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When Lou Lamoriello signed Steve Bernier to a one-year contract extension earlier this summer, it was seen as a puzzling move by many.

Bernier was coming off the worst season of his career - he posted career lows in both goals (3) and points (12) while playing in 78 games - and was rewarded with a new one-way contract.

What made his 13-14 campaign more troubling was that he saw some time in the top-9 when the Devils were plagued with injuries, and also saw power play ice time on occasion.

With the Devils adding two new forwards in Mike Cammalleri and Martin Havlat, and their entire forward core returning - besides maybe Ryan Carter, who the team still hopes to re-sign - bringing back Bernier doesn't make much sense; especially on first glance.

The team has too many forwards, and they give a player coming off a terrible season a one-way deal. Doesn't make sense, right?

Well, there does appear to be some logic behind it.

Bernier has displayed the ability to score some goals in a secondary role throughout his career, and has posted good possession numbers while doing so.

In six years prior to last season, he was a 9% shooter, and is an 8% shooter over his last seven campaigns. Even in his last few years, where his numbers have declined, he's been a 4-5% shooter. Last year he shot just over 2%, while averaging almost 6.5 shots per/60 of 5 vs 5 ice, which is right in line with his career averages.

If he can come out a positive in the shot attempt battle on a regular basis, and regress anywhere close to his career average in full strength SH%, his on-ice value could outweigh his salary.

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