|
New Jersey Devils: Why James Wisniewski Could Be A Good Fit |
|
|
|
|
|
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
Signing Ben Lovejoy was a start but the New Jersey Devils still need to add to their blue line - particularly on the right side.
One guy who could help out in that regard is free agent James Wisniewski.
The 32-year-old blue liner missed all but one game in 2015-16 but word is he's close to full health. Should that be the case I think the Devils should pursue him.
Over 145 games in the two seasons prior to last Wisniewski put up 85 points. That's 48 points per 82. Obviously expecting that kind of production from him at 32 is probably a stretch but there's no doubt he'd bring some much needed offense and puck moving ability to the Devils' back end.
Damon Severson led all Devils' blue liners in points last season with 21 so even if Wisniewski's production is cut in half from prior years he'd still be an upgrade.
On top of solid point production Wisniewski has also posted pretty good underlying numbers.
Over the same two-year span as mentioned above Wisniewski's teams controlled 51.7% of the shot attempts and 49.7% of the goals at 5 v 5. Without Wisniewski those numbers dipped to 48.2% and 48.9% respectively.
Wisniewski, like all puck-moving defenseman, will have the occasional head scratching turnover but the numbers suggest the good outweighs the bad.
Given the Devils' lack of experienced, quality blue liners I think Wisniewski makes a lot of sense for the Devils - especially since they wouldn't have to part with anyone off their roster to bring him in.
Recent Posts
The Devils need to upgrade their blue line
On Vern Fiddler and Ben Lovejoy
On the Taylor Hall trade
On the Beau Bennett trade
Reviewing the Devils' 2016 draft class
Devils trade cap space for draft pick
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»
