Open Market Devils

Devils Free Agency

The New jersey Devils came into “the Silly Season” with a lot of spots needing filling. Primarily Defence. The Devils with 2 players under contract likely to step into NHL roles this year on the blueline were in desperate need of reinforcements.

In comes GM Muchowski.

With just over $25 Million in available cap space, the Devils boss went hunting.

Most notable Defender the Devils were able to bring into New Jersey, is Marc Staal.

Marc Staal is a fantastic shut down defenceman who is projected to see a lot of time on the #1 PK unit this coming season. He is not known for putting up loads of points a season but can be counted on to contribute. 6’4 207 lbs, he will see a lot of minutes against the best the other teams have to bring to the table.

Signing for 3 years at $5,500,000 the Devils are looking for a defender they can rely on to keep the puck out of their own end.

Jason Garrison was the next player the Devils set their sights on.

Garrison is another guy who will help round out the blueline for the Devils this coming season. A big body who can smash home the puck from the point. Garrison has seen a slump in production the last few seasons. However, GM Muchowski is hoping that a change in scenery will help re establish the game Garrison has shown he can play at in the past.

Signing for 2 years at $4,750,000 the Devils are taking a chance on the Big shot returning to the ice.

Finally, the Devils targeted Kevin Bieksa to solidify the Blueline.

Bieksa is a Veteran and a bull dog when it comes to playing hockey. Projected to see a lot time on the PP unit this coming season, Bieksa can also dish out some monster hits. GM Muchowski and the Devils will be looking for Kevin to light the lamp and light up the opponents all season long.

Signing for 3 years at $3,750,000 the Devils are looking for him to bring some leadership long term to the club.

The other Notable signing was NOT a defender, but Mr. Playoffs himself, Kris Versteeg.

Versteeg is one of those guys that allways seems to be on a playoff team. Come trade deadline day, he has been moved to contenders looking for that final piece to add to their long run. The Devils decided that instead of looking to trade for the IT piece come the deadline, they would go out and sign him for the next 3 years right now. Versteeg will see lots of time on the top units this season. Look for him to contribute on the PP and 5 on 5.

Signing for 3 years at $4,500,000 the Devils are hoping Mr. Playoffs can help bring them to the Dance for the next 3 years.

Some more signings from the Devils this offeason were:

Clayton Stoner, Jay McClement, Clarke MacArthur and Derek Dorsett who will all be competing for a spot in the upcoming training camp.

The Devils missed the playoffs by one point this last season, marking the first time in franchise history the Devils watched the dance from the outside. GM Muchowski was faced with many questions about his team and whether his group could compete. He decided that competing should always be the number 1 priority, but not at the cost of the future.

Getzlaf, with 1 year left on his contract and unhappy with missing the playoffs became the big chip that Muchowski would play.

Sending the final year of Getzlaf to Anahiem, the Devils secured 4 years of Andrew Cogliano, who can be counted on for a little bit of everything. Points, PP and PK time. Plus, an RFA in Vladislav Namestnikov, who will be looking for a breakout season this year.

With a few other notable players rounding out the Devils roster:

B Schenn

J Jagr

T Bozak

ME Vlasic

M Cammalleri

Etc

Look for the Devils to not only make the playoffs this year, but make a long run out of it.