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New Jersey Devils GM Ray Shero has a lot of items on his to-do list this off-season.

Among them is deciding which of the team's nine unrestricted free agents he'd like to keep and which the team can do without.

One guy I definitely think should be brought back is defenseman David Schlemko, who would also prefer to return rather than testing the open market.

David Schlemko said he'd sign with Devils now if he likes the offer rather than wait for July 1.

— Rich Chere (@Ledger_NJDevils) April 11, 2016

Schlemko was brought in as to be a depth guy but he emerged as a top-4 blue liner for the Devils and was a stabilizing force on the back end.

He won't 'wow' anyone with his style of play nor counting totals but the Devils were a much better team with Schlemko on the ice.

View post on imgur.com

Schlemko has proven to be a valuable player on both special teams units, too.

On the power play the Devils generated more scoring chances per 60 minutes with him on the ice than any other defenseman on the team (minimum 15 games).

The Devils also generated a larger percentage of all shot attempts (92.4%) with Schlemko on the ice than any other player on the roster.

Schlemko managed to be equally effective on the penalty kill. While short handed Schlemko ranked 2nd among Devils' regulars (behind only Travis Zajac) in shot attempts allowed per 60 and ranked 1st on the team in shot attempts for per 60.

The Devils managed to generate 18% of the shot attempts while short handed with Schlemko on the ice while only one other player (Jacob Josefson) on the team finished above 15%.

So, in essence, Schlemko can more than hold his own at 5 v 5 and has proven to be one of the Devils' best special teams players on both units.

Given how effective - and cost friendly - he is it seems like a no brainer to bring him back next season.

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