5 big-money free agents that might be worth the price for New Jersey Devils

Elias Lindholm
Vancouver Canucks

This one might come as a surprise to many for a variety of reasons. Elias Lindholm was once trying to get a contract in the Timo Meier range. He’s just not worth anywhere near that anymore. If this was all about money, Lindholm should have just re-signed with the Calgary Flames. The stint with the Canucks was disastrous to his value. 

This is why the Devils should be all over him. Fitzgerald needs to know when he sees a value. Whether it’s paying $3 million for a $6 million player, or paying $5.5 million for a $9 million player. Is Lindholm the disaster he was in Vancouver, or is he someone that would be a star again once a team commits to him?

We do have a feeling that free agency will humble Lindholm, who is trying to make as much money as possible (aren’t we all). Yet, the market likely won’t be what he hopes, at least from the teams he would really want to sign with.

Maybe Utah goes all in to pair him with their young centers. It’s possible he goes back to Calgary after another offseason with losses. However, it’s possible that Lindholm either accepts the long-term deal or accepts a one-year deal to rebuild his value. In both situations, the Devils should be on top of the deal.