After an uncharacteristically early exit from the 2008 postseason, New Jersey Devils will most likely be hoping to make a deeper run into the postseason next year. With Martin Brodeur’s Hall of Fame career winding down, and no superstar replacement in sight, the Devils may be forced to make a push for success, while they still have a reliable keeper in net.
The Devils had a new look last year, without the familiar faces of Scott Gomez and Brian Rafalski, but, as always, the solid defensive system that the team employs, combined with the stellar goaltending of Brodeur, enabled them to put unproven rookies and young players in the lineup and still generate wins. After acquiring young defenseman Bryce Salvador at the trade deadline, and re-signing standout rookies Mike Mottau and Sheldon Brookbank, the Devils made a number of moves in free agency to bolster their offensive output.
Power forward Bobby Holik, a former Devils superstar, signed with the team on the first day of free agency. Holik’s firepower is not what it used to be, but at 37, he put up 15 goals and 34 points for the Atlanta Thrashers last season. Another former Devil, Brian Rolston was signed to a 4 year deal worth 20 million dollars. Rolston brings a heavy slap shot and talent to a powerplay that ranked second last in the entire league last season.
New Jersey also re-signed defensive forward Jay Pandolfo and David Clarkson, as well as picking up a few role players in Matt Halischuk, Jay Leach, Chad Wiseman and Vladimir Zharkov.