Close Article Return to stream X
NHL

5 Free Agents the New Jersey Devils Should Target in 2015 NHL Offseason

+Read full article

5 Free Agents the New Jersey Devils Should Target in 2015 NHL Offseason

New Jersey Devils Offseason
Getty Images

The New Jersey Devils just could not get it done this season. Despite having one of the better goalies in the league, they could not even come close to a playoff berth. The team they have just isn't scoring enough to be relevant in the Eastern Conference. These five players would at least help them end a three-year playoff draught.

5. Steve Bernier

5. Steve Bernier
Getty Images

5. Steve Bernier

5. Steve Bernier
Getty Images

Steve Bernier was much better this season than he was last season. He had the best offensive output of his career, scoring 16 goals. Bernier was given a second chance to his career with the Devils, and he is finally hitting his potential with the new coaches. The team cannot just let him leave for nothing, and he won't cost much to keep.

4. Scott Gomez

4. Scott Gomez
Getty Images

4. Scott Gomez

4. Scott Gomez
Getty Images

Scott Gomez was one of the best stories of the NHL season last year. After seeing his career relegated to a joke, he became a top-line center on the Devils last season. While he probably shouldn't be able to keep that up, he could definitely hold down third-line duties for the Devils next season.

3. Chris Stewart

3. Chris Stewart
Getty Images

3. Chris Stewart

3. Chris Stewart
Getty Images

Chris Stewart is a very good two-way forward the Devils could use. The free-agent market doesn't have anything when it comes to scoring, so the Devils will have to settle for a guy of Stewart's caliber. He can score around 15-20 goals per season, which is something many current Devils cannot claim.

2. Johnny Oduya

2. Johnny Oduya
Getty Images

2. Johnny Oduya

2. Johnny Oduya
Getty Images

Bringing back former Devils is something Lou Lamoriello has done throughout his career. The Devils could use another stay-at-home defender to add to the immense youth they have currently. Johnny Oduya would be great playing with either Damon Severson or Eric Gelinas, so he could make up for them if they pinch at the wrong time. He is the extra veteran presence they will need with Bryce Salvador leaving this offseason.

1. Vladimir Tarasenko

1. Vladimir Tarasenko
Getty Images

1. Vladimir Tarasenko

1. Vladimir Tarasenko
Getty Images

The Devils are going to have a decent amount of cap room going into this offseason with all of their main free agents re-signed. They will have over million to spend. Vladimir Tarasenko showed this season that he is a true No. 1 star. The Devils can give him the place to become that star. The problem is he is only a restricted free agent, which rarely ever moves. This shouldn't stop them from at least sending out an offer.

Nick Villano is the New Jersey Devils writer for Rant Sports. He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.

Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NHL Videos

Watch Corey Schneider's Sprawling Stick Save

New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider is leading the NHL in goals against-average, and his terrific stick save Tuesday night is the latest exhibit of how well he's playing.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NHL Videos

Watch Devils' Blandisi Receive Penalty For Hilarious Flop

I don't blame any player in professional sports who does whatever it takes to give their team an edge during a game. However, certain efforts are just downright foolish. as New Jersey Devils forward Joseph Blandisi found out when he executed one of the most hilariously obnoxious flops in NHL history. Blandisi was correctly penalized for embellishment by the referee, but at least he knows the Internet got a hearty chuckle over the situation.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NHL Videos

Hit Leads to All Out Brawl in Blues-Devils Game

Things got a little chippy last night after Bobby Farnham laid out Dmitri Jaškin with a hit away from the puck. The St. Louis Blues players did not like that one bit.

Comment 0 Comments