The New Jersey Devils have a lot of decisions to make this offseason. They already made one huge decision, making progress on an extension with Lindy Ruff. Now, the focus turns to player personnel. The Devils have six unrestricted free agents and eight restricted free agents. Every position has at least one of each. Tom Fitzgerald has his work cut out for him.
Despite the decisions Fitzgerald must make, some will be made for him. Some likely already have been made. Some players won’t want to be back, while others expect a huge payday the Devils just can’t afford.
After such a successful season, many would believe the Devils would want to run it back. It took years to finally ice a competitive team. Are the Devils going to let most of their 14 free agents walk away for nothing?
The major issue is that Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier are about to get serious raises. They will both be between $7 million and $9 million in average annual value. That is going to put a squeeze on the salary cap now that Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes are steeped in their post-ELC deals. So, with that, decisions have to be made, and certain players have to wear a different uniform.
1. Mackenzie Blackwood
Mackenzie Blackwood very quickly went from the team’s likely starter to a certified problem. Many forget he started the season as the opening-night starter. That night went terribly, and nothing really got better after that. Blackwood started off terribly, allowing four goals on opening night. He had a good run until the end of October when he let in five goals against the Washington Capitals.
Blackwood played all the hits that have hurt his career over the past four years. He was injured multiple times. He fell apart when it finally looked like he was building momentum. Credit where credit is due. He was completely professional all season, but it’s impossible to see him returning.
Another team is going to take a chance on Blackwood. He was considered for Team Canada at the Olympics just over a year ago. The mighty have fallen, and Blackwood will likely have to take a deal late in free agency. He will get a chance, especially from a team like the San Jose Sharks. He’s 26 years old with five years of NHL experience. Still, the Devils have no use for him anymore.