Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils: 5 Players Who Can Sign PTO Contracts

By Nick Villano

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 13: Mackenzie Blackwood #29 of the New Jersey Devils makes the third period save on Justin Abdelkader #8 of the Detroit Red Wings at the Prudential Center on February 13, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Red Wings 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 13: Mackenzie Blackwood #29 of the New Jersey Devils makes the third period save on Justin Abdelkader #8 of the Detroit Red Wings at the Prudential Center on February 13, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Red Wings 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Slater Koekkoek (68): Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Slater Koekkoek

Maybe Slater Koekkoek is good enough to sign with a team outright, but it doesn’t seem like there’s a lot of smoke around his name right now. The former Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman has looked good at times, but he still makes those crucial mistakes. He’s still a former 10th-overall pick, so the talent is there. He’s also just 26 years old, which makes him one of the youngest players on this list.

This would be the best signing on this list. Koekkoek still has a chance to be a good NHL player. He had a really good run at the end of last season after he was paired with Olli Maatta. Still, the Blackhawks decided not to sign him to a qualifying offer. Now that free agency hasn’t worked in his favor, he might be forced to accept what he can get.

If the Devils signed him to a contract outright, it wouldn’t even be that bad. He’s worth a shot on the blue line with the talent the Devils currently have. Who knows? The Devils could get lucky and he’s a perfect pair with P.K. Subban. Either way, signing him to a PTO would be a no training for this franchise. He’s shown an ability to at least be competent recently. The Devils could always use competent.

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