Elliotte Friedman revealed on Friday night's "32 Thoughts" blog that he doesn't expect the New Jersey Devils to qualify pending restricted free agent Cody Glass, thus making him a free agent.
After a solid showing during the 2022-23 season in which he put up 35 points (14 goals and 21 assists) in 72 games played, the Nashville Predators signed him to a two-year, $5 million ($2.5 million AAV) bridge deal. Unfortunately, Glass hasn't lived up to the contract. The very next season, he tallied only 13 points (six goals and seven assists) in 41 games played, although shoulder and knee injuries didn't help matters. He was later traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins before the start of the 2024-25 season.
The Devils acquired him at the deadline in hopes of adding more depth scoring. Chase Stillman and Max Graham's rights were also included in the package. In 14 games played, Glass registered seven points (two goals and five assists). He also won 64 face-offs, which gave him a FOW% of 47.4%. He flashed some potential, but still has some work to do. Pucks and Pitchforks had the chance to ask Glass during exit interviews to share his thoughts on the season and how he gelled with the Devils.
"I really enjoyed coming here. Right from the start, I felt like I fit in well. I got injured, and I felt like it stunted my process with the team. Maybe I wasn't playing 100%, but at the same time, we were doing good things... I hope I can keep fitting in, and hopefully, they want me to stay. Moving on to next year, I think a big thing for me is creating individual offense. That will help take some of the pressure off of Nico, Bratter (Bratt), and give some depth scoring to the bottom six. I felt like I helped with depth scoring as soon as I got here."Cody Glass during exit interviews
Because of the contract Nashville gave Glass, the Devils would have to guarantee his 2023-24 salary on a qualifying offer. It's likely that is a big reason why Tom Fitzgerald is reportedly making this move to allow him to potentially hit unrestricted free agency. Just extending a qualifying offer would cost the Devils $2.5 million next year if Glass accepted the offer.
What does the future hold for Cody Glass?
It makes sense that the Devils didn't want to qualify Glass's $2.5 million option because they can retain him at a much cheaper price. He's a solid player who can certainly provide depth scoring, but the Devils have to be frugal with their money.
After the Erik Haula trade, they now have an estimated $14.4 million in cap space. However, Luke Hughes still needs an extension, and Tom Fitzgerald needs room to make a few potential big moves. Glass praised Sheldon Keefe's system and was happy with his role. There seems to be mutual interest on both sides for a new deal to get worked out. Retaining Glass with an annual salary under $2 million wouldn't be a bad move for the Devils.