Team: 2022-23 New Jersey Devils

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 15, 2022

Published: Jun. 15, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

slaf probably doesn't play opening night.

this acgm is pretty much just managing expectations with all the rumors surrounding cat, gaudreau, fiala, etc.

i avoided players who have been at the forefront of devils rumors and signed/traded for guys that make sense if we aren't able to make a massive splash. this roster isn't great, but it will look a lot better with bedard on it in 23-24.

justification:
1) Tatar gets a lot of hate even though he played ok last year. However, there's not really room for him and because his contract isn't great, it will likely take some retention to get anything back for him. Draft day trade.
2) Bratt signing is a no-brainer. Can't be upset with anything less than or equal to 8mil AAV
3) With all the trade rumors this past season, it's hard to see Zacha coming back. Instead of Boeser or Sprong who have both been going around rumors for Zacha, I went with a trade for Bear. Bear's situation has been tough his whole career and he has never really been given a chance to shine. Between bad coaching in EDM and being piled under tons of depth in Carolina, Bear hasn't been given many chances. But when he plays he can drive play in the offensive zone while being generally competent (still has room to get better) in the defensive zone. A good, young replacement for Subban on the bottom pairing with likely more playing time than he got in Carolina.
4) Rodrigues is a good two-way wing, a much-needed type of player in the Devils' Top 6. He could play on Hughes or Hischier's wing and likely thrive. The long term on his contract may be what it takes to draw him out of Pittsburgh. Underlying numbers also suggest that ERod had many more opportunities to score than he capitalized on. If he can work on his finishing while maintaining his two-way prowess, ERod can be a great addition to the team. A very overlooked player in this year's FA class.
5) Possibly the most controversial move in this ACGM, Husso has the potential to be a reliable and strong goaltender next to Blackwood. If GMTF wants to keep Blackwood, Husso is the best option this offseason by a mile. Although he got the spotlight when he played his worst in the playoffs this year, his stats don't lie. 25 wins in 38 games started, 2.56 GAA and a .919 sv% in the regular season alongside fantastic underlying analytics (18.8 goals saved above expected, 8th best of all goalies, 5.65 WAR, 13th best of all goalies, 0.488 GSAx/60, 6th best of all goalies) makes Husso my favorite goalie target that hasn't gotten a ton of recognition among Devils fans as a potential target.
6) Resigning Boqvist only makes sense after the way he turned things up towards the end of last year. A short-term prove-it deal makes sense.
7) Resigning Wood was a little bit tougher but it probably doesn't make sense to trade him at an all-time low value. He's proven he can be an effective contributor before, give him a chance to prove it again as he comes back from injury.
8) Resigning Zetterlund is obvious, he was impressive when he came in late last year. Let's see what he can do with a regular roster spot.

Although it's not flashy, this scenario keeps options open for the Devils. You hope this team can push for the playoffs and get really close. It comes down to getting rid of excuses, and letting each young player reach the potential they are supposed to. Healthy Hughes, Hischier, and Mercer should make for a lethal 1-2-3 punch down the middle. Maybe if we are making a push, GMTF gets them some more wing help at the TDL.

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