The New Jersey Devils should be on the hunt for a top-six forward this off-season, and there are some intriguing pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) who could hit the market on July 1. Thus, the Devils should have some options to consider.
One pending UFA who could make a lot of sense for the Devils if he becomes available is Dallas Stars forward Mikael Granlund. The Stars currently have very little cap space, so there is a good chance that he will hit the market at the start of next month.
Granlund, 33, would have the potential to be a strong addition to the Devils' roster. This is because the 2010 ninth-overall pick is a smart two-way forward who can play both down the middle and on both wings. Thus, he could fit virtually anywhere in the Devils' lineup if signed.
Yet, when looking for a specific spot in the lineup for Granlund, he could work at left wing on the Devils' first line with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. However, he also could be a good replacement for the recently traded Erik Haula at the Devils' third-line center spot. In addition, he would also give them another solid option for both their power play and penalty kill.
Granlund is coming off a strong season, as he posted 22 goals, 44 assists, and 66 points in 83 games split between the San Jose Sharks and Stars. This was after he posted 60 points in 69 contests with the Sharks in 2023-24. With numbers like these, he would give the Devils' forward group a major boost, so it will be interesting to see if they target him from here.
Devils Rumors: Pending UFA Jake Allen Linked To 3 Teams
Jake Allen is the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils">New Jersey Devils</a>' top pending unrestricted free agent as we rapidly approach July 1. Given how well he played this season as the Devils' backup goalie, they should be working hard to keep him around.
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