The New Jersey Devils wasted no time adding to their roster once free agency began at noon today (July 13th). Just a couple of minutes after the Summer sweepstakes commenced, it was announced that veteran defenseman Brendan Smith had signed a 2 year deal with the Devils at $1.1 Million AAV.
Smith, who has played with the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Carolina Hurricanes over his long career, will be entering his 12th NHL season as he returns to the Tri-State area. While the Mimico, Ontario native has never really stuffed the stat sheet or been a consistent point getter, this is a guy that fits one of New Jersey’s main roster needs.
Last season, the Devils ranked 27th in hits per game and were constantly banged around. Smith in just 45 games recorded 73 and will provide a team that relied on speed over aggression last season with a lot more physicality.
Additionally, the Devils ranked 31st in blocks last season, and the 33-year-old had 40 of those in a limited time. This hockey team allowed a whopping 3.68 goals per game in 2021-2022 so obtaining a shot blocker definitely does not hurt.
For someone who will seemingly be nothing more than part of a third pairing, this addition gives the Devils not only some depth but some much-needed veteran leadership as well. Smith has played in lots of winning environments and could very easily set a good example for a lot of players on this youthful roster.
This move could in the end not stand out by the end of the Summer considering what New Jersey might do with the rest of their cap space; however if the Devs find themselves as a much more competitive team in 2022-2023, do not be surprised if Brendan Smith has something to do with it.
Tom Fitzgerald has clearly prioritized upgrading the defense based on what we saw in the NHL Draft and Brendan Smith is now officially part of that prioritization. Devils fans should be excited to see what he brings come opening night in October.