How will Devils respond to Rangers acquisition of Rick Nash?

The 2012 off-season for the New Jersey Devils has not been a disaster, but it certainly has not been a pleasant one. Since losing Zach Parise on July 4th to the Minnesota Wild, the Devils have basically stayed quiet for the most part and watched division rivals get better. The Flyers have gotten better on defense and were almost able to snare one of the NHL's best defenseman in Shea Weber when they signed him to a 14 year $110 Million dollar offer sheet, but the Nashville Predators luckily matched the contract. However, the Devils main division rival, the NY Rangers on Monday completed a trade for superstar forward Rick Nash from Columbus for basically a weak package of Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Tim Erixon and a 1st round pick in 2013. 

Now, the question every Devils fan is asking, is how will they respond? Well, as usual Lamoriello will seem unfazed and un-bothered by the moves being made by other teams. While, everyone is still hoping for Lou Lamoriello to sign either a Alex Semin, Shane Doan or a Andrei Kostitsyn, it is still very likely that he will still stick to the plan of looking from within to respond. There is no question, the Devils will have their work cut out for them in the Atlantic Division, but there seems to be no rush for Lou to improve the team at least for now. It is still a very strong possibility that Lou will go out and sign one of the three names mentioned above, but when it will happen or not happen remains a mystery.

Shane Doan seems very unlikely as he is waiting for the Coyotes sale to Greg Jamison to move forward, but if that is not resolved, the Devils have not been in his interested places to sign. Although, I expect Lou to call and gauge interest in Doan, it seems unlikely he has interest in going to New Jersey. The Devils are facing stiff competition from the Penguins, Flyers, Red Wings, Canadiens, Canucks, Sharks and Kings as well as the Coyotes for Doan's services. Doan has stated that his first choice is to remain in Phoenix though, if the team stays there at least for the next 10 years, but that remains to be seen. While, Doan could be the best fit out of three due to his leadership qualities, the Devils will have to probably overpay more than waht other teams would in order to sign Doan. So, as for now its likely between Semin or Kostitsyn ir possibly nothing. 

But, as I have stated all Summer long, it seems lilkely the Devils are going to trade of of their excess defensemen for a forward with the Edmonton Oilers as a strong trade partner due to their large number of young forwards, whom they obviously will struggle to keep most of them in a hard Salary Cap era. But, I expect Lamoriello to do something by the time the season starts assuming something or someone is available, but there should be no panic at all to make a move. It has to be done in a smart and professional matter.