The New Jersey Devils made another move today signing veteran right winger Drew Stafford. The 32 year old split last year between the Boston Bruins and Winnipeg Jets. He totaled 8 goals and 13 assists.
The New Jersey Devils made another under-the-radar move on Friday, signing Drew Stafford to man the right wing.
CONFIRMED: NJ Devils have signed Drew Stafford – contract, not PTO. Stafford, 32, had 8g and 13a in 58 games with WPG and BOS in 16-17 #NHL
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) August 25, 2017
Stafford’s best years are behind him but he will likely compete for a 3rd line role in New Jersey. Stafford is a former first round pick who has spent a majority of his career so far in Buffalo. He had the best year of his career in 2010-11 with Buffalo when he netted 31 goals and 21 assists.
Unlike Jimmy Hayes the Devils signed Stafford to a one year contract rather than a PTO. This makes the road for Hayes a little more difficult and should give John Hynes some flexibility in the bottom six.
The Devils have signed right wing Drew Stafford to a one-year contract worth $800,000.
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) August 25, 2017
Stafford posted respectable possession numbers in his short time with Boston last year. With a CF% of 51.6 Stafford could be a very solid veteran addition. A one year deal worth $800,000 is a small price to pay for a veteran presence who could play as high as the 3rd line.
How Drew Stafford stacks up as a 3rd line winger. #njdevils pic.twitter.com/9jFQDe5EjA
— Tyler Kelley (@DocKelley41) August 25, 2017
Where does he fit?
More from Pucks and Pitchforks
- Should New Jersey Devils Try Load Management With Vitek Vanecek?
- New Jersey Devils Will Prove That Last Year Wasn’t A Fluke
- New Jersey Devils: Luke Hughes’ Playmaking Will Outshine His Mistakes
- New Jersey Devils: Chase Stillman’s Performance Causes Concern
- Can Devils Fans Separate Zach Parise Heartbreak From Achievements?
Stafford clearly out performs the expectations for a 4th line winger and if he can generate shots and suppress shots at a higher rate he easily fits the mold for a 3rd liner.
I recently wrote about how the Travis Zajac injury was going to force the Devils to turn to youth to fill some gaps and this signing will help reduce the pressure. Stafford, much like Brian Boyle and Jimmy Hayes, can provide a veteran presence on an extremely young team that desperately needs right wing depth.
With Hayes coming in on a PTO and Stafford being signed for one year the Devils are adding some solid veteran depth to supplement the youth and help ease the growing pains. Bringing in Stafford and Hayes also makes me wonder if the Devils have a top 6 vision for Stefan Noesen. It looks more likely that they’ll push Noesen up the lineup rather than Stafford or Hayes.