The New Jersey Devils are making their final roster decisions. Right now, it seems like the decision is between Amadeus Lombardi, Stefan Noesen, and David Rittich for the last two positions on the roster. Will the Devils go with three goalies like everyone predicted coming into the season, or will they prioritize keeping Stefan Noesen on the roster? Putting Lombardi on waivers seems incredibly unlikely at this point in training camp, but since they haven’t used waivers up until this point, anything is possible.
Speaking of waivers, there were some very interesting names placed on waivers Saturday. Lukas Reichel of the Boston Bruins, Justin Holl of the Calgary Flames, and recently traded Devils forward Angus Crookshank, who was placed on waivers by the Florida Panthers, were among the notable names left up for grabs.
However, the one player who Devils fans had the most interest in was an old friend. He was a player who was drafted by the Devils and spent eight years with the franchise before leaving in free agency.
Miles Wood was always a fan favorite for the Devils, even if he had issues with his stickhandling. He was one of the fastest players in the NHL, but he was one of the worst when the puck was on his stick. However, that speed still led to goals. He had double-digit goals for four straight seasons as a bottom-six stalwart. That’s something the Devils wish they had for years.
Wood was one of the many players who cashed in on the Devils’ successful 2022-23 season. He signed a six-year contract with an average annual value of $2.5 million. Many could see why the Devils did not want to commit that money and term to Wood, but it has been something the Devils have been trying to replace since he left. They would love a fourth-line winger who could score 12-17 goals per season.
Should the Devils consider a reunion with Miles Wood?
One issue with the Devils possibly reuniting with Miles Wood: he hasn’t been very good since leaving. Despite taking a smaller salary, he still hasn’t lived up to the price tag. Wood had nine goals and 26 points in his first season. It’s slightly off his career average, but it was good enough. Then, in his second season with the Avs, he had four goals and four assists in 37 games in 2024-25.
He was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets last season in a shocking move, which took on his remaining four years at full salary. It essentially got the Avs out of a rare bad contract.
For the Blue Jackets, Wood wasn’t much better. He had eight goals and six assists last season in 54 games.
It wasn’t a huge surprise to see Wood on waivers as they Blue Jackets would love to get out of the bad deal they signed up for, but it’s unlikely. Wood will probably spend part or all of next season in the AHL, and the Devils should have no interest in bringing him back.
It’s fun to play with nostalgia, but Wood has clearly had multiple injury-plagued seasons since leaving New Jersey. Add onto the fact that he’s 31 years old and relies entirely on his speed to perform, and this is a recipe for disaster.
While most Devils fans still have great memories of Wood’s impact, it’s better to keep those as memories as a reunion would only sully his reputation in New Jersey.
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