With the Free Agent Market set to open at noon on Friday, many teams are trying to acquire the negotiating rights to the top potential unrestricted free agents and then if successful, are trying to sign them to a contract. It already worked for Ilya Bryzgalov in Philadelphia and Tomas Kopecky in Florida and some teams are still trying to do the same like Christian Ehrhoff with the Islanders and James Wisniewski with the Blue Jackets. Both had their rights traded away.
However, the Devils have not made a play for some impending unrestricted free agents negotiating rights. One reason is that they need as many draft picks as possible. This might not mean much and that Lou Lamoriello will still try to improve his club. Andy Greene and Johan Hedberg are the Devils top 2 unrestricted free agents, but both are likely to go on the market on Friday. Hedberg is more likely to return than Greene based on the vibes and the fact that Atlanta is already in Winnipeg. Teams are mainly looking for starting goaltenders and Hedberg's options might be limited.
Even though Zach Parise, who is a restricted free agent is the top priority this off-season along with hiring a new coach, the Devils still need some puck movement on defense and another power forward, who can stand in front of the net on the power play and imply an aggressive fore-check. Expect Lou to accomplish one of the latter 2 things. But as usual, Lou prefers things to be very quiet and not leak out to the media.
Its very unlikely the Devils will hire a new coach by the start of free agency this Friday. There is a very small window from now on, but tomorrow will likely be his day to gear up for July 1. The Devils prospects camp starts the week of July 11, so it is safe to assume that a new coach would be in place by then. There are no leaks on any possible new surprise candidates other than the ones I have mentioned numerous times.
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