2018 New Jersey Devils OFFSEASON
This past NHL season the New Jersey Devils demonstrated they have the talent to compete for a playoff spot. Now the team should set goals more lofty of a playoff birth. They should aim to make a legitimate Stanley Cup title run.
Free agency is approaching, and the team has some important decisions to make, per Chris Ryan of NJ.com,
New Jersey Devils Free Agents
Unrestricted Free Agents
John Moore, D, 27
Brian Gibbons, LW, 30
Patrick Maroon, LW, 30
Michael Grabner, RW, 30
Drew Stafford, RW, 32
Jimmy Hayes, RW, 28
Eddie Lack, G, 28
Restricted Free Agents
Miles Wood, LW, 22
Blake Coleman, C, 26
Stefan Noesen, RW, 25
Steven Santini, D, 23
New Jersey Devils – Who Should Stay Vs Who Should Go
The decision regarding their restricted free agents is fairly straightforward. With the exception of Noesen — NONE should be retained. (Our opinion) With that said, nobody would be devastated if GM Ray Shero does not offer him a qualiffing offer. Nor would we be shocked if Nossen turns down a qualifing offer should he receive one.
Regarding the team’s unrestricted free agents, these decisions are trickier. John Moore is nowhere near an elite blueliner but was a consistent contributor who fits in the fast-skating philosophy Coach Hynes implemented. For the right price, he should be back.
We do not expect Jimmy Hayes, Michael Grabner, or Drew Stafford to return. All are character guys, and Grabner is a capable scorer, but none were able to secure full-time roles. Brian Gibbons and Patrick Maroon are polar opposites as players, and we would like to see both around next season. We would like to see them come back at the right price.
Notable NHL Free Agents
John Tavares
John Carlson
James Van Riemsdyk
Mike Green
James Neal
Evander Kane
**Ilya Kovalchuk
Paul Stastny
David Perron
Rick Nash
The Devils need more experienced defensemen, along with additional scoring options in their top-nine. Some big names on this list but at this point… no need for extra speculation. Lets see how the offseason plays out.
Until next season – continue playing StatementGames! Build up that coin balance so that you can hit the upcoming Fantasy Hockey season with authority!
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