Devils' Roster Needs Heading Into 2024 Offseason

The New Jersey Devils have plenty of needs to fill in what should be a busy 2024 offseason.

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The New Jersey Devils had a disappointing season and finished well below expectations. We know changes are coming, but what can we expect once trades and free agency start kicking into high gear about two months from now? Let's size up the Devils' roster and look at the needs that general manager Tom Fitzgerald will have to address. 

Strengthening Forward Depth Crucial for Successful Offseason

I think it's safe to say that the group that needs the most work on the Devils' roster is up front. Here's their depth chart/lineup heading into the offseason:

• Timo Meier - Nico Hischier - Jesper Bratt

•        X - Jack Hughes - Dawson Mercer/Alex Holtz

• Ondřej Palát - Erik Haula - Mercer/Holtz

•        X - Curtis Lazar - X

The Devils, at minimum, need one top-nine forward, but we're likely looking at more than that. It would not shock me if Holtz gets dealt for a goalie or defenseman, so that could open a second spot in the top nine if Fitzgerald decides to move him. 

We also know the Devils were looking for a center around the trade deadline after Michael McLeod went on an indefinite leave of absence as part of the 2018 World Junior investigation. Haula can be an effective third-line center, but he could also move to the wing on that line. So it wouldn't surprise if Fitzgerald tries and finds someone who can permanently replace McLeod. 

One of the Devils' biggest weaknesses, especially late in the season, was their bottom six. Playing Kurtis MacDermid, Max Willman and Tomáš Nosek in regular minutes will not cut it for a team with playoff aspirations. The question is, does Fitzgerald fill those roles externally, too?

Whether it's free agency or a trade, he will add at least one top-nine forward and probably another. Good bottom-six forwards usually don't cost much in free agency, but cap space shrinks quickly when you have other needs to address. My guess is Fitzgerald makes a bargain signing or two for the bottom six, but there'll probably be a spot left open for Nolan Foote or Graeme Clarke.