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Major Checklist For New Jersey Devils Offseason

By Samanew Annaluru

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 25: Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils skates during the game against the Dallas Stars on January 25, 2022 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 25: Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils skates during the game against the Dallas Stars on January 25, 2022 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ilya Mikheyev (65): Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Agent Signings

Even with Bratt signed, there are plenty of other needs for the Devils.

One obvious need is goaltending. Unlike free agencies of the past, there seem to be some viable goaltending options. One of the more popular ones, and a personal favorite, is St. Louis netminder Ville Husso. While Husso only has 57 games in the NHL, he had a .919 SV% during the regular season and had one of the best High Danger SV% in the league as well. When compared to other options like Jack Campbell and Marc-Andre Fleury, Husso seems to have the highest upside with carrying the most risk. It could be a very smart move for the Devils.

Another need for the Devils is size. Forward size is a clear issue and impacts the 5v5 offense as well as the power play. A guy like Mason Marchment or Ilya Mikheyev could add some valuable skill and size to the middle six. While both of these players are riding off of outlier production years, the risk-to-reward ratio should not be detrimental enough for the Devils to back out of interest.

The final core need is a depth, right-handed defenseman to replace P.K Subban. While this need could be taken care of in-house, the Devils should not bank on Reilly Walsh to be their guy. They need some security in their bottom pairing, much like Ben Lovejoy did in the past. One main target could be a fellow teammate and countryman Ilya Lyubushkin. While Lyubushkin may not provide much offense, he is a stout defender who has good skating ability. He could be the perfect defenseman to help Ty Smith with his game.

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