The New Jersey Devils are moving away from more seasoned players to younger, faster players. Veterans are no longer the main cast, but now play a supporting role to this rebuilding New Jersey Devils team.
I know what you’re thinking, it’s a weird title: “New Jersey Devils Finally Look to Veteran Presence”. It’s a weird title to hear because ever since Zach Parise’s departure and Ilya Kovalchuk deporting himself to the KHL, it has felt like the Devils have bandaged their roster with overpaid players that are passed their prime.
Then comes Devils GM Ray Shero.
Shero, with the help of coach John Hynes, have begun to bolster the Devils roster with younger, faster, puck-moving players. While, at the same time, shedding the roster of older players that have no long term upside. A classic rebuild. Now the Devs remain with about 4, to maybe 5, “veterans” this upcoming season. Meanwhile, a large majority of the roster is under the age of 30 (FINALLY).
The veterans for the upcoming 2016-2017 season are as followed: Travis Zajac, Andy Greene, Mike Cammallieri, Vernon Fiddler, and if he returns this season, Patrik Elias. Here’s what the Devils’ veterans can bring to the table.
Travis Zajac
Zajac is currently the second longest tenured player on this New Jersey Devils roster, and finally (FINALLY) began to show shades of the Travis Zajac that fans fell in love with in the late 2000s. His effective two way play and face-off abilities are wonderful skills and attributes that can be passed on to younger players. However, hopefully he doesn’t pass on the “Get a lot of money, then lay back for a few seasons” attribute to the younger players.
Andy Greene
What can you say about the Devils captain? Strong leader, underrated two way defenseman, and seems to be a great guy. Greene will have his hands full with guiding this young roster; especially the young defensive core that is pressured to step up sooner rather than later. But, the Devils’ captain should be up to the task this year.
Mike Cammallieri
Cammallieri can bring a lot to the table and help take the production pressure off the younger players; IF he stays healthy. Cammallieri’s prone to injury raises a lot of doubt about his ability to play a full season. But if Cammallieri can remain healthy a full season, the goals he scores will not only help the “young guns”, but the team as a whole.
Vernon Fiddler
One of this years offseason acquisitions for the Devils. 36 years old, over 800 NHL games, solid on the PK and a strong bottom 6 player. Fiddler would definitely be a mentor for players trying to crack the roster and on the bottom 6. Not only that, but Fiddler had more goals (12) last season than any other bottom six player for the Devils. Yeah, he can stay.
Patrik Elias
One of the remaining questions for the Devils this offseason is: Will Patrik Elias return for a more official swan song? Last season was his last contracted year, but Patrik did not get the farewell tour he necessarily wanted. Also, Patrik has expressed interest in returning, providing his body is up to the task, and Ray Shero said he would love to have Elias back. Under the circumstances that Elias does return, his leadership, and poise are undoubtedly valuable assets to the Devils. Furthermore, pairing Elias with Devils 2015 6th overall pick Pavel Zacha could spark some countrymen chemistry and a mentor for Zacha. Just one more year Patty, please.
Next: New Jersey Devils: Goal Difference
All that being said, it appears as though Devils are starting to find the right balance of veteran presence.