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New Jersey Devils: What Can Ray Shero Do To Turn Things Around

By Jon Bonczyk

NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 25: General Manager Ray Shero of the New Jersey Devils addresses the media during his post trade deadline press conference prior to the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Prudential Center on February 25, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 25: General Manager Ray Shero of the New Jersey Devils addresses the media during his post trade deadline press conference prior to the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Prudential Center on February 25, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The New Jersey Devils‘ season has been a complete let down. Unfortunately, there is not much that can change that at this point in time. This Devils team has just not performed the way anybody has envisioned it would. You can play the blame game all you want, but the players have just been very inconsistent all around.

There were a couple of bright spots here and there, but then one game or play shuts that down right away. Also, the common theme during this Ray Shero era has been the inconsistency of the Devils.

We have been rebuilding essentially since Ray Shero stepped into office, and at the time seemed a very positive move from Lou Lamoriello. Now looking at what Lou is doing for the New York Islanders, you cannot help but to be frustrated that the move was ever made.

Now, some of the moves Ray Shero made have payed off, and there is some that you shake your head at. The one constant is that other than the first-overall picks in Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, and the gem he found in Jesper Bratt. That’s about all that struck out in his drafts.

Take a look at Ray Shero’s draft picks dating back to his time with Pittsburgh.

Considering the significant talent in all the drafts since 2015, it is safe to say that Ray Shero and the front office has not exactly drafted well. This team should not be in the position that it is in, especially with the players the Devils could have drafted.

During his tenure with New Jersey, you got to believe he is against giving any player a big contract in free agency. The biggest contract he has handed out in his career was to Sidney Crosby for 12 Years and $8.7 Million per year, for a total of $104.4 Million.

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Leading into this offseason, he has to open the checkbook because we cannot solely improve this team in draft, especially with the way we have been drafting. There is some very notable free agents that the Devils should look to acquire this offseason should they make it to free agency without an extension.

With all the questions around goaltending and should this player not be extended prior to free agency, Ray Shero should present his best offer to Braden Holtby. Yes, it is highly unlikely that he makes it to free agency, but it would be blasphemy should the New Jersey Devils not give him a call. He would solidify all the questions between the pipes and at the age of 30, would continue to play excellent hockey.

The defensive situation is primarily the reason why the New Jersey Devils are not doing so well this season. As of right now, baring any trades, we have three proven defenseman signed for next season. Will Butcher, Damon Severson, and P.K Subban are all locked in contractually for next season. None of these 3 are untouchable, so penciling them into next years defensive core is speculation. Should they stay we still would need to add a defenseman or two. Ty Smith and newly acquired Kevin Bahl could very well make the NHL roster next season, which would give us the opportunity to 100% go after at least one other defenseman.

Free agent defensemen heading into the offseason should they not be extended before July 1st are Torey Krug, Alex Pietrangelo, Tyson Barrie, Justin Schultz, and Mike Green are just some of the names on that list. There are many more should they want to go the cheaper route. The opportunity to improve this team immediately is there, now it just needs to be executed. Hard to imagine another failed season in New Jersey without speculation of Ray Shero on the hot seat.

Ray Shero must do all in his power to hit a homerun, whether it is the trade deadline or free agency. He cannot depend on the draft any longer. Losing our superstar in Taylor Hall was a wake up call for this organization. This New Jersey Devils front office has work to do because fans are upset we just had to trade our best player to avoid losing him for nothing in what was supposed to be a contending year. Things need to get better in New Jersey sooner rather then later, or we will be looking for new management.

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