Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
1) Though Pavel Datsyuk is retiring from the NHL and returning to Russia the Detroit Red Wings are still on the hook for his $7.5 million cap hit.
There's no doubt that having $7.5M in dead cap on the books would really hinder their ability to try and improve this off-season. As such they are unsurprisingly trying to find a taker for his contract and are willing to throw in a draft pick and/or young player as incentive.
Many have pointed to the New Jersey Devils as a potential landing spot for Datsyuk but I would be surprised if that's how it plays out.
As it stands the Devils have $27.8 million in cap space (they don't get relief on Ryane Clowe or Marc Savard until the season). That is a big number, obviously, but they have just five forwards signed (including Pavel Zacha) and four defensemen signed. They are obviously set in goal but only 11 players on their 23 man roster are in place.
Should they take on Datsyuk's contract they would have just over $20 million. Is that enough to get 12 players signed and improve in the process? I'm not so sure, especially considering Kyle Palmieri, for example, will probably eat at least $5M of that 20. Assuming that's the case the Devils would be down to $15M for 11 players.
I could be wrong - it wouldn't be the first or last time - but I don't see Ray Shero taking on Datsyuk's contract and tying his hands for another year.
2) I don't expect Shero to go on a spending spree and throw money at anyone and everyone who is willing to sign with the Devils.
In saying that I am not so sure he will be as conservative - not necessarily in free agency - as some people think he will be this off-season.
The Devils are in desperate need of some offensive forwards and they don't have many in the system. At some point they need to go out and bring in some help.
There's also the fact that Cory Schneider is, at worst, a top-5 goaltender and is now 30 years old. He won't be elite forever and the Devils know that. I doubt Shero is going to sit on his hands and waste the prime of Schneider's career considering he is far and away the best player the team has.
The Devils aren't going to throw ridiculous money and term at Steven Stamkos or Milan Lucic - nor should they - but I'd be surprised if they don't bring in a couple forwards to help improve the team's scoring.
As currently constructed the Devils would be a lock to miss the playoffs again next season. I very much doubt Shero is happy about that and I expect him to do something to try and change it.
Recent Posts
Devils still have flexibility to add
Devils trade cap space for draft pick
Patrik Elias wants to play one more year
Which pending UFAs should be re-signed?
Devils sign Baddock, cut ties with Chatham, Rehill
Could Jiri Hudler be a fit for the Devils?
The Devils should re-sign David Schlemko
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»