Be sure to follow Todd on Twitter @ToddCordell!
NHL free agency opens up in just over a month, and Marek Zidlicky is one of several New Jersey Devils who could potentially hit the open market.
Zidlicky said in exit interviews that he would like to re-sign with the Devils, but GM Lou Lamoriello has yet to tip his hand as to whether the feeling is mutual.
There were reports from Europe weeks ago suggesting that Zidlicky was close to an extension with New Jersey, but if that were true I'd assume the extension would be completed by now. That doesn't mean he won't be re-signed, though.
Before Lamoriello and the rest of the management staff make a decision as to whether they should re-sign Zidlicky or not, they have to weigh the good and the bad.
In the mean time, I'll do the same.
The good thing about having Zidlicky around is that he can create offense. The Devils don't have many defenseman on their current roster that can do the same.
The bad news is that Zidlicky turns the puck over a lot and isn't very good defensively. Re-signing him would also take up a roster spot that one of the Devils many defensive prospects could fill. Zidlicky isn't a long-term solution, either, so it might make sense to try out Adam Larsson, for example, in his role and give him Zidlicky's offensive minutes to see if Larsson can be the solution.
For the record, I'd take Zidlicky over Anton Volchenkov or Henrik Tallinder. That said, I think one or two need to go and Zidlicky's the only one without a contract.
With that in mind, do you think the Devils should re-sign Zidlicky? Why or why not? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.
**
I posted a scouting report on potential potential top-20 pick, Jason Dickinson, at TheHockeyGuys. You can
view the report here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TheHockeyGuys.net
Follow me on Instagram
Email: [email protected]
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»