Updated list of available free agents plus the Devils to-do list in this morning’s NHL rumor mill.
AVAILABLE NHL UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS.
Defenseman Kris Russell is among the notable available unrestricted free agents.
NJ.COM: Right wings Jiri Hudler and Radim Vrbata, defensemen Kris Russell, James Wisniewski and Matt Bartkowski, centers Nick Spaling, Dominic Moore and R.J. Umberger, goaltender Jhona Enroth and college prospect left wing Jimmy Vesey are the top remaining players in the NHL UFA market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Of these, Vesey is garnering most of the speculation. While the Buffalo Sabres own his rights until Aug. 15, there’s no indication they will re-sign him. The Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks are among several clubs linked to Vesey in the rumor mill.
Over two weeks ago, there was a report suggesting Vrbata might return to the Arizona Coyotes, where he played six seasons. Perhaps the club’s buyout of center Antoine Vermette is to clear the way for Vrbata’s return? We’ll find out soon enough.
There was also a report last week claiming the Leafs were close to signing Enroth. Since then, however, there’s nothing to indicate that’s going to happen.
NJ.COM: Among the items that could be on the New Jersey Devils to-do list include deciding what to do with UFA forward Patrik Elias, perhaps targeting a cap-strapped club such as the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings for a trade or pushing for one of the remaining quality players (Kris Russell, Jiri Hudler) still available via free agency.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: With over $13 million in salary-cap space, Devils GM Ray Shero has the cap space to make a move or two this summer to bolster his roster if he wishes. Once the Jimmy Vesey sweepstakes are over, Shero could look into perhaps targeting a team in need of shedding salary or one of the few good UFAs still available.
If I were Shero I would be looking to find several NHL quality Dman & stop worrying about forwards. I have no idea how NJ plans to repeat last seasons performance with this group of D. They traded their best Dman.
Capfriendly currently only shows 5. Most NHL teams carry 8 as part of their 23 man active roster. The least # of D to play for 1 team last season was 9. Bos, Det, NYR, Phi & SJ all got through 82 games last year only dressing 9. Mon 15, Tor & Edm 14, Cal 13 & Col, LA, NJ all 12 were at the other end of the scale. God forbid any of these 5 Dman get injured.
Greene, Severson.
Moore, Lovejoy.
Merrill.
NHLnumbers.com adds Gormley; Ha-ha! Generalfanager has the same as Capfriendly or vice versa.
This is by far the worst D in the NHL currently & how NJ expects to win games behind this D is concerning. Thank god Schneider is a great goalie as he’s going to see a ton of rubber. If you can’t stop teams from scoring you don’t end up very high in the standings, Dal being an example of an anomaly or variance, leading the league in scoring worked to offset this issue last season. I have NJ dropping this season to 3rd; 14th, worst in the East, they were 12th last season. In fairness the difference between finishing 9th & 14th might only be 6 points but I think many teams, like Edm, Tor, Buf, Col & Ott; pre Phaneuf, have shown us what bad defenses mean in the win loss column. Van’s D came back to haunt them last season, well that, bad management & coaching no offense etc. Moving out 2 top 4 Dman; Garrison & Bieksa, in 2 years & not replacing them came back to bite Benning & the Canucks in the ass. Hard to believe Sbisa, Bartowksi & Weber combined couldn’t replace Garrison & Bieksa, what a shock!
Poor Hall, from 1 dreadful team to another. Lou left NJ a mess. The prospect cupboard is virtually bare.
With the Leafs no longer “trying” to be bad this year, maybe Shero sees this year as an easy year to finish last and draft high without other teams tanking alongside him.
Russell would definitely block a lot of shots for them…
Depending upon how long he can last. He’s 175 lbs soaking wet. As a 5/6 pairing he could do it and last longer – but you don’t block a lot playing 8-9 minutes a game.
All the Rest of the UFAs to the Leafs and The Canucks trade for mcDavid to get there top 6 forward because they have so much to offer.
Thank you for your meaningful contribution. Shouldn’t you be in summer school by now, you better hurry up or you’ll be late.
I’d rather him be here Striker. Summer school is too high a level of learning for him. Now if he repeated his last grade ( 2 ) that would be impressive.
GUTTER!
To Edmonton – Lucas Sbisa, 2017 7th round pick
To Vancouver – Conner McDavid, Milan Lucic, 2017 & 2018 1rst round draft pick, conditional 2019 pick becomes 1rst rounder if Sbisa wins Norris, Hart or Conn Smythe Trophies.
Per Canucks G.M. Jim Benning this is take it or leave it offer. Sbisa is perennial All Star and first ballot Hall of Famer.If the Oil want him they will have to pay fair market price.
Ron, can you provide one example of the Canucks brass proposing a single trade like this or are you just talking out of your a$$ again?
That was pretty funny RJ, although DS21 response was even better.
Show me one trade offer out of Vancouver that doesnt include Sbisa or Tanev going for a vastly superior player and or a pick.
Ie: Sbisa for Landeskog
Tanev for Barrie
Sbisa, Tanev or Virtanen for Krejci
Vancouver media and fans all seem to think every carcass in a Canucks jersey is worth first line player, top prospect and 1rst round pick.
Just enjoy showing them how ridiculous they are……lol
You Vann fans are just as dumb as the Leaf 1s
That’s just the thing though, we don’t ever see what the management team may be offering. The only times names are brought up are by cdc fan boys and cracker jack journalists. To say that these armchair gm’s represent an entire fan base or management is ignorant on your part.
Fans are allowed and supposed to dream up potential trades! That’s what fans do. Every fan base over values there own players because they get emotionally attached to them.
NJD should sign Seidenberg and Russell. Mind you not the same talent but level but the same idea as NYI did with Boychuk and Leddy.
Seidenberg would help the Devils d as long as short term and reasonable salary
Better than what they will be icing without a move.
Striker,
Although those sites only have 5 defence listed, NJ will have Helgeson and Santini compete for roster spots.
Also, with it being so early, Shero could still sign a Dman like Wisneiski to off set some of the growing pains the youthful defence may have.
Also, NJ is probably waiting for Vesey( as NJ is on his short list), because signing him gives them flexibility to make a trade for a defenseman.
As for the cupboard being bare, you really should have looked into what Shero has done the last 2 drafts. NJ has some high end prospects. Granted it’s from drafting high, but also from trades, that brought young players back or extra picks.
Now, if your offence is carrying the puck and play, then you are going to be effective because your playing in the offence zone more than the defence.
You used Dallas as an example, but Schneider is 10x the goalie, that Dallas has(both of there goalies), and he will cover up most mistakes.
Let the offseason continue to play out, before criticizing what Shero has done.
NJ will be improved from last year, even if their defence doesn’t scary teams.
Pens did ok with a blue line that wasn’t exactly made up of stay at home defensive stalwarts for the exact reason you mention Troy, of your group of forwards can keep the puck going towards the offensive zone it relieves a lot of pressure…The biggest problem in Nj last year may have been relying Palmieri and Stempniak carrying the load offensively, Zacha another year older Hall full year of DSP along with some other things Shero has done, I think the Devils surprise some people this year
The problem with that theory Schticky, is that NJ doesn’t have Letang. He play 30 minutes a game in the playoffs. 30!
The main difference between the last few years for Pitt was that Letang was healthy. Somebody needs to get the puck back and get it to the forwards for that style to work.
Also, NJ doesn’t have near the forward core that Pitt does.
I would be one of the surprised if they are not near the bottom at the end of the year.
There is a reason top D men are worth the weight in gold, as GM’s and coaches feel the same way.
Not saying they are winning a cup Ray just saying I wouldn’t be so sure they are the worst team in the league or for that matter bottom 5
The Devils are in a situation similar to Vancouver right now. There are a few good prospects, maybe even a great one in Zacha, but Shero needs a few more years to draft talent and let them grow. He’s a good GM, just let the players develop for a few years and then they can start competing consistently for the playoffs.
With Striker on this one.
Another example of how important an above average top 4 on D actually is: The Boston Bruins. Contending for Cup from 2010 to end of 2013/2014. What changed? Boychuk traded, Seidenberg has knee and back surgeries, Hamilton traded. Chara got older and no one was there to take on the minutes at a high level.
2014 win presidents cup, miss the playoffs next 2 years. Forward core still in tact, same tender.
Dallas will take a step back (unless they address the issue), NJ will compete for 1st overall in the draft as trading for proven D-help will cost prospects that they can’t afford to trade as they are in the beginning of a full rebuild that will take years.
Last I looked teams like the Blues and Preds have had loaded blue line for years and it hasn’t really paid off for them…it’s a balance for sure but I don’t think losing Larsson hurts as much as getting a guy like Hall (or for that matter guys like Fiddler DSP some of the younger guys maturing..) helps again blowing the value of Larsson (who is a good D) out of per portion. Scoring goals is just as important as stopping them
Losing Seguin and Iginla also hurt a bit
Ya Schticky, balance is the key.
The most consistent stat for success is goal differential.
Right differential and if you look at it that team with such bad D besides Larsson is one of the better teams in the league in goals against and only scores 183 goals to all season(dead last) while allowing 203 (top 5 in goals against) differential would say NJ has a harder time scoring goals than stopping them and play decent team defence so in saying that I’m pretty sure Taylor Hall will help that and defensively a guy like Fiddler helps DSP may not get many but isn’t really a fun guy to play against Schnider is Schnider Lovejoy Bonino …I think the Devils will be in the hunt in the East.
Agree to disagree. I think they filled one hole and opened another one. I really like Hall as well.
I believe in building from the back end out, which also helps your offence go. Need to have the puck, and NJ won’t very often.
My prediction is goals for goes up a little, goals against goes up by more. Schneider’s save % drops
Even if the SV % drops to avg goaltending it still decent goals against (top half in the league) the Devils don’t give up many shots….They play a decent team D they just don’t score, and if you look how they have been building over the past few years trading for Schnider their draft picks and high end prospects are D and centre building from the back out and up the middle, where they are thin is high end scoring wingers guys like Taylor Hall. Again not saying they are a lock for a playoff spot but there are teams worse than the Devils and it wouldn’t surprise me if they managed to sneak in in the east.
Santini was brought to the Worlds(limited use) and could make the squad. If they do add a veteran FA and their D kids do not cough up the puck they could be ok.
Girardi for Santini? in my dreams…
Im kind of surprised Wisneiwski hasnt signed somewhere already.
I won’t repeat others arguments as I see the point from both sides. How ever looking at the other eastern teams I see NJ finishing around 9, 10 or 11
Time will tell there are always surprises.
Teams that I believe will finish above NJ:
Washington
Florida
NYR
NYI
Pittsburgh
Philly
Montreal
Bruins
Tampa
Ottawa
Beyond that it is a real crap shoot. I really see NJ finishing at best in 11th
I question Boston Montreal Leafs Rangers Redwings Sabres I’m not saying it happens just that I question it. Surprises happen every year, Maybe a couple younger teams could take a step back Its the East anything could happen and most teams in the east are an injury or 2 from being terrible ask the Habs.
Montreal is a trainwreck. Bergervin is destroying that team, just like Linden and Benning are doing in Vancouver.
Good luck predicting the Metro. NYR are going to nose dive this year. Lundqvist is going to continue his regression, Pitt will take a step back, possibly miss the playoffs (Kessel will be a pig), I don’t have confidence in any team captained by Claude Giroux (plus that goaltending), Carolina is Carolina, Columbus will be worst to second worst, Islanders are only team to get worse this summer, so yeah, I think it’ll be a dogs breakfast for Washington. And NJ’s got a chance.
I kinda agree with ya Arnie the metro could be awful
Hey Lyle
What is your take on the Rieder contract talks with arizona
Just wondering as a german and not hearing much about it
From what I heard, Rieder wants $6mil/year. I expect that number is just the typical over-inflated starting point for negotiations. Him and his new agent has also used the ploy of playing overseas, but we all know that is less money and less talent than playing with the Coyotes.
As for 35 year old Vrbata, it would surprise me if the Coyotes sign him. I can see them attempting to fill that roster spot in a trade, perhaps with Rieder involved.
Hey, Leopoldo. Rieder’s agent last week said his client was considering offers from the KHL because of the impasse with the ‘Yotes. Apparently his agent sought a deal comparable to Kadri’s $4.5 million per season. A recent report suggested the Coyotes aren’t willing to go above $2.5 million per on a three-year deal. Rieder’s coming off an entry-level deal, so his only options are to bolt for Europe if he can find a suitable contract, or stage a holdout. If he heads to Europe, the Coyotes will still own his rights until he’s eligible for UFA status age 27. This could just be a lot of posturing on both sides right now. The fact Rieder hasn’t signed with a KHL team yet suggests his preference is to remain with the Coyotes.
Is Antoine Vermette worth a look for the Rangers? Thought he was the big prize at the trade deadline 2 years back, no… 17 goals…
I have to say looking at the NJ roster their forward group isn’t terrible. Their D has some room for improvement but I can’t say beyond predicting injuries and such that they will be a terrible team. I feel like Arizona will be one of the worst, along with Vancouver. NJ will slot somewhere in the middle.
Personally, I think most of teams in the league improved this offseason. Some with only superficial changes others making more prominent moves. I think the remaining free agents will slot into roles after training camp and early season injuries. It seems that most clubs are tightening their cap belts and taking serious looks at the rosters, in part due to the impending expansion draft.
The Vermette buyout surprises me a little. He’s still a solid two-way player. He could definitely help Ottawa, LA, and maybe the Rangers. There just isn’t much room for veteran centers with many teams opting for younger players to make the transition.
The Sharks made good additions with schlemko and bodker. Now just a backup goalie and I think we will see a team improved from last year. How did your teams do this off season?
Ottawa already has C up the ying-yang. Help them where? If anyone tenders an offer to Vermette I expect it to be Montreal.
If it was on the cheap maybe Carolina? Staal McClemment Raask…not sure that’s exactly a great group at C
I really don’t think Shero should be criticized at all. I have loved every move he has made in rebuilding the mess senile Lou left behind. Yes they gave up a good young D-man but for a good young scorer. You have to give up something to get something. People complain they don’t have/get scorers then when they do they complain. Yes the Devils will be young & a little weaker on D but not much weaker than last season & they were in the playoff hunt. They may finish near bottom or they may fight for a playoff spot again. I don’t see 10 Eastern conference teams that far ahead of them. To finish top 6 is most likely unrealistic but I still think they could surprise & battle for a wild card. If not, they have more cap room & more picks (thanks to Shero) to work with. Any true Devils fan knows they are still rebuilding but this team is bare of talent…Experts picked them to finish in the bottom 5 last year so they can prove them wrong again this year. If they go into the season with a defence of Greene, Lovejoy, Moore, Santini, and 2 of 3 out of Merrill, Santini or Helgerson I’m not gonna say they have no chance. If you do that’s fine but I see no reason for Shero to have blame he has done a great job since taking over.
*this team is not bare of talent
Wow. I look at this website frequently though rarely read the comments. I agree with the comments aboutCanuck fans generally over rating the teams players (as almost all fans do for their teams). How are Benning and Linden ruining their team though? I would prefer more of a rebuild and they are treading a little but there is so much negativity towards their moves. I assume RJ is an Oilers fan. If so, I am sure he thinks that the Hall trade netted good value and likely thought Kevin Lowe was doing a good job though not as good as Pete Chireli because every new year brings hope and true belief this will be the year the Oilers become a contender. I appreciate the Oilers style of hockey game every year just not how they have been managed. It’s just many of their fans, as well as Flame fans, and many other teams seem to dislike the Canucks. I guess so many years of being a dominant team while their teams sucked has a tendency to bring out the bitterness. I only hope they are right and it’s time for the Canucks to suck as badly as their teams for the last 10 years as I think that’s the best way to gather young talent. I prefer and am confident that the won’t be in the basement for long and Benning and Linden will get them on the right track. While that is happening I hope I don’t become bitter towards the dominant hockey teams and fans of the top teams.