On today’s New Jersey Devils Daily, the team re-signs three players, why the Devils may be ready to make a playoff push this year and what Colorado would want in a Tyson Barrie trade.
The New Jersey Devils announced the team re-signed center Joseph Blandisi. Pucks and Pitchforks looks into why this is such a team-friendly deal. Blandisi wasn’t the best player on the ice last season, but he brings something the team can use. He’s a hard nosed player who leaves everything on the ice. This was a great pickup for the price.
New Jersey Devils Sign Joseph Blandisi To Team-Friendly Deal
Chris Ryan with NJ.com looks at another signing the Devils made; defenseman Mirco Mueller. Ray Shero gave Mueller a pretty decent contract for his lack of NHL experience. From the jump, Mueller is going to be an NHL player after signing a one-way deal. This may end up biting Shero, but he has to take a chance on the guy after giving up two draft picks for him. However, on the other side, if Mueller is able to use this change of scenery to solidify his place in the starting lineup, then this goes down as a steal of a deal.
Devils re-sign defenseman Mirco Mueller | What it means
Speaking of defense, Tyler Kelley with Pucks and Pitchforks gives you the only defensive preview you need this season. He takes an in-depth look at each projected starter, and even looks at some of the players who could fight for a roster spot. There are some stats here that are really scary, especially the ones tied to Andy Greene, but there is reason for optimism.
New Jersey Devils: What to Expect Defensively
Chris Kasperowicz with Elite Sports NY makes a bold claim, saying the Devils are playoff ready right now. Obviously, the defense is of concern, but he makes some good points. The team made serious strides to fix the offense, and that will in turn do wonders on taking the pressure off the defense. Adding Marcus Johansson, Brian Boyle and Nico Hischier puts this team in a much better position than its been in years.
Absolutely: The New Jersey Devils Are Stanley Cup Playoff Material
Mile High Sticking, the Colorado Avalanche blog for the FanSided network, takes a conversation we had on Twitter and turned it into their own article. Who would they want in a Tyson Barrie trade? The two players they focused on were Pavel Zacha and Michael McLeod. Both players could get a deal done, especially Zacha in my opinion, but the only thing that gives me pause is their desire for a number one overall pick. They seem peeved at the Devils luck, winning this year’s lottery. I just don’t see Shero giving up this year’s first-round pick.
Colorado Avalanche Could Trade Tyson Barrie to the New Jersey Devils