The New Jersey Devils seem like they have exactly zero roster battles in training camp. Not only is the 23-man roster seemingly set, but there’s a chance that the Devils might have too many players. With 24 players likely expecting an NHL roster spot (assuming Nathan Bastian and Nolan Foote are considered NHL players), it appears training camp is strictly a training regimen.
However, we’ve seen crazier things happen than a player putting the coaching staff and front office in a place where they have no other choice but to put them on the roster. We have to remember this is a brand-new coaching staff. Sheldon Keefe and Co. could really like a player and advocate for them, which puts Tom Fitzgerald in a bind. Would he put someone through waivers just to keep a player that Keefe wants?
There’s also the waivers situation that complicates things, and that’s where we lead to our first surprise addition.
Santeri Hatakka - D
Santeri Hatakka was pretty good last season. Many thought he earned himself a long-term NHL look. Then, the Devils went pretty crazy with the defenseman additions this offseason. Not only did they sign Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon to huge contracts, but hey re-signed Nick DeSimone and Johnatahn Kovacevic.
It makes the path to the NHL roster basically impossible for Hatakka. The Devils have eight NHL defensemen. Dougie Hamilton is fully healthy. Barring a freak injury, the Devils couldn't possibly add another blueliner. Heck, Kurtis MacDermid is a converted defenseman who could jump in if something were to happen.
However, if the Devils don't put Hatakka on the roster, they could lose him for nothing. He's no longer waiver-exempt, which means the team would have to make him available to every single NHL team before sending him to the Utica Comets. So, it could lead the Devils to just make it work with the roster, at least for the Global Series to start the season.