Rich Chere | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Rebuilding non-playoff team continues this summer
General manager Ray Shero found some role players who proved to be valuable for the Devils this season. But as the rebuilding continues, changes will be made. Unrestricted free agents include David Schlemko, Bobby Farnham, Patrik Elias, Tuomo Ruutu, Stephen Gionta, Jordin Tootoo, Tyler Kennedy, Jiri Tlusty and Mike Sislo. Restricted free agents are Kyle Palmieri, Sergey Kalinin, Jacob Josefson, Reid Boucher, Devante Smith-Pelly, Jon Merrill and David Warsofsky. (Hit the share button to send this to a fellow Devils fan)
New Jersey Devils
Patrik Elias (Unrestricted)
Patrik Elias said playing the last three games of the season following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee "have left an optimistic feeling" about coming back for one more season with the Devils. But he admits he may not be wanted. Will Ray Shero tell him immediately that he is no longer in the plans, or might the Devils watch him closely this summer and give him a shot to serve as a veteran leader on a rebuilding club?
Ed Mulholland | USA TODAY Sports
Jordin Tootoo (Unrestricted)
A right wrist injury cut his season short but Jordin Tootoo still has speed and an edge. Respected by his teammates, will management see him as a piece of the puzzle going forward? Tootoo says it will take him "a couple months" to get his wrist, which will remain immobilized for another five weeks, back to 100 percent. About his uncertain summer, he says: "It's basically the same as it's been the last couple years." Would the Devils even think about keeping both Tootoo and Bobby Farnham, also a UFA?
New Jersey Devils
Kyle Palmieri (Restricted)
No need to even discuss this. Kyle Palmieri, who led the Devils in scoring, is a key part of the team's push to become a Stanley Cup contender again. The only question is how long do the two sides agree upon in a multi-year deal that will keep the Palmieri in New Jersey?
Photo by Elsa | Getty Images
Tyler Kennedy (Unrestricted)
In 50 games this season, Tyler Kennedy had 16 points (three goals, 13 assists), but he was a calm presence on the ice many times when the Devils panicked in their own end. Kennedy says: "I think I can still play," But will it be for the Devils? "It's really up in the air," he admits. "It's hard to say right now. It's up to management. Did I make enough of an impact? I don't know."
New Jersey Devils
David Schlemko (Unrestricted)
The veteran defenseman had a strong season for the Devils and it seems certain they will want him back. In fact, GM Ray Shero has spoken as if he'd like to re-sign Schlemko, and there have been some early discussions. "I've enjoyed my time here. I'd be open to coming back," Schlemko said. "There hasn't been too much talk yet. Maybe a little." Schlemko says he would not wait until July 1 if the Devils made an acceptable offer. "Absolutely. If we can figure something out here, I'd be happy to not go to July 1st."
AP Photo | Gene J. Puskar
Stephen Gionta (Unrestricted)
It seems certain that forward Tuomo Ruutu (unrestricted) has played his last game for the Devils, but will they want Stephen Gionta back? Gionta is a valuable penalty-killer and his forechecking made him a certainty for the lineup every night as the fourth-line center. One question to be answered: Would the Devils view restricted free agent Jacob Josefson as a possible replacement for the Gionta role? "I hope to be back,"Gionta said. "I hope I'm in their plans."
New Jersey Devils
Devante Smith-Pelly (Restricted)
The trade to acquire Devante Smith-Pelly for Stefan Matteau was a good one for the Devils. There is no doubt he figures in the team's plans, but what kind of a contract commitment will the Devils be willing to make? "We obviously have a lot of time to get something done," Smith-Pelly said. "It (the trade) worked out pretty well. I feel like I fit in from day one."
AP Photo | Rich Schultz
Reid Boucher (Restricted)
Reid Boucher showed that he is an NHL player. That was the first major step in his career. He also pleased coach John Hynes by playing responsibly. He won't break the bank, but Boucher has earned a new contract from a team that desperately needs people who can score goals.
New Jersey Devils
Sergey Kalinin (Restricted)
The issue is not whether the Devils want Sergey Kalinin back. They do. But where will he play? Is he a winger or a center, and what line fits him best? Kalinin's size and the fact he has had a season to adjust to the NHL make him worthy of a new two-year deal. "It was good," he said of his rookie season. "I liked it. It was a little disappointing that we missed the playoffs. I wanted to play in the playoffs." He'll play for Russia in the world championships.
AP Photo | Rich Schultz
Jon Merrill and David Warsofsky (Both restricted)
The Devils now have some depth on defense, both at the NHL level and with prospects in the system. Jon Merrill didn't earn many points with management this season and his future with the club is very much in question. David Warsofsky played well enough in his brief time with the Devils but probably not well enough to be back.
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