New Jersey Devils Daily: Cammalleri, Smith Pelly Bought Out, More

Dec 8, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec (14) and New Jersey Devils right wing Devante Smith-Pelly (25) during a third period faceoff at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yvegoal Ahern-USA TODAY SportsODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec (14) and New Jersey Devils right wing Devante Smith-Pelly (25) during a third period faceoff at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yvegoal Ahern-USA TODAY SportsODAY Sports

It’s been a very busy day on the New Jersey Devils Daily. The Devils made multiple moves in just the past few hours, which has the world talking already.

The New Jersey Devils made two huge, unexpected moves on the Friday before free agency begins. The team decided to buy out the contracts for Mike Cammalleri and Devante Smith-Pelly. Both players didn’t live up to the hype last season, but many fans hoped for a bounce back from at least one of them. Now, both will look to continue their respective careers in another uniform. Chris Ryan with NJ.com takes a look at what these buyouts mean for the Devils salary cap moving forward.

Devils buy out Michael Cammalleri, Devante Smith-Pelly | What it means for salary cap, players next season

Pucks and Pitchforks takes a look at the importance of the Keith Kinkaid signing and why it was the right move right now. The article talks about his up-and-down season last year, and why this could help Cory Schneider.

New Jersey Devils Make Smart Move Signing Keith Kinkaid

Fanrag Sports Network’s Erik Wollschlager talks about the important issues facing the Devils ahead of free agency. The most important would be the situation in net. Surprisingly, he says the Devils should move on from Schneider. I disagree with his stance, as replacements on the market would only hurt the Devils and the current crop on the roster are nowhere near ready for the NHL.

Five Questions For New Jersey Devils

Pucks and Pitchforks also talked about the need for Kevin Shattenkirk on the team’s blue line. New writer Jan Hirsch takes a look at the stats and the contract numbers that would make both parties very happy.

New Jersey Devils Must Sign Kevin Shattenkirk

NHL Network talks about the possibility that Martin Brodeur might NOT be a first ballot Hall of Famer next year. Kevin Weekes sited another former Devil with big numbers that was forced to wait, but at the same time says he thinks Brodeur will get the call next season.

Martin Brodeur’s Hall of Fame elligibility