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New Jersey Devils Should Bring Back Johnny Oduya In The Offseason

By Nick Villano

Mar 9, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Johnny Oduya (27) looks to pass the puck against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Johnny Oduya (27) looks to pass the puck against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New Jersey Devils desperately need help on the defensive end, and another veteran presence. A retuning Johnny Oduya would provide some help.

Johnny Oduya made his return to the Chicago Blackhawks at the NHL Trade Deadline a few weeks ago. He is getting another chance at a Stanley Cup run after spending the past two seasons in Dallas.

This offseason, the New Jersey Devils should look into bringing him back for another reunion.

Oduya played his first three and a half seasons with the Devils. He was traded as part of the mega deal that landed the Devils Ilya Kovalchuk. That was seven years ago.

Since then, Oduya has been one of the anchors of two Blackhawk Stanley Cup winners. The depth he provides behind Duncan Keith and Niklas Hjalmarsson helped coach Joel Quenneville make easier decisions when it came to blue line matchups.

The Devils could sorely use someone with Oduya’s decision making on the blue line. He is a very smart player who keeps his mistakes to a minimum. Right now, the only Devils player who can do that is Andy Greene. The Devils captain needs some help.

Oduya could come into the team and teach some of its young defensive core. John Moore, Jon Merrill, Damon Severson and Steve Santini will be extremely lucky if they were able to gain knowledge from Oduya.

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The big question is, would Oduya even consider coming to the Devils? For one, the team would have to overpay for Oduya. This is the reality when you aren’t a good team. The team also has to sell the fact he could help finish the rebuild. He could end his career where it started, which some players have done before with the Devils. But at the end of the day, it is going to come down to money and term.

Should the Devils splurge on a 35-year-old defenseman who had issues with injuries this season? Yes, because he can help them now and in the future. This team needs more of an on-ice presence. He can eat up minutes when he is in the lineup. That will help them with this year, and will help the young defenders learn how to win.

Finally, Cory Schneider needs more in front of him. Obviously, a player like Kevin Shattenkirk should be the first person the Devils talk to, but Oduya should definitely be on their list of players to call first day of free agency.

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