5 Defensemen New Jersey Devils Should Not Sign In Free Agency

Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy spent two and a half seasons with the New Jersey Devils. His time with the Devils was alright as long as he played in the proper role. He was good as a third-line defenseman with Will Butcher who player on the top penalty kill. He was not good at being a first-line defenseman, which the Devils tried to make him in his first season with the team.

The Devils traded Lovejoy at the NHL Trade Deadline for Connor Carrick and a 3rd-round pick in this year’s draft. His season just ended when the Dallas Stars lost to the St. Louis Blues in the Western Conference semi-finals. Now, Lovejoy will look towards his free agency and which team he will spend the twilight of his career.

While another reunion with GM Ray Shero might sound tempting, but it’s not the right move. Lovejoy is now three years older, and his best role is third line. We already have four defenseman on the roster who could fill that role.

The Evolving Wild sheet says that Lovejoy is set for a one-year deal worth just $1.5 million. That might be nice for a team looking for a short-term solution, but the Devils need someone who can play on the top line. Lovejoy is nowhere near that now, especially at 35 years old.