Pucks and Pitchforks
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5 Affordable Free Agents the New Jersey Devils Can Sign

By Jonathan Bailey

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 14: Evan Rodrigues #9 of the Pittsburgh Penguins is introduced as a star of the game after a game against the Montreal Canadiens at PPG PAINTS Arena on December 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 14: Evan Rodrigues #9 of the Pittsburgh Penguins is introduced as a star of the game after a game against the Montreal Canadiens at PPG PAINTS Arena on December 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Johan Larsson, LW/C, Washington Capitals

Of no relation to Adam, Johan Larsson has established himself as one of the best defensive forwards in the NHL over the last few seasons. Larsson is capable of playing both center and left wing, and can play the toughest matchup minutes from both positions. He’s not a big point producer, but Larsson excels at driving play and possession exits as well as penalty killing and offensive zone entry denials. After playing for the likes of Buffalo and Arizona, then getting dealt to Washington and not be retained, only to finally agree to a deal with Pittsburgh and have that fall through, it’s time a team shows Larsson that he is appreciated and valued. That team should be the New Jersey Devils.

Next. 5 Matthew Tkachuk Alternatives. dark

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Evan Rodrigues, RW/C, Pittsburgh Penguins

After finally being given a chance to play in the middle-six, ‘ERod‘ took his opportunity and shined in Pittsburgh. In 2021-22, Rodrigues set career highs in goals (19), assists (24), hits (89), power play goals (7) , power play points (8) and minutes (1298). Then, Rodrigues followed up that effort with 3 goals and 2 assists in the first round loss to the New York Rangers, which includes a short-handed goal in game 7.

I don’t think anyone will mistake Evan Rodrigues for Connor McDavid, but Rodrigues is arguably 2021’s most improved player and doesn’t have a clear path to returning to Pittsburgh. Rodrigues isn’t the youngest guy on this list having just turned 29, but if New Jersey Devils are serious about adding a high-character, versatile and skilled veteran, they need not look further than Rodrigues.

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