Possible Free Agent Devils

Team: 2023-24 New Jersey Devils

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 30, 2023

Published: Jun. 30, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Let me know what you guys think.

Alex Nedeljkovic we sign to a 1 year deal to help Vanecek and not rush Schmid. Fitzgerald has said he doesn't want to rush Schmid and is always looking at goaltending. A 1 year deal is not the end of the world.

McLeod, Bastian and Boqvist we sign to cheap 2 year deals. 1 because they know we're on the rise and 2 no offense to them, they're not top 6 players. If they feel they can get more, more power to them.

Kevin Bahl's deal is just a bridge deal. This deal will keep him in the NHL and the lineup, even though after the playoffs, this kid is a top 6 defenseman. Great return from the Hall trade.

Cal Foote is a depth option, plus he comes to the same organization as his brother.

I have Foote, Holtz and Nemec making the lineup. Schmid, just because he can play in the AHL they keep him in the AHL to start. If Nedeljkovic struggles, we can call Schmid up and send Nedeljkovic down.

I don't see Nemec in the opening lineup, but once Smith starts to slow down Nemec will get his shot and will prove to the coaches his AHL season was exactly what they thought and that this kid is ready to be an NHL full timer.

Foote will take over from Wood's 4th line spot. In the small sample size of Foote last season, I think this guy deserves to be in the NHL. He's not as fast as Wood but his all around game is much better and has the potential to be a top 9 forward.

Holtz will get to play with Haula and Palat. 2 veterans who can take him under his wing and grinders who can get Holtz the puck. I have Haula and Palat together so that Ruff can get Mercer into the top 6 to go along with Hughes and Meier. These 3 played together in the playoffs and didn't look bad together. I'd like to see these 3 start together.

For Nico, him and Bratt have always had chemistry and I'd put Toffoli with them. Toffoli is the sniper on the line and Bratt loves to pass. Nico and Tyler are good defensively as well, which makes that a great line.

Once again let me know what you guys think of this possible lineup. I just don't see NJ getting Hellebuyck. It doesn't sound like Winnipeg wants to retain on him and I think that's the only way NJ could get him.