Devils GM Lou Lamoriello enters this summer with a long to-do list.
Among the top priorities will be hiring a new head coach, upgrading the team's woeful offense, and restocking the prospect cupboards, which he'll have a good chance of doing with three top-41 picks in what is a deep draft.
I like to get the readers involved whenever I can, so I took some questions - most regarding what I just mentioned - and did my best to answer them.
Q: Who is an under-the-radar free agent forward that we could sign? If he leaves Winnipeg, I think Michael Frolik could be a guy the Devils target. He's a versatile two-way forward who put up 42 points, over 200 shots and would bring a much needed element of speed to the team. He's from Czech Republic and is an Allan Walsh client - Lamoriello seems to have a good relationship with him and his clients - so that could help, too. I'm not saying Frolik will sign in New Jersey if he hits the open market, but I could see the Devils making a call.
Q: Phil Kessel for the 6th pick and change is a possibility? You never know with Lamoriello, but I wouldn't trade the 6th overall pick nor add to it for Kessel. He's a very good player, but he's already at or near the end of his prime, and by trading that pick the Devils would pass up a perfect opportunity to add a core piece for their future. They can't keep trading top picks and expect to have a good future.
Q: If Lou decided to move the pick for immediate help, who would be the most likely targets? I'd think Phil Kessel would be at the top of that list. I could also see Ryan O'Reilly being a target, though I wouldn't trade the 6th overall pick for either.
Q: John Quenneville. Playing in Albany next year? He's not eligible due to age. He'll be back in Brandon (WHL) next season if he doesn't make the Devils, and I doubt he will.
Q: Who are the key players in this retool and who should be shopped? I wouldn't move the 6th overall pick, and if the Devils feel the same way they'll have to move some of their young defensemen to bring in forward help. I'd move Adam Larsson if the return was significant, but otherwise he'd be safe. I wouldn't trade Cory Schneider or Damon Severson, either. I'd listen on anyone else, and would be shopping Jon Merrill and Eric Gelinas (they don't use him properly) in particular.
Q: What forwards do you think Lou might target in a trade? The Devils have cap space, so it'd make sense to target players from teams that are a) tight to the cap or; b) looking for help on defense.
Phil Kessel, Patrick Sharp, Loui Eriksson and Ryan O'Reilly are some names I'd watch closely.
Q: What can they realistically do to get back into the playoffs? Young D can improve other than that same story. No offense.
They could use an experienced top-4 defenseman a la Paul Martin to take some tough minutes away from their kids, but otherwise they're set on defense and in goal.
They need a couple top-6 forwards, which is a tall order in one summer. If they move one of their young D and, say, a 2nd for a top-6 guy, and draft a potential top-6 guy - Mathew Barzal or Pavel Zacha come to mind - I think they could be competitive, and their future would certainly look a lot better.
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