Players With Previous Ties New Jersey Devils Should Target
By Mike Luci
The New Jersey Devils are entering a pivotal offseason that could potentially shape the organization’s future direction for years to come. While we all know this summer will ultimately be all about re-signing Taylor Hall long-term, other changes are going to be essential—not just for proving to players like Hall how serious the organization is about winning, but to address the team’s glaring roster needs.
When teams acquire new players, it’s not too uncommon for them to be reunited with former teammates, coaches, or general managers from teams they’ve previously played for in their careers. Whether it’s a former college, junior or other NHL squad, a player having such ties to a new organization can factor in their decision on signing or accepting a trade to that team. Having a few familiar faces on a new team definitely makes the adjustment process easier.
The New Jersey Devils are no exception to this trend of reuniting old players and personnel—Steve Santini and Miles Wood played together at Boston College, Kyle Palmieri and Sami Vatanen played together in Anaheim, Adam Henrique played with Taylor Hall on the Windsor Spitfires (OHL) and let’s not forget the parade of former Pittsburgh Penguins players that have come and gone since Ray Shero and John Hynes arrived. With the team’s roster needs being considered, here are five players the New Jersey Devils can potentially acquire this offseason, who have ties to current players and other members of the organization.
Jordan Eberle (RW), New York Islanders
The soon-to-be unrestricted free agent played the first six seasons of his NHL career with Taylor Hall when they were both members of the Edmonton Oilers. Eberle was traded one year after Hall was shipped out of Edmonton and is in his second season with the New York Islanders.
The 28 year old has been a consistent top-six forward, having scored at least 20 goals in six of his last seven seasons. He even scored at a 20+ goal pace in the two seasons he didn’t hit that threshold (18 goals in 69 games during 2010-2011, 16 goals in 48 games during 2012-2013).
Despite New York’s successful 2018-19 season, Eberle has posted subpar numbers thus far—14 goals and 31 points in 69 games. With Eberle playing in the final season of a six-year contract brandishing a $6 million AAV, Eberle’s recent performance will surely impact his value on the market this summer, especially if he doesn’t impress in the playoffs. The New Jersey Devils need to shore up both their right wing and top-six depth, both areas where someone like Eberle could help.
With this year’s UFA class projected to be deeper than previous summers, Shero could potentially sign Eberle to a reasonable contract. Unless Eberle’s salary demands are overly exorbitant, the 29-year old could probably be had for a deal between 3-5 years and an AAV similar to his current contract. With $5-6 million appearing to be the new norm for consistent 20-goal or 50+ point players, Eberle would be a nice pickup under those terms, especially considering the contracts more coveted free agents will probably receive this summer.