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New Jersey Devils Notes: Henrique, Free Agency And Playoffs

July 28, 2013, 11:12 AM ET [88 Comments]
Todd Cordell
New Jersey Devils Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
You can follow Todd on Twitter @ToddCordell!

As we enter the dog days of the summer, fresh topics to discuss around the NHL come up less frequently.

In today's post I answer some questions surrounding the New Jersey Devils from my followers on Twitter.

From @OMoltke: What do you see as the most realistic end to the Henrique story?

While Henrique's camp and Lou Lamoriello have discussed the possibility of a long-term extension, I think the most likely scenario is that the two sides agree on a short-term extension.

Given Henrique's age and that he is eligible for unrestricted free agency in four years, I believe, I think a two or three-year extension is what we'll see here. As you all know, Henrique had a very impressive rookie campaign and postseason, but wasn't all that impressive this past season. That said, he didn't exactly have premier linemates to play with and considering the fact it was a shortened season with a short training camp and no preseason, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

I believe Henrique still has a lot more to give and I think we'll start to see that as early as this season. Going back to the question, I think a two or three-year deal worth about $3 million per season is what we'll see in the end.

From @Fabio_Torres: Do you feel Jagr can help Henrique the same way he helped Giroux develop? Also, any chance Jagr & Elias play on the same line?

I don't think Henrique will turn into the point producer Giroux is, but I definitely think Jaromir Jagr's presence will do wonders for Henrique this year. Jagr is an extremely smart player who has seen it all. He'll be able to teach Henrique how to read and take advantage of different defenses and that should help his production. Jagr's work ethic is also extremely high and seeing a 41-year-old working so hard will likely make Henrique want to follow his lead.

As for the second part of the question, given that Pete DeBoer likes to mix and match his lines, I'm sure Jagr and Patrik Elias will end up on the same line periodically all throughout the season.

From @Freddy2707: Do you think lou may want Henrique offer sheeted to pick up a first rounder?

Absolutely not. Henrique is expected to be one of the core players for the Devils going forward and even coming off his highly mediocre season, the Devils still value him extremely high. He's proven he can make big plays in big games in both the OHL and NHL and every NHL team needs guys like that. A draft pick that may or may not pan out certainly isn't enough for a young centerman with the potential and pedigree Henrique has.

Another thing worth noting here is that a team would have to offer sheet over $4.5 million per season, I believe, for the compensation to be a 1st rounder and I doubt a team would be willing to commit that much to a player with a little over 100 regular season NHL games.

From @brendanondick91: Is Damien Brunner still an option?

Obviously until the day Brunner signs somewhere he's still an option, but I don't think New Jersey is where he'll end up. When I look at the Devils roster, I see one spot available in the top-9 and the likes of Mattias Tedenby, Rusty Olesz, Jacob Josefson, Reid Boucher, Stefan Matteau, etc. to fight for it. Having some roster competition, especially when dealing with young players, is key and by signing Brunner, barring injuries during training camp, the Devils whole roster will be all but set before hand.

In short, I don't see a scenario where the Devils sign Brunner without making a move up front prior, and I don't think that'll happen.

From @dsf_9d: Do you consider this NJ team a playoff team?

Even with the losses of Ilya Kovalchuk and David Clarkson, I think the Devils will be a playoff team this season. I think with the additions of Jaromir Jagr, Michael Ryder, Ryane Clowe, Rusty Olesz, etc. the Devils have more options up front and a more balanced attack and I think that will help them. Obviously it's tough to lose a star like Kovalchuk, but the Devils have always been about playing as a team unit and not about one player and I don't think that'll show even more this season.

I also like the fact the Devils will give Adam Larsson and another young defenseman more ice time this season. The addition of Cory Schneider to share the load with Martin Brodeur will be huge as well. I don't think the Devils will be world beaters by any means, but I think they'll slip into one of the lower playoff seeds.

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Why Ryane Clowe's in line for a bounce back season.

Five must watch Devils game during the 2013-13 campaign.

My thoughts on the signing of Jaromir Jagr

Just how good is Reid Boucher?

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