5 Free Agents New Jersey Devils Should Still Consider

Max Comtois

These underrated free agents always sign deals late in free agency. Last season, Evan Rodrigues signed with the Colorado Avalanche as a professional tryout. It seems like this year’s version of that is Max Comtois. He’s still just 24 years old, and he’s coming off some pretty bad years with the Anaheim Ducks. He had just 19 points in 64 games last season.

However, there are some analysts who are firmly behind him as a great bargain signing. He never hit his stride in Southern California. Maybe it was the talent level around him, but Comtois never lived up to his draft position or his ability. Comtois has produced in the QMJHL and the AHL. He has one good NHL season under his belt (16 goals and 17 assists in 2020-21).

Could he find his true potential with the Devils? Comtois isn’t even in his prime yet. He has a few more seasons to figure out his issues before he is expected to be at his best.

The Devils have to ask themselves a very important question. Do they think Comtois could be better than Holtz or Foote? If they sign him now, that’s what they are saying. If they sign him to a PTO, then he has to PROVE that he’s better than those prospects or he won’t make the team. That might be a better option, but the Devils might not have that opportunity if another team comes with a guaranteed contract.