The New Jersey Devils have decisions to make this offseason in free agency.
This is going to be a crucial offseason for Devils General Manager, Ray Shero. It’s time to start building a winner and adding some much-needed offensive firepower. This team needs more scoring in the worst way. Although they have missed the playoffs in four straight seasons, the Devils have put themselves in a great position to improve next season. It will be a matter of the right pieces being added and certain others being removed.
With 15 total free agents (7 restricted and 8 unrestricted), the Devils have some decisions to make. With that many contracts coming off the books on July 1, it also means that the Devils will have $34 million in salary cap space. It’s time for the franchise to open up their pockets and spend some money. But, they have to be smart about it. Don’t be like the Rangers and throw money at players who are no longer in their prime. Get younger, faster and build for the future.
With that said, there will be young guys within the organization like Pavel Zacha, Steven Santini, Miles Wood, and John Quenneville who will challenge for spots on the NHL roster next year. The competition to make the team this training camp is going to be more ambitious than it has been in a long time. With talent moving up through the pipeline, this team is on the upswing.
Here are seven players who should be brought back next season.