A couple thoughts on how the New Jersey Devils could improve their defense as well as Yohann Auvitu's play at the Worlds:
1) I don't know how aggressive Ray Shero will be in free agency -- he's not one to throw money around recklessly -- but should he be willing to use the boatload of cap space he has to work with, a dream situation would be signing both Kevin Shattenkirk and Brendan Smith.
Shattenkirk is all but a lock to hit the open market. Smith is more likely of the two to re-sign with his team, although the Rangers don't have a lot of money to play with so it's entirely possible he is also available come July.
For the sake of argument, let's say they both test free agency. Signing those guys would certainly go a long way if the Devils are serious about taking a big step forward next season.
Shattenkirk is one of the most efficient power play quarterbacks in the NHL, has put up at least 40 points in five consecutive (non-lockout) seasons and is an excellent play driver.
Smith won't put up many points but he is a good skater, he's physical, and he is a very good shot suppressor.
This is a pie in the sky scenario, obviously, but if the Devils could find a way to get both of their signatures they could put Shattenkirk and Smith together on the top pairing and go with a second unit of Andy Greene and Damon Severson.
I think Greene is starting to (slowly) show signs of decline, and Severson isn't ready to log crazy minutes on the top pairing, so adding two good defensemen would allow those guys to slot into spots they should be playing and turn a weakness into a strength.
I should note signing one free agent and trading for someone off a team in expansion trouble (Sami Vatanen, perhaps) is probably more likely than spending big money on two guys in free agency but it's an interesting thought nonetheless.
2) The World Hockey Championships are well underway and, after watching a ton of games, it dawned on me that Yohann Auvitu is the only Devils rep playing.
That seems crazy to me, especially because Auvitu finished the season in the AHL, doesn't have a contract for next season, and may not even be Devils property in a couple months.
I don't have the numbers on this but I feel like a non-playoff team sending zero roster players to the Worlds is not something that happens regularly, if ever.
Related: I doubt it happens, but I'd like to see Auvitu given another one-year deal and a chance to compete for a depth spot in camp. I know he can be a little too prone to turnovers but even so, he garnered good results and showed he can play in the NHL (no NJ blueliner was on for fewer goals against per 60 and he was 2nd in Corsi For%).
He is logging crazy minutes for France right now -- he played upwards of 24 in the tournament opener -- and is playing with a lot of confidence. I'd like to see him back in the NHL.
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