Devils will add another forward that will make the roster
The Devils need another forward. Going into the season with these 12 spots filled with who’s currently on the roster is asking too much from the young players. The Devils need one more veteran. Whether that’s a free agent or a professional tryout, more names will be coming to Newark this week.
Andreas Athanasiou is probably the most obvious name that comes to mind, but other players would be willing to come on a PTO contract that the Devils should assess.
The Devils have done well with PTO contracts in the past. Drew Stafford is the most recent example of a player coming on a PTO and actually contributing. He did so well, the Devils signed him twice. Unfortunately, he eventually had to play too much because of injuries and his tenure is not looked at so great.
P.A. Parenteau and Lee Stempniak are two examples of players who signed PTOs and the Devils eventually traded them for draft picks. The Devils might not be very good this season, so this could be an attractive option for Fitzgerald. He will look at the veterans who might just need an opportunity and give it to them.