Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell

The Devils have nine players set to test unrestricted free agency next July, with Andy Greene being unquestionably the most important player to the team long-term.

While New Jersey has the luxury of a deep system on the back end, Greene is the No. 1 defenseman on the team and losing him would certainly be a tough pill to swallow.

Greene isn't necessarily looked at for his offensive prowess, but there is some offense to his game - he has 48 points in his last 130 contests - and his ability to log big minutes against top competition and hold his own makes him invaluable to the Devils.

Lou Lamoriello is obviously aware of this, as in exit meetings with the media he talked openly about trying to get Greene re-signed this summer if the opportunity arises.

That leads me to my next question: how much is he worth?

Taking into account points, possession, goals for% and players who generally see the opposition's best on a nightly basis, I've charted these names as comparables.



I think these numbers help put into perspective just how good Greene really is. Every night he logs upwards of 25 minutes against the league's top players, and fares quite well. He drives possession at an elite rate controlling 56% of the shot attempts, and posts a near 50GF% despite playing on a team that can't score at even strength.

Ehrhoff was just bought out of a 10-year deal and has pocketed quite a bit of money so he settled for a one-year deal on a contender. Take him out of that group, and the going rate for a guy like Greene seems to be six-years and about $5 million per. Those guys signed a couple years back when the salary cap was lower, too, so realistically Greene isn't going to sign for less than $5 million per.

Greene is 31 so I'm a little weary about giving him a long-term deal, but his style of play isn't overly hard on the body, so I could see him being a top pairing guy for a few more seasons.

I think something like four-years, $21 million ($5.25M per) is something that both sides would be happy with, but I wouldn't be shocked to see Greene's camp push the envelope for more term.

This will be an interesting, and certainly important, negotiation for the Devils.

Devils posts

On Cory Schneider and goal support

Devils CHL prospect data

On Travis Zajac and Mike Cammalleri

Pete Harrold is a more than adequate No. 7

How much is Eric Gelinas worth?

Jackets posts

Blue Jackets like analytics, except when it comes to Johnson

James Wisniewski among NHL's elite PP defensemen

On Ryan Murray and James Wisniewski

Contract talks between Blue Jackets, Johansen progressing

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Email: [email protected]