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Stop me if you've heard this before, but I think the Devils would be smart to pursue Mike Santorelli should he test free agency in July.
The 28-year-old center is coming off his best season since 2010-11 while playing under head coach Pete DeBoer in Florida. Santorelli scored 10 goals and added 28 points in 49 games with Vancouver before suffering an injury and missing the remainder of the 2013-14 campaign.
Santorelli was effective 5 vs 5, leading the Canucks in points/60 minutes with 1.91, which would have been 2nd on the Devils only behind Jaromir Jagr.
Santorelli's power play work was less than spectacular, as he didn't record a point in over 60 minutes of PP work with the Canucks, however, his excellent 5 vs 5 production helps offset that, and he was a regular on the penalty kill before the injury.
He would add speed to a Devils lineup that could be considered a mediocre skating team at best, and at 28 years of age he still has more to give.
I'm assuming his contract demands won't be overly high, and I think he'd be a good option for the Devils as a bottom-6 centerman.
Patrik Elias has produced on the wing throughout his career, and Adam Henrique looked good on Elias' wing this season, so if either of those guys play wing it opens up a spot on the 3rd line for Santorelli.
Even if the Devils were to use Travis Zajac, Henrique and Elias at center, if the Devils let Stephen Gionta go I think Santorelli would be more than capable of playing the 4th line as well as some special teams, though I think 3rd line with Henrique or Elias at wing in the top-6 is more likely.
Any way you slice it, Santorelli is a good player who could help the Devils.
If he's available, Lou Lamoriello would be smart to give his agent a call.
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