Ray Shero has not hid from the fact that he'd like to add some offense up front and would like the team to play with more pace.
One player who could theoretically help out is Martin St. Louis.
The 39-year-old winger will not return to New York to play with the Rangers and is apparently undecided if he will return next season.
Should he decide to return for one more year he probably won't want to move his family again.
That, along with some other factors, has Elliotte Friedman speculating he could land in New Jersey if he wishes to play next season.
Quotes transcribed by TodaysSlapshot: “I kind of wonder if he would be interested in New Jersey. The reason I wonder that is New Jersey is a team that’s light up front. They could probably get him for a decent number on a one-year deal and maybe trade him at the deadline if he has a good year, and get some more assets."
On one hand I see what Friedman is saying and it makes sense.
The Devils aren't expected to contend and have nothing to lose by bringing St. Louis in. If he's remotely good the Devils can get an asset or two for him at the deadline. If he's not great he'd still be a good mentor for some of the younger players.
On the other hand St. Louis' best days are long behind him and bringing him in would make an already old and depreciating forward core even older.
He could be good enough to lessen New Jersey's pick during a rebuilding year. He also may block a young player like Reid Boucher or Stefan Matteau - both of whom deserve legitimate shots at establishing themselves as regulars - from cracking the lineup on a nightly basis.
A case can be made either way but, given where the Devils are at, I think they'd be smart to truly embrace the rebuild and start a youth movement.
We'll find out soon if Shero feels the same way.
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