A Wild Offseason Week
Just like the draft, Devils fans had to wait three extra months to see the beginning of the offseason. Instead of the initial rush that comes with July 1st, this year teams were waiting until October 9th, just days after the draft, to start free agency. The Devils didn’t take much time to get involved.
A day before free agency started, the Devils trade a 5th-round draft pick to get former second-overall pick Ryan Murray from the Columbus Blue Jackets. He’s a good defensive defenseman with injury issues. It’s a really good upside move to try and sure up the Devils’ left side.
On October 9th, the Devils announced they were signing goalie Corey Crawford to a two-year deal. He got $3.9 million per season, which is more than the Blackhawks were offering despite the Hawks going into this season with Malcolm Subban as their starter. Crawford was either the top or second-best goalie on a stacked free-agent market.
One day later, the Devils announced they traded prospect Joey Anderson for Andreas Johnsson. It ended a wild week for the Devils that includes a complete 180 from fans. There was a lot of pessimism coming into the week. Everyone loves Holtz. Everyone loves Mercer. The offseason moves points to at least more competition. It was an unforgettable week.
One bittersweet moment of the week was cutting ties with Cory Schneider. It was clear he didn’t have it anymore, and the Devils needed to move on. It was three-straight seasons where he lost his starting job. He finished the season strong for the third-straight time, but the Devils couldn’t wait anymore. It was time.