New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald made it clear following the team's early playoff exit that roster changes will be made this off-season. It is understandable, as the Devils' roster could use some upgrades. Due to this, the Devils should be looking to bring in new talent through free agency.
The Athletic recently posted an article discussing one player that each NHL team should target this summer. When it came to the Devils, The Athletic's Peter Baugh argued that New Jersey should aim to bring in Edmonton Oilers forward Connor Brown to improve their bottom six.
When looking at the Devils' current roster, Brown would certainly have the potential to give their forward depth a boost, as he is a solid two-way forward. The Devils also have two pending unrestricted right wingers in Nathan Bastian and Daniel Sprong. Brown would be an upgrade over both of those players.
If the Devils signed Brown, he would have the potential to fit very nicely on their third line, but also could move up in the lineup if needed. In addition, he would work on their penalty kill due to his strong defensive play.
Brown, 31, is coming off a solid regular-season with the Oilers. In 82 games with the Pacific Division club, he recorded 13 goals, 30 points, and a plus-9 rating. He has also recorded five goals and eight points in 19 post-season games this spring. With numbers like these, he would give the Devils more secondary offensive production if signed, which is another major need.
In 601 career NHL games over 10 seasons split between the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, and Oilers, Brown has recorded 107 goals, 151 assists, and 258 points. He has also had two 20-goal campaigns and has recorded at least 30 points in five seasons.
Recent Devils News
Devils News: New Jersey Signs Former Canucks Gritty Forward
According to PuckPedia, the<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils"> New Jersey Devils </a>have signed forward Juho Lammikko to a one-year, $800,000 contract for the 2025-26 season.
Photo Credit: © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images