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NHL free agency is less than two weeks away and the New Jersey Devils still have several free agents that they want to try and sign; among them are Peter Harrold and David Clarkson.
Here are some notes on Harrold, Clarkson, the upcoming NHL draft and more:
- Harrold wants to return to New Jersey and Devils GM, Lou Lamoriello, has expressed interest in bringing Harrold back as well. While Harrold's agent, Steve Bartlett, wouldn't comment on how close the two sides are to an agreement, he did tell me there have been talks regarding an extension.
"We are in discussions with Devils and hopeful we can get something done," said Bartlett.
Obviously no deal is in place, but I wouldn't have a problem bringing Harrold back into the fold. He's a good veteran defenseman who can eat up some minutes when needed and he shouldn't cost much to keep around.
His minutes need to be sheltered and he is prone to turning the puck over at times, but overall he's a capable player if used right. Pete DeBoer had him playing against very poor competition last year and he thrived in some regards as he was a 62% possession player, which ranked 4th among NHL defenseman with at least 300 5 vs. 5 minutes.
- Devils beat writer, Tom Gulitti, spoke to David Clarkson about how contract negotiations were going with the Devils and while Clarkson said there have been discussions, he didn't think his agent, Pat Morris, and Lamoriello have gotten too deep into talks.
I know the Devils want Clarkson back and I believe staying is his top priority, but given the lack of movement it seems likely that Clarkson will at least test free agency.
Clarkson would have plenty of suitors and
will land a big contract if he goes that route.
- I contacted Jacob Josefson's agent, Peter Wallén, about how negotiations were going with the Devils. He wouldn't comment on that but did confirm that the Devils sent a qualifying offer.
- The Devils are likely to take a forward with the 9th overall pick in the draft, but it's worth noting they are high on two defenseman. Those two defenseman are Darnell Nurse and Rasmus Ristolainen, according to Gulitti.
Nurse is a good player, but I'm not sold on his offensive upside.
More on Nurse in my scouting report.
If the Devils were to select one of those two defenseman with the 9th overall pick, I think Ristolainen would be the better selection. He is a well rounded player who has more offensive upside, in my opinion.
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Who should the Devils select with the 9th overall pick?
I examine how the Devils top-3 centers perform with Ilya Kovalchuk and who's the best fit going forward.
Brendan Ross and myself rank the top-60 prospects and more in
TheHockeyGuys 2013 NHL Draft Guide.
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