I think the Devils had a successful draft, not being too aggressive and making the logical moves.
Here is my outlook on the team and free agency
First off with the draft. I'm glad the Devils kept the pick. Apart from Tkachuk, all of the other options had at least 1 thing that scared Fitz away such as playing style, age, contract, etc. Better to keep the pick rather than force a trade.
Simon Nemec was a great pick at 2. Wright was the BPA but Devils obviously didn’t need centers and Nemec strengths the Devils future D-Core. I was shocked that the Habs took Slafkovsky. I was 90% sure the Devils would end up with Slafkovsky but it is what it is. Seamus Casey was a great pick at 46. Dynamic defensemen who will play along Luke Hughes at Michigan. Tyler Brennan was the best goalie of the class. My only knock on the Devils draft is that we drafted too many dmen and not enough forwards
In the draft, the Devils traded basically a 3rd for Vitek Vanacek which was a good move. Seeing that Fleury resigned, Husso got moved/signed, and Holtby retiring, the options for goaltenders were dwindling. Husso’s UFA rights got a 3rd in return so trading a 3rd+ for Vanacek is a good deal. Fitz still believes in Blackwood so next year Vanacek and Blackwood would be 1A-1B duo. If Bernier comes back, he would be 3rd string in case either gets injured. And Daws is still in the AHL.
For free agency, I think they go after Gaudreau. Big name free agent from NJ and they’re one of the only teams that can afford him + he could be willing to go to. Apart from that, I think the Devils make a couple of trades as listed below to clear cap and roster space.
There was rumors of the Coyotes being interested in Johnsson at the deadline since Johnsson has a high cap hit but low actual $ on his contract. Coyotes could use Johnsson to reach cap floor and then flip him at the deadline
I was initally thinking of keeping Tatar to guide Nemec as a fellow Slovak but with Nemec in the AHL next year and Holtz called up. I don't see room for Tatar. For the Avs, Tatar replaces Burakovsky who I think will walk in FA.
Not sure what needs to be added but I feel like this trade could be good for both parties. Both are former top picks, both need a change of scenery. JP is a year younger and is better defensively while Zacha is better offensively with worse linemates.
I think Kuokkanen's time on the Devils is over. He struggled this year dealing with a wrist injury but got buried in the Devils roster after. He could be a solid 3rd/4th line contributor on a different roster. Not sure which team fits so I left Kraken as the placeholder team.
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
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