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There was no player movement, but a lot of news came out today in regards to potential free agents and their status' as we approach free agency.
There is no doubt that Czech winger Ales Hemsky,
who I think the Devils would be smart to try and bring in, will be testing the market, as he turned down what many view to be a poor - and borderline offensive - contract offer from the Senators, as per Bob McKenzie. He also noted the Sens have moved on from the 30-year-old Czech, and will look to trade his rights to an interested party in exchange for a draft pick.
Another pending free agent who still hasn't agreed to terms with his club is Mike Cammalleri. His production is not what it once was, but he can still score goals and be an effective player in any team's top-6.
Cammalleri and the Flames are still talking extension, but the two sides appear to have a difference of opinion on what the length of the contract should be, according to McKenzie.
Elliotte Friedman reported near the trade deadline that the Devils had interest in Cammalleri, so should he elect to test the open market - or at least keep his options open until teams can talk to pending free agents on June 25h - it would not be the least bit surprising if the Devils gave him a phone call.
An under-the-radar name who
I think would be a good fit with the Devils is Radim Vrbata. The 33-year-old can still skate, and quietly scored 67 goals over his last 191 games (three-year span), which equates to an average of 29 goals per season. His contract demands aren't expected to be near those of other top free agents. Vrbata's coming off back-to-back three-year $9 million deals, and will likely come in at similar terms on his next contract.
There's been no update on how his negotiations with the Coyotes have gone to this point or if they intend to re-sign him. Given he still doesn't have a contract, and can talk to 29 other teams in nine days, I'd hazard a guess that he won't sign an extension in the immediate future even if he elects to return.
It'll be interesting to see how all this develops over the next few weeks.
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Devils posts
Targeting Ales Hemsky
It's decision time in New Jersey
On the reported hiring of analytics guru Sunny Mehta
Adam Larsson committed to playing in New Jersey
Devils prospect data: Damon Severson stellar in 13-14
2nd round draft targets
Jackets posts
Buying out Umberger Columbus' last resort
Jackets shed light on plans for pending free agents
Blue Jackets should listen to offers on Jack Johnson
Blue Jackets prospect data: Rychel, Bjorkstrand dominant
Offer sheet for Ryan Johansen?
Sergei Bobrovsky deserves to be paid as one of NHL's elite goaltenders
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