:08 pm:

Update: October 6, 2014, 3:50 pm

Stay with Pucks & Pitchforks for the latest Devils news.