6 NCAA Free Agents the Devils Should Target
This NCAA free agent class has some interesting forwards that the New Jersey Devils should be targeting to improve their depth
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Undrafted NCAA free agents usually don’t morph into top-line or top-pair players. Sometimes they do (see Andy Greene), but even if they don’t, you can still improve your depth through the NCAA ranks.
The New Jersey Devils need to improve their forward depth, and this NCAA free agent class could have some intriguing targets for the Devils to choose from.
TJ Hughes, Center, University of Michigan
The Devils should collect all the Hughes, regardless of whether they’re related. Jokes aside, TJ Hughes is likely to be one of the top UDFAs in this cycle whenever the Michigan Wolverines’ season comes to a close.
Hughes finished with 38 points in 36 games a season ago and has 48 in 35 contests this season. Fifty points should be well within reach with the NCAA tournament still to come.
The strength of Hughes’ game is on offense. He’s a good playmaker, and his two-way game has improved. He could fit into the Devils’ lineup right away, and I’m sure they’ve seen plenty of him since multiple Devils were Hughes’ teammates with the Wolverines.
Hughes is 24, so he’s on the older side of what you’d consider a prospect. He likely won’t be a high-end scorer in the NHL, but he could be a solid bottom-six addition for whichever team signs him.
JJ Wiebusch, Forward, Penn State
JJ Wiebusch is a sophomore at Penn State, so he could easily elect to return to school. But if he opts for free agency, he should be sought after.
The 22-year-old forward has been productive in his two seasons with the Nittany Lions, totaling 68 points across 75 games. He was also over a point per game in his final season in the USHL before heading to Penn State to begin his collegiate career.
