The New Jersey Devils did nothing in free agency this offseason. Whether that’s by design or not, that fact cannot be debated. Their “big” signing was defenseman Eric Gryba, who might not make the opening night lineup. They also added John Ramage and Kurtis Gabriel. I didn’t expect to say their names that often, but here we are.
The Devils watched as James Van Riemsdyk, Jack Johnson, Calvin De Haan, Riley Nash and Anthony Duclair all signed with division rivals. Sure, John Tavares left the division in free agency, and the Islanders were making some head-scratching moves to replace him, but the other teams have progressed while the Devils stood pat.