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The New Jersey Devils have been in off-season mode for a couple months now and they still haven't re-signed any of their players.
With free agency just a few weeks away, and the Devils having an abnormal amount (9) of players set to hit the open market, I'm going to run down the list of pending UFAs and offer my thoughts on which players should be brought back or let go.
Patrik Elias
He missed most of last season due to injury but fared relatively well when he did play. He had eight points in 16 games and was a positive possession player relative to the team without him.
If he is healthy enough to play - he recently underwent knee surgery - bring him back for one more year.
Tuomo Ruutu
Ruutu was one of six forwards in the NHL to play at least 350 minutes at 5 v 5 and fail to register a goal. He finished last place among 405 eligible forwards with .16 points per 60 minutes of 5 v 5 play.
Let him go.
Stephen Gionta
He played all 82 games and still finished 17th on the team in scoring. The Devils controlled just 43.5% of the shot attempts at 5 v 5 with Gionta on the ice (in other words they were dominated) and he won 42% of his faceoffs. His teammates love him but there are much better 4th line options out there.
Let him go.
Jordin Tootoo
He brings an element of speed and physicality to the 4th line but he managed just nine points on the year and doesn't play special teams.
Let him go.
Tyler Kennedy
Playing limited minutes Kennedy managed 16 points in 50 games and the Devils were better in possession with him than without him. He is a serviceable bottom-6 guy but the Devils may be better off keeping a spot open for a younger player.
Let him go.
Bobby Farnham
Dating back to when he started college in 2008 Farnham has never scored more than eight goals in a season. There's no doubting his passion or energy but the Devils were out shot and out scored when he was on the ice.
Let him go.
Jiri Tlusty
He had just two goals and four points in 30 games prior to going down with an injury. I think he could bounce back but the Devils are probably better off opening up a spot for a young player like Pavel Zacha.
Let him go.
David Schlemko
The Devils controlled a larger number of shot attempts, scoring chances and high-danger looks with Schlemko on the ice as opposed to the bench. He was their most efficient point man on the power play, too.
Bring him back.
David Warsofsky
His underlying numbers were pretty good during his very short tenure (10 games) with the Devils. He is an offensive minded defenseman, though, and managed just one point in that span even though he did play on the man advantage. I think he's a serviceable depth guy but is not someone the Devils can't live without.
Let him go.
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