The Devils are off to a 4-5-1 start unlike last year when they were 2-7-1 in their first 10 games, but the same offensive woes continue. But with injuries to Zajac and Josefson, the center position has been very depleted thus far. Josefson is expected to be out until at least February or even March after surgery to repair a broken clavicle. Zajac is expected back in 4-6 weeks, but that could also be too optimistic.
Lamoriello said after the injury to Josefson, he will look into making a trade for a veteran center, but also said he will give every opportunity to stay the course. However, the Devils are 1-4 since Josefson went down. As of now, the only known center on the trade market is former Devils center Scott Gomez, who is injured for the Canadiens, but expected back very soon. However, he is earning a hefty $7.1 million dollar cap hit and has 2 years left on his deal and the asking price for him could be huge in Montreal.
The Devils did claim Ryan Carter for 4th line duty, but he is still assimilating himself into the Devils scheme. Centers who are on the free agent market of note are John Madden and Mike Comrie. Comrie is reportedly still being bothered by hip injury and does get hurt a lot, but he does have some skill which could help the Devils if he is healthy. Madden is more of a defensive forward. So, with not much out there for the Devils to look at, Lamoriello is likely to rely on Henrique until Zajac returns. We might see some call-ups from Albany like Zharkov for offensive upside. But, expect the Devils to stay the course, but they have to stay a bit above .500 mark until Zajac returns.
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