You can follow Todd on Twitter @ToddCordell!
The NHL off-season is just around the corner which means many questions from fans around the league as to what changes their team will make will soon be answered.
In the mean time, I attempt to answer questions regarding what the New Jersey Devils will do this off-season.
From @GmoneyHockey17: Do you think Clarkson and Elias will both sign with the Devils?
I think the Devils need both players if they want to be a very good team next season, but I just have a feeling one of them is on the way out. Given Elias' ties to New Jersey, I think the Devils will eventually work something out with him and keep him a Devil for life...just like they did with Brodeur. As for Clarkson, I don't think the Devils will offer him enough to prevent him from at least seeing what's out there in July and if/when he tests the market, I don't think he'll come back. Teams will be willing to overpay for Clarkson's services so the longer this drags out, the more likely he leaves, I think.
That said, I wouldn't be surprised if the Devils can get Clarkson re-signed long-term.
From @Moose7891: Is Ryane Clowe a good replacement for David Clarkson if he leaves?
I like Clowe, but I'm going to say no. The Devils are a puck possession team and while Clowe is a decent puck possession player, he's a big step down from Clarkson. Clowe is slower, as well, and his offensive numbers have been on the decline the last couple seasons. He's also had trouble staying healthy at times. While Clowe would add to the team, given the asking price and that he looks like a player on the decline, it doesn't make sense to pony up a ton of cash to sign him to replace Clarkson. If I were Lou Lamoriello and it came down to giving Clarkson $1 million more per year or letting him walk and signing Clowe, I'd give Clarkson the extra million every day of the week.
From @EdmCaper: I think the Devils should go after Ales Hemsky. Do you think he'd be a good fit?
While Hemsky does have a pretty bad history in terms of injuries, I'd take a shot at him depending on the price. He can still skate and there's no question that he'd be a big improvement on the wing over someone like Steve Sullivan or Matt D'Agostini.
I think Hemsky could benefit from a change of scenery and there's no doubt that going to a playoff contending team would get his juices flowing. Especially given that he'd undoubtedly be in the top-6. Hemsky also has a history with Patrik Elias going back to playing for the Czech Republic so he'd probably fit right in on a line with him.
Again, though, it comes down to the asking price as Oilers GM Craig MacTavish has went on record saying he'd like to move Hemsky.
From @NJDFan4Life: With the draft two weeks away, & the Devils picking 9th overall, do you think they move up, stay where they currently are?
The asking price in this draft appears to be ridiculously high, so I think the Devils will stay where they are and make a pick with the 9th overall selection. This is a very deep draft and they should be able to get an NHL-ready player with the pick so picking at 9 instead of moving up isn't the worst thing in the world by any stretch.
From @JFabrazzo: Do you think the Devils bring back Marek Zidlicky?
I think Zidlicky's time in New Jersey is over. He's an older player who's on the decline and he's shown that he's a pretty big defensive liability. I don't think the Devils are big fans of one-way offensive minded players and at this point in his career, that's what Zidlicky is. He'll probably go on to another team desperate for offense on the back end and sign a multi-year deal worth over $4 million per season.
**
Why Viktor Stalberg could be a fit in New Jersey.
Should the Devils target Jonathan Bernier?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TheHockeyGuys.net
Email: [email protected]
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»