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New Jersey Devils: 7 Free Agents Who Should NOT be Re-signed

By Jonathan Miller

Mar 4, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Stephen Gionta (11) looks down on the bench during the third period against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Devils 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Stephen Gionta (11) looks down on the bench during the third period against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Devils 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jordin Tootoo (unrestricted)

His name is Tootoo, he was born on February 2nd  and he wears #22.  What’s not to like about the guy? Tootoo instantly became a fan favorite in New Jersey after joining the club in 2014.  He gave candid, honest interviews off the ice and and shared his battle with alcoholism in an autobiography.  He won the hearts of fans with his hard-nosed play and proved to be a guy who isn’t afraid to drop the gloves and stick up for his teammates.  Unfortunately, he’s probably played his last game as a Devil.

In 66 games this past season, he only put up 9 points and had a minus 26 rating.  It’s never been his job to put up big scoring numbers, but the plus/minus rating is alarming.  If you watched a lot of Devils games last year, you’ll remember him getting caught out of position on many occasions.  At 33 years old and coming off of a season-ending wrist injury, I don’t see Ray Shero bringing him back. He and Bobby Farnham are basically the same player, except Farnham is only 27 and should have a couple more years left in the tank.  The Devils don’t need both in a role that has become a dying breed in the NHL.  When a team is rebuilding, they need to get younger.  Farnham should stay, and Tootoo will have to look for work elsewhere.  Good luck, Jordin.

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