Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Devils Out of Running For Schultz, Salary Cap Increases + Other Notes

June 28, 2012, 1:02 PM ET [142 Comments]
Todd Cordell
New Jersey Devils Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
We're now just three days away from free agency which means NHL franchises, including the New Jersey Devils, are making their last minute push to get players re-signed and to finalize their plans heading into free agency. Here are some notes on the latest with Devils unrestricted free agents, the rise of the salary cap and more.

- It slipped under the radar, but Cam Janssen signed a one-year two-way contract extension with the Devils yesterday night. According to Andy Strickland, he'll make 575 thousand dollars if he plays in the NHL. 105K if he plays in Albany. He'll have to earn a spot on the Devils roster this fall, but I think he'll end up at least starting the season in Albany.

- The NHL salary cap ceiling and floor have risen yet again. The new ceiling is 70.2 million dollars, and the floor (league minimum) is 54 million. According to capgeek, the Devils have just under 28 million in cap space for next season. They need to spend at least 12 million to get to the floor.

By the way, the salary cap could change under the new CBA. The ceiling could rise or fall. Heck, there may no longer be a salary cap. It's up in the air at this point.

- I reached out to Stephen Gionta's agent, Stephen Barlett, today to ask for an update on how negotiations are coming along. Barlett told me that "We are making progress (towards an extension)" and that he's hopeful Gionta can return to the Devils. Barlett's goal is to get Gionta a one-way contract, but it is possible that Gionta returns on a two-way deal.

- Justin Schultz is reportedly one step closer towards making his "decision" on where he wants to play. The Devils are not believed to be on the list of teams he's still considering. The list of teams he's still considering, as per TSN, are the New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess he signs with one of the Canadian teams, most likely Edmonton or Toronto.

- With free agency set to begin in a few days, I think it's safe to say there will be some news regarding Devils players signing extensions in the near future. I expect Steve Bernier and Ryan Carter to be among several Devils players who will be re-signed.

- Bryce Salvador's agent, Carlos Sosa, told me via email a couple of days ago that Salvador's main goal is to re-sign in New Jersey. With that said, Sosa told me via email today that "We are on a holding pattern at this point awaiting other matters which directly affect the Devils." I think that means that there are other larger priorities for Lou Lamoriello to deal with right now, such as re-signing Zach Parise.

It's possible that I'll be back with more news later today.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow me on twitter @ToddCordell.

TheHockeyGuys.net

Email: [email protected]












Join the Discussion: » 142 Comments » Post New Comment