There's been a lot of talk about whether the Devils should bring back many (or any) of their pending unrestricted free agents, and one guy I think they'd be smart to extend is Steve Bernier.
I know a lot of fans want to see a youth movement and more speed inserted into the lineup - rightfully so - but Bernier is a guy worth keeping around.
First and foremost, assuming Michael Ryder and Martin Havlat aren't back - there's a better chance I'll win the lottery without buying a ticket than either re-signing - the Devils have next to no NHL right wingers.
Giving Stefan Matteau a shot or acquiring someone is all well and good, but the Devils would still need more. For all the crap thrown at Steve Bernier, he actually had a very good season, and was undoubtedly the Devils best right winger.
Unfortunately for the Devils he was one of the team's best players as a whole, which helps illustrate why they aren't very good.
Only Mike Cammalleri scored more than Bernier's 16 goals, while Bernier led the team by a good margin with 1.75 points/60 minutes of 5 vs 5 play. Adam Henrique was 2nd among regulars with 1.40.
Bernier is a good depth winger who can play in the top-6 in short spurts if necessary, and he probably wouldn't cost much to retain.
Given the state of New Jersey's right side - and team as a whole - bringing back Bernier for a year or two couldn't hurt.
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