Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils’ Free Agency Period Has Been Horrific

By Michael Mastropierro

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 24: General manager Ray Shero of the New Jersey Devils speaks on the phone during the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 24: General manager Ray Shero of the New Jersey Devils speaks on the phone during the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils GM Ray Shero has mostly been a spectator during this year’s free agent frenzy, aside from a few incredibly minor acquisitions. This philosophy will hurt the Devils in the upcoming season.

The New Jersey Devils barely qualified for the playoffs for the first time in five years this past season. They were carried into the playoffs on the shoulders of Hart Memorial Trophy winner Taylor Hall, and the late-season play of Keith Kinkaid.

After narrowly making the playoffs, the Devils decided to let all of their pending free agents leave in the offseason. John Moore left for Boston, Michael Grabner is on his way to Arizona, Patrick Maroon went home to St. Louis, and Brian Gibbons departed for Anaheim. Even worse, Shero let the Devils’ best AHL defenseman, Jacob MacDonald, sign with Florida.

Not only were these players not re-signed, but they weren’t replaced either. The Devils struck out on James van Riemsdyk, Calvin de Haan, and John Carlson, who never even hit the open market.

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Now, the Devils must look to their youth to fill these voids. This may seem like an exciting option to some. However, mixing in these new, younger players could make it difficult for the Devils to compete this year.

After finally tasting the playoffs again, fans are hungry for more and looking forward to what’s next. They’re not looking to take a step back in the rebuilding process.

With a lack of success during the free agency period, coupled with the news that Cory Schneider might not be ready to start the season, this has been a nightmare offseason for the Devils. Unless Shero has something up his sleeve, like another blockbuster trade or an unforeseen signing, this summer was a colossal failure for him and the Devils’ front office. A failure that they will feel the effects of this season.

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