New Jersey Devils: 5 Under the Radar Free Agents To Sign

The New Jersey Devils sound like they could go big-fish hunting when unrestricted free agency starts this week. However, there are more than meets the eye in terms of the top players.

It’s Johnny Gaudreau or nothing for the New Jersey Devils right now. At least, that’s what it feels like the fanbase is considering. However, it seems more and more like the Gaudreau winds are blowing away from New Jersey and closer to Philadelphia and Long Island (among other rumors). With that said, the Devils might have to go after free agents you might not have considered.

There are some interesting options on the market starting on Wednesday. The market will likely be fast and furious. Most of the best free agents are off the market within a few hours. The Devils and Tom Fitzgerald need to move fast. Here are five players who could enhance the Devils lineup.

1. Ondrej Palat

Many thought the Tampa Bay Lightning were so desperate to trade Ryan McDonagh so they could have enough cap space to re-sign Ondrej Palat. Since the trade, it sounds like talks to re-sign the forward have stalled. That means he will be free to sign with whatever team he likes. This could be a good signing for the Devils under the right circumstances.

It’s hard to consider what Palat might want. Is he motivated by financials only? The Devils would love to have a player who is responsible in his own end while also being able to contribute on the power play. He had just 49 points in 77 games, but he was a superstar in the playoffs. He had 21 points in 23 games on his way to the Stanley Cup Final.

The Devils need someone like Palat who brings real playoff experience to the table. There aren’t a ton of veterans on the forward side. Jack Hughes has zero playoff games under his belt. Nico Hischier has five. Jesper Bratt has one. Palat has 138. This would be a fun signing for the right price.