When the deadline to qualify restricted free agents passed without Ray Shero extending qualifying offers to Devante Smith-Pelly, Jon Merrill, and Beau Bennett, there was a bit of trepidation among New Jersey Devils fans. Not extending an offer meant that while the Devils retained their negotiation rights to those three players, they would become unrestricted free agents when free agency began today (July 1) at noon. There was particular concern about Bennett, stemming from the fact that Shero gave up a third round pick for the right winger at this year’s draft.
New Jersey Devils Sign Smith-Pelly, Merrill, Bennett
