New Jersey Devils: 5 Worst Free Agent Signings Of All Time

By Dave Browne | Apr 7, 2020

UNIONDALE, NY - MARCH 06: Brian Rolston #12 of the New Jersey Devils scores the game deciding goal in the shootout against Al Montoya #35 of the New York Islanders on March 6, 2011 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. The Devils defeated the Islanders in a shootout 3-2. (Photo by Andy Marlin/AM Photography/Getty Images) /

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New Jersey Devils – Michael Cammalleri (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Michael Cammalleri

Michael Cammalleri was a player that Lou Lamoriello tried acquiring many times over the course of his career. Lamoriello got his wish on the first day of free agency 2014. The Devils signed Cammalleri to a 5-year $25 million contract.

The Devils needed an offensive jolt to their lineup as they still felt the wrath of both Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk leaving the club years earlier. Cammalleri seemingly could be the go-to guy to put the puck in the net, as he was a six-time 20-plus goal scorer, including two 30-goal campaigns.

His first season saw him score 27 goals and 15 assists. His job was to score, so netting 27 was a good start to the contract. It all went down hill from there, as health and inconsistency impacted his overall game the next two seasons. He scored just 24 goals the rest of his Devils career. Under new general manager Ray Shero, Cammalleri was bought out for the final two years of the contract. Fun fact. Michael Cammalleri was the first player in franchise history to wear the number 13.

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