1) Since Stephane Da Costa left the Ottawa Senators' organization to play in the KHL he has been an extremely productive player. Spanning over three seasons with CSKA Moscow, the 27-year-old forward has tallied 96 points in 94 games and been one of the most efficient point producers in the league.
I would also like to see Stephane Da Costa get another chance - he was good in NA. 3 seasons in the KHL, P/60 rank each season: 1, 16, 2.
— Zac Urback (@Zac_Urback) April 23, 2017
Couple that kind of production with his performance for France at the Worlds where, including his two shootout goals (which count as points for some reason), he put up 10 points in six games and it's hardly a surprise he is drawing interest.
A number of NHL teams have expressed some interest in Da Costa who has played the last 3 seasons with CSKA Moscow in the KHL.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 15, 2017
Da Costa wants to return to the NHL, but also has considerable interest in the KHL, so an NHL offer would have to come soon.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 15, 2017
I'm sure there will be plenty of suitors for Da Costa's services (a team like Vegas would make a ton of sense), especially if the asking price is reasonable, but I have to think Ray Shero and co. will at least check in.
The Devils still need more scoring up front -- they finished 28th in goals -- and Da Costa could help in that regard.
I don't think he'd be nearly as prolific as Vadim Shipachev, for example, but even 35-40 points would be a huge help (only four Devils had more than 31 last season).
2) Sticking with France players, Yohann Auvitu had a helluva tournament posting seven points (two goals, five assists) and 19 shots in seven games. He played in all situations and looked very good while averaging ~22 minutes per night.
I don't know that the Devils want to bring Auvitu back, or if he wishes to return after the way he was handled last year, but I'd think someone would be willing to give him a shot after the tournament he just had.
The Devils wouldn't get much for his rights but if they're not going to use him I'd like to see him traded to a team that will.
He wants to be an NHL player and I think he could be one. Hopefully he gets that chance.
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