The New Jersey Devils season ended on Saturday with a 4-3 overtime win against the Florida Panthers. Saturday also marks the end of many players career with this franchise.
The New Jersey Devils underperformed in a major way this season. Some of it has to do with a massive amount of injuries, but most of it has to do with an underwhelming first half. Just about everyone was playing below their talent level in one way or another, and the team just never clicked.
If the team was getting good scoring for a stretch, the goaltending was atrocious. When Cory Schneider finally got his groove back, they had no Taylor Hall to drive scoring. Nothing worked out this entire season. When that happens, changes come with that.
Head coach John Hynes basically said everyone will be evaluated this offseason once the game was over. With those evaluations comes the truth that many players will be finding new teams, or finding a new career. It happens every season to every team, but the Devils may be looking at some turnover after a bad season. It’s what’s necessary to make room for hopefully some free agents and some prospects that are ready to play in the NHL.
There could be some very surprising players that played their last game for the New Jersey Devils this offseason. Whether it’s by trade, or a shrewd Ray Shero move, the end could be near for just about anyone. Shero has made some surprise moves in past offseasons, like when he decided to buy out Michael Cammalerri and Devante Smith-Pelley two seasons ago. Also, he decided against giving Beau Bennett a qualifying offer despite giving up a 3rd-round pick a year earlier.
This season, we could see similar moves that are devout of emotion and strictly looking at the future of the Devils. These five players have very little chance of making another run at it with the Devils.