Every year, there are players that used to be highly-rated prospects that the New Jersey Devils just give up on. It happens every single year. Sometimes it’s because the prospect is getting too old and the team wants to move on. Other times, it’s because the team decided to take an opportunity elsewhere. The way that free agency works in the NHL is complicated, and there are times where minor league players get to leave earlier than expected.
Two seasons ago, there were a few players who got a surprising shot on the NHL roster. Players like Fredrik Claesson and Dakota Mermis found themselves in the lineup at the end of the year. Then, in the offseason, they were gone in a flash. It wasn’t the kind of player that comes with a “goodbye” post from the Devils social media, so it might fall by the wayside when it comes to Devils fans.
Which players surprisingly left the New Jersey Devils this offseason?
This season, there was a surprising amount of turnover on the New Jersey Devils and the upcoming Utica Comets. This means the Devils needed to make room for these players by getting rid of players that were on the roster last season. Both the NJ Devils and the Binghamton Devils were so bad last season, so it’s not like there was anything for the team to hold on to. It’s still interesting to see some of the players that are gone.
With training camp starting in a few weeks, there are a few names that are usually starting the season in the big club who won’t be there at all. These five players might surprise you that they are gone.