New Jersey Devils Impending Roster Shake-Up

The New Jersey Devils have only 13 players signed through the 2012-13 season that are on their roster. That's eight forwards and five defenseman. Therefore, the Devils have plenty of room to either change their roster, or try and resign most of the crew that got the Devils to the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals. What does this entail? I'm glad you asked. After the jump I'll lay out what I want to happen and whether or not it's feasible.

To start, I'll insert the players the Devils currently have signed for next season. Then move on to the soon-to-be free agents and the probable signings. That will leave us with the Devils needs for this off season.

Current Roster:

Kovalchuk - Zajac - Empty

Elias - Henrique - Zubrus

Empty- Josefson - Clarkson

Boulton - Empty - Empty

Volchenkov - Tallinder

Zidlicky - Greene

Larsson - Empty

Empty - Two Goalies and Three Extra Skaters

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Free Agent Goalies

I believe the Devils organization will likely resign Martin Brodeur and Johan Hedberg. I don't have any facts, but Marty did say he would like to return for the 2012-13 season during the Devils' playoff run. Moose has also expressed interest in playing with the Devils once more.

Now, time to see the skaters who may leave the Devils.

Free Agent Forwards

Zach Parise - Will he stay or will he go? I believe he will stay, but it's up to Zach. That way the Devils can continue to have the fortunate problem of too many good left-wingers.

Alexei Ponikarovsky - If Lou believes Poni can have a 35 point season, I would say keep him at the tune of about $2 MM.

Ryan Carter - meh, I think the Devils will let him go.

Petr Sykora - He's not getting any younger, will probably retire if the Devils don't sign him. Therefore, for close to league minimum, keep him.

Cam Janssen - Safe assumption, Lou will let Janssen walk. (UPDATE: Janssen signed by Devils)

Steve Bernier - Stanley Cup Finals game five play aside, a sensible player who knows what his role is on the fourth line. However, he is replaceable.

Stephen Gionta - He will likely sign for under 750K, so keep him around, he's paid his dues in the AHL and is worth giving a chance at the beginning of next season.

Free Agent Defensemen

Bryce Salvador - He will likely test the free agent market after his fantastic post-season. He is a big defenseman who could get paid top four defenseman dollars by a team who is weak at D.

Peter Harrold - Meh, he is replaceable with either a free agent or one of the Devils defensive prospects.

Mark Fayne (RFA) - The Devils gave him a qualifying offer, they want to keep him and probably will.

So, After all this, what does the Devils roster look like? - Glad you asked, again!

Kovalchuk - Zajac - Empty

Elias - Henrique - Sykora

Zubrus- Josefson - Clarkson

Ponikarovsky - Empty - Gionta

Volchenkov - Tallinder

Zidlicky - Greene

Larsson - Fayne

Brodeur

Hedberg

Extra Skaters: Boulton, Janssen, Empty

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So, I believe the Devils will be shopping for a number one right-winger to fill the gap. Perhaps Parise will resign and then the Devils can shift Kovalchuk to RW again. Otherwise, the Devils need a contingency plan that can be conveniently labeled : LAP "Life After Parise".

What do you think the Devils need in terms of players in this offseason? I know some of you don't agree, so comment below. Thanks for reading!