The New Jersey Devils made several roster moves yesterday in advance of the opening of training camp.
GM Ray Shero announced the signing of Jiri Tlusty to a one-year contract worth $800,000. He also announced that forwards Lee Stempniak and Tyler Kennedy will be in training camp on a tryout basis.
Some thoughts:
- Jiri Tlusty at $800K is an absolute steal. Over the last three seasons he has scored an average of 23 goals per 82 games. That kind of production for $800K is a great deal for any team; especially one that has struggled to fill the net for years.
Will Tlusty score 23 goals this season? It doesn't seem out of the realm of possibility (if healthy) considering he should get a good chunk of ice time but, no, he probably won't score that many given there's not a ton of offensive talent to work with. The good news for the Devils is that he could have a down season, score 10 and still be worth every cent. There is zero risk here and there's a good chance he produces more than he's being paid to.
- Tlusty is 27 years old. He still has several good years ahead of him. If Tlusty performs well and the Devils want to bring him back I'm sure he would be open to it. He won't forget that the Devils were the only team to step forward and give him the opportunity that he wanted.
- I'd say it's likely Tlusty will score 15+ goals (again, if healthy) this season. He makes $800K. I'm sure any contending team would find that very attractive around the deadline. If he performs well and the Devils would rather trade him than re-sign him they should have no problem flipping him for more assets to help the rebuild.
- Lee Stempniak is a good NHL forward by all accounts and Ray Shero has a history with him so it's not surprising he'll be brought into camp.
If he plays the way he has over the last few years he stands a very good chance of making the team.
Should Stempniak earn a contract he could be another attractive player for contending teams around the deadline.
- Tyler Kennedy doesn't have great rate stats in terms of production but he's a solid possession player and is a very serviceable bottom-6 forward. I don't know if he'll make the team but it can't hurt to bring him in with nothing guaranteed.
- Tlusty, Stempniak, Kennedy and David Schlemko are all well-thought-of by the analytic crowd. Ray Shero and co. have said they will use the analytics group the team has in place and it certainly shows. The Devils are taking advanced stats seriously and using any tool they can to try and make the team better.
- If not anything else bringing Stempniak and Kennedy into camp gives the team's young players legitimate competition for roster spots. The Devils want some of the kids in the lineup but only if they earn it. Handing out roster spots to young guys who may not be ready won't help anyone. If a guy like Joseph Blandisi, for example, shows he is ready he'll make the team. If not some seasoning in the AHL certainly won't hurt. Spots on this team will be earned, not given.
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