New Jersey Devils Should Not Bring Back Tomas Tatar

The New Jersey Devils are trying to figure out the right connections in their four forward lines. While it can be frustrating, that doesn’t mean bringing back Tomas Tatar is the right move.

On this fine Friday afternoon, we decided to do our own version of a home and home. We’re taking a look at both the pros and cons of bringing back former New Jersey Devils forward Tomas Tatar. We will be taking the negative route, talking about why bringing him back makes little to no sense. If you’d like to see Jon Bailey’s reason to bring Tatar back, click here.

Now, the reason this is a topic of discussion is how Tatar has been used in his new home. After spending most of the offseason talking to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Colorado Avalanche came over the top and signed Tatar to a one-year deal. He’s now making $1.5 million on a one-year deal. There’s a report that he apparently left money on the table from the Devils, so maybe he would appreciate a chance to come back.

We see this constantly where players flop somewhere and then get traded back to the team that enjoyed their greatest success. It’s worked for some and not for others. Why would the Avalanche do this, since they literally just signed Tatar?

The Avs made Tatar a healthy scratch for their last game. One of the biggest contenders in the league, they were coming off back-to-back 4-0 losses. They needed a change, and Tatar was the name on their list. He said he wasn’t upset about the benching, but who knows the Avs thoughts on the situation?

Tatar has yet to score a goal this season, but he does have four assists. He’s been pretty good, but the Avalanche felt they had a better chance to win without him in the lineup. By the way, it worked. They beat the St. Louis Blues 4-1.

The Avs also scratched Jonathan Drouin. It’s not the end of the world, and they likely still want some value in a trade. The Devils shouldn’t trade an asset for a player struggling elsewhere, especially now.

The Devils forwards haven’t been great, but they’ve been far from bad. Yes, the middle six has been a work in progress. Nico Hischier is now injured, but Michael McLeod has done a formidable job filling in. The Devils have options to play around already. Curtis Lazar being a regular on the third line is not ideal on paper, but he’s been playing well and earned that spot. Dawson Mercer will eventually bounce back. Ondrej Palat plays his role well.

On top of all that, the Devils have injured forwards Nolan Foote and Tomas Nosek returning at some point. They have players in Utica like Graeme Clarke, Tyce Thompson, and Shane Bowers who could fill slots later down the line. Xavier Parent has been really good in Utica, with eight points in six games.

Tatar was a great asset while he was in New Jersey. We’re happy he found a home in Colorado. It’s best to let him play it out while he’s there.