Offseason Outlook: New Jersey Devils
With the offseason underway for a number of teams, with the remainder to join them in a few weeks, we're looking at what's in store for each club in the coming months.
2016-17 Grade: F
After finishing the 2015-16 season with the worst offense in the league, it seemed like the addition of Taylor Hall meant things could only get better.
Wrong.
After managing 2.22 goals per game in 2016, the team averaged 2.20 goals per game this past campaign. They also gave up the sixth-most goals, had the 22nd-ranked power play, and the 23rd-ranked penalty kill. They were bad all over. So the grade is well earned.
Free Agents
Obviously, Marc Savard has not played in the league since 2011, so his contract ending means little to nothing for the team. Meanwhile, the club has four restricted free agents, with Damon Severson being the most important.
| Player (Position) | 2017-18 Status | Age | 2016-17 Cap Hit | '16-17 Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marc Savard (F) | UFA | 39 | $4 029 429 | DNP |
| Jacob Josefson (F) | RFA | 26 | $1.1M | 10 |
| Beau Bennett (F) | RFA | 25 | $725K | 19 |
| Stefan Noesen (F) | RFA | 24 | $600K | 8 |
| Damon Severson (D) | RFA | 22 | $605 833 | 31 |
The only questionable unrestricted free agent on the Devils' hands is Keith Kinkaid. He played in a career-high 26 games this past season and after posting a respectable .916 save percentage, he could be a cheap backup option once again.
| Player (Position) | 2017-18 Status | Age | 2016-17 Cap Hit | '16-17 SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keith Kinkaid (G) | UFA | 27 | $725K | .916 |
2017 Draft Picks
The Devils have 10 picks in the upcoming draft including the all-encompassing No. 1 selection after pulling off the mother of all upsets at the draft lottery.
Related: Shero never thought he'd get chance to draft Nolan Patrick or Nico Hischier
Here is how their June 23-24 weekend will look:
| Round | Picks |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 (1st overall) |
| 2 | 2 (Own+Bruins) |
| 3 | 2 (Avalanche+Sharks) |
| 4 | 2 (Own+Predators) |
| 5 | 1 |
| 6 | 2 (Own+Predators) |
| 7 | 0 |
Summer priorities
1. Lock up Kovalchuk or trade him
It appears to be a done deal that Ilya Kovalchuk will be returning to the NHL next season and - unlike the draft lottery - the Devils hold the best chances of landing the veteran sniper.
Related: Devils will reach out to Kovalchuk's agent to gauge interest in NHL return
Kovalchuk is on voluntary retirement and the Devils already own his rights until the 2024-25 season. He remains an incredible talent and would be an asset for the team's aforementioned weak offense.
However, if Kovalchuk does not want to play with the Devils the team must make sure to at least agree to a sign-and-trade with him so they can recoup assets for the sniper.
Kovalchuk must sign with the Devils or receive consent from every club if he wishes to sign elsewhere. Ray Shero should be in the driver's seat here as he can easily veto a signing anywhere else.
2. Fix Schneider's game
It's easier said than done, but the fact is despite posting far and away his worst statistical season during the 2017 campaign, Schneider has the ability to be among the elite goaltenders in the league.
Be it some help on the blue line, a new goaltending coach, or even just some more rest, the Devils need to find a way to get Schneider playing to his proven potential.
3. Capitalize at draft
The debate between Nolan Patrick and Nico Hischier appears to be razor thin, a good sign for the Devils. They posses the first overall pick and shouldn't go wrong with either.
However, where the Devils need to capitalize is the rest of the draft where they have 10 picks in total with half of those coming in the first three rounds. The Devils aren't in full rebuild mode, so they must take advantage of this abundance of picks.
2017-18 Outlook
The Devils looked like they were going to take a big step forward in 2017. After an admirable 84 points in 2016 and 30-goal campaigns from Adam Henrique and Kyle Palmieri, the team added Hall.
Although it seemed the offense had gotten a huge boost, we know how that went. Hall still had a solid season, potting 20 goals and 53 points in 72 games, but the rest of the cast was uninspiring.
Heading into next season the Devils are an enigma. They have proven goal-scorers at their disposal and could add the likes of Kovalchuk and one of Patrick or Hischier to the mix as well. So the potential is there.
On the back end they could use some help, but players such as Severson continue to grow and mature and could take a big step forward.
Ultimately it comes down to Schneider. Can he be the goalie that kept the Devils above water in his first few seasons with the club? If he can, the Devils could challenge for a playoff spot.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)
Offseason Outlook Series
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NYR | EDM | MTL | ANA | MIN
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