LOADING UP ON ACES
AFTER AN
enthusiastic summer turned into a brutal regular season, the Devils find themselves where they started – but at least they’ve got the pieces to continue the rebuild. New Jersey has four first-round picks in the next two drafts, and three of them could be this summer, depending on conditions involving trades with Arizona and Tampa Bay. Either way, the Devils will have at least one high pick to add to recent No. 1 phenoms Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes. IMMEDIATE NEEDS: Is Mackenzie Blackwood the answer in net? The rookie was a bright spot this season, but should he falter, the Devils are euchred. Adding another stopper via trade or free agency would be the prudent approach. While they’re at it, New Jersey could also use more help on defense. Whether that comes internally or externally is up to them. LONG-TERM NEEDS: The Devils have the centers, now they need the wingers of the future. Acquiring Nolan Foote at the trade deadline gives New Jersey one option, and there are others in the system with potential, but that’s all speculative. Graduating skill players hasn’t been easy for the franchise in recent years. CAP SITUATION: With at least $25 million in cap space and not much to do in the re-signing department, New Jersey is in a great place financially. The team doesn’t have a single UFA who made more than six figures this season and the RFAs are manageable. Blackwood leads that group, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him sign a bridge deal in order to establish himself further as a capable starter.
IN THE SYSTEM 2020-21: Defender Ty Smith got a long look last fall but went back to dominate in junior. He won gold with Canada at the WJC and will look to break into the NHL by using his great skating and skill. Speedy AHL tweener Jesper Boqvist is close. DID YOU KNOW: Right winger Graeme Clarke missed most of the season with OHL Ottawa after re-aggravating an old shoulder injury while celebrating a goal.