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The New Jersey Devils still have upwards of $25 million in cap space, and plenty of time remaining to make moves, but it's probably safe to say they're done adding up front -- or at least *very* close to it.
With the additions of a top-6 forward in Marcus Johansson, a potential star in Nico Hischier, and a steady bottom-6 forward in Brian Boyle, there really isn't much room to add, especially if Ray Shero and co. are serious about giving their kids the extended looks they deserve.
As it stands, I think there are 10 locks up front: Taylor Hall, Travis Zajac, Kyle Palmieri, Adam Henrique, Pavel Zacha, John Quenneville, Stefan Noesen, Johansson, Boyle and Hischier (the Devils are saying the right things to take pressure off, but if he shows remotely well he'll be on the team).
You could probably throw Miles Wood in that group but he is waivers exempt so if he has a poor camp, his spot can be taken. For the sake of arguement, let's say he is not a lock (though it's likely he makes the team).
That means there are three forward spots available for Wood, Michael McLeod, Joseph Blandisi, Blake Speers, Nick Lappin, Blake Coleman and any potential sleepers and/or PTO candidates.
Wood's underlying numbers were horrible last season but Devante Smith-Pelly, Blake Coleman and Nick Lappin were three of his four most frequent linemates so I'm willing to give him a bit of a pass. He has an intriguing skill set I want to see more of.
McLeod is coming off a solid season with Mississauga, in which he dominated down the stretch and in the playoffs, and is one of the best skaters I've seen. He's done enough to get a good look.
Blandisi didn't live up to expectations last season but he is a talented player with some bite. He can play pretty much anywhere in the lineup, which won't hurt his chances.
Speers (temporarily) made the Devils last season and will enter camp with another year of development and summer of training under his belt, so he should seriously contend for a spot, too.
I'm not crazy about the latter two but they do have NHL experience in depth roles and that will help their cause.
Regardless of which players you're higher, or lower, on than others, I think most would agree that is plenty of competition for three slots. The Devils would be doing the kids a disservice if they add more, and potentially take another spot away, before giving them a chance.
While improved, the Devils aren't going too far next season -- the Metro Division is shaping up to be extremely difficult once again -- so they'd be better off giving some young players a look and working on their development than filling out the roster with veteran fodder that won't be with the team moving forward.
Ray Shero is fully aware of that, which is why he's probably done adding up front.
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