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Good bottom-6 forwards (and even bad ones) have had big money thrown at them all summer, so it's somewhat strange to see Ryan Carter, one of the better 4th liners available, still unsigned.

Deryk Engelland signed a lucrative contract of almost $9 million total over three years in Calgary. Tanner Glass signed a three-year pact worth well over $4 million in New York (Rangers). Chris Thorburn re-upped in Winnipeg for $1.5 million per.

What do all those players have in common? They're worse - in some cases the difference is significant - than Carter. Yet he remains unsigned.

Why is that? Well, I'm going to hazard a guess that he wants to stay in New Jersey and is waiting on Lou Lamoriello to clear out space for him.

As of now the Devils have 14 forwards signed to one-way deals with Reid Boucher and Stefan Matteau expected to compete for a spot as well, so there's not much room. Check that, any room.

The Devils aren't moving any of their top forwards to clear space for a 4th liner - albeit a pretty good one - so they're likely trying to move a middle-six player or two in an effort to pick up future assets - likely minor - clear some cap space, and a roster spot. If they do that, which I think is a matter of when it happens not if, then I expect Carter back.

Carter was the best 4th liner on New Jersey, and I think he's more important to the team than most realize. He has said he wants to stay with the Devils. Lamoriello has said he wants Carter back.

That said, Carter isn't going to sit in limbo all summer waiting for a contract - likely lower in dollars than he could get somewhere else - in hopes of returning to New Jersey.

I think Lamoriello will have to act soon, or he may just lose another established NHL player for nothing.

Devils posts

Devils extend Jacob Josefson

How much is Eric Gelinas worth?

Grading the Devils' off-season to date

On Cory Schneider's long-term extension

On Evander Kane and the constant trade rumors

My in-depth Devils draft review

Jackets posts

On Brandon Dubinsky's contract extension

Galaxies Apart

Blue Jackets draft review

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