Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils: Ray Shero Has Three Glaring Holes To Fill This Offseason

By Steve Ginter

Mar 2, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman John Moore (2) checks Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) in the third period at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman John Moore (2) checks Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) in the third period at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a relatively quiet trade deadline for the New Jersey Devils,  General Manager Ray Shero has some holes in the roster to fill. Acquiring an elite winger like Taylor Hall last offseason was one step in the right direction, however the Devils are miles away from seriously competing for a Stanley Cup. Shero has plenty of trade assets in the form of draft picks and tons of cap space (roughly $22-23 million). This offseason is the time for him to use them.

Puck Moving Defenseman

Despite the Devil’s lack of offense, their biggest need this offseason is a defenseman who can move the puck out of their own zone. The team’s defensive core is aching at the loss of not only Adam Larsson, but David Schlemko. Schlemko was incredible at moving the puck out of the defensive zone as well as walking the blueline and cycling the puck in the offensive zone. The lack of an adding adequate puck mover to replace Schlemko hurt the Devils this season.  GM Ray Shero needs to fill in order for his team to be competitive. A guy like Kevin Shattenkirk comes to mind, and the Devils have the cap for him.

Second-Line Winger

With the departure of P.A. Parenteau, the decline of Mike Cammalleri and Miles Wood cooling down from his hot start, the team is deprived of true second-line scoring wingers. Pavel Zacha could be the fix on the left side, however, the lack of scoring on line two has been a weak spot all season.

Guys like Nick Lappin, John Quenneville and Joe Blandisi probably wont be ready for second line duty next season. Junior phenom Michael McLeod is on fire with 61 points in 48 games played (Eliteprospects.com) and could crack the Devils lineup next season, and possibly fill that winger spot. Shero has plenty of options to bring in a player to fill this role, either via free agency, or trading his 21 draft picks over the next 2 seasons.

Next: New Jersey Devils: Fans Need to Be Patient With John Hynes

A Crash Line Rebirth

Most Devils fans remember the famous “Crash Line” that helped lead the team to its first Stanley Cup. It provided a big, physical and hardworking line to throw the body onto the opposing teams’ skill players. Although the game has evolved and lines like these aren’t really seen much anymore, the Devils can benefit from forming a line like the heralded “Crash Line” from the old days. The Devils are consistently out-hit which takes a toll and its evident late in games. A modern crash line, can give the opposition a tough time getting comfortable in any zone. This line could use a faceoff man, an enforcer/agitator and a big hitter to maximize effectiveness.

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