Power Ranking New Jersey Devils Biggest Roster Decisions This Offseason

4. Upgrade the bottom six

The Devils saw multiple losses to the bottom six last season that really impacted its production. At one point, it seemed like the bottom six could be a strength. Then the injuries started to pile up. Nolan Foote started it all, missing the season opener and then not playing until the season was already basically over. Tomas Nosek was also injured early and never truly recovered. Nathan Bastian, Ondrej Palat, Curtis Lazar, and Chris Tierney all missed games.

Then, there was the Michael McLeod situation. He, along with Cal Foote, were arrested for an alleged sexual assault that happened during a Hockey Canada event. Replacing him will be harder than anything when it comes to the bottom six. 

The Devils have to add some grit without sacrificing cash. Can they do that? They need to add a few names, as there are only eight players currently under contract at forward (not including players expected to be in the AHL). Some of those options have to be filled by players on the minimum. Can they get lucky with a buyout to a good bottom-six forward that will accept the minimum to rebuild his value?

It is still a priority to upgrade the bottom six, even if the Devils have no money to do it. There are some creative ways the Devils can make this work.