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1) Though the New Jersey Devils' biggest issue is a lack of firepower up front they could stand to add some more offense on the back end, too.
Damon Severson led Devils' blue liners in points with 21 and, given the team's inability to score at 5 v 5, you take offense any place you can get it.
One guy I set my sights on as a possible free agent signing was Jason Demers but I think it's safe to rule the Devils out as a possible destination.
There aren't many quality blue liners set to test the market this year, which means overinflated prices for those that do.
Demers has averaged .92 points per 60 minutes of 5 v 5 play over the last two seasons. That puts him ahead of the likes of T.J. Brodie, Duncan Keith, Justin Faulk and Keith Yandle, among others, in that span.
Sure, playing for a high powered offensive team helps his cause but the numbers remain impressive nonetheless.
In saying that it makes zero sense for the Devils to commit $5.5 million per year to a 28-year-old that has had injury problems in years past.
The Devils will have to explore other options if they wish to add some more offense to their blue line.
2) Should the Devils wish to add scoring in free agency without committing much in the way of dollars or term I think there are some good options out there.
Two of the players that make most sense - should the Devils decide to go the aforementioned route - are Lee Stempniak and P.A. Parenteau.
Stempniak fit like a glove in New Jersey last season and, while he'd cost more to sign this time around, would definitely be an affordable option for the Devils.
Parenteau scored 20 goals last season, fills a position of need at right wing and, again, probably wouldn't cost too much to lock in on a short-term deal.
These kinds of players would help the Devils ice a competitive team without mortgaging the future by giving out ridiculous contracts. They'd be easily movable pieces at the deadline if the Devils are out of the race, too.
I think GM Ray Shero will try and find some longer-term fixes - as he should - but signing players like Stempniak and Parenteau would be a good backup plan if the Devils wish to be remotely competitive next season.
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