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New Jersey Devils: Predicting Where Every UFA Lands This Offseason

By Nick Villano

New Jersey Devils, from left, forward Nathan Bastian (14), forward Michael McLeod (20), defenseman Damon Severson (28) and forward Tomas Tatar (90) celebrate a goal against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
New Jersey Devils, from left, forward Nathan Bastian (14), forward Michael McLeod (20), defenseman Damon Severson (28) and forward Tomas Tatar (90) celebrate a goal against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tomas Tatar #90 of the New Jersey Devils. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Tomas Tatar
Next Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Just a few weeks ago, Tomas Tatar would have been considered a priority re-sign. He was so good in the regular season, playing with Nico Hischier for most of the year. He helped the captain find his stride, and he was even nominated for the Selke Trophy. However, Tatar was a complete no-show in the playoffs.

It shouldn’t be concerning if a player has one bad postseason, but this is becoming a habit for Tatar. He was benched in two very important playoff runs with the Canadiens and Golden Knights. They seemed like flukes, but this is becoming a trend. It was fine when the Devils were focused on regular season success, but the situation is different now. Postseason success will soon be just as important as the Devils final standings.

Tatar still wants to get paid, as he only has so many more shots at this. One way to get paid is to sign with a team that has a generational player coming in. The Chicago Blackhawks (undeservedly) won the NHL Draft Lottery. They will get Connor Bedard, the best draft prospect since Connor McDavid.

The Blackhawks have a terrible forward core right now. Bedard’s current wingers are Tyler Johnson and Jason Dickinson. Maybe he gets Taylor Radysh. Either way, Tatar would be by far this team’s best winger. He could play a season or two with Bedard and get one more payday. Imagine if Tatar gets a 30-goal season before hitting free agency in a few years? He could just keep doing just enough to stay a $4 million player.

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