In order to keep moving towards Stanley Cup contention, the New Jersey Devils are sharpening their roster this offseason.
The New Jersey Devils' 2022-23 season saw marked improvement over the previous NHL season. They'll look to continue their upward trajectory next season by tweaking their roster.
The Devils have already made some noise during the NHL offseason. Damon Severson was signed and traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Jesper Bratt signed for eight years, and Erik Haula signed for three years. Devils fans are hoping Timo Meier signs an extension next.
Some current players will not be back next season. While GM Tom Fitzgerald is working on more offseason moves, let's take a look at three players who have probably played their last game as a New Jersey Devil.
Devils who won't be on the roster after this offseason: 1. Mackenzie Blackwood
It's time to move on from Mackenzie Blackwood. There's no need for him on the Devils anymore. He's becoming an RFA, so the Devils have to choose how to handle his restricted free agency. Regarding Blackwood's future, Tom Fitzgerald told NHL.com, "We have decisions to make on whether we qualify him, try to negotiate something lower, or whether we move him." Fitzgerald has a tough decision to make on how to maneuver this, but it should be an easy decision not to have Blackwood back next year.
It's too early to tell if the Devils will use a 1-2 of Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid next season or if they'll nab a goalie via free agency or a trade. There have already been reports of them checking out the trade market. What's clear, though, is that Blackwood is the odd man out. He had another rough season between the pipes. Blackwood had an .893 SV% for the regular season. He looked lost in the goal and spent a lot of time on the Injured Reserve. The Devils didn't use him in the playoffs at all. It's been the same story for Blackwood for quite some time now.
Akira Schmid has emerged with the origin story of entering the pressure-packed Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Devils down 2-0 in the first round series against the New York Rangers. Schmid proved he could handle the spotlight, helping the Devils fight back and win the series. Vitek Vanecek struggled in the playoffs, but his regular season success is enough for now. Vanecek won 33 games and posted an SV% of .911 during the regular season.
Fitzgerald might pull off a move with another team to get a return on Blackwood rather than simply not extending a qualifying offer. If he can't find a team interested, he should let Blackwood go without a QO. The Devils shouldn't be willing to pay him anymore. If the Devils don't extend an offer, Blackwood becomes a UFA, and another team would pick him up for less money.
The Devils need to cut ties. He's only 26 years old, so Blackwood has plenty of time left in his career to turn things around on another team. One way or another, Blackwood should be on his way out of New Jersey.
Devils who won't be on the roster after this offseason: 2. Yegor Sharangovich
Pending RFA Yegor Sharangovich is unlikely to be with the Devils next season. Reports have swirled that the Devils are receiving calls about Sharangovich. This isn't terribly surprising considering his role on the team has become less clear in the past year. There's a good chance he could be traded this offseason.
Sharangovich is pretty low on the forward depth chart. The Devils are loaded with offensive talent, including players such as Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, Dawson Mercer, Timo Meier, Erik Haula, and Ondrej Palat. While Sharangovich spent a lot of time on Jack Hughes' wing in 2021-22, he saw much less time in this role in 2022-23. He didn't have the breakout that he once seemed poised for.
In 2022-23, Sharangovich couldn't seem to find his footing and contribute significantly. He was, however, still very useful on the penalty kill. Sharangovich only had 30 points during the regular season, a drop from the previous season's 46, although this is still a serviceable number for a bottom-six forward. He played in most games during the regular season, but his average ice time per game dropped to 14:25, more than two minutes less than the previous season. Sharangovich wasn't utilized much during the playoffs, being healthy scratched nine times.
The Devils are in a take-it-or-leave-it situation with Sharangovich. He isn't terribly hurting the team and is still a serviceable depth piece, but he could be more valuable as a trade chip. On a different team, he might see more playing time, which could infuse confidence back into his game. This offseason, the Devils are likely to use Sharangovich in a trade.
Devils who won't be on the roster after this offseason: 3. Tomas Tatar
Given his strong regular season in 2022-23, it will be particularly disappointing if pending UFA Tomas Tatar doesn't return next season, but that's looking like the most likely scenario. It once seemed like an extension could be in the cards. After a poor showing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, his future with the Devils is on the rocks.
2022-23 was a bounce-back year for Tatar. During the regular season, he was able to find success playing in all different spots as the lineup was shuffled around. The winger posted 20 goals and 28 assists with a 41 +/-. Tatar was a big contributor in the offensive zone. His steady veteran presence on a young Devils team was also important.
Come playoff time, though, Tatar disappeared when the Devils needed him. He had one goal and no assists in 12 playoff games. Aside from a notable goal in Round 1 Game 7 against the New York Rangers, Tatar's only other visible playoff moment was not a positive one. He was fined for high-sticking Sebastian Aho in retaliation for cross-checking in Round 2 Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Strangely, Tatar wasn't present for interviews on the Devils' exit interview day. Tatar was apparently there with the team for locker clean-out, but he didn't realize he was supposed to stay to meet with the media. This is rather bizarre coming from a veteran. The rest of the team stayed to speak with the media. Tatar might have had an inkling that his days in New Jersey were ending.
Should the Devils find room for Tatar on their payroll, it wouldn't be bad to have him back. They can count on the 32 year old's veteran presence, and hopefully, he'd have a better playoff run next time around if given the chance. He might be able to get more money and a lengthier contract somewhere else, though. The Devils have a very talented group of top-six forwards, and Tatar isn't meant for the bottom-six. They can do without him.
Don't expect these three players to be back with the Devils next season.