New Jersey Devils Offseason Upgrades: UFA Wingers

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 16: Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) just can't the shaft of his stick to connect with a floating puck which is already past Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40). Toronto Maple Leafs VS Boston Bruins during 3rd period action in Game 3 of Round 1, of NHL playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 16: Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) just can't the shaft of his stick to connect with a floating puck which is already past Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40). Toronto Maple Leafs VS Boston Bruins during 3rd period action in Game 3 of Round 1, of NHL playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
(Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

Tier 4

There’s really only one player I’m targeting here if I’m the Devils.  The scoring depth this year in free agency dries up quickly, but there’s still plenty of options to add to the top six.  The reality is they may be better off using internal options if they miss out on everything else, but I’d also be interested in bringing in the other Riley Nash from Boston.

Riley Nash

Projected Contract 1 year $2 million

Nash isn’t a flashy option. He may not even fill this teams big need of a pure goal scorer, but he’s a talented player.  More of a playmaker than a goal scorer, it would be interesting to see how Nash handles a top six role.

There is potential that he would be willing to take a one year prove it deal and if he excelled in the top six could go get paid next year.  Unlike Rick Nash and Vanek this move buys time for development while also giving a player the “prove it” opportunity in pursuit of a bigger contract.

Next: New Jersey Devils Offseason Upgrades: UFA Defensemen

Again, this isn’t an ideal scenario as he doesn’t generate shots like Rick Nash or JVR, but if all else fails adding some depth with the potential for an increased role never hurts.