As of today, there are two weeks until the free agent frenzy begins. The Devils have 4 Restricted Free Agents and 6 remaining Unrestricted Free agents. Here’s a look into the class:
UPDATED 7/1: contract results are listed below player summary
RFA’s
David Clarkson – RW – ‘07-‘08 salary: $555,000 – This one’s a no-brainer. Clarkson is a solid defensive forward. He worked very well with John Madden and Jay Pandolfo during the season and the group was one of the high points in a dismal playoffs for the Devils. Lately, he has gained comparisons to the likes of John MacLean or even line mate John Madden.
Prediction: Re-sign @ $725,000/yr
Result: re-signed @ $837,500/yr
Olli Malmivaara – D – ’07-’08 salary: n/a – Malmivaara is a decent defenseman who spent all but 2 games in ‘07-‘08 campaign in Lowell. The 26 year old at 6’7” is a large presence at the blue line. The former Chicago Blackhawks draft pick was signed by the Devils to add depth in their minor league system.
Prediction: Re-signed to 2-way contract.
Rod Pelley – C – ’07-’08 salary: n/a – Pelley played four years at Ohio State University, graduating in 2006. The 24 year old spent most of last season [58 games] with the big club, registering 2 goals and 4 assists. Pelly is on the fast track of success with the Devils, as he has significant experience with the team in his first two season of professional hockey, the points just need to follow.
Prediction: Re-signed @ $475,000
Barry Tallackson – RW – ’07-’08 salary: n/a – The University of Minnesota product is still trying find a break in the Devils roster. He does not have significant time in the NHL, 16 games over three seasons, and his AHL numbers are mediocre, an average of just over 23 points a season. At 25, it is not unreasonable to think that if he is re-signed, it could be his last contract with the Devils.
Prediction: Re-signed to a 2 year, 2-way deal
UFA’s
Arron Asham – RW – ’07-’08 salary: $700,000 – For a quick fix, Asham made good of his chance with the Devils, playing in 77 games tallying 10 points and 82 penalty minutes. An inexpensive winger, but no better than 3rd line material, Asham fit well into the Devils’ system for this year but will most likely not return as there are viable candidates for his position in Lowell.
Prediction: not re-signed.
Result: No contract tendered
Noah Clarke – LW – ’07-’08 salary: n/a - The southern California native, and Los Angeles Kings outcast, Clarke scored a goal in his only game with the Devils last season against the Florida Panthers. He played 20 games over three seasons with the Kings, but did put up solid numbers , 14 goals 17 assists, in 47 games with Lowell.
Prediction: At age 29, if he’ll take a minor league deal, I’d give it to him, but I don’t see him being an asset with the NHL team.
Richard Matvichuk – D – ’07-’08 salary: $1,368,000 – When a back injury ended Matvichuk’s 06-07 campaign, few thought it would be the last game he would play with the Devils. But with a new coach, a new system, a conflict with GM Lou Lamoriello, and the Devils salary cap issues, Matvichuk found himself relegated to the minors. In a situation very similar to Dan McGillis, Matvichuk was looked upon to be a leader for the minor league relegation.
Prediction: This one is another no-brainer. Matvichuk will not be back on the Devils next year. The question is, at 35, will he find another team?
Jay Pandolfo – RW - ’07-’08 salary: $836,00 – Lifelong Devil who has been a reliable winger on both the checking line as well as the penalty kill, Pandolofo was limited to only 54 games in ‘07-‘08 due to a groin injury, but had not missed a single game in the previous 3 seasons. He has never been a scoring threat, tallying his first hat-trick last season versus Tampa Bay, but has the ability to stifle even the most prolific scorers that the opposition can throw at the Devils. His character is something the Devils are in desperate need of and his intangibles cannot be lost.
Prediction: Re-signed @ $1,250,000/year. In my opinion, Pando is a must keep player.
Result: Re-signed @ $2,500,000 for 3 years.
Karel Rachunek – D - ’07-’08 salary: $1,400,000 – Last season, the thinking on Rachunek was right price right time. Still feeling the sting of losing Brian Rafalski to the Detroit Red Wings, the Devils picked up Rachunek along with Vitali Vishnevski to help add veteran leadership to a seemingly inexperienced defensive core. Injuries and an over abundance of defensemen limited Rachnek’s playing time during the ‘07-‘08 campaign.
Prediction: Departing. Another victim of the new offensive system, Rachunek is guaranteed to be playing elsewhere in ‘08-’09.
Bryce Salvador – D - ’07-’08 salary: $1,500,000 – Acquired at the trade deadline from St. Louis for bruiser Cam Janssen. This move was made early in the day, and left Devils fans thinking that the team had more in the works. 3 pm rolled around and nothing, 4 pm and still nothing, after 5:30 they knew there was nothing else. Salvador was another veteran added to an already jam-packed blue line corps. I didn’t understand the move in March but didn’t mind it for the low asking price. Many people loved cam, but he had no real role in Sutter’s system.
Prediction: My head’s telling me he’s gone, but my heart has a strong feeling that Lou is sold on him and he’ll come back above his value. I’m seeing a $2,000,000/per deal on this one.
Result: Re-signed for over his value, as predicted, $2,900,000 for a ridiculous 4 year deal.
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